This is another one of those childhood classics I remember playing a lot of when I was a kid. I was already a huge fan of the Dreamworks movie Madagascar growing up so it only made sense that I would adore the video game version as well. The game was developed by Toys for Bob who are most well known for the endless amount of Skylander's games and for rebooting the Crash and Spyro trilogies. While it is a game that is mainly for kids, there is still just enough likability for experienced gamers to enjoy.
The game follows the same beats as the story. You play as Marty, Alex, Gloria, Melman and sometimes Skipper as they travel from the New York City Zoo to the island of Madagascar. Most of the game’s story is the same as the film it's based on but with the add twist of extra material not shown in the movie like certain subplots and new characters never seen before.
The gameplay is for the most part an easy walk and the park and there’s not much of a challenge to be had for the most part. That’s not always a bad thing though as the game has a good amount of wacky antics and surprisingly subtle humor sprinkled throughout. It’s really enjoyable to play as the main characters from the movie and each of them come with their own abilities, some of which can be unlocked from collecting 3 power cards in certain areas. There are also bonus mini games that are fun to play with 2 or more people such as mini golf, shuffleboard or lemur rave.
The graphics are nothing to write home about but they have just enough of a wacky cartoony visual splender to please fans of all ages. We start out in New York where everything is bright, solid and harsh in it’s color choices and the island of Madagascar is lush and filled with a lot of greens and other natural colors. The music is simple but also enjoyable and nostalgic. There are even some actual songs that are used in the game. (Most of them are used in the Lemur Rave mini game). They are fun and energetic and it almost feels like something you’d hear in the Madagascar movie itself.
Although i’m now a fully grown adult, I will still have a major soft spot for this game as it left a major impact on my life as a kid. Sometimes you can find me playing this easy but nostalgic game from time to time.
(Final Grade: B)