Nicktoons Unite!
© 2005 THQ, Inc.
As many as four children can play this game together, working cooperatively to kill ghosts, find hidden switches, shrink cars and earn enough power ups needed to unlock the next level of this 3D adventure. The game starts with a short episode of SpongeBob, explaining the good guy vs. bad guy plot. Next, each player chooses from an all-male cast of popular characters (Spongebob, Jimmy Neutron, Danny Phantom and Timmy Turner). Each has a unique set of powers and weapons (such as Tornado Blaster, Neutron Flare or Shrink Ray for Jimmy Neutron). There's no shortage of cartoon fighting in this game; in fact, killing the rather creepy ghosts is required. Like LEGO Star Wars, the game uses a limited form of drop-in/drop-out turn taking, although it is not automated. A player can join or leave the game at any point, as long as they pause the game and sign out. Starting up is easier -- just start using the controller. Another innovative feature is the "Nickelodeon Cross Save System," where the game checks the memory card for previously saved Nick games. If it finds them, additional bonus features can be unlocked, such as a funny outfit for SpongeBob or a gallery of concept art for the game. So progress in the game is rewarded with your ownership of other Nick titles, with marketing having crossed over into game design. Testers noted that some of the menus are cryptic, as are many of the setup screens, which could frustrate younger children. The process of saving a loading game is also confusing; our testers loaded the wrong level more than once. The reading of dialog boxes is required. There are some graphic problems—sometimes the characters are too small for example, and wander off screen. Despite these rough spots, the multi-player process makes this a valuable social experience and possibly a great family game that parents should enjoy together with their children. Created by BlueTonge Entertainment for THQ, Inc..
$39.99, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance
Teaches: language, reading, logic, spatial reasoning, problem solving, noticing patterns, counting, classifying, comparing quantities, graphing, using time concepts, interpreting data, fine motor, coordination, social, working cooperatively, interpersonal problem solving
CTR Rating: 82%