Game Review ( Over The Hedge - DS )

Many people overlook games that are based on movies, especially those not interested in the movie to begin with, but Over The Hedge is actually a good game. It is one of the very few movie games that are actually any fun to play.

Graphics: 4/5 The video clips in this game aren't very good. Not because of the DS's screen, but obviously because the videos are on a cartridge. The videos are grainy and not very clear at all, but the in-game graphics look great. The level design is very cool. There will be times when the game will pause for a moment, and there will be random times when a black bar will appear on the screem, but that's about it. Also, you may get the first impression that the camera in the game will be terrible - I did too. The thing is, it isn't bad at all. Some people may not like the "under-the-ass" camera, but you should get used to it. And finally, this game has one of the best maps - ever. The bottom screen displays a full 3D map of you and your surroundings from a birds-eye view, which is very nice. It looks cool, it's helpful, and it will get you through tough times.

Sound: 3.75/5 The character voices are good and everything, but the background music is quite annoying, and is very repetetive. There isn't much to hear besides that. A fan of the movie would appreciate the sound more.

Control: 4.5/5 Surprisingly good. Given that the camera angles actually cooperate, the controls make for a good gaming experience. Jumping onto small objects isn't hard at all - the controls are very simple. Each character has different abilities, but all are easy to learn.

Fun: 4/5 You can play as quite a few characters from the movie in this game, but you will mostly be playing as Verne the Turtle, or R.J. the Raccoon. There are 20 missions that will last a fair amount of time, and there is even multiplayer, which seems like it'd be fun, but I haven't actually played it. This game will probably be over and done with within a few days if you play it continuously, but even after you beat it, it isn't so bad to go over and play it again. It seems like it'd get repetetive going into houses, getting objects, and getting out, but the truth is, it's not - because there are different things in your way. Cats, dogs, people, and you have to get around them, get the object from where ever it is, and get out. Over The Hedge is virtually a little version of Metal Gear Solid, Tomb Raider, and a little like Splinter Cell. The only thing is, it's a dubbed down kiddy version. But either way, this is still a game that anyone can get enjoyment out of.

4/5