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Space Chimps
Space Chimps is the yet to be released CGI
animated moved that stars a group of chimpanzees as they attempt to
boldly go where no chimpanzee has gone before. Although the movie has
met with some mixed criticism in the states, it is anticipated that this
holiday movie will sit well with the intended audience of younger
viewers and anything to do with cute CGI characters from movies
generally always spawns a movie-based game. Space Chimps is no
exception!
Space Chimps on the PlayStation 2 is a 3D
action platformer that is loosely based on the movie of the same where
the player controls two Space Chimps called Ham and Luna. Each of the
chimps have their own strengths and weaknesses as they interact with the
gaming environment.
For instance, each has their own unique way of
dispensing enemies and are both needed for certain aspects of the game
in order to successfully complete the mission you are engaged in. The
story also features a healthy dose of humour between our two heroes
which will easily draw the gamer into this entertaining world.
The control system is rather well mapped on the PlayStation 2 DualShock
controller without it being overtly complex and younger gamers will have
no problems in picking up the controller and playing. Gameplay wise, the
title is rather generic and does not offer the gaming industry new in
terms of gameplay, however it is a sturdy 3D action platformer that has
the player exploring, fighting and solving a variety of puzzles in the
game.
The combat of Space Chimps is quite entertaining as you engage
with a variety of different alien creatures with some challenging boss
levels as you stomp on their heads or hit them into the atmosphere.
Graphically, the title is rather impressive on the PlayStation 2 and
once again proves that this console still has a few more years left in
it. The gaming environments, although they contain an "animated" feel is
quite suited for the title and each character moves with a monkey-like
grace without any jittering. The detail on the characters are good as
are the environments and special effects that go hand-in-hand with the
gameplay.
Musically, the the soundtrack has a nice ambient feel that
doesn't interfere with the gameplay, although changes for certain
"events" in the game. The sound effects have a real comedic and cartoon
feel to which that matches the storyline and gameplay of the title.
In conclusion, Space Chimps may not be the most original game on the
market but for a title based on a movie, the developers have done an
exceptional job at recreating the franchise into the console world. Good
gameplay, good graphics, the game is good in most aspects, however for
the more mature gamer, they may find the title missing the mark but for
the younger gamer, it may be just what they needed. |
