Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this kid-friendly sports game is based on the Surf's Up movie but deals with the surfing tournament aspect of the film (rather than story or characters). There are a few examples of reckless behavior -- like surfing during hurricane winds, through shark-filled waters, and while a volcano erupts nearby. The game has an online component; Common Sense doesn't recommend online play for anyone under the age of 12.
Families can talk about the appeal of extreme sports games. Is it that they let you experience what it would be like to do dangerous stunts without fear of actually getting hurt? What would happen in real life if you tried some of the moves the characters do in the game? Does playing this kind of game make you more or less interested in trying stunts in real life? Also, why did you want to play this game -- because you like surfing or because you saw the movie?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Erin Bell
As far as video games based on movies go, SURF'S UP had some pretty rad source material to work with. After all, you can't get much "cooler" than a bunch of surfer-dude penguins competing against each other for the top prize in a surfing tournament held off the coast of Antarctica.
Movie content aside, though, Surf's Up holds its own pretty well as a surfing-themed sports game. Assorted penguins (and a couple of other rogue animals) are the star athletes; players focus on mastering the mechanics of surfing and earning various trophies and awards by fulfilling goals.
Championship mode is the meat of the game. Players choose a character (Cody, Lani, Chicken Joe, and Rori Nubbins are playable immediately, with others available after unlocking), and then hit the waves in a series of courses set in familiar movie locations like Shiverpool, Pen Gu North and South, and the treacherous Boneyards.
In each course, an ever-present wave is cresting off to one side of the screen; next to it are calmer waters littered with various obstacles that must either be slalomed around -- or used as makeshift ramps and rails for performing jumps and grinds.
Players can launch themselves off the crest of the wave to perform aerial tricks by pressing different controller buttons. Successfully landing tricks will earn points, which go towards trophies and shells; players can also earn awards for passing through a certain number of gates. Landing tricks also fills an energy bar that, when full, activates "stoke mode," in which spectacular tricks can be performed for big points. Energy can also be spent on short bursts of speed.
The wave is by far the most interesting element of Surf's Up. It actually moves across the course and will obscure gates and power-ups and steer players straight into an obstacle if they don't act quickly. This adds an interesting dynamic to the gameplay, forcing players to keep on their toes, steer cleverly, and use well-timed bursts of speed to keep on top of the wave. Occasionally the wave will evolve into a tube that lets players perform special multi-button combos while inside.
In multiplayer mode, two players compete on the same course for the high score; a well-timed shove can push an opponent beyond reach of a crucial power-up or gate. The third mode is a simplistic little distraction called Leaf Sliding, in which players ride leaves down bobsled-like courses.
Players can unlock new boards and accessories for the characters, as well as songs that are added to a growing soundtrack (it can be toggled through on the fly).
Surf's Up has a less-complicated control scheme than other games in the genre -- like Amped and the SSX series. There are no spectacular multi-button tricks here. It's typically one button per trick, and one trick per jump. The decision to focus on surfing -- and nothing else -- definitely works in the game's favor and makes it easier for younger kids to play. Although the controls lack subtlety, Surf's Up is still able to deliver rushes of excitement when everything gels and you're riding the wave for all it's worth.
Extreme sports fan can also check out SSX Blur and SSX 3.
Platform Notes
Game Boy Advance
The Game Boy Advance version is a basic 2D side-scrolling game that offers two modes: racing (cross the finish line first) and freestyle (score the most points by performing tricks). There\'s even the occasional swimming challenge, which is unique. But gamers on the go would fare better with the more exciting and graphically superior Nintendo DS version.
Nintendo DS
On the Nintendo DS, this is a fun little 3D racing game closer in concept to Mario Kart than SSX, complete with racing circuits to complete and power-ups to take out opponents. When a character gets air-time, you can tap the lower screen to select a trick to perform. The game also features wireless multiplayer.
Nintendo Wii
The Wii version is the least satisfying. Due to controller limitations, players can\'t perform freestyle tricks; the game is also the weakest of the three console versions graphically. Acceleration is achieved by pulling up rapidly on the Wii remote, which appears to be the only motion-sensitive function.
PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3 version offers exclusive content courtesy of Sony Pictures (makers of the Surf\'s Up movie), including various slideshows of concept art and three video clips: an interview with Big Z, an interview with Reggie Belafonte the promoter, and an episode of \"Sports Heroes\" featuring Big Z hosted by Sal Masekela. There\'s the option to tilt the controller to left or right to navigate, or back to break, but honestly it\'s easier and more intuitive just to use the analog stick to steer.
Reviewed: 08/03/2007
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ViolenceYou can shove opponents out of the way. |
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Social BehaviorSome reckless behavior (deliberately surfing in hazardous weather conditions, etc.). You can also shove your opponents so that they can't win. |
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CommercialismThe game is a tie-in to the Surf's Up movie and features broadcasts from the "SPEN" network (a spoof of ESPN). |
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