Wendy: Every Witch Way
| Wendy: Every Witch Way | |
|---|---|
 North American cover | |
| Developer(s) | WayForward Technologies |
| Publisher(s) | TDK Mediactive |
| Designer(s) | Matt Bozon[1] |
| Platform(s) | Game Boy Color |
| Release |
|
| Genre(s) | Action, Platform |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Wendy: Every Witch Way is an action platform video game published by TDK Mediactive and developed by WayForward Technologies for the Game Boy Color in 2001. The game centers on Wendy the Good Little Witch from the Casper the Friendly Ghost series. After accidentally opening her "aunties" chest containing magical stones, they upset the gravity of a floating castle that crashes on her house. The player controls Wendy through three worlds with twelve levels and a horizontal shooter stage in each world. Inserting the game in the Game Boy Advance unlocked a new world exclusive to the console. The game was conceived as an tie-in for a reboot animated series. The game received generally positive reviews from video game critics.
Plot and gameplay
Wendy: Every Witch Way is a side-scrolling action platform video game. The game stars Wendy the Good Little Witch, a character from the Casper the Friendly Ghost series. One day, Wendy goes into her "aunties" attic, finding and opening a chest containing the magical Moon Stones. In doing so, they upset the gravity of the floating Moon Stone Castle that crashes on her house.[1][2] Wendy must collect the stones to restore the gravity. The game spans four worlds: Halls, Gardens, Dungeons, and Towers . Each world has three side-scrolling levels and a horizontal shooter stage with Wendy on her broom and firing at enemies. At the end of each world Wendy obtains one of the stones on an alter. The game ends with a boss battle with a dragon.[1] Inserting the game in a Game Boy Advance unlocked a console-exclusive world with three new levels. It also included a password that unlocked unlimited firepower.[2][3]
Development
The game was developed by WayForward Technologies and published by TDK Mediactive, designed by Matt Bozon. It was meant as a tie-in for a planned animated series reboot that fell through.[1] Inspiration for the game came from 1991's Metal Storm for the Nintendo Entertainment System.[4] Vincent Bitetti, the CEO of TDK Mediactive, mentioned that the game should appeal to both girls and boys.[5] The game engine used for the game was used for previous Wayforward games such as Xtreme Sports and Sabrina: The Animated Series.[2] The game was set for release in September 2001.[2]
Reception
| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| GameRankings | 82%[6] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| GameZone | 7.5/10[7] |
| IGN | 8/10[8] |
| Gamezilla | 90/100[9] |
| Jeuxvideo.com | 13/20[10] |
Wendy: Every Witch Way received generally positive reviews from video game critics, with a score of 82% on the rating aggregator GameRankings.[6] Critics praised the game for its originality,[9][10] with IGN's Craig Harris calling it "an extremely original action title."[8] Mike Messersmith for Gamezilla spoke positive about its sound effects and music.[9] Michael Lafferty from GameZone described them as "limited".[7]
A writer for Jeuxvideo.com criticized the games length, feeling that the levels to be few and short.[10]
In an interview with Pocket Gamer about their game Mighty Flip Champs, WayForward's Matt Bozen said they took some inspiration from Wendy: Every Witch Way for their new title. Mark Bozen added that they wanted to make a game that was a spiritual successor to Every Witch Way in terms of concept.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d Foster, Neil (December 10, 2016). "Wendy: Every Witch Way - Game Boy Color (2001)". Hardcore Gaming 101. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
- ^ a b c d IGN Staff (June 29, 2001). "Wendy: Ever Witch Way - IGN". Retrieved December 13, 2016.
- ^ GameSpot Staff (May 17, 2006). "Wendy game to include GBA-exclusive world". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
- ^ a b McFerran, Damien (April 28, 2009). "Interview: Contra 4 developer WayForward talks Mighty Flip Champs DSiWare". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
- ^ GameSpot Staff (May 17, 2006). "TDK announces Wendy for the GBC". Retrieved December 13, 2016.
- ^ a b "Wendy: Every Witch Way for Game Boy Color - GameRankings". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
- ^ a b Lafferty, Michael (October 1, 2001). "Wendy: Every Witch Way (GBC)". GameZone. Archived from the original on December 24, 2001.
- ^ a b Harris, Craig (September 20, 2001). "Wendy: Every Witch Way Review". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
- ^ a b c Messersmith, Mike (October 15, 2001). "Wendy: Every Witch Way". Gamezilla!. Archived from the original on December 24, 2001.
- ^ a b c The Romendil (October 16, 2001). "Test: Wendy". Jeuxvideo.com (in French). Webedia. Retrieved December 13, 2016.