There’s a reason why there aren’t many rhythm games on handheld systems.
After playing this game, you’ll be convinced even further as to why they should only be attempted with the utmost care.
With less than stellar sound and a small screen, there are just too many negatives developers face before they get out of the starting gate. That, however, hasn’t stopped Majesco from publishing “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked,” a game which is spite of solid sound and a bevy of songs, fails to do the one thing music titles should do, entertain us.
All in all, it’s another attempt to cash in on a profitable license that fails miserably.
Not even a Hootie and the Blowfish song can save it.
Sure, the kiddies will sing along to this one, but the wonky gameplay absolutely ruins the fun for adults. Rather than beat the screen a-la “Elite Beat Agents,” or any other decent attempt at a console rhythm game, “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” has you draw shapes on-screen, in order to get the chipmunks to dance along to the music. While the dashes, plus signs and Xs are easy enough, some of the shapes are entirely too complex.
Between that and the three waves you’ll have to fill in for Simon, Theodore and Alvin, which are entirely too close together and make it nearly impossible to draw, the gameplay can be a nightmare at times.
At other times, you’ll draw the proper shapes, but they won’t register, which only adds to the frustration.
Because of this, there is only so much fun to be had, even with the most dedicated chipmunk fanatic.
While the graphics are practically a mess, with blocky, ugly versions of our fuzzy friends [think Sega Saturn Virtua Fighter] and blurry backgrounds, the music itself is utterly adorable. The sound quality as well is fantastic. Had the gameplay been fine tuned, this could have been a sleeper hit.
As it stands now however, Dave won’t be this only one screaming at the chipmunks this holiday season. If you don’t have a small child who will appreciate the music and cute [yet far from proficient] chipmunk visuals, there’s little reason to give this game a chance.
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