Billy the Wizard: Rocket Broomstick Racing

Billy the Wizard: Rocket Broomstick Racing is a racing and platform game by developer and publisher Data Design Interactive. It has been released for the PlayStation 2 and the Microsoft Windows. The Wii rendition was released on 14 August 2007.^[1]

The game was originally announced under the title "Barry Hatter: The Sorcerers Broomstick",^[2] but later changed to "Billy the Wizard".^[3]

Gameplay

In the game, the player races alongside other wizards in the Broomstick Grand Prix. The game involves the player blasting opponents out of the sky with their magical powers, and collecting extra ammunition as they skim tree-tops and plunge under low bridges and archways.

The game has over 40 stages spread across 5 levels, with 8 playable characters to choose from.

There are a few other non-racing portions. The player can also try to collect books or try to take down a dragon by shooting it with magical powers.

Reception

UK magazine n-Revolution rated the game 2.4/10, citing as problems unresponsive Wii controls and a general feeling that the developers were cashing in on the Harry Potter phenomenon by releasing a similarly themed game. British Magazine N-Gamer gave the game 10% and was featured as "Guff of the month".

IGN gave this game a 2.0/10 for its terrible menus and presentation, awful controls and graphics. "Making Billy the Kid Ugly at School". IGN said "There is actually a hint of cruelty in Nintendo allowing this game -- and many of Conspiracy Entertainment's budget Wii games -- to crowd shelves. They are just disappointment pressed into a disc, hidden inside a colorful box like some sort of gaming booby trap. Billy the Wizard is easily one of the worst games for the Wii and the kind of thing that kills momentum, much like that final crushing wave of crap that sealed the fate of the seemingly unstoppable Atari 2600."^[4]

References