She and her odd but lovable monsters break out to fight the evil alien Gallaxhar who causes a terror 'brown alert' when he appears over San Francisco.
The Activision platformer action game (most formats, incl PS3, Wii, 360; rated G) based on the movie naturally follows the same fun childish storyline flavour as you fight aliens, solve challenges and guide the monsters unique movements to avoid obstacles and from becoming monster-mash.
As a movie offshoot, it does better than most and is solid with its storyline, haphazard action, funny voice acting and slapstick cut scenes. The DNA lab is a Dr. Cockroach invention and a fun way to add hours to gameplay. There are monster challenges where you can earn medals, upgrades and unlock bonus features like voice commentary's and play through lively mini-games.
A fun feature is the co-op mode where you can jump in and play anytime as one of the 'monsters,' the delightful Dr. Cockroach and incapacitate enemies with a tractor beam.
This hits its target audience nicely. Kids and the playful at heart will find it most entertaining and love the brightly coloured crisp visuals and mind-bending environments.
I spent a fun afternoon playing this and was chilled afterwards. So let's lighten the mood and just enjoy it for what it is, a great companion to the movie.
MadGamer rating: 8 / 10
Patapon 2
Out this week on PSP is a sequel to one of those highly original and odd little Japanese treasures Sony sometimes releases to the greater world - Patapon 2.
I loved the first one once I got into the theme of it and while the latest isn't any giant leap there are improvements such as more weapons and upgradable units and it's even more fun than before.
The warrior tribe is seeking out Earthend and destroying all opposition in their way. You're their god leading the tiny one-eyed people with your divine drum through the new continent where you've been shipwrecked and your Patapon nation decimated.
The quirkiness of the game comes from its rhythm base and you have to tap on the PSP's four face buttons with your hypnotic 'drums' to encourage your tribe and heros to move or attack.
Its 2D environment reminds you of some of the classic games. The animated characters have lots of personality and you'll feel enough empathy to be the god they desperately need and to lead them on to victory over their numerous foes.
These games can be deceptive as they're deeper (about 40 stages and strategy gets surprisingly complex) and more absorbing than a mere description of the storyline indicates.
Newcomers may wish they had more tutorials to introduce it and explain things like how you increase your army units but the first 20 minutes or so are fairly similar to the first Patapon game to help you adapt, and you can even import and use your original profile. Once the enemies turn up, the real fun begins.
If you've played the first one, you can transfer over stuff like money and food. This time there's an evolutionary tree you need to use for individual Patapons to develop skills in fire and ice, bows and shields.
This adds to the complexity and don't be fooled into thinking this is any simple exercise. I find it grows on you quicker than before and will be playing for a long time worrying about leading those little pon under my control.
MadGamer rating: 9.5 / 10
