The Times BFI 54th London Film Festival Follow Us on Twitter

www.t75.org

Where The Wild Things Are: The Game - Review

Where The Wild Things Are

Review by Cassam Looch

IndieLondon Rating: 2.5 out of 5

ALTOUGH the film has struggled to find an audience (it’s not bad but exactly who is it aimed at?) the game has no such problems. You control Max, the precocious child at the centre of the action, and partake in predominantly platform-based tasks similar to many games you may have seen before.

There’s more of a free roaming element to this particular game but you still have missions to complete along the way.

The platform action is surprisingly varied and Max has a decent set of moves at his disposal. It’s not always appropriate to use the best ones, but you are sorely tempted to bust out the moves.

These can also be extended by picking up objects and using them, so for example a feather can enable Max to flap his arms and fly.

Like the film you can craft and build these abilities up in an organic manner. You are very much in this new world from a child’s point of view and, as such, are having fun from the simple tasks and objectives at hand.

When not in platform action, however, Max has limited attacks and combat abilities. They become entirely repetitive very quickly and the lack of variety in the animations to accompany these doesn’t help.

Despite being aimed at kids (the ridiculous guidance rating aside) there are moments when you can get confused as to what exactly it is your supposed to be doing and, more importantly, where you need to get to.

Where The Wild Things Are: The Game has some moments and charm that it shares with the film, but also some of the flaws (and a few of it’s own problems to boot!).

About The Game:

Inspired by the highly-anticipated Warner Bros. theatrical release based on the best-selling children’s book by Maurice Sendak, Where The Wild Things Are lets players take on the role of Max as he journeys across the land of the Wild Things, which is on the brink of destruction.

Max must join forces with the Wilds Things to find a way to escape to safety before it’s too late.

Players assume the role of Max, “King of All Wild Things,” as they team up with the fearsome but loveable creatures. While journeying across their island, players learn amazing new skills and abilities.

Solve action puzzles, overcome challenging obstacles, and play through a unique story narrative to uncover the mystery behind the hostile island and save the Wild Things before it’s too late!

At any time during the game players have the opportunity to explore the Wild Things’ Village and play through a variety of minigames, interact with the creatures, and let their imaginations run wild!

Where The Wild Things Are takes players on a unique and exciting journey beyond the movie, and brings to life one of the most beloved picture books of all-time.

Key Features:

- Rule the Island: Play as the mischievous Max, become “King of All Wild Things,” and join The Wild Things in their quest to find a way to safety before it’s too late!

- Frolic in the Wild Things’ Village: Explore the Wild Things’ Village to meet all of the different creatures, play through minigames, and acquire power-ups from each character.

- Make ‘Wild’ Friends: Befriend and team-up with these fearsome but loveable mythical creatures – discover their unique personalities and learn new skills and abilities from them.

- Discover the Undiscovered: Run, jump, climb, glide, fly and swing your wings.

Formats: DS, PS3, Wii, X360
Out: Nov 2009.
Publisher: Warner Bros.