March of the
Penguins was a fantastic movie. It was different. The makers of March of the
Penguins GBA evidently wanted to make a different type of game to match the
uniqueness of the movie, and so they designed a puzzle game instead of your
typical platformer. The result is a sort of simplistic Lemmings set in the
Antarctic. However, sad to say, actually playing the game is not as enjoyable
as the initial game design promises.
The game
begins with a line of penguins marching across the icy landscape. There are
various snowflakes scattered around in the air, which can only be reached by
guiding the penguins up to higher ledges. To do so, players will need to
choose one of many icons at the bottom menu and drag the item up to the
desired location. These items are ice ramps, trampolines, slides, fire coals,
fish and other things. Depending on their placement, the penguins will react
and move accordingly. The fish is the most helpful item.
The manual has to be read in this
game to get any sense out of what is expected, so don’t expect to just pop in
the game and play. According to the manual, the first levels are supposed to
be simple in difficulty, with the subsequent levels becoming harder. Right.
The first level is difficult, at least for me it was. I collected about four
or five snowflakes, then became stuck trying to figure out how to get the
penguins up to some very high ledges. I tried moving further across the ice,
getting higher, then making my way back, but the penguins kept sliding
downhill past the point where they would need to jump up and get the
snowflake. I wasn’t allowed to place any of the items on this particular
ledge. However, this was supposed to be solved; I wasn’t the woman for the
job, evidently.
Then, my
husband gave it a whirl. He found some ledges that were carved in the sides of
these pillars, eureka! After he pointed them out, I could see them, but just
barely. We were able to progress after discovering these handy little ledges
scattered here and there.
The game
looks very good, but in keeping with the spirit of the movie, the landscapes
are barren and frozen.
March of the
Penguins is actually a decent puzzle game that could offer a lot of
satisfaction to solve, but it is hurt by design flaws that make it
unnecessarily frustrating for kids. The lack of any type of in-game tutorial
or instruction, the less-than-instructive manual and the steep learning curve
detract from the general fun. Older kids that persevere will benefit the most.
Parents of younger players are better off with something a little easier.
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Gameplay: 7.0
This game has the
potential to be really fun and satisfying, but many young players won’t stick
around long enough to find out, because it’s just no fun to keep losing the
very first level.
Graphics: 8.0
Nice graphic
detail that is indicative of the movie.
Sound: 7.0
The music is
unmemorable, but at least it’s not annoying.
Difficulty: Hard
This game is very
challenging.
Concept: 8.0
The design and
puzzle format are very refreshing.
Overall: 7.0
This game could
have been really good, given its great use of locational puzzles and the
variety of gameplay elements in the levels. However, the design flaws drag it
down. It’s just too hard for its target audience, and the theme and storyline
probably won’t interest older players. A tutorial level is badly needed, too.
Best for families with older kids who like to solve puzzles.
