Don’t go near the kitchen. Waffle irons, toasters, water coolers from water coolers Manchester and other household appliances are coming to life, and only the super-spy guinea pigs of G-Force can pull their proverbial plugs. Disney’s latest video game ties neatly with the Jerry Bruckheimer-produced summer action comedy of the same name, and likely will appeal to kids who seen the movie (and the parents who accompanied them). Like that film, this “G-Force” adventure comes in 3-D (four pairs of glasses are included with the game), so players can literally take gaming to a new dimension while piloting their way through the corridors and laboratories of the evil Saber corporation.
GAME PLAY:
I haven’t seen the “G-Force” movie, but didn’t need to in order to understand and enjoy this Disney Interactive Studios and Eurocom release. Throughout the game you’ll meet most of Team G-Force – including Blaster, Hurley and Speckles – but you’ll only play as Darwin (voiced by Sam Rockwell) or his miniature partner, Mooch – a fly who can access hard-to-reach areas.
There are five missions to complete, each with multiple individual levels, providing hours of progressive game play. The structure doesn’t change drastically – Darwin crawls through tunnels, vents, elevator shafts and office corridors as he infiltrates Saber Mansion, the company’s Production Facility, FBI Headquarters and a Satellite Control Center. The graphics are extremely impressive, with a futuristic impression that befits the game’s James Bond motif. I particularly enjoyed when Darwin sports infrared goggles that turn the environment into a heat-sensor map, allowing our hero to see in the dark.
Resistance from electronic enemies also improves as the levels grow increasingly complicated. Appliances give way to deadly CPUs, electric razors and coffeemakers with force fields and cannons. But Darwin’s able to unlock advanced weapon upgrades, which can be purchased from strategically placed vending machines throughout each level.
CONCLUSION:
Disney’s G-Force game is far better than anticipated. I feared a hastily plotted video game meant to piggy back on an existing film, but was rewarded by an in-depth, handsomely designed and moderately complicated adventure with great graphics and the bonus 3-D element. Game play isn’t complicated – my 5-year-old son, who is savvy with a Playstation 3 remote could maneuver Darwin with ease but had trouble piloting Mooch – and the attack modes are mildly repetitive. But for fans of the movie, this is an excellent next step, and I think it opens the door to future G-Force games if Disney sees adequate response.
FINAL GRADE: B+
EM Review by
Sean O’Connell
Originally posted 8.10.09