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 Shark
Tale is one of the few really good movie-adapted videogames
on the market. Based on the animated motion picture
of the same name that starred the voiceacting of Will
Smith, there are lots of diverse gameplay elements
that closely replicate events in the movie. Not only
does it follow the same plot but you'll be able to
pull off many of the same stunts that Oscar did in
the flick. As close as the game is to the movie, it
is without the voiceacting talents of Smith. Not to
worry because the replacement actors still sound great.
Oscar
is a likeable, fast-talking fish that finds himself
in trouble with the local shark mob when he can't
make his payments to the loan shark. Don Lino sends
his kid, Lenny, out to collect the debt and the two
become fast friends. In an effort to save his new
buddy, Lenny agrees to help Oscar gain a reputation
as a dangerous shark fighting fish. This ruse buys
Oscar some time and allows him to cash in on his newfound
fame. Of course many incidents arise from this situation
which forms the basis of each of the 25 levels.
Much
of the gameplay includes exploring the environments
and rhythm-based games. In the movie, Oscar would
occasionally burst into song. When he does so in the
game he is surrounded by a large circle that has smaller
circles within it not unlike an old phone dial. Each
smaller circle represents a button on the controller
and move clockwise within the perimeter of the larger
circle. When a particular icon passes through the
highlighted area, you must hit the appropriate button
on the controller at the exact time. You earn points
when you do it right and lose them when you do it
wrong. Dancing segments are also included that use
arrows as indicators. The Xbox and PS2 support the
dance mat. These rhythm games will get more challenging
as you go - a lot more challenging.
 Collecting
pearls will give you currency to purchase and unlock
various items such as film clips, art and a music
player. There are lots of items available but even
if you have lots of money you can't buy everything
unless you have reached a certain "reputation"
level.
While
swimming around you will have to avoid various enemies
such as sharks, dolphin police, piranhas and puffer
fish. Bumping into some of these enemies such as the
piranha and puffer fish will reduce your energy. To
gain it back you have to knock on a door and invite
yourself in for something to eat. Back outside you
can break various crates in which you will find some
useful items to help save your tail fin.
During
various pursuits the game turns into a race. You can
control the speed and direction of Oscar as you receive
Dragon Lair-style indicators that tell you which direction
to hit the controller, a split-second before impending
doom such as landing in the open mouth of a shark.
To
maintain your reputation as a shark slayer, you can
punch and kick them and even pull a few combos. This
will stun them and give you time to escape. Stealth
plays a role in the game. There are times when it's
best to hide behind things and not get spotted. Just
watch the patterns of the enemies and make a run for
it when they're out of range or have their back turned.
 You
couldn't ask for a better looking game. On the Xbox
it's almost as good as the cartoon. It runs glitch-free
and at a steady, flowing framerate. The environments
are well detailed with various AI fish going about
their daily business. Clips of the movie appear in
the game to keep the story moving. The music and sound
effects have also been taken from the movie - and
why wouldn't they? It all makes for a high quality
game.
There's
a lot to like about Shark Tale. It's a medium difficulty
game with lots of variety that will keep you from
getting bored. All of the gameplay elements seem like
they really belong in the game and aren't just mini-games
tacked on to pad it up. For a game that's based on
underwater cartoon characters, (warning: pun alert)
it's got a lot of depth.
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Based
on the new computer-generated animation feature from
DreamWorks, Shark Tale is attacking "get it attacking?"
every single gaming console. Of course with the "A-List"
Stars featured in this one, maybe they need to raise
funds to pay their salaries? Shark Tale is a game
that both young and old will enjoy. Of course taking
a look at the screen shots and the basic game plot,
I think the younger gamer will get the most out of
this one. The movie hits theaters in October while
the game is slated for a September release date. Now
with the success of the sequel to Shrek perhaps DreamWorks
wants to get this in the minds of everyone they can.
Players will take over as the lead-role, Oscar, voiced
by Will Smith. You will have to fight off sharks and
even show off your skills at bustin some moves, dance
moves that is, and the PS2 and Xbox versions will
support the use of the dance pad. The game will feature
25+ action-packed levels inspired by the film. 
Shark
Tale, the game, will follow the movie plot and then
go beyond the movie adding to the overall gaming experience.
Players can expect plenty of mini-games and surprises
from the actual film included in the main versions
of the game. While this one is certainly aiming for
the younger gamers, older gamers may want to join
in and help. Or give it a try alone you may enjoy
it? We know many of the talented voices will appear
in the game although we do not know if everyone has
agreed to be in the game. It will also feature a pretty
decent soundtrack for those who enjoy Hip-Hop music.
Take a look at the screen shots and the game features
on this one. It may not appeal to everyone but it
looks to have enough different things added to allow
gamers of any age to give it a try. 
