 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Madagascar
- PlayStation 2, Windows, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox
- Price: $49.99
- Genre: Action/Adventure
Common Sense Media says
A fun -- but surprisingly challenging -- game.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
What's it about?
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
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AGE
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?
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AGE
This game is not for young kids!
This game has some swears in it!
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AGE
I enjoy this
I love the minigolfing a fun overall game!
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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.
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Kid, 10 years old
December 14, 2010
AGE
GOOD
Hard at first, but i learned
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AGE
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!
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| Platforms: | PlayStation 2, Windows, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Developer: | Activision |
| Release date: | May 23, 2005 |
| Price: | $49.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E10+ for Cartoon Violence, Crude Humor |
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