The kiddie game that isn't really a kiddie game is back.  Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams is the next journey into the strange land of mystical landscapes and fuzzy images.  New features are abound.  Why don't you come along as we explore the meaning behind Tak's rapid eye movement?

Separated by dreams and reality, Tak finds himself in a strange situation.  He slept for more than two weeks straight!  During that time he's told that he must save the world.  But it's not his world – it's a dream world.  When he finally wakes up, Tak is left without a clue as to how he can get back to his dream.  He's not sure what he can do to save it either.  Of course, a video game wouldn't be a video game without guidance from an elder, which is where Jibolba (the old shaman) comes into play.

It is at this point in the game – roughly a few minutes after the intro – that the differences between The Power of Juju and The Staff of Dreams become clear.  The Staff of Dreams is more varied in its gameplay, but its levels are no less linear than before.  There are more collectibles, prettier graphics, and the worlds seem to be quite a bit bigger.  There are more mini-games, too, most of which are pretty entertaining.

Another difference that I must mention, a difference that I wish did not exist, is that Tak 2 is much more of a kiddie game than its predecessor.  The gameplay is no less challenging.  Some of the tasks are a bit frustrating actually.  But the frequent voice-overs and the way in which goals are presented is like that of a kiddie game. 

Tak's controls have been slightly improved over the last game, which is saying a lot considering how well the game controlled before.  Now the controls are even silkier.  Not even the slightest feeling of stiffness can be found, whether Tak is running, jumping, or dealing an attack.

Preliminary attacks almost seem too vicious for the kind of game this is.  You have childish enemies (some of which are referred to as "blobs"), family-friendly worlds, and then when Tak goes to attack he pulls out a sharp object called a Thwark.  The Bolas weapons (three magical stones enhanced by a Juju rope) and The Dream Shaker are much more appropriate weapons.  The latter is Tak's most precious weapon.  In addition to being one half of the Staff of Dreams, The Dream Shaker can exterminate most enemies, cast magical spells, and seal dream rifts. 

Collectibles are everywhere in this game.  Feathers appear almost too frequently at times.  They're not Mario's answer to coins or Sonic's answer to rings.  Feathers heal Tak's health and replenish his mana power.  Mana isn't just used for magic – Tak can use to run faster and perform other actions as well.  It's important to collect these feathers or you'll run the risk of not having them when you need them most.

Tak's world is filled with many of the same animals that exist in the real world: bears, bees, beavers, frogs, squirrels, etc.  These animals may be helpful to you in more than one situation.

Skunks release a stinky scent that nobody wants to endure.  Since this is a game, you don't have to!  But if you're willing to force Tak to endure it, you can chase other animals away.  In one scenario you'll use the stench to chase a bear toward a beehive (remember: bears love honey).  Once at the beehive, the bear will lay on his back, open his mouth, and let the sweet nectar fall right in.  Oblivious to the rest of the world, the bear will not leave his position unless someone takes the bees away.  That's a possibility, but take a good look at the bear first.  His gut looks awfully full.  What might happen if we jump on it?

In another instance Tak may use his flea-transformed friend (Jibolba) to attack or put to sleep a rabid squirrel.  The reason for doing either depends on what you wish to accomplish.  Bitten squirrels may become angry enough to bite a rope that's holding up a bridge you need to cross.  Putting a rabid squirrel to sleep prevents him from attacking when you cross the area.

Jibolba isn't the only one who can transform either.  Tak can morph himself into a woodland creature when the mission is just too much for a human to handle.

Not as polished or as universal the original, Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams is a fantasy world that's still worthy of your dreams.  The gameplay is mostly easy, and if you ever get lost the shaman flea is there to help.

Gameplay: 7.9
A barrel rafting, spell-casting, animal-morphing action/adventure from the maker of Tak and the Power of Juju.  The Staff of Dreams is a mostly satisfying adventure.  Fans of the original will notice the changes, many of which will be loved, some of which will not be happily accepted.  The boss battles are still pretty cool, but it's the mini-games that'll stump you, at least for a few minutes.

Graphics: 7.9
Tak 2 isn't Xbox beautiful.  Now that that's out of the way, let's focus on what this game is, not what it isn't: it has smooth, well-animated characters; gorgeous environments; and a blurry dream effect you won't find in many other games.

Sound: 7
Voice-over help from the elderly.  Musically the game isn’t too bad, but it can’t compare to the soundtracks of other great action/adventure games.

Difficulty: Medium
The hardest part: the mini-games!  Believe it or not, the first one is somewhat frustrating.  It involves Tak, a barrel, and what at first seems like a never-ending waterfall.  Appealing to the eye and a tad exhilarating the first time through, this mini-game is one that you might have to let an older relative complete.

Concept: 8
Tak 2 isn't the most original game, but it features a lot of gameplay elements that weren't in the original.  Gotta give 'em credit for that.

Multiplayer: 7
Two-player mini-games for extra replay value.  You won't get much out of these, but at least it's something.

Overall: 7.9
Whereas before I recommended Tak and the Power of Juju to all game players, young or old, Tak 2 fits the 8-12 demographic they were shooting for with the first game.  That's not to say that a 13-year-old won't enjoy it.  The story isn't cool.  Coolness goes a long way with a young teen.  Most hardcore gamers look solely for a rewarding gameplay experience.  If that's how you are, go for it.  Whatever you choose, don't expect an experience on the level of the first game -- that's something Tak 2 can't give.