Simultaneously with the movie release, Activision has released console and computer versions of Shark Tale, a continuance of the movie adventure. The computer version is slightly different from the console versions in respect to the presentation and the difficulty of play, but the gaming format and storyline are basically the same. Players will still help Oscar make money so he can get out of debt, and live the life he wants to become accustomed to. KnowWonder developed this computer version, while Edge of Reality developed the Xbox,
GameCube and PS2 versions. DreamWorks Animation is also listed in the credits for all versions. The result is one nicely animated game that offers a different type of gaming environment for a movie-to-game release, a mix of four different types of games that are usually encountered as “mini-games” imbedded in a platform-style game, but in this game are the focus instead of the distraction.
There are four basic types of gameplay: dancing, ala Dance Dance Revolution; adventure, which is where Oscar searches areas in stealth mode; racing, which is, you guessed it, racing; and finally fighting, which is the boss battle mode. There is not even a pretense of tying these various modes of play together; rather, they are available as “missions” which will gain fame for Oscar. Oscar’s fame will enable him to access more missions, based on how many fame points he’s accumulated, as different missions require a different number of fame points to play.
Each game is a “mission”, and is accessed by finding various undersea inhabitants who have signs above their heads signifying their willingness to give Oscar something to do. These missions all require a different number of “fame points”, which Oscar earns in direct correlation to the success of his participation in these missions. Some of these missions can be replayed for a better outcome and more points.
Each of the game types are the same as in the console versions, but are much easier and are geared toward younger players. The racing games are easier to follow, with less obstacles to bump into, and the dancing games are much easier to play as they have less arrows to click on. Another difference is the less linear aspect of the game. In the console versions, the game is setup in chapters, which have to be completed in order to advance. The PC version, however, allows for some repeated play on missions, and the ability to revisit certain areas.
Players are thrown right into the action in the beginning of the game with a race from a shark. Once Oscar escapes, it’s on to the next missions, a racing game which Oscar needs to place at least second in to gain any points, a stealth/adventure game where Oscar must avoid the crabs and barracudas to rescue a purse, and a dancing game, where players have to match the directional arrows in the circling bubbles as Oscar is dancing, with the corresponding directions on the keyboard. Stealth games follow, then more dancing, racing and finally a fight with a boss, in a kung-fu like game, complete with taunts. Then more racing, adventure, and dancing again.
Each of these types of games are mostly arcade experiences, except for some of the stealth/adventure missions, which are more leisurely. However, the pace of the gameplay has been slowed down for the PC version, and the difficulty level is much easier.
The games are simply designed and fairly easy to play, but because of the lack of detailed instructions, it may take a few run-throughs of the missions to know what to do. The gameplay, while designed for younger players, still can present some challenges because of the emphasis on arcade play which requires fast reflexes, specifically the racing and dancing modes. The slower among us may have more trouble than others. However, once a mission has been played one or two times, it’s not too difficult to at gain some points.
Oscar can gather pearls and clams for use as currency to purchase extras. These can be found lying around the different levels that house the missions, and also can be collected during some of the missions. The adventures mainly consist of Oscar either swimming around trying to find the end of the level, while avoiding hazards, or have him in “stealth mode”, where he’s sneaking to the end of the level, trying to avoid being seen by guard fish. These guard fish are even easier to avoid than in the console versions.
That Oscar can really get down, and I mean get down, as much of the music is old disco tunes from my younger days. The first dancing game is to the song “Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer, and is a hoot. The action isn’t very fast-paced, and will allow users to watch Oscar’s cool dance moves. Most of the tunes are great, but for some reason the song “Car Wash” is not the original version, but instead is a blah remix. I don’t know why the original wasn’t used, unless there were money or copyright issues. Surely it wasn’t a preference for the remix version.
In fact, this whole game is chock full of great tunes, and players will have a great time playing to these songs, whether they’re familiar with them or not (most little kids aren’t going to know them). I’ve enjoyed the music in this game much more than the usual fare offered in console games. The sound effects, on the other hand, are very minimal and don’t really add anything to the gaming experience. Besides the occasional sound of bubbles popping as Oscar swims along, there’s not much going on in the aural sense.
The game looks good, but not quite as good as the GameCube version, particularly in respect to the attention paid to the underwater aspect. However, it is still attractive enough and will please the kids. Oscar and his friends (and enemies) are animated well, and move around just like fish should. For some reason, the load times between action scenes is very long, much more so than in the console versions. It can get tiresome waiting for the next scene.
Activision has had a pretty good year with their movie-to-game releases, and for the most part, they’ve been far and above what these type of games usually are. Shark Tale for the PC compares well to other movie-themed children’s games, and offers a good variety of different types of fun and interesting gameplay, mixed with decent graphics, that will appeal to kids. However, the emphasis on arcade-style play and the lack of direction, plus the missing storyline to tie it all together, limits the attraction to kids who mainly like arcade action, rather than playing a story-driven game.
A decently fun way for young children to revisit Oscar’s undersea world!
Gameplay: 7.5
While the four different styles of gameplay are fun, they are still limited in appeal because of the focus on fast reflexes and arcade skills. It’s basically a collection of four types of mini-games that have been enlarged in design, but without much of a story and minimal collection goals between gaming missions. Still, the games are well-designed for the most part, and are geared very well toward younger players and won’t frustrate too much as the levels are fairly short, and even if kids have to begin again a few times, it won’t be a daunting task. Also, there are plenty of health regeneration features in the adventure modes, and even a few in some of the other types of games.
Graphics: 7.5
The graphics are good, but not nearly as good as on the console versions.
Sound: 7
The music is great and features some well-known and popular songs from the past, and also the present. The sound effects are way less impressive, mainly because of a lack of.
Difficulty: Medium/Easy
This is a children’s game, and as such has been designed to be easy to play, while still presenting enough challenge to maintain interest. Very young children will have an easier time with the PC version.
Concept: 7
A refreshingly different approach to a movie-themed game for kids. Mostly, it works, but it definitely could have used a stronger story to tie it all together.
Overall: 7.3
A good children’s action game that falls into the category of either love it or hate it. The music and fast action is exactly what many kids will love about this game. However, parents, be sure you know your kid’s gaming styles and preferences before picking up this game, because if your kids don’t like arcade play, then they won’t like this game. For the rest of the young crowd, though, this may be just the ticket.
