Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there are hunters who carry guns in this video game. While it has a hunting theme, no animal dies. Kids playing this game will have to use logic to figure out all the puzzles embedded in the gameplay.
Families can talk about the difference between the cartoon guns in this game and real ones. They can also talk about Boog and Morris' friendship. Does their friendship get stronger when they're down and out? How does their teamwork help them out? How does it help you solve the puzzles in this game?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Anise Hollingshead
OPEN SEASON for the Nintendo DS is based on the film of the same name, and features Boog the bear and Morris the deer, plus a liberal sprinkling of squirrels, rabbits, skunks, ducks, and other forest denizens. A side-scrolling adventure with a strong focus on puzzles, Open Season is an enjoyable way to relive the movie.
The game's premise is loosely based on the movie, with Boog and Morris attempting to find their way back to their happy home in Timberline after Boog was kicked out for trashing a convenience store. Along the way the buddies have to get past nutty squirrels, natural hazards, and gun-toting hunters.
The game is divided into puzzle-based levels, each featuring multiple paths through the forest. In order to advance, players must figure out how to get past obstacles like raised platforms, chasms, tall boulders, and acorn-throwing squirrels. Players must use logic and teamwork as they figure out when to have Boog throw Morris at things to activate or open them. Likewise, sometimes only Morris is able to jump high enough to get around certain obstacles. Using one's friends takes on a whole new meaning in this game, as Boog and Morris frequently have to throw rabbits and skunks at hazards like squirrels and hunters, or at switches to activate them. This throwing is aided by arrows that highlight just when it is time to toss whatever Boog or Morris are holding.
While the game controls are easy, the difficulty lies in figuring out the puzzles. Most require the player to decide which path and accompanying puzzle to solve first, in order to open up subsequent paths. In one puzzle, Morris has to take a lower path, which is below another path with a chasm that has a raised platform above it. The lower path is on an incline, and Morris has to jump while running down the incline in order to get enough height to clear some logs. After the logs, he can then throw a rabbit to operate a switch, which in turn lowers the platform on the path above. Then Boog and Morris can both cross the upper path.
Boog and Morris primarily move across the screen from side to side, but sometimes they can move into and out of the screen, which really widens up the environments. This movement is pretty neat, and really adds to the enjoyment.
Another plus to the game is the high quality of the graphics. Everything is crisp and well defined, with good lighting.
Open Season is a very enjoyable game, with thought-provoking puzzles, items to smash, collectibles, and silly humor. This DS version is superior to the console version, due to the emphasis on puzzle solving, a better environmental design, and a more forgiving health system. Although Boog and Morris can collapse after losing their health, they will start over again at the most recent checkpoint with renewed health. This is a definite plus for the younger players. The "save" feature of the interface is annoying, though, as it only saves at the end of the level, not the checkpoints.
Open Season is a nice choice for families, and will amuse all ages.
Rate It!
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ViolenceHunters carry guns like in the film, but no animals die. Some animals are tossed around, but this is more silly than violent. |
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CommercialismThis is a tie-in to Open Season the movie. |
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Educational ValuePuzzle play gets kids' minds working. |
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