Review: Newton Vs. The Horde (Nintendo Wii)

Newton Vs. The Horde
Publisher: RadiationBurn Ltd.
Developer: RadiationBurn Ltd.
Genre: Puzzle Game
Release Date: 01/26/2012

Newton Vs. The Horde has some fun ideas, it really does. It’s just hamstrung by poor controls, a lack of clear goals, and, frankly, a lack of entertainment value.

The general concept is that you play your stereotypical mad scientist who has accidentally opened a portal to an alternate dimension where you must fight dark creatures in your attempts to get home, using physics based traps and attacks. This is a noble concept, and one which should be fun to play. However, the ultimate product is snooze-worthy, having literally put me to sleep more than once.

The chief problem is the controls. The game demands pixel-perfect aim at times. Considering how loose the Wii’s controls can be, and the fact that you’re aiming for incredibly small targets at any one time, the Wii remote just cannot handle the lack of give that is provided for the player. Secondly, some levels can be finished simply by spamming the “lightbulb” attack, regardless of the stated objectives of the game. One level suggests that the only way to beat it is by lighting a path to the exit; while this proves extremely difficult, if you just kill enough of the eponymous horde, you will beat the level. It’s sloppy, nonsensical, and, frankly, disappointing.

I really wanted to like this game. I enjoy the idea of dropping heavy objects on shambling creatures, and you can see that, while poor, the developers certainly tried to inject some humour into the situation. However, the end result is just not good at all. Anyone spending money on this will feel quite disappointed in their investment.

In conclusion, while Newton offers thirty levels, I don’t believe that many will get beyond the first dozen. It’s poorly put together, features a lot of bad, often sexist attempts at humour, and demands far more accuracy than the Wii can offer it. Overall, a massive disappointment.

The Scores
Story/Modes: Bad
Graphics: Okay
Sound: Okay
Control/Gameplay: Bad
Replayability: Bad
Originality: Good
Addictiveness: Bad
Appeal: Mediocre
Miscellaneous: Bad
Final Score: Bad Game

Short Attention Span Summary
Save your money for something more worthwhile. This game, while it has some promising ideas, is the definition of half-baked.


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