G-Force Video Game

$5030, Wii*, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360*, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, iPhone

Teaches: logic, fighting

CTR Rating: 92%

CTR Review

Based on the Disney movie, this state-of-the-art 3D game combines solid game play with innovative features, including an option for 3D viewing using the two pairs of goggles (included). It quickly became one of our tester's favorite games, despite a bit of a learning curve to figure out the controls and weapons. Your objective is to steer the lead Guinea pig (Darwin) and a fly (named Mooch) through a house and complete missions in order to defeat Leonard Saber, an evil billionaire who is trying to take over the world. The controls can be challenging for first-time players or younger children -- despite the well-designed tutorial level. For example, there are times when you must simultaneously jump and fire -- a skill that requires advanced fine motor abilities. Make sure you're on hand to help if younger children are involved. Testers found that the number and variety of gadgets extends the life of this title, providing a nice balance of fun and challenge. These include a jet-pack for flying, a Saberlizer for scanning things, Infrared vision, lasers and more. They also preferred the Xbox 360 controls to Wii, especially when trying to fly Mooch around the house. This is too bad. Also, the Wii version lacks a way to skip the cutscenes. The 3D goggles are optional -- we noticed testers liked them at first, but soon took them off. All in all, this is an excellent adaptation of a movie to the game console, although we'd recommend the XBox and PS3 versions over the Wii. Buy it.