Just in time
for Christmas is the game based on the movie based on the book. The story
follows the exploits of “Hero Boy” as he boards the magical train bound for
Santa and the North Pole, in an attempt to stamp out his growing feelings of
disbelief when it comes to the Christmas spirit. The game, for the most part,
sticks pretty close to the movie, aside from a few additions whose sole
purpose is to extend the experience.
The first
half of the game revolves entirely around Hero Boy putting the “Hero” in “Hero
Boy,” as he attempts to retrieve the tickets belonging to the rest of the
children, which have been hidden by the evil Scrooge marionette. The levels,
corresponding to the pursuit of each ticket, take place within the many train
cars of the Polar Express. One of the games strengths lies within the many
different gameplay styles presented. For example you’ll have levels, which are
pure platforming fare, while in others you’ll battle the various minions of
the evil puppet in simplistic, but surprisingly fun combat, while in others
yet you’ll take part in rhythm games, and there’s even a couple of levels
where you’ll employ your stealth skills. Each of the various gameplay types,
while very short and simple, do work well within the framework of the story.
For most
gamers, the gameplay will likely be far too simple and easy to maintain your
interest, but this game wasn’t intended for anyone but the youngest of gamers.
Once off of the train, it’s more of the same, albeit under different
circumstances in different environments. However, it is also off of the train
where some of the game’s best levels take place, which usually center around
differing modes of transportation, the best of which is the skiing segment
where you must race down a mountain in an attempt to get ahead of the Polar
Express.
Graphically,
the game looks surprisingly good, which is helped in large part by the fact
that the developers did an amicable job of capturing the look and feel of the
movie. One of the strengths of the game’s appearance is the way that the
environments do a good job of conveying atmosphere. The passenger cars look
warm and cozy, while the refrigerated car and the outdoor levels look crisp
and cold. However, one of the disappointments is that you don’t get much of an
opportunity to see the North Pole aside from the CG clips. Most of the levels
within the North Pole take place within Santa’s factory, which while nicely
done, don’t really give gamers an opportunity to feel the magic of such a
place. The character models, while nowhere near as impressive as those in the
movie, do a nice job of portraying their big-screen counterparts. On the
whole, the animations are solid, aside from the facial animations, which are
pretty archaic for this time and day. Far and away the best aspect of the
visuals is the healthy amount of clips from the movie included within the
game, which if you’ve seen the movie or commercials, you know why.
The sound
featured in the game is without a doubt the game’s strongest suit. Featuring
the music from the movie, the songs are whimsical and crisp, capable of
dragging even old Ebenezer Scrooge kicking and screaming into the Christmas
spirit. The movie clips, of course, feature the excellent voice acting from
the big screen, while the voice actors for the game sequences do an admirable
job of mimicking those from the movie. Beyond these aspects, the sound effects
are solid and varied, from the sound of a thrown toy hitting its mark, to the
sounds of Hero Boy sliding across the ice of the refrigerator cart; every
action and reaction has a believable sound accompanying it.
In the end,
one must keep in mind the target audience, which is the youngest of gamers. In
that respect, the game succeeds on varying levels. Some of the sequences may
require the help of mom and dad, or an older sibling, but these instances are
few and far between. (Beware the level that takes place atop the Polar
Express!) For a game of this nature, it is surprisingly solid especially when
one considers the many different gameplay mechanics employed. For those
youngsters that loved the movie and or the book, they will get the most out of
this game, which does a nice job of complementing the source material. For
everyone else, unless you are an absolute Polar Express or Christmas junkie,
you should probably take a pass. The negatives are, of course, the simplistic
gameplay, (its microscopic length which clocked in at about two hours), and
the fact that it’s a game whose sessions will likely coincide with the few
weeks that the Christmas decorations are out. With that said, the positives do
outweigh the negatives, so if you are buying a game for a young gamer this
holiday season, the game’s budget price makes this game a worthy selection.
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Gameplay: 7.0
The game has an
impressive array of varying gameplay styles, which keeps things fresh and
moving forward. They all work surprisingly well, but they may be far too
simple for their own good
Graphics: 7.5
There’s nothing
spectacular going on here, but the graphics do an admirable job of capturing
the mood, feel, and even the temperature of the environments. They’re suitably
bright and whimsical, perfect for young fans.
Sound: 8.0
The music is
grand and sweeping, putting anyone within earshot immediately into the
Christmas mood. The voice actors, both those from the movie and the game, do a
great job of delivering their lines and the sound effects are spot on.
Difficulty: Easy
As far as “kid”
games go, this is one of the easiest ones I’ve ever played. There are a couple
of sequences that may prove to be a little too difficult for the target
audience, but they’re nothing that even the most game inept of parents will
have trouble conquering.
Concept: 7.0
Taken on the
whole, the game does a great job of capturing the look and emotion of the
source material. The fact that the developers were able to incorporate so many
different gameplay styles into the game and making them seem completely
fitting and natural is a nice accomplishment.
Overall: 7.2
Overall, this
game ultimately proves worthy of the beloved source material. It’s a game for
a very specific type of gamer, for whom it will prove worthwhile. The sights,
the sounds, and the gameplay conspire together to create a whimsical game that
will put little ones into Christmas overdrive. Young fans of the book and
movie will definitely enjoy their time aboard the Polar Express on its journey
to the North Pole, while the parents and older siblings will enjoy the fact
that said fans have a game that will require a minimum of help.
