For some reason those game makers that dare to step into the limelight to create playable versions of Hollywood hits always fall somewhat short of the mark. While it would be great to inform you that Planet 51: The Game breaks the mould to deliver a game that is interesting and challenging, unfortunately that would be something of an untruth.
On the surface this title looks like it could have stepped away from the stereotype of failure to provide an enjoyable experience. The graphics are attractive enough, the characters themselves are particularly well modelled and animated and the world to explore is large for a game within this genre. Sounds like the makings of a great game. Unfortunately, while there are certainly many moments to enjoy, the actual gameplay does not match up to these high expectations.
The game has shied away from forcing you down the path of completing an assortment of complex and intricate missions, focusing instead on mini-games of differing difficulty levels. From delivering newspapers to cutting the grass, there’s a range of different tasks for you to complete. On the whole though the tasks aren’t much of a challenge, although some may pose a few moments of difficulty, and they swiftly become repetitive or even boring.
Incentives to repeat activities such as the ability to unlock vehicles don’t provide much in the way of motivation. The controls for the assortment of transportation are difficult to master and clumsy, and you’re unlikely to notice much difference in the way they handle. Without a car or bike at your disposal however you will be limited in your ability to move around the open world to reach new tasks and games. Even discovering new areas and activities seems to have adopted the sense of blandness that Planet 51: The Game oozes. Any excitement is swiftly quenched due to the length of time it actually takes to get anywhere.
A few entertaining abilities such as shoving drivers into passenger seats to commandeer their cars adds a little amusement and interest, though only for the first few occurrences. Likewise clips from the movie itself might seem a nice touch, but they only make you more aware of many of the games inadequacies such as awful lip synchronisation and the terrible voice acting. The clips may have you wondering why you haven’t sat down to watch the film instead of playing the game.
There’s nothing that is technically bad about Planet 51: The Game. While there are some technical hitches they don’t do much to get in the way of the actual gameplay, and while it may not boast the graphical prowess of some titles it isn’t unattractive. What the developers have succeeded in doing is creating a game that is particularly monotonous and uninspiring, something that is actually less likeable than a game that is technically ‘bad’. Unfortunately then we must place this title on the pile of games rushed out in an attempt to capitalise on the success of their Hollywood movie counterparts.