The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Windows)

common sense media says

Good movie makes a dull console game.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although not particularly graphic, this console game version is nonetheless steeped in violence on a grand scale. Game goals sometimes include killing a certain number of foes in order to trigger the next event. The characters fight with medieval weapons including swords, daggers and maces. This is the review of the Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Windows, and Xbox 360 version; the DS version is a totally separate game and has its own separate review.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Caspian's uncle tries to have him killed. The prince shows remorse at the actions of his fellow Telmarines.
Violence: Although not explicit, the sheer volume and mindlessness of violence is notable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The game promotes the film.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about whether they think the game does the film (or the book) any justice. If they could make a game based on the film, what kind of gameplay would it have?

What's the story?

What's the story?

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN is a tie-in to the recent movie of the same name, which is in turn inspired by the fantasy universe of author C.S. Lewis. Actual movie footage serves to move the game's narrative forward -- such that it is. Essentially, however, the game is just a prolonged brawl on a massive scale that pits the four Pevensie children, Caspian, and various Narnian characters against endless waves of Telmarine soldiers commanded by Caspian's evil uncle Miraz.

Players will find themselves in squad-based combat where they can re-enact the encounters of the film, including defending Cair Paravel in the prologue, battling Miraz's armies, and finally storming Miraz's castle to rescue Caspian's tutor Cornelius. You can switch between companions at any time, otherwise they'll trail behind automatically. A second player can take control of one of these companions because the game offers a drop-in, drop-out two- player option.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The hack n' slash gameplay is uninspired and reduces the subtle magic of Narnia to a soulless and repetitive experience. Controls are unrefined, making simple tasks like picking up objects or wielding a grappling hook more arduous than they should me. Even opening a simple chest involves pointlessly mashing the A button. Furthermore, the missions often don't make logical sense, like having to find missing lever pieces over and over again in order to open doors, luring bears into traps that are conveniently placed at regular intervals throughout the forest, or dodging killer bats in a cave to find a grappling hook that's been left in a chest. While the movie footage and co-operative play might be enough to appease Narnia fans, there's nothing otherwise noteworthy or compelling about this title.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Windows
Not available online
Genre: Action/Adventure
Developer: Disney Interactive
Released on: May 15, 2008
Price: 49.99
ESRB Rating: T for Violence

This review was written by Erin Bell
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Dante
teen, 17 years old
 
Bad, Bad, BAD!!! game
It sucks, nuf said

haloodst
teen, 14 years old
 

jim1996
teen, 15 years old
 
tweens and teens
great game once you have beat it it gets kida boring but still fun pretty violent no blood doesn't look too real you play as the good guys the hole game its fun

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