Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion Game Poster Image

Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion

age 11+
(i)

 

Cartoon brawler is pale imitation of Super Smash Bros.
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What parents need to know

Positive role models

This is a game about fighting other characters, so it is not one full of positive role models. While part of its fun comes from being over-the-top, some attacks include flatulence and burps.

Ease of play

If you've played Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. games in the past, you'll glide into this one with no trouble. Beginners to the fighting genre, though, may not get up to speed immediately, as there's very little in the way of onscreen tutorials (though the manual is thorough). 

Violence

There's no blood, but there's plenty of cartoon violence to be found -- with all sorts of punches, kicks, swords, sickles, lasers, burps and more. There's never never any sound of distress. 

Sex
Not applicable
Language
Not applicable
Consumerism

The game is meant as a marketing extension of several Cartoon Network shows -- and could hook kids who like one show on that network to begin watching one or more others.  

Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Not applicable

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that even though Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion is a game centering around a number of popular Cartoon Network franchises, it's a fighting game that doesn't pull many punches. While the violence is all cartoonish, it's nonstop and not for young kids. Everything is over the top, but there are all sorts of bad examples, including flatulant- and burp-prone attacks along with several that are more directly aggressive. 

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What's it about?

The stars of Cartoon Network's biggest shows go toe to toe in this fighting game. Players will be able to pit characters from The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10 Ultimate Alien, The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends against each other, with each sporting unique abilities.

Is it any good?

QUALITY

The Super Smash Bros. series is a cornerstone of Nintendo's gaming lineup, so cloning it with the popular stars of several Caroon Network shows seems like a can't miss idea. Unfortunately, CARTOON NETWORK: PUNCH TIME EXPLOSION not only misses, it misses by a wide margin. The levels come across as generic. The controls aren't as responsive as they should be. And the multiplayer is underwhelming, to put it kindly. The use of 3D is similarly bland. Avid fans of the Cartoon Network may enjoy the chance to interact with their favorite characters, but others should steer clear. 

Families can talk about...

  • Families can talk about the violence highlighted in the games. Do the characters seem as violent on TV?

  • Does seeing these TV cartoon characters in this sort of game make you like them more or less?

Game details

Platforms:Nintendo 3DS
Price:$39.99
Available online?Not available online
Developer:Crave Entertainment
Release date:June 7, 2011
Genre:Fighting
Topics:Superheroes
ESRB rating:E10+ for Cartoon Violence, Crude Humor

This review of Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion was written by

Chris Morris
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Teen, 16 years old Written byndrwcd November 25, 2012
age 10+

a super smash bros brawl wanna be

super smash bros brawl out does this game in every single catergory you can possibly think of
What other families should know
Too much consumerism
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Kid, 8 years old August 29, 2013
age 4+

what a awesome game

I played in xbox316 with my brother and it was awesome i mean is the game,the song, and averything in store that's way ther are old shows not new it will be fun geast play it and see
What other families should know
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
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Teen, 13 years old Written byTheBombFunn May 11, 2013
age 9+

Not that bad

I have never played it, but to be honest it looks kinda fun
What other families should know
Too much violence
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