Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion

Review

Common Sense Media says

Cartoon brawler is pale imitation of Super Smash Bros.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that even though Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion is a game centering around a number of popular Cartoon Network franchises, it's a fighting game that doesn't pull many punches. While the violence is all cartoonish, it's nonstop and not for young kids. Everything is over the top, but there are all sorts of bad examples, including flatulant- and burp-prone attacks along with several that are more directly aggressive. 

  • Positive role models0
    This is a game about fighting other characters, so it is not one full of positive role models. While part of its fun comes from being over-the-top, some attacks include flatulence and burps.
  • Ease of play3
    If you've played Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. games in the past, you'll glide into this one with no trouble. Beginners to the fighting genre, though, may not get up to speed immediately, as there's very little in the way of onscreen tutorials (though the manual is thorough). 
  • Violence3
    There's no blood, but there's plenty of cartoon violence to be found -- with all sorts of punches, kicks, swords, sickles, lasers, burps and more. There's never never any sound of distress. 
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism3
    The game is meant as a marketing extension of several Cartoon Network shows -- and could hook kids who like one show on that network to begin watching one or more others.  
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
  • Privacy & safety5
    Minor safety issues. The game supports up to four-player multiplayer, but not via online play. Players must be within the immediate vicinity of each other to play. 
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What's it about?

The stars of Cartoon Network's biggest shows go toe to toe in this fighting game. Players will be able to pit characters from The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10 Ultimate Alien, The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends against each other, with each sporting unique abilities. 

Is it any good?

 

The Super Smash Bros. series is a cornerstone of Nintendo's gaming lineup, so cloning it with the popular stars of several Caroon Network shows seems like a can't miss idea. Unfortunately, CARTOON NETWORK: PUNCH TIME EXPLOSION not only misses, it misses by a wide margin. The levels come across as generic. The controls aren't as responsive as they should be. And the multiplayer is underwhelming, to put it kindly. The use of 3D is similarly bland. Avid fans of the Cartoon Network may enjoy the chance to interact with their favorite characters, but others should steer clear. 

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the violence highlighted in the games. Do the characters seem as violent on TV?

  • Does seeing these TV cartoon characters in this sort of game make you like them more or less?

This review was written by Chris Morris

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This review was written by Chris Morris
Topics:superheroes
Platforms:Nintendo 3DS
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Fighting
Developer:Crave Entertainment
Release date:June 7, 2011
Price:$39.99
ESRB rating:E10+ for Cartoon Violence, Crude Humor
This review was written by Chris Morris

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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