Game Details
Price
  • $49.99
Available on
Genre
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Madagascar (PlayStation 2, Windows, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox)

common sense media says

A fun -- but surprisingly challenging -- game.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the game -- while providing an important message about the value of friendship -- features one character hunting his friend and some cartoonish violence. Also, the gameplay is challenging and may frustrate young players who are newer to video games.

Educational value: Players will learn some facts about animals. For example, players must use the flora and fauna of Madagascar to help move through the game.
Positive messages: Teaches the importance of friends. There is also an underlying message about letting animals live free in the wild.
Ease of play: Game is challenging to play for young players.
Violence & scariness: Mostly harmless, but players have to fire, or are fired upon, by a tranquilizer gun. Also, a hungry lion hunts his friend.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The whole game itself is based on the movie of the same name. Players can shop for products, like mini games and clothes for their characters

More on Madagascar

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how this game helps promote the movie and other Madagascar products. Why are movies and the video games that are based on them released at the same time? What does the movie studio have to gain by making this game?

What's the story?

What's the story?

MADAGASCAR follows the general plot of the movie. Four animals -- a fun-loving zebra (Marty), a pretentious lion (Alex), a sassy hippo (Gloria), and a neurotic giraffe (Melman) -- have escaped from the zoo. Players follow their adventures through New York City, aboard a steamer ship, and on to Madagascar as they band together to try to gain their freedom.

Playing as one of the characters, players will face many unique challenges. There is the daring escape from the zoo, past a hilarious "Crocodile Hunter" knock-off; a mutiny orchestrated by a group of penguins aboard a freighter; and several difficult stages trying to help fleeing lemurs on a desolate island.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The game almost misses its core audience by being too difficult -- some stages require a lot of motor dexterity as well as a creative mind. Fortunately, the game comes with an unlimited number of lives, but younger players may get frustrated. The game also has some thematic intensity, which fans of the movie will remember. At one point, Alex has something of a nervous breakdown from not eating meat, and proceeds to try and hunt down one of his friends, Melman the giraffe.

The game has terrific graphics. The clarity of the scenes and brilliant colors really make scenes -- like one played through a waterfall -- aesthetically pleasing. If players can put up with the voice acting, they may get that being-in-the-movie feeling. Overall the game is solid, with intense graphics, an easy-to-follow storyline, and quick pace.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: PlayStation 2, Windows, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox
Not available online
Genre: Action/Adventure
Developer: Activision
Released on: May 23, 2005
Price: 49.99
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Cartoon Violence, Crude Humor

This review was written by Matthew Pavao
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

 
Not happy with the undertones or language
I was appalled to see the "Cop" segment in which the object is to out run them or knock them down. The police (who are all white with mustaches) are also referred to as "the man". And since when is "This sucks" acceptable language for children?

CSM Screen ...
teen, 17 years old
 
This game is not for young kids!
This game has some swears in it!

 
I enjoy this
I love the minigolfing a fun overall game!

KinbJune
teen, 13 years old
 
From Movie to Game, it Never Changes
This was a very easy game for me (coming from an expert). I absolutely loved this game, but the only problem was that it was too short. I would've loved more levels, especially for the wacky puzzles that were involved, and the action and abilities that were available. Definitely check this game out!

Peter m
kid, 10 years old
 
GOOD
Hard at first, but i learned

jackg
adult
 
Madagascar is a gas!
This game is a lot of fun. It does have some violence and naughty humor, so the little ones should not play it.

 
Average Game
This game was pretty average, but it isn't bad for a movie game. As for it's E10+ rating, I disagree because the only "Crude Humor" that made it E10+ was the 4 animals trying to find where Marty ran off to by identifying his dung. There is some language instead, but hopefully "This place sucks!", "He sucked anyway" or "This is not Cr***er-lackin'" shouldn't count too much.

 
Not Bad!
Saw the movie with my husband and my 4 yr old son. Loved the storyline and the effects. I kind of dozed off in a couple of scenes but my son liked the movie even though there were a couple of times in which he was a bit restless especially in the part where Alex was hungry and would see his friends as food. Even though I thought it was a bit too much, my son didn't get frightened (which was good). But we all loved the last part and especially when the lemurs would sing and dance.

Sanjay407
kid, 13 years old
 

mrbookworm01
teen, 13 years old
 
Good game, but not for the youngest kids
I have the Playstation 2 version of this game and I like it. It does have some levels that will be a bit difficult for kids to go through, but a kid above the age of 7 will most likely be able to go through these levels fairly easily. Plus, the mini-games (which are Mini-golf, Shuffleboard, and Lemur Rave) are really fun and have a multiplayer option, so kids can play alone or with friends. Violence: Some cartoonish violence and Alex attempts to eat Mort in one challenge. Also, the final level has a battle with a strong fossa that might be a little bit scary to younger/sensitive kids. But nothing graphic is shown, and nobody gets seriously hurt. Consumerism: Based off the popular movie of the same name, so kids might want to see it after playing this game.

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