Nicktoons Unite!

"Not Bad, Nickelodeon! Not Bad, Indeed!"

Nicktoons Unite!

This is my first review and I hope it to be a most informal one for those of you considering to buy this game! I've never been much of a person to buy licensed games... lets face it, most licensed games are horrible with the exception of a choice few (Spiderman and Lord of the Rings as an example), so I was reluctant when purchasing this product. However, by the screens and movies I had observed, I had noticed that this game was not like its console big brother. Through this, I decided to purchase this product. And I must say... it wasn't half bad!

Story: 4/10

Nickelodeon has never done a good job with stories when it comes to its games. They mostly just shoot games out for cash crop. The story in Nicktoons Unite! involves that of four Nicktoon character (Spongebob Squarepants from self named show, Danny Phantom from self named show, Timmy Turner from The Fairly Odd Parents, and Jimmy Neutron from self named show) trying to stop four villians from their respected universes from creating a doomsday weapon capable of wrecking havoc upon the worlds! Kingdom Hearts this is not! The story is stale, bland, and often times laughable at just how bad it is. However, I will give the game some credit since it is aimed at a younger audience.

Gameplay: 8/10

Most games get the most of their reviews from gameplay, and let me tell you something, this game plays WELL! Instead of the hack and slash overhead view of the console games, the DS port takes a more platform/gauntlet-esque approach to it. During the game, you choose from the four heroes. You choose a hero by dragging a portrait of them to the bottom of the screen using your finger or thumb. This makes it easy to switch on the fly, especially when in a sticky situation. Each character has their own life bar and special moves (for example, Spongebob can shoot bubbles, use his underpants to glide, and float upwards in a bubble.). Secondary moves (such as Spongebob's upward bubble float) are used by either pressing down on the center of the touch screen, or blowing into the microphone. They both seem to work well, and you can adjust the microphone sensitivity as well! Secondary moves also use special energy that is collected around the play field. Each energy is specific to a different character!

As said before, the game plays mostly like a 3D platformer. You got your basic jump/double jump mechanics, and a shoot button for three of the characters (Timmy Turner doesn't fire projectiles, but has a bush ability which we will get into later). The game plays much like gauntlet because enemies seem to be increasingly advancing on you from dimensional portals throughout the play field which must be closed up. In some cases, you must defeat all the enemies and close these portals to move on. In other cases, you must collect a certain number of an item to move on, or complete a touch screen puzzle. The game also likes to spice things up by adding in a stealth mission or two with Timmy using his bush ability, in which he hides himself in a bush. No this is not Metal Gear Solid, but it is somewhat mildly challenging when your in the Dimmsdale level.

Touch screen puzzles are used only so much in the game, and it's usually the same puzzle over and over again. This is fun at first, but later becomes stale and repetitive. The good news is you can always revisit these mini-games at the game hub.

Graphics: 9/10

Hmmm... impressive, I say! The game uses a combination of 3D character models and cell shading to cover up the DS's loley 3D problems. This is an idea that has been used in other great games such as Tony Hawk DS, and Sonic Rush! Each character has a smooth model that is unique in their own way! Running, jumping, shooting, and using special moves run very smoothly! Surprisingly enough, with a lot of enemies on the screen, there is no/very little slowdown, and game keeps pressing on! Level models are also well thought out and make things look all nice and pretty... though it is obvious where the developers got lazy in some places(Fairy World).

Difficulty: 6/10

Let me be blunt. This game is easy! However, it was intended for the demographic of the children who watch the show, so I won't be too harsh. However, there are some stages in the game that can be ruthessly annoying and difficult. But these stages are few and far between. Also, the bosses are extremely easy as well... don't be surprised if you beat them your first play through without dying.

Speaking of stages... the level design in this game is surprisingly solid! Every area in the game looks different from the last one, so it's obvious that the developers weren't too lazy!

Sound: 8/10

I was surprised in this department. The music in this game is actually very well done (with the exception of the credits music and other choice fews. You'll know which ones). Some music hightens tension, and others are just plain cheery! The sound on the other hand isn't so much but a 'meh' on my side. It seems that there are very few sounds in the game used! The occasional bleep and bloop that is used int every game, and some footstep sounds sometimes. Even more, I would have loved to hear some voice clips from the actual characters besides the occasional grunts. But I won't judge too hard on voice acting.

Replay Value & Lastibility: 5/10

There isn't much in terms of replay value in this game, other then the unlockable touch screen games, and those are a minor diversion at best... You could always play the game over since it only takes about 5 - 10 hours to complete, if even that long! Other than that... that's about it!

Conclusion

Your definitely getting your 30$ worth on this game. The gameplay is a worthy surprise for the 3D platform starving DS, and the graphics are a nice compliment to that. However, those expecting an intricate plot or tons of play time are in for a disappointment. I recommend this game to those who enjoy the occasional 3D platform game and/or the Nicktoon fans as well! Danny Phantom alone is enough to sell this game! What you want to do with it after your finished with the game is all up to you though.

Final Grade: 6/10

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 01/25/06