Modern technology is wonderful. If you were to tell me 10 years ago that I’d be able to download software to my console that let me aim my controller at my TV in an effort to give vegetables a superior haircut, I’d have said you were crazy. I’d have been interested, but still thought you were crazy. Here I sit today having downloaded the the unique game, Bonsai Barber, onto my Wii. It is a lighthearted game based around grooming friendly vegetables who visit your barbershop. Using standard barber tools and your Wiimote, players attempt to fix hairstyles to match patrons’ preferences. Do a good job, and they’ll tell their friends, begin to schedule appointments, and even start to send you virtual postcards to let you know they’ve been thinking of you. The game is different and has potential, but is it worth the 1000 point download?

The short answer is, maybe. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a game. Bonsai Barber provides players with a short “snack” of a game that can be played a little at a time over the course of several days. Each day a few new plants show up at your barbershop, looking for the newest in haircuts. Use your scissors to trim their hair to match the provided hairdo template with precision and you’ll score a full five stars. The haircuts begin simple but get harder with time, requiring clippers (which remove leaves but not branches for interior or lower edge grooming) or even paint (for colored hairstyles). The game is quite forgiving, as simply watering your customer’s hair with the watering can causes their foliage to grow right back, covering up any big mistakes. Of course, you still have to go back and do the final trim all over again.

Each day only a few plants are available for grooming, although there is a practice area that can be accessed at any time. Players can set up specific appointments for given days, and if they’re kept the customers continue to become more enthusiastic about your performance. The game also supports up to four players, all cooperating to give the customer that perfect styled look. A final nice touch are the wealth of awards given for the haircuts. Players have a scrapbook full of empty places for awards and stickers for quantity of haircuts, quality of haircuts, and other special situations.

Whether the game tickles your fancy or not will be the deciding factor for the value of the game. At 1000 points, it translates to a little over $10, which is downright cheap for a videogame. However, it isn’t going to provide a dedicated gamer an intense gaming session. It is set up to be played for a few minutes a day, just before or after a game with a bit more substance. If you’re looking for something to play intensely for several hours, complete it, then move on, you will be sorely disappointed. Rather than looking for some sort of meaty game as a main course, think of it as more of a side-dish or appetizer on your videogaming menu.

Kid Factor: This one is great for the kiddies, as long as they have a fairly steady hand with the Wiimote. Almost anyone can pull off a one or two star haircut, but to score a full 5 stars needs a fairly steady hand. Despite the use of scissors and other bladed instruments, there is no violence here, as you’re simply trimming off branches and leaves. Customers may become upset, but no gruesome barbershop scenes here.

Tags: Game Reviews