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Madagascar Kartz

(2009, Video Games - Racing, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DSi)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Amiable movie tie-in racer offers chaotic fun and laughs.

In this game kids can:   play multiplayer games, race, whack cartoon characters

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Ease of play:

    Play control is relatively simple on all systems, but exceptionally so on the Wii version, where steering is handled with mere tilts of the remote.

  • Educational value:

    None.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    There aren't many messages to speak of in the game, but Gloria the hippo frequently makes remarks about her own large size (e.g., "throwing my weight around"). As in the movies, her character seems based almost entirely around being heavy.The penguins slap each other in the face when they lose, but it is meant to be funny.

  • Role models:

    As in many racing game, the driving on display is not exactly safe. Racers are encouraged to sabotage opponents to get ahead.

  • Violence & scariness:

    Racers can impede one another's vehicles in cartoony ways, such as tossing beehives or spiders at them, leaving bombs on the road, or sending a giant shark chomping its way along the course. The team of penguins that drive one of the karts will sometimes slap one another across the face when they lose a race.

  • Language:

    Racers occasionally goad and taunt one another, but not in any really  malicious ways.

  • Consumerism:

    Aside from the obvious tie to the Madagascar movies, characters and setting from other Dreamworks films (Shrek and Monsters vs. Aliens) are also featured. The Wii version can be bought along with a custom Madagascar steering wheel for the controller to fit into. The controller comes with Madagascar logo decals for decorating.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Madagascar Kartz was written by Christopher Healy

Parents need to know that this amusing racing game provides a relatively harmless way for young fans of the Madagascar movies (or Shrek or Monsters vs. Aliens) to enjoy playing with some favorite film characters. The humor in the game is far less coarse than that in the movies and the cartoonish violence -- which comes in the form of outrageous booby traps for opponents -- never rises to the level of even the mildest Tom & Jerry skit.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about good sportsmanship. Is it ever okay to taunt or tease an opponent?
  • How are traps and cheats in a game like this different from cheating in a game or race in real life?
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More on Madagascar Kartz

What’s the Story?

MADAGASCAR KARTZ is a racing game in the tradition of Mario Kart. Cartoon animals from the movie Madagascar race each other in suped-up vehicles through landscapes such as a tropical beach, an African savanna, a volcano, and a New York zoo. Along the way, racers can use silly power-ups to either get ahead or sabotage their opponents. Some power-ups include a giant protective crate that surrounds the players car and a disco ball that causes opposing drivers to dance and makes steering more difficult for them. You can unlock the bonus characters from the Shrek and Monsters vs. Aliens
movies. Close

Is It Any Good?

Anyone who has played the Mario Kart games will know exactly what they're in for with Madagascar Kartz as well. Fans of one will enjoy the other. Madagascar Kartz benefits from appealing graphics, easy-to-use controls, and some creatively humorous power-ups. On the negative side, the number of racers -- and worse, the number of courses -- feels far too small. Racing games are built on replay value and without more variety, this one may soon lose its luster with many kids. Like many racing game, Madagascar Kartz works best in multiplayer and will serve best as a party game for groups. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 10/27/2009, price $19.99–$39.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for Comic Mischief)

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    GamingDaddy
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    A fun game for 5 and up

    Really enjoying playing this with my son and daughter they are 5 and 7 years old and like the characters more than Mario Kart. The penguins are our favorite.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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