Go Diego Go! Safari Rescue is the latest Nick Jr. title from 2K Games publishing
offshoot, 2K Play. The game is made with an obvious focus to very young gamers,
not just in terms of subject matter, but in simplicity of gameplay as well.
There are no parts that should be too difficult for even the youngest players,
and there is even a “guide” option that allows a second player to tap in and
assist the main player. The game’s simplicity and lack of challenge mean that it
really isn’t for everyone out there, but very young fans of the show will likely
get a kick out of it.
Go Diego Go! Safari Rescue follows the young hero, Diego, on a visit to his
Animal Rescuer friend, Juma. Once there, Juma tells them that a spiteful
mosquito-turned-magician has transformed all of the elephants into stone.
Therefore, Diego and his buddy Baby Jaguar must find a Magic Drum that will turn
the elephants back to their original form. Their adventure will take them
through six stages throughout Africa as they meet new animal friends and utilize
their abilities to rescue the elephants.
The gameplay in Go Diego Go! Safari Rescue is pretty varied. In the main
mission, the Safari Rescue mode, you’ll embark on several small quests in order
to rescue a variety of animals throughout Africa. Helping you along the way is
your friend Baby Jaguar and your Rescue Pack, which can transform into just
about anything that the situation would demand. The majority of the Safari
Rescue mode is 2D platforming (albeit with 3D polygon-based characters and
environments), but the Rescue Pack will allow you to ride a skateboard, hot air
balloon, and so on as you progress.
There are a few minigames thrown into the mix as well. Aside from the
aforementioned Rescue Pack element, you’ll be able to snap pictures of animals
in the Click the Camera game, search for animals in the Spotting Scope game,
bang the Magic Drum in the Completion minigame, and so on. The most fleshed out
minigame is the Safari Racer mode. Different from what the name implies, Safari
Racer mode has you working cooperatively instead of competitively with a friend
to collect as many stamps as possible on a given race course. All vehicles that
you’ve unlocked in the Safari Rescue mode will be available to you, and the
number of stamps between the two racers is tallied at the end of the race.
From the onset, it is very apparent that Safari Rescue is geared towards very
young children. The game isn’t very difficult, and the stamp collecting elements
are very easy (the most hidden that the stamps ever are is usually within a
shaking bush). The platforming elements are not complicated either, and even the
youngest fans will be able to play through the game with no problem. The game
even has an assistance system just in case your child gets overwhelmed with the
game, allowing you to grab a second controller and help them through the tough
parts.
Graphically, the game looks pretty nice, accurately portraying the characters of
the television show. The environments are bright and colorful and the action is
pretty well animated. Nothing too dazzling, but pretty good nonetheless.
The sound effects are pretty good, featuring the actual voice of Diego, Jake T.
Austin, in the main role. The music is also nice for the game and sticks with
the theme.
Safari Rescue isn’t for everyone, but the varied and easy gameplay should strike
a chord with the series’ young audience.
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Gameplay: 7.0
The game is quite easy and with the second player option, no one should be too
flustered with the gameplay. While the game is on the simplistic side, the
varied game modes should keep children engaged.
Graphics: 7.5
Nothing too mind-blowing, but bright and colorful nonetheless.
Sound: 8.0
The voice acting is well done, featuring the original Diego from the TV show.
The music fits in with the overall theme of the game.
Difficulty: Very Easy
Concept: 7.0
The simplistic nature of the gameplay mean that it isn’t for everyone, but it
stays true to the show.
Multiplayer: 7.0
The multiplayer game modes are strictly cooperative with no competitive element,
but the assistance option is a nice touch.
Overall: 7.0
Safari Rescue is too simplistic to be for everyone, but the younger set to which
the game is geared should enjoy the varied gameplay.
