N +

The brainchild of Sonic creator Yuji Naka, Let's Tap sounds quite ridiculous on paper. Players control five different game modes by placing the Wii Remote down on a box, and tapping their fingers with various strength and speed. The vibrations caused by this tapping travel to the Wii Remote, which transmits data wirelessly to the Wii console. We mentioned that the idea was ridiculous, which it is, but it's also genius, as Let's Tap works almost perfectly and delivers a great deal of fun.

There are three main types of taps, varying by how hard one hits the tap surface: light, medium, and firm. For the most part, these respond as expected, but you might need to adjust the "Tap Strength" sensitivity settings in order to reach optimal results. Even then, the controls take a while to get used to, which is somewhat disappointing given the game's target audience. Once you master it, though, everything pretty much works exactly as you would expect it to.

What's more impressive than the controls, however, is the game design. Everything is simple, accessible, and intuitive, with added depth that might surprise you. All of these things result in a game that is pure fun for both the casual and the hardcore gamer.

Of the five game modes, the most enjoyable is easily Tap Runner - a side-scrolling race for up to four people. Quick light taps cause your character to run across the 2D plane, while harder ones allow you to jump and avoid obstacles like hurdles and electric spheres. Further devices, like ice walls, speed rings, escalators, and slippery slopes, help keep the mode's sixteen levels interesting, and they're all positioned well in the levels, resulting in fun and challenging level design. What's disappointing about Tap Runner is the overall length. With sixteen levels that don't typically last longer than thirty seconds a piece, it won't take anyone that long to complete the mode with gold medals on every stage.

Next up is Rhythm Tap, essentially a Wii version of the "Tap Tap" games for iPhone. Circles with different colors (representing tap strength) travel across the screen, and you hit them with the corresponding strength when they pass your marker. There's also rolls, both normal and crescendo, that add to the gameplay variety. It's bound to be fun for dashboard drummers, but there's no accuracy percentages or other meters you've grown accustomed to in other rhythm games. Instead, you're playing for points, meaning that the single player mode may lack replay value, but the multiplayer mode will have you competing for high scores for a long while. It's a shame that there's no online leaderboards to speak of, as Rhythm Tap would be a perfect use of them. The experience is aided by aweosme, hypnotic backdrops reminiscent of those found in Rez, and to an extent, the Bit.Trip series. Let's Tap also has, unquestionably, one of the most catchy and addictive soundtracks ever, and the title theme will be stuck in your head for weeks (let's tap, let's tap, future tapping game).

The Jenga-styled Silent Blocks has you sliding tiles out of a vertical stack to either avoid the tower collapsing, or to match three tiles of the same color. A blue cursor moves up and down the stack, and a block is chosen for removal by tapping to stop that cursor. You then choose a direction to remove it, and tap lightly and carefully to remove the block.

Bubble Voyager, eerily similar to the NES classic Balloon Fight, has you tapping frantically to stay afloat and to avoid obstacles, and tapping harder to fire off missiles to shoot enemies. Landing points allow you to replenish your energy, and special items like starfish and power capsules add depth to the gameplay. In the single player mode, Bubble Voyager is a frantic, side-scrolling, fight for survival, while in the multiplayer mode, it becomes an overhead battlefield, with players fighting against other to be the last man standing.

Lastly, there's the Visulaizer mode, which allows you to tap to create effects in different stages, like Fireworks, Paint, River, Ink, and Gem Game. At first, it seems like a bit of a throwaway mode, but there are tap combos hidden in each level that create special effects. It's fun for a few minutes, but it's ultimately just a relaxation mode with no real point.

As for graphics and presentation, Let's Tap masters both areas. Everything is presented in a way that seems simplistic yet stylish, a look that feels natural for a minigame collection. Menus are well laid out and can be navigated through either tapping or pointer control, and we've already mentioned how awesome the soundtrack is.

As far as minigame compilations on the Wii go, Let's Tap is just about as good as you can get. Its stylish visuals, clever game design, and innovative controls make it a must-own casual party title. And at a price of only $30 USD, it's hard not to recommend it. Grab some friends, a copy of Let's Tap, and a few boxes, and prepare to have some fun.

N+ Summary

Game: Let's Tap
Developed by: Prope
Genre: Mini-games
Players: 1-4
Release Date: North America: June 16, 2009; PAL: June 19, 2009; Japan: December 18, 2008
Rating: ESRB: E; OFLC: G; CERO: A
Supports WFC: No
Video available: Trailer

N+ Points

N+ Fantastic idea
N+ Excellent music
N+ Stylish and simplistic visuals
N+ Fun while it lasts
N+ Great multiplayer party title
N+ Budget price of $30 USD

N- Points

N- Controls are difficult to master
N- Relatively short
N- No online leaderboards or multiplayer

JudgmeN+: 8.0