year again, when all the kiddie holiday movies are released, along with their
counterpart computer and video games. They go together, just like popcorn at
the theater.
Chicken Little is slated for release soon in November, but it’s not gotten
much press. If it weren’t for the few previews I’ve seen at the theater, I
wouldn’t know anything about it. The little I do know is that it’s a Disney
flick, and it continues the story of Chicken Little, after the non-event of
the falling sky. After redeeming himself somewhat with playing well on a
baseball team, he’s once again struck by something falling from the sky and
this time it’s for real. Chicken Little has to figure out a way to save the
town from this menace, which isn’t easy, as no one will believe him after the
last fiasco.
The GBA version of
Chicken Little features the same story as the movie. Players will guide
Chicken Little around the town of Oakey Oaks, avoiding camera-toting kids
(must be some movie element) and other hazards. This is a simple platform
game, and Chicken Little has the basic expected moves, but also a few
different moves. Besides jumping and hanging on ledges, he can hit items with
a yo-yo, spin attack with the yo-yo, and body-slam while on trampolines to get
a higher altitude. Chicken Little’s jumping is adequate, but not all that
great. The body slam movement, though, works very well and can usually get
him up to high levels easily.
Not only can players jump
into the movie adventure, they also have a choice of playing dodgeball or a
race game. This is very refreshing, as most of the time these types of
mini-games aren’t available until well into the game. Here, they’re available
for play right from the beginning. More options do become available during the
game, like different tracks for the races. Players can also add upgrades to
their vehicles in the races, and add more balls and uniforms to their
dodgeball teams by spending their collected acorns in the General Store.
Most of the gameplay is
basic platform movement across the screen from left to right, with some of the
action taking place in underground levels. There are also some location
puzzles that require some thought on how to get from one spot to another past
certain obstacles. Once a level is passed, it can be played again.
Dodgeball is fun to play
and is well-designed, more like a simple stand-alone sports sim on the GBA,
than a mini-game. Players will control a team of kids, who can pass and throw
the ball to each other during play. With the cool uniforms and balls that can
be bought at the store, this is a pretty nifty mode. The racing game is also
good, but not quite as much fun. The races scroll from side to side instead of
into the camera, not my favorite method of racing, but at least these races
aren’t very difficult.
This is a slightly above
average platform game for kids, better than many movie-themed games. The
gameplay is engaging and easy, with just enough challenge for most kids,
without a lot of frustration due to impossible jumps or bad collision
detection. Fortunately, this game suffers from neither of those defects.
However, the item collection is rather boring, and the levels have a sameness
about them. The game is also short. But, the racing and dodgeball help the
replayability factor for kids.
Overall, a good game for
kids which parents will appreciate for its non-violence and easy play. While
not particularly innovative or new in any of the main features, the two
mini-games of dodgeball and racing add to the gameplay and are well-presented.
A2M has done a fine job with this kids game.
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Gameplay: 7.5
The platform
modes, while not bad, aren’t very exciting. The two mini-games of dodgeball
and racing really add to the overall gaming experience, though.
Graphics: 7
Average graphics
for the GBA.
Sound: 7
The music is easy
on the ears, but there aren’t many sound effects.
Difficulty: Easy
Pretty easy,
which is good for kids.
Concept: 7
While there isn’t
anything really new in most of the action, the ability to play the mini-game
modes right from the start is refreshing.
Overall: 7.5
A decent game for
the younger set, that is faithful to its audience. A2M knew their target, and
didn’t shortchange the kids, as is too often the case. The game is fairly
easy, but has some challenging elements, and offers a good variety of game
modes. The only real drawback is the short amount of gameplay through the
adventure mode, and the mundaneness of the platforming levels. A good game for
kids ages 6-10.
