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Tak and the Guardians of Gross

(2008, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated E10+, Play it on: PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Entertaining action in TV show tie-in fluff title.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    The game doesn't require a lot of puzzle-solving skills, as the story and action unfold in a very linear fashion, with each game chapter relying on some simple task rather than some large challenge to take on.
  • Messages:

    Tak is a good-natured protagonist with good intentions. Even though he causes the main issue in this title, his demeanor and attitude are good examples of positive thinking in the face of adversity.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Characters get hurt -- but show no pain, even when major injuries would be expected.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Tak is not only a video game, but an animated series on Nickelodeon.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Tak and the Guardians of Gross was written by Common Sense Media Editors

Parents need to know that the main character of this game is also the main character of an animated TV show on Nickelodeon. While the game does involve some violence, the enemies simply dissolve into thin air or flash of light when destroyed with Tak's staff.

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 video games that are based on TV shows and how the topics transfer between mediums. They can also talk about the push towards the parkour style of gameplay. What is it about parkour that makes it entertaining? The speed and grace that the characters move?
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More on Tak and the Guardians of Gross

What’s the Story?

It's been three years since a newTak game has been released. TAK AND THE GUARDIANS OF GROSS continues the basic platform action gameplay of the older Tak titles, with some slight changes being added to keep players entertained. This time around, Tak, a jungle boy with a unique ability to communicate with magical beings, has released four gigantic monsters into the world and must now embark on a quest to retrieve them and send them back to where they came from.

To accomplish this quest, Tak travels through various levels collecting glowing orbs and fighting the creatures he encounters along the way. Through the levels, Tak gains access to different types of magic that will help him including Cheesy Magic and Lumpy Magic. The magic is used to help move through obstacles and overcome various challenges.

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Is It Any Good?

Players control the game by using both the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk attachment, although the unique aspects of the Wii are under-utilized. For example, during a particularly tough-to-control puzzle section, players must point the remote at specific blocks on the screen and then push buttons to throw rocks at the blocks. The jumpy nature of the pointer makes this section quite challenging when it should not be. Other motion control sections are simpler and are quite enjoyable, such as using the remote to fire energy blasts from your staff while on a moving vehicle.

Similar to the TV series and other video games set in the world of Tak, the game does feature a fair amount of humor that helps propel the game from mediocre to enjoyable. The layout of the game is such that even young gamers will be able to advance through the title quite quickly, because the orbs that you must collect are set on a path through the levels rather than being simply scattered. The mix of puzzles, platform jumping, and slight fighting action make the game entertaining. Thanks to the parkour gameplay of running, jumping, climbing through environments, the battles become quite dynamic with Tak vaulting over enemies while attacking, rather than simply mashing buttons in hopes of winning.

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Publisher’s Details

Released on 10/13/2008, price $39.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E10+ (for Comic Violence, Comic Mischief)

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