Some mild control errors and pacing issues don't get too much in the way of Platinum Games' mostly joyous effort.
Also, I love the block-and-attack system. Being able to throw off an enemy by turning into a living Jell-o mold – and then counter-attacking gloriously in the process – is something you'll never get tired of. Even with the strongest enemies, there's something cool to this technique.
The game also switches between GamePad and TV screen at times, like when you're in an interior where you need to figure out puzzles to get out. At first, it's disorienting, but Platinum Games – led by director Hideki Kamiya – find a system that eventually clicks, especially in the later parts of the game.
In addition, some objectives aren't so clearly drawn out. For instance, with an exploding car, you just might be tempted to finish it off, but the thing is, there are civilians nearby, and the game doesn't provide necessary notification that you have to save them first, aside from nearby "HELP!" cries. Part of that problem lies with the camera – how were we supposed to know there were innocent folk under there if we couldn't even see them? It gets in the way every once in a while. Oh, well, you can always replay a level and try your luck again.
The Wonderful 101 is a personified group. Even though you'll be mostly concerned with the leaders, like Wonder Red or Wonder Blue, there are a few that chime in their own sense of personality – like the lovable Wonder Toilet. Someone give this guy his own 3DS game.
