Common Sense Note
Parents should know that the game -- while providing an important message about the value of friendship -- features one character hunting his friend, and some cartoonish violence. Also, the gameplay is challenging and may frustrate young players who are newer to video games.
Families who play this game may want to talk about how it helps promote the movie and other Madagascar products. Why are movies and the video games that are based on them released at the same time? What does the movie studio have to gain by making this game?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Matthew Pavao
The game follows the the general plot of the movie. This makes it entertaining for younger kids newer to video games, while the game's challenging stages keeps stlightly older game players amused.
Four animals, a fun loving zebra (Marty), a pretentious lion (Alex), a sassy hippo (Gloria), and a neurotic giraffe (Melman), have escaped from the zoo. Players follow their adventures through New York City, aboard a steamer ship, and onto Madagascar as they all band together to try to gain their freedom.
Playing as one of the characters, players will face many unique challenges. There is the daring escape from the zoo, past a hilarious Crocodile Hunter knock-off; a mutiny orchestrated by a group of penguins aboard a freighter; and several difficult stages trying to help fleeing lemurs on a desolate island.
The game almost misses its core audience by being too difficult. Some stages require a lot of motor dexterity as well as a creative mind. Fortunately, the game comes with an unlimited amount of lives for the stages, but younger players may get frustrated.
The game also has some thematic intensity, which fans of the movie will remember. At one point, Alex has somewhat of a nervous breakdown from not eating meat, and proceeds to try and hunt down one of his friends, Melman the giraffe.
It's worth noting that the game has terrific graphics. The clarity of the scenes, and brilliance of the colors, really make scenes -- like one played through a waterfall -- aesthetically pleasing. If players can put up with the voice acting, they may get that being-in-the-movie feeling. Overall the game is solid, with intense graphics, an easy-to-follow storyline, and quick pace of play.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentA warthog makes a pass at Gloria the Hippo. |
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ViolenceMostly harmless, but players have to fire, or are fired upon, by a tranquilizer gun. Also, a hungry lion hunts his friend. |
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Social BehaviorTeaches the importance of friends. There is also an underlying message about letting animals live free in the wild. |
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CommercialismThe whole game itself is based on the movie of the same name. Players can shop for products, like mini games and clothes for their characters |
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Educational ValuePlayers will learn some facts about animals. For example, players must use the flora and fauna of Madagascar to help move through the game. |
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