Madagascar

8.3
Great

Gameplay	8.0	"A simple but fun little movie tie-in."
Graphics	7.5
Sound	8.0
Value	7.0

By Alan Jordan

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I'll start out with a warning concerning Madagascar; this game is for children. So don't go complaining that it is far too easy or that you don't appreciate being walked through almost everything. That said, the game is surprisingly fun. Kids will definitely love it and it should keep them going for a long time.

For those unaware, Madagascar is based on the Dreamworks movie of the same name. Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo are best friends at Central Park Zoo, New York. Marty escapes one day and the others all break free to look for him. They end up reunited on a ship on its way to Madagascar. Hilarity ensues of course as our intrepid adventurers are swept along on a merry journey. Okay, it is hardly Shakespeare, but remember, the movie is for children. The game follows the story fairly closely and if you liked the film, chances are you will enjoy giving the game a run through. If you are an old hand at games though, you may not find it a huge challenge.

The game is nice and simple without being completely boring. There is nothing really new or original here, but the game handles nicely. Each of the four characters can learn new moves by collecting sets of three cards scattered around the levels. The levels gradually reveal the moves as and when you need them. It isn't on the same kind of level as Metroid Prime's gradually revealed abilities but it does open up the game slowly rather than bombarding children with complex controls from the get go.

The fact that there are four characters is another bonus. Gameplay is varied with each character having their own unique abilities. Alex can roar and do double jumps, Marty can kick things with his hind legs, Melman can use his legs like a helicopter and Gloria can use her rather large bottom to squash people. The differences between the characters means that there is a decent amount of variation in level design. It keeps things fresh and kids, who are notorious for a lack of attention span, will appreciate the game not being monotonous. Level design is also varied although almost entirely linear. You are told what you need to do to progress so there is no thinking involved; perfect for the younger gamer as are most aspects of the game. There certainly aren't three or four ways to finish a level. Just stick to what the characters tell you to do and if you see big any big flashing arrows, chances are you should probably head in their general direction.

There are also a number of hidden arcade games scattered around the levels. Find them and you will be able to have a go at some basic, but fun, mini games to further add to the variety. The game certainly isn't boring.

The only big problem I had with the game's controls was, as is typical with 3d platformers, the camera. At times the camera will not rotate and you are left looking at your character from a silly angle. The camera also swings around far too slowly and can be a pain if you are surrounded by enemies. The game is never too frantic though so this won't cause a huge amount of grief, it is worth mentioning though.

The graphics are great though. These aren't the greatest graphics seen on the PlayStation 2 but they are big, bold, colourful and full of life. What more could you ask from a kids game? The animation is also good but you wouldn't expect anything less from a game from the Dreamworks stable. Unfortunately, no film footage is used for cut-scenes. While this isn't a massive problem, it would have improved the game somewhat.

Sound too is excellent. The music mimics the movie excellently and does well to set the 'cutesy' atmosphere. Voice-overs are a bit of a let-down. They are very good, but they are not done by the stars of the film- Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett-Smith. Instead, we are left with voice actors who impersonate their big screen equivalents. They do a good job but it is easy enough to distinguish that they aren't quite the real deal.

The game can be measured from two perspectives. Firstly, if you have some kids to entertain over the school holidays then this would be absolutely perfect. It will keep them quiet and out of your hair for a week, leaving you to pursue your latest DS or GBA title. The game is perfect for youngsters. However, if you're a 'hardcore' gamer looking for a challenge, this really won't do. You will find it far too easy and will be bored of it within an afternoon.

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