Hugo Screenshots (Hugo Smakkaball - screen 01) (Hugo the Evil Mirror - CGI screen 01) (Hugo Smakkaball - screen 02)

Hugo is the latest series of children titles by developers ITE Media that really help add something to this much neglected genre. Although there are virtually dozens of different Hugo titles, this review will focus on the following four titles that have just been released in Australia by Manaccom. These titles include;   ● Hugo Heroes of the Savannah ● Hugo Smakkaball ● Hugo The Forces of Nature & ● Hugo The Evil Mirror   For those that have never heard of the Hugo, the series revolves around a young troll called Hugo who gets involved in a variety of different adventures, all because of a wicked witch called Scylla. These adventures generally involve Hugo and his loveable friends (such as Fernando, Jean Paul & Professional Shellback) who must solve a variety of puzzles, explore various real-word places and also engage in a variety of extremely entertaining games that are all aimed at the younger generation of gamers. That said, the games are aimed at children between the ages of 6 and 13 and whether or not the game is teaching children or letting them have fun, each title that my nephew and I have played has been thoroughly enjoyable! Hugo The Forces of Nature Hugo, the Forces of Nature is aimed at children (both girls and boys) between the ages of 6 and 12 with the main learning theme behind this title being about natural phenomenon. When the wicked witch Scylla departs her Jungle Island, she leaves Don Croco in charge of her lands but when Don discovers her spell book, he accidentally unleashes a variety of natural disasters upon the island. Fortunately for the denizens of Jungle Island, the Kikurians, Hugo and his friends have come to save the day with over six different games to complete. Although the games are relatively easy for the adult gamer, kids will simply adore them when they start solving puzzles and engaging in a variety of different arcade-style games that are all part of the learning experience. Graphically, Hugo the Forces of Nature is a very impressive looking game that looks extremely cartoonish with well animated characters and detailed backgrounds. Add a few special effects and some amazing sound bites and you have a children's title made in gaming heaven. I should also mention that the soundtrack of this game is thoroughly enjoyable and really helps draw the young gamer into Hugo's universe.

Hugo Smakkaball

Hugo Smakkaball is aimed at children between the ages of 7 to 13 and unlike the other games in the series, not all these games are educational as this game is all about having fun. The game brings together a variety of characters from the Hugo universe where they must engage each other in a variety of "child-friendly" battles. Smakkaball is a strange game that is vaguely reminiscent of squash. The idea behind Smakkaball is that you must "hit" the smakkaball into a wall to gain that wall as yours that is achieved by your shield that your character wields. The player with the most walls claimed at the end of the match wins the game and then the gamer can proceed to the next division of smakkaball. To spruce things up, the developers have also added a variety of additions to the game that include various powerups and also upgrades to your characters. Although smakkaball can be played solo, there is also a very cool multiplayer option that allows you to play against another human opponent.

Graphically, Hugo Smakkaball is a very impressive looking game that features 3D designed characters with extremely detailed texture details that move with a cartoon-like grace. The game contains quite a bit of colour that really suits the children's genre of gaming, the only downside to the game are the lacklustre backgrounds but fortunately this doesn't tamper with the gameplay of the title. There is also variety of special effects in the game such as the smakkaball itself or the way players claim their walls.

As with all the Hugo series of games, smakkaball contains a very cool soundtrack that you cannot help but enjoy and add some extremely entertaining noises and some very cheesy voice acting and you have one extremely entertaining game that I'm sure kids of all ages will get a blast playing.

Hugo Heroes of the Savannah

Hugo Heroes of the Savannah is aimed at children between the ages of 7 and 11 and unlike Smakkaball, this game is an educational title and teaches children a variety of things about the African savannah. The story once again revolves around Hugo and friends who must complete a variety of challenges for a stork who asks them to deliver three different eggs to a variety of animals. These animals include a ostrich, eagle and crocodile that focus on the various ecosystems of the savannah. As the three adventurers roam around the African savannah, they also encounter different animals that not only teaches them some information about them but also how to identify them in some entertaining memory games. As per usual, the games are relatively easy and contain a variety of different puzzles such as memory games that help children learn their animals.

Graphically, Hugo the Heroes of the Savannah is a very impressive looking game and contains a very "cartoon" feel to it. The characters are all well animated and include some attractive backgrounds and you almost feel like you are roaming around the African savannahs. I must admit that the soundtrack of Hugo the Heroes of the Savannah had me humming its tune for ages, it's nothing special but boy is this addictive. There are also a variety of different sound effects in the game that also help immerse the young gamer into this educational and fun title.

Hugo the Evil Mirror

The last game that we received to review was called Hugo the Evil Mirror and is aimed at children who are aged around 6 to 12 and although this is not an educational game like the other two titles, it is more about providing the market with a very child-friendly game. To be honest, the children's market is really quite disappointing but fortunately ITE Media have come to the rescue with a plethora of games that is sure to get this much over looked market going again. The story of Hugo the Evil Mirror once again revolves around Hugo and friends and when the wicked witch Syclla captures Hugo in her magic mirror, it is up to three children to help free him.

The basic premise behind this game is a 3D arcade game where players must traverse three different gaming environments and recover the broken pieces of the mirror that Scylla has spread across the world in order to free Hugo. There are a variety of different activities throughout the game from puzzles to races that I'm sure all children will thoroughly enjoy. I must admit that the graphics of this game were quite impressive, considering that it was just a children's title and it also featured a great musical score with some very impressive sound bites.

In conclusion, ITE Media have done a brilliant job at creating a very interesting and likeable series of games around their main character called Hugo. Although this review just briefly touched four games of this series, there is also variety of other ones available at the moment. I recommend that parents check these games out because whether they want their children to learn something useful or wish to purchase a game that is totally aimed at children, then they cannot ignore this series. The developers have done a brilliant job at making these games interesting, addictive (as in not boring) and add some beautiful graphics, cheery sounds and a very child friendly soundtrack and you truly have a winner on your hands. All these games are priced at a very affordable $29.95 that ensures this one of the most affordable and well made children series out there. Highly Recommended!

- Andrew B