Genre: Platformer
Number of Players: 1 

Voodoo Vince is only Microsoft's second shot at the platforming genre. Their first shot into platforming was Blinx, which was innovative but not what most hoped for. Well Microsoft decided to not pull the plug on Voodoo Vince and I stand by their decision as they managed to put out a good platformer that doesn't disappoint at all.

Puzzle designs are simple but may be a little unsatisfying. Some have you just running around collecting or picking up items to accomplish a goal but they only get better as the game progresses. The game's intentions were to allow a younger crowd to be able to play the game with ease and Voodoo Vince was able to do that. Every puzzle is very obvious and straight to the point which allows the transition between frustration and happiness to go quickly. Many of the players won't be frustrated since things become clear when playing Voodoo Vince very promptly.

In the graphics area, they really didn't stress out too much to make it stand out from other platformers. The graphics really aren't top notch, but it really isn't too shabby either. All the environments set the tone and really give off an excellent appeal to the levels. Character designs are well done and Vince is animated to make him very humorous. Particle effects are there along with a solid and steady framerate to accompany the smooth looking textures. Nothing really that hurts the game in the graphical department which is always a plus.

The sound is done to compliment the tone and mood of the game. The vibes are exquisitely perfected with jazzy type music and a moody soundtrack. Accents are all there and help the characters fit in the New Orleans setting. Voice acting is almost as humorous as in Grabbed by Ghoulies. If this is all you were asking for then you will be pleased, if you were looking for above the standard then you might be a little let down.

The combat system may be weak but it's catered towards the younger crowd remember. It's easy to pick up and learn what you are setting out to do in a matter of minutes. The X button is used to punch, the B Button is used to spin, Y is your picking up of items or dropping them, A is to jump and of course pressing A twice will accomplish double jumping. There are other various uses for the face buttons, like pressing X in mid-jump to head slam opponents, L trigger (holding it in) to hover in mid-air, X is also your interaction button to the environment and lastly you move the camera with the right analog stick and move with the left analog stick. The game is really fun after you pick up the game and play for ten minutes.

Voodoo Vince fixes what Microsoft has had trouble with in the past. Vince fixes their platforming genre and gives it a solid effort that hopefully garners a sequel that will improve with what they have given us the first time around. It's definitely worth the purchase if you are looking for a platformer. More then likely though, it's a rental for those more mature and older Xbox fanatics that currently keep the Xbox motor running.

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