Game Details
Price
  • $29.99
Available on
Genre
More details
See more game reviews

High School Musical: Makin' the Cut (Nintendo DS)

common sense media says

Rhythm puzzles to HSM tunes for tween fans.

parents & educators say
See all 8 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this game features songs and characters from two Disney Channel High School Musical movies. While there is a light story showcasing the movies' stars, this game is about playing rhythm puzzles while listening to the movie soundtracks. The content is as clean as the popular tween movies, but keep in mind that this game is part of what Disney does best: churning out all kinds of tie-in products, from the stars' solo CDs to dolls, magnets, etc.

Educational value: Teaches rhythm.
Positive messages: The characters are working together to win a national contest.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Based on the Disney Channel movie franchise with plenty of products and spin-offs.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on High School Musical: Makin' the Cut

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how High School Musical has become a phenomenon. Did you want to buy this because you love the movies? Does all the HSM merchandise ever seem like overkill, or never enough? Do you mind that there isn't much of a story in this game? When you play, is it more fun to compete with yourself for a better grade or against a friend?

What's the story?

What's the story?
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: MAKIN' THE CUT for Nintendo DS is a musical rhythm game featuring 12 songs from the two Disney Channel movies: High School Musical and its sequel High School Musical 2.

The 12 songs are the background music while you play 12 rhythm puzzles, each of which can be played on four levels of difficulty. The game offers four modes of play: story, quickplay, video studio, and multiplayer. In the story mode, a weak narrative, with photos of High School Musical stars Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan, Chad, and Taylor, explains that they need your help as they travel to four locations to compete for the title of "Best Youth Musical in America."

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This gameplay isn't novel; in fact, it's a clone of the 2006 hit DS title Elite Beat Agents. For kids who have never experienced this type of rhythm puzzle play, it will be fun at first. But unlike Elite Beat Agents, this game only has the musical puzzles and doesn't boast a strong storyline to sustain your interest. Your motivation is simply to better your score and unlock new outfits or locations for the performances.

The bottom line: For fans of the movies, High School Musical: Makin' the Cut is a fun way to play rhythm puzzles while listening to the songs they love. But eventually the gameplay loses its novelty.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Nintendo DS
Not available online
Genre: Music
Developer: Disney Interactive
Released on: August 14, 2007
Price: 29.99
ESRB Rating: E
This review was written by Jinny Gudmundsen
 
 

Review It

 

Review High School Musical: Makin' the Cut

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you play High School Musical: Makin' the Cut?

Game on
Press pause
Game over

Already played it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more games
About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines