The Incredibles

"Another video game based on a movie that didn't turn out so great"

If you don't already know it, the Incredibles is a game that is based on the Disney/Pixar film, "The Incredibles." The movie was very great, with an awesome plot, but as it always goes when they go to create a video game of a movie, the game didn't turn out near as good. I'll tell you all about the game in my review.

GAMEPLAY- 5/10

This is where the game falls short. Actually, it doesn't fall short in the challenge of gameplay: the gameplay actually seems impossible. I have completed the game, but it's very difficult to get through. One level seemed as if it were impossible. No, more than one. If you've seen the movie, then you know the main 4 characters- Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible, Violet, and Dash. In this game, Mr. Incredible is played the most. This is expected, as he has the most action in the movie, but it gets kind of boring after playing him for about 6 levels straight in a row. Mrs. Incredible is used less, but she's pretty fun, with her stretchy arms that hook to several environmental things. Unfortunately, I believe that you only play as her in a total of 3 levels. I know that it's heartbreaking, but that's all. What is even worse is that the funnest characters are played the least. Dash is played in 2 levels, one of which is VERY difficult. In this level, you get to race your way to school because Dash missed the bus. This is both fun and difficult at the same time, because cars, trains, construction zones, barrels, and all sorts of nuisances block your way. Violet is used in a single level of the game, which turns out to be the most difficult in the entire game. She must use her invisibility to sneak past guards, but what is so stupid about this is that Violet can only stay invisible for a short amount of time. That has got to be the most FRUSTRATING, DISAPPOINTING, and CHALLENGING level in the game. There is one level, though, where Dash and Violet join forces to create a speedy force field. That's pretty fun. My opinion: give more levels for Mrs. Incredible, Dash, and Violet, make Violet a bit easier to handle, and take out some of the Mr. Incredible levels.

GRAPHICS- 9/10

They are very realistic, and I have no complaints on them. Water glistens on the hero's suit as they emerge from the water, which is pretty fun to see. The characters are quite maneuverable and scenery is spectacular, especially on the island. There is no reason for you to be upset about this game's graphics, as they are some of the best I have ever seen on the PS2.

STORYLINE- 9/10

This is based on the movie's plot, so not a lot has changed. While some parts are actually taken from the movie and played directly onto the game, other parts have been graphically designed and are very well made. The plot is much like the movie's, and if you haven't seen the movie yet, it's about a guy that wants to relive his glory days, even if he has a family to take care of and what all. And the story goes on...

LENGTH- 9/10

The perfect game size. Each level lasts for quite some time, and I'm always up for more and longer levels. The game has a pretty impressive size, so you'll have plenty of playing time. Some levels are short with no huge layout, but feature some big puzzle or boss that you have to get through, which makes the level long. There are few times when the levels can be so long that it gets boring after a while, but still, there isn't a whole lot more you can improve on besides this.

CHALLENGE- 10/10

Actually, video games are supposed to rank in the 6/10 to 8/10. This game ranks in the 10/10 because it is VERY difficult. Enemies are the toughest you'll ever face, as they pour all over you and are the most powerful things. Most of them are humans that are too stupid to realize that Mr. and Mrs. Incredible can throw bombs at them, but other are annoying robots that seem indestructible. That can get very annoying after seeing thousands of them in the same level. Different characters give different difficulty levels- Dash is probably the easiest to play as, but the funnest. Mr. and Mrs. Incredible are kind of challenging, but they are still fun and have unique moves. Violet is a cool character, but she is SO hard to play as. This is why I'm not recommending this game for a 5-year old, as it is way too difficult for a child. You must be an experienced video game player before you play this game. :)

REPLAY VALUE- 5/10

Not a whole lot of reason to replay it, but why not? Once is a good idea, but after that it's kind of boring. There are bonus items in the game that unlock secret content, such as some bonus levels, so if you want to unlock these then you'll need to replay levels and collect those bonuses. Replay the game once after that, but there's no need to do it again.

OVERALL- 7/10

OK, so here's my summary: the game rocks in graphics, storyline, and length, but doesn't do quite so well in the gameplay, replay value, and challenge factors. Gameplay is definitely the most imporant of these, which drops the score down quite a bit. Rent or buy? You can buy it if you were very attached to the movie, but I'd recommend that you rent it. It get's challenging on the 4th level of the game, so don't expect it to be nicey-nice to you right at the beginning.

I hope that you have enjoyed this review. I have also created some reviews for the Tomb Raider series- check these out, too.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 09/17/07

Game Release: The Incredibles (US, 10/31/04)