Project Runway – The Game
Atari’s new Project Runway game for the Nintendo Wii is about as close as a video game can get to the Lifetime reality hit.
You are a contestant on the show, and have fashion challenges to complete. You are given a “recipe” (green tank top, long pink skirt, etc) which you must put together, and then add your own flair by adding detailing (trim, buttons, patterns, etc) and adjusting color shades. You are then asked to accessorize “thoughtfully,” choose a model, and pick out hair and makeup looks for them. All of this is timed. Once your look is complete, you head to the runway to strut your stuff (move the Wiimote and Nunchuck in time with the beat in order to strike a pose). You are given an overall score by Runway regulars Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, and Nina Garcia. It’s a little weird because still images of each judge pop up with a line of dialogue taken directly from the show, but then the subtitles beneath give a completely different opinion. Anyway, based on your score, you can unlock new outfits and accessories, as well as “quick play” mini games that allow you to compete against a friend in runway and photo shoot challenges.
All in all, it is quite a good game. Even though it is, for the most part, single player, it feels like a good slumber party game. I have played a number of other fashion video games (Style Savvy for Nintendo DS being one of my favorites) and I feel that Project Runway – rather than just letting you play stylist – allows you to build an outfit with your own nuances and modifications. At least as much as possible from a video game. The timed aspect adds to the difficulty, and makes it feel much more like the show.
My main complaint about this game is that the Nintendo Wii is not the ideal platform for a game such as this. Much of Project Runway – The Game relies on clicking small buttons to scroll through looks or make selections. The sometimes-dodgy Wiimote does not allow for the most precise targeting, which can make it extraordinarily frustrating. I would love to see this on the Nintendo DS or even the XBox or PS3 – something with a stable remote that will let you flip through inventory with buttons. My other grievance is with the weird use still photos of the show judges, the out-of-context quotes, and the occasional appearance by one of the season 5 cast members (also a still photo). It gives the game something of a cheap, rushed feel. However, these are minor issues on an otherwise fun game.
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