Tak: Get Ready for the Challenge!

So you think you're not a chicken - well you'll be one in this game as well as a lobster! You'll get to destroy enemies, climb vines, ride vehicles, and much more.

Tak: The Great JuJu Challenge is an underrated game that is a fun adventure game with many levels to conquer. The best part is, is that is a cooperative game where 2 players can work together to earn points and complete challenges.

Tak is a cartoon character who, with his buddy Lok, set off to win the ultimate prize - protection of the Moon Juju goddess. While doing events, they earn points in timed challenges and must have enough points for competitions in the proving grounds. Along the way, collect feathers for more mana (health), jewels for more powers and fruits, crystals, and insects for special potions.

There are 4 different level worlds with 2-3 different challenges in each. Earn enough points in a level and you're off to the proving grounds. This is the 3rd Tak game, but you don't have to have played the others to figure out what to do, but it does help. The game explains your challenges and the controls are easy to use. It does take some time to figure out what you need to do and where you need to go.

Cut scenes throughout the game give insight to what Tak and his world are about. They can be quite funny! Playing the game can be done either in 1 player or 2 player mode. In 1 player, you start out as Tak and by the push of a button, can switch to Lok. In order to advance, you will have to switch off since Lok has to throw Tak to different places. You can also "call" for Lok as long as he is in sight and you'll hear "Get over here" while Tak grapnel's Lok over.

The 2 player feature is rather fun and the best way to complete the game. The challenges are timed, so the better the time - the more points you earn and the better your chances to enter the competitions. In 2 player mode, the second player can drop in or out (a nice feature) throughout the game. Teamwork is needed throughout the game since Tak and Lok have different abilities. Tak can change into a chicken and Lok into a lobster. The screen is split in 2 player mode.

Tak has great graphics and game play. The colors are vivid and eye appealing. While using the camera, you can see around the areas and beyond. Only one challenge is 2D. Some of the challenges, besides the game challenges, include the following.

You have to play the different challenges in a level several times in order to figure out how to best beat the clock and earn enough points to be able to go to the proving grounds. This can be frustrating after the second time around and some of them are harder than others. Luckily walkthroughs can be found online. Enemies often require several special hits before. You have to figure out which character's powers work best. If playing 1 player mode, it is very difficult to complete challenges with switching characters and having the other character catch up since they don't always stay together. The split screen makes the viewing area smaller for each person.

This game is a fun game for 2 kids to play and even adults. It can be found on GameCube, PS2, and Xbox. The game can be purchased used for $10 and new for $20.