The majority of multiplayer games involve a degree of competitiveness between the two players. The winner is usually the first player to reach a victory point of score enough goals in order to win. With The Adventures of Cookie & Cream, From Software and Agetec take a bold departure from the competitive angle instead opting for a co-operative experience. Two players must cooperate in order to progress through the game. Perhaps not as exciting for one player, but for two players, this game offers a very interesting twist to the platform/puzzle genre.

Graphics/Sound
The visuals are neither groundbreaking nor bad by any means. They best resemble a very tight Crashish look. Very bright colours and lush greens are spread out over 50 levels of gameplay. Level variation is good, from deserts and jungles to musical worlds. The character designs are quite simple yet effective. Cookie is the young male rabbit while Cream is the young female rabbit. Perhaps what is most impressive about the visuals is how the screen is split vertically. Each character is represented on one side of the screen. As you and or your partner control them, things move along smoothly with absolutely no slowdown. This becomes vital as you progress through the game since precise timing means the difference from success to failure.
The aural experience here is quite simple and yet it needs nothing more than what you would come to expect in a platform/puzzle based game.

Gameplay
While Cookie and Cream can be played solo, most will find it extremely difficult controlling the two characters at one time. It is interesting to note, how the controls are set up for the one player adventure. You will control one character with the entire left side of the Dual Shock 2 while you control the other character with the entire right side of the Dual Shock 2. It takes some getting used to in order to use both analog sticks simultaneously.
The meat of the game is found in the two-player cooperative mode. Cooperation is the key to success as is timing and memory. As the game progresses the obstacles and challenges become more intense. In early stages of the game, hints are in abundance. This slowly changes as the correct sequence of movements and or requirements become more of a memory game than that of a skill game. Players will end up finding themselves squawking at one another in order to pull of moves in a timely fashion. However, it is this level of intensity and for some frustration that leads to joyous moments of pure satisfaction when levels are overcome.
Not only do you have to keep up with your partner, you also have to be wary of enemy attacks. If one player is left standing too long, airborne enemies start their attack patterns. Unfortunately this happens all to frequently and in many cases will lead to a character's demise. Add to all of this a timer, and your anxiety levels should rise.
In terms of themes, there is a good variation. The usual desert, jungle and musical words are spread throughout 50 plus levels. At certain junctures, boss encounters are necessary. They are mostly similar to the puzzle layout found in the majority of the stages.

Value
While the one player mode is fiercely difficult and the two-player mode just right, the game also offers a handful of competitive two to four player levels. The problem is they appear to have been thrown in at the last moment as they lack any real design or excitement. The one player adventure is only for the true hardcore gamer and many may be up for the challenge. Beyond the two main modes, there is little left once completed. Final Word
The Adventures of Cookie & Cream is a refreshing concept appearing early on the Playstation 2. It is essentially a two-player challenge that can be enjoyed by gamers and non-gamers alike. Although limited in places, Cookie & Cream is extremely fun, especially when both players get caught up in the action. You owe yourself to check out this elaborate puzzler.