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Rocky and Bullwinkle Review for Xbox 360 (X360)

Rocky and Bullwinkle Review for Xbox 360 (X360)

Say It Isn’t So Bullwinkle!

Rocky and Bullwinkle for the Xbox Live Arcade is an unpolished children’s title from Zen Studios. The game is made up of a collection of micro-games in the style of Nintendo’s WarioWare, Inc. Sadly, the repetitive control mechanic, unimaginative challenges, and stilted animations make for a real yawner of a title. To be honest, I’ve had more fun with a number of internet flash banners then with this game. Fortunately, the liberal use of the Rocky and Bullwinkle license should bring back some memories and may be a good way to introduce a child to a beloved cartoon classic.

Rocky and Bullwinkle  screenshot

Rocky and Bullwinkle is divided into seven “Shows” (levels) that will unlock as you progress through the game. All in all, there are 105 micro-games to open up, 25 of which can be played with the Xbox LIVE Vision camera. The games will last anywhere from five to fifteen seconds depending on the task. Objectives are straightforward and usually consist of crossing the finish line in a vehicle, collecting presents, hanging laundry out to dry, crossing a bridge, getting through a maze with the Golden Fleece, etc.

The game is set in the world of The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, and as such, the developers have put a ton of related content into the game. There are many picture-in-picture video clips along with short audio blurbs of the original voice actors. This all comes together and helps to set the tone. In addition to the silly moose and the rocket-quick flying squirrel, there are other classic characters such as Boris and Natasha No-goodnick, Dudley Do-Right, Nell, Mr. Peabody, and Aesop. All the characters are accurately portrayed in their appropriate surroundings and should serve to produce a nostalgic smile or two. Unfortunately, the game is devoid of the charming wit and humor of the cartoon that appealed to such a wide audience.

Rocky and Bullwinkle  screenshot

Consequently, the use of the license isn’t enough to save the game from itself. The micro-games are so dull and uninspired that the game lacks any sense of accomplishment. There are gadgets that can be unlocked and then purchased with collected box tops, which in turn give you various point bonuses and additional time. These gadgets don’t feel like much of a reward, however. In fact, the most rewarding aspect of this game is the mandatory Microsoft Achievement Points that you’ll obtain along the way. A real boon to the title would have been the ability to unlock full-length cartoons to be watched at anytime. This might have singlehandedly saved it. Alas, this is not an available feature so you’ll have to make do with the game itself.

If you are ten years of age or older, you won’t enjoy this title due to the utter simplicity and repetitiveness of the micro-games. The games consist of tapping the A button, alternating clicks between LT and RT, and turning the left analog stick around in circles. There are a couple other button combinations employed, but after playing the game for the last three hours, that’s all I can remember. Literally, the same control scheme will be used over and over again with only the backgrounds and scenarios changing. For example, the micro-games “Get it Done Wright,” “Steamboat Race,” “Whiplash the Horse,” “Well Done, Dudley,” and “The Centipede and the Snail” are all the exact same game. The only difference between them is the setting change. In fact, there are a number of other games that are also identical to those already mentioned, but I didn’t start writing down the names until the later levels, when it became clear that I was seeing a pattern that was going to persist throughout the title.

Rocky and Bullwinkle  screenshot

Graciously, the game’s content is wholesome and effortless enough that young children may find a good deal of enjoyment. The cartoon look and feel of the title will probably be engaging to them, and it will only take parents a little while to guide their young ones through the first few “Shows” until they fully get the hang of it. Then the adults can get back to preparing supper, watching the game, or playing with their DS.

Rocky and Bullwinkle  screenshot

As far as graphics go, I applaud the developer’s effort in keeping with the minimalist drawings to coincide with those of The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. After all, Rocky and Bullwinkle were always known for their simple animations that looked almost as if they were stills set to narration. Unfortunately, that style does not work well for video games. The choppy and unnatural character movements make the game boring in a matter of minutes to anyone from tweens on up. To put it bluntly, the visuals need a serious upgrade as they look as if they were hastily made by a programming student an hour before his Adobe Flash exam. How’s that for hyperbole? Regrettably, if you play the game you may not think I’m exaggerating.

It’s nice to know you need not play the game alone. There is a multiplayer component that allows up to twelve players to join. However, this is also poorly done because of the “hotseat” nature of multiplayer. You will actually have to switch the same controller from one player to the next after a set of four micro-games. I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do is to touch my cousin’s hot and schweaty controller after he just got done playing a micro-game. Fortunately, the passing of the controller is done after just four games which is neither too short nor too long. If you were hoping for an online component, you’ll be disappointed, as only leaderboard submission is available.

What more can I say? Rocky and Bullwinkle is a game you should definitely pass on. Not nearly enough craftsmanship went into the creation of the title and the end result is a meager offering. There are a few redeeming qualities in the game, but it all stems from the Rocky and Bullwinkle license. The actual game itself is dull and simply not worthy of your $10.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 2.2 Graphics
The visuals do a good job of depicting the world of Rocky and Bullwinkle, but the amateurish animations are difficult to handle. 1.8 Control
The controls aren’t broken by any means, but the constant repetition is wholly detrimental to the game’s fun. 2.5 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The music is very repetitive, but the classic audio clips buoy the overall aural presentation. 0.8 Play Value
The micro-games aren’t as much fun as popping packaging bubbles. (I hear WiiWare’s actually getting such a game.) 2.1 Overall Rating – Poor
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Great characters: Based on one of the most popular cartoon series of all time, the game features Rocky, Bullwinkle, Boris, Natasha, and a host of other memorable characters from the classic TV show.
  • Fun, fast action: Over 100 fast-paced micro-games are packed with zany, family-friendly humor layered with an extra level of humor for the adults. The fast action and quick games create an easy pick-up-and-play experience for gamers of all ages.
  • Xbox LIVE Vision interaction: Use the Xbox LIVE Vision camera for gesture-based gameplay with 25 of the mini-games.
  • Hotseat multiplayer: Up to twelve players can compete locally in hotseat mode.

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