Disney’s The Proud Family – GBA – Review

Penny Proud
of the Proud family is in a quandary. Her parents’ 15th wedding anniversary is
coming up in a few days, and she has decided that her initial present of a
scrapbook just isn’t going to cut it when compared to her friend Lacienega’s
suggestion of a T.H.A.N.G. for a gift. The T.H.A.N.G. is a Total Home
Automation Necessity Gizmo, which manages money, gives massages, and styles
hair, amongst other useful tasks. The only problem is that a T.H.A.N.G will
require a good bit of money, which Penny doesn’t have. She needs to get a
J.O.B.; actually, she needs a whole lot of J.O.B.s!

The Proud
Family is an adventure platform-type game, interspersed with mini-games that
have to be unlocked. The main plot of the game revolves around Penny’s
pressing need for instant cash, which she can acquire in a variety of ways.
During the course of the game, she will pick up litter, retrieve items for
people, and carry out a number of jobs around town. The litter is
ever-present, and is the easiest method of earning money; all Penny has to do
is pick it up and deliver it to recycling bins. Once all the litter is picked
up, a spaceship appears and dumps more out, allowing Penny to pick it up again
for even more money. The errands she can run for people serve the purpose of
advancing the game forward through the different levels, as do the jobs. The
jobs are the mini-games, of which there are six. These games are a mix of
arcade and simplistic logic games. They will require Penny to select the right
ingredients for snacks, according to what the judges like; make the perfect
pizza crust; mix the right music choices; throw down some wrestling moves on
Suga Mama; and put her dance on. As each game is unlocked, it can be played
over again separately.

While Penny
does have to hop around from time to time to get up to high places, there
aren’t a whole lot of platforming moves. There aren’t any enemies to defeat,
and obstacles are easily jumped over. Most of Penny’s tasks will involve
picking up items for money, running errands and playing the mini-games. She
can also practice dancing around town for the dance competition. A photo
section is provided to store the pictures Penny can take around town with her
camera.

The game
looks great, and is animated wonderfully. It looks exactly like the TV
cartoon. The sound effects are minimal, and the in-game music is pretty
average, but the mini-game with the music tracks is neat.

At first
glance, this appears to be a typical “girl game,” but actually it’s not. The
mini-games and errands aren’t focused on makeup or hairstyles, but are
appealing to all kids, with the emphasis on music, making weird snacks and
wrestling. The humor is very well done and will appeal to all players. The
mini-games are varied, interesting, and fun to play. The mix of errand
running, picking up litter, jobs (mini-games) and platform style levels is
designed nicely; however, the platforming aspect could use some work. There
just isn’t much to this part of the game, and it could have had much more
thought put into it.

Overall,
though, this is one of the better all-around games in terms of variety and
interesting gameplay that I’ve seen for kids ages 10-up. It’s colorful, hip,
and features funny mini-games. The storyline of having to earn lots of cash
doing odd jobs all over town is appealing to this age group, too. Replay value
is good with the mini-games that can be played over again, although having
more in-depth platforming or maze type levels that could replayed for more
points or collectibles would have boosted the replay value even more. Buena
Vista has done an excellent job. A good choice for families.

Review Scoring Details for Disney’s The Proud Family

Gameplay: 8.0
The gameplay is
engaging and mostly what it should be, except for the weak platforming. The
mini-games are just the right mix and challenge, with interesting themes.
Replay value is good.

Graphics: 9.0
Very good
graphics, it’s exactly like the show!

Sound: 7.0
The music is
average, but at least not annoying. The music mini-game is tuneful.

Difficulty: Easy
The game is easy,
but lasts a decent amount of time.

Concept: 7.5
Not just your
average girls’ game, this game offers a little something for everyone. The
overall execution is good, but the platforming is weak.

Overall: 8.0
A cute and fun
game that is sure to please most kids. The theme of earning money for a gift
by doing odd jobs is a good one, and ties in all the game features very well.
The replay value is high enough to warrant a purchase, especially for fans of
the show.