Phineas And Ferb: Across The 2nd Dimension The Game Review

Review Score:

Phineas and Ferb are in the middle of their “Greatest Day Ever!” But because this is a movie tie-in game, can the greatest day be the greatest game? Let’s find out.

Story:

The plot of this game is very ingenious. During the movie, which is great by the way, there is a musical montage that shows Phineas, Ferb, Perry, Candace, and Dr. Doofenshmirtz passing through many different dimensions. Now instead of playing through the scenes from the movie, you’re playing through this montage in much greater detail. It’s almost like watching the deleted scenes.

Now the story of the game is where one of the largest issues comes into play. You are given the task of collecting power cores to fuel a gadget that can open portals to different dimensions; and that’s it. There isn’t even a plot twist until the very end of the game. This makes the feeling of not progressing constantly present. The plot twist however, isn’t really that big either.

Even with these complaints though, it’s important to remember that this is a game that although everyone can enjoy, its target audience is kids. The story has more than enough hooks in it for its demographic, and that’s way more than what can be said about most kids games.

The characters are also very good. Everyone has their role, and funny things to say. These characters also keep the game moving at a bearable pace, and keep the humor throughout.

So overall, storytelling isn’t this games strong point, but that shouldn’t be reason people purchase it.

Graphics:

The Phineas and Ferb game is great to look at in many cases. The characters, weapons, gadgets, and enemies look like they were pulled straight from the T.V. show. The environments however are a disappointment. They are way too dull. I don’t know why they made such an effort with the characters, but not with the environments they run around in. This can’t be said for all the levels however. There is one dimension where the game has you battling on Steam Boat Willy, and the designers made the camera view shake and flicker as if you were watching an old episode of Mickey Mouse.

Another plus in the graphics department, is the weapon effects. Explosions, energy blasts, etc., all look great and cartoonish. Even though it’s hard to actually screw this up, this success should be noted because nothing says “entertained kids” like a lot of flashing lights and colors.

The enemy character models are also well-done. You will never find more varied enemies in any game. You fight robots, lawn gnomes, gelatine monsters, and even computer software. This keeps up the pace, and adds a hint of discovery. Even more insane are some of the bosses. An Andross like robot warrior, and a very large cube shaped lion thing that looks vicious and sounds equally as terrifying.

If there is one thing better than the character models, it’s the variety of the dimensions. Although, like I said before, there is some blandness, the game makes up for it in crazy imaginative worlds. By the end of the game you really feel like you’ve traversed a multitude of dimensions (assuming you know what that feels like). You actually go from sliding down a rainbow, to escaping an exploding factory. It’s that crazy.

It should also be noted that the cutscenes are great looking and to-the-point. In addition, they throw in scenes from the aforementioned movie (and again, it’s very good). It begs the question, “Why don’t more movie tie-in games do that?” and sadly, I don’t have the answer.

There is also a lack of glitches in the game which is very much appreciated. You may come across a flickering object, but never anything severe. Again game developers, is it too much to ask for a bug free game?

Overall not much to complain about when it comes to graphics. An art-style to marvel, and tons of enemies, makes the game stand out from most movie tie-ins…talking to you THOR.

Sound:

The game really shines here. The writing is great in the show and movie (again, a must watch), and it’s great to know it carries over. It provides laughs for all ages, even for old men like Knightedrik. Although it’s not quite as funny as the movie (watch it), it doesn’t disappoint, and remains humorous for the entirety of the game. At one point a random robot shouted, “YOU WILL MEET YOUR DOOM! I use anger to mask my insecurities.”

The soundtrack is great as well. You’ll notice that as soon as you start up the game and hear 2 catchy original scores. Not just music, but full-on lyrics too. The songs actually explain the plot of the movie (the movies good).

The biggest and most amazing part in terms of audio, is the stellar performance by the voice cast. Just like the television counterpart (*cough* *cough* good movie *cough*), the actors know how to bring life to the characters. And I mean that in the least pretentious way possible.

The sound design of Phineas and Ferb Across the 2nd Dimension is another high point. It’s good to know voice acting doesn’t have to be all “Charlie Brown” in these kids’ games.

Gameplay:

Phineas and Ferb is a rather successful fusion of the LEGO games with Ratchet and Clank. The only down side is being for kids. The action and platforming you’d find in Ratchet & Clank and the LEGO games is there, mixed with weapon customization and upgrading. You’re collecting bolts just like in Ratchet & Clank, and have drop-in and drop-out co-op, once again, like the LEGO games.

A problem some could have with the game is the short single-player. It clocks in at about 4-5 hours. Now that being said, I actually don’t think that’s such a bad thing. I mean, do we really want this type of game to go on for ever? I think the developers made a smart move by limiting the campaign length so it doesn’t overstay its welcome (Like what McKinley’s doing on the site, oh sorry, that must be my “Man Crush” right?). Anyways, I don’t think kids need a Fallout sized single-player to have fun. And this short-but-sweet campaign does the trick.

There isn’t that much to love or hate about the game. It does what it does well, but there aren’t enough risks made by the developers. Every mechanic in this game, although near flawless, has been done-to-death already. Which is another reason why the campaign length understandable.

There are only 3 things that stand out with the gameplay, and 2 of them are rather small. For one, during the game you are constantly changing what you are doing. You’ll be flying, fighting, sliding, creating, upgrading, platforming, shooting, and collecting. That’s a big plus. It’s like the gameplay has A.D.D.

You are also asked to built things throughout the experience to solve problems, but, this is a really small part of the game and doesn’t add that much to the experience. They also have two mini-games between levels that give you tickets to buy costumes, weapon skins, sound effects, etc. Again, a very small part, but still fun.

So in the end, it’s a fun game with near perfect controls and gameplay, but loses a lot of points for being as generic as it is. But for kids, this is a perfect introduction to the world of action platformers with enough of a “fun factor” for anyone to enjoy.

Online:
N/A

Lasting Appeal:

Although it doesn’t seem like a game packed with replayability, I found myself being drawn back into the world because of the collectables and great characters. I don’t normally go back for collecting, so the fact that I did is significant.

If you take the game for what it is, a kid’s game with some hooks for adults, you will enjoy it. But for the COD crowd, it’s as fun as shoving your penis in a fireplace, well that’s kind of harsh, ok, your friends penis… “Come here Steele!”

Story: 5.1
Graphics: 7.7
Sound: 8.7
Gameplay: 7.0
Online: N/A
Lasting Appeal: 6.4
Overall: 7.1*
*Not an average