Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension

Game review by
Mark Raby, Common Sense Media
Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension Game Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 9+
(i)
Colorful platformer game emphasizes friendship, teamwork.
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Parents say

age 5+
Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 6+
Based on 3 reviews
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Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension Game: Screenshot #2 X of Y
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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

Positive Messages

The main characters, Phineas and Ferb, are best friends who work together to have fun and get through tough situations. In this game, they are faced with trying to prevent the evil Dr. D from unleashing a destructive attack. Phineas and Ferb do not seek out violence, but must use it to achieve peace and foil Dr. D's plan; as such, the message is more about teaming up and going on an adventure with a friend than it is about violent activity.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Both Phineas and Ferb can be looked up to as role models. They embody positive thinking, ambition, and determination, and the quest to save their hometown makes it easy for players to be right by their side. The enemy characters, led by Dr. D, have a powerful impact on the game's story but because of the way it plays out, players will surely side with Phineas, Ferb, and their group of friends as opposed to the negative characters.

Ease of Play

For the most part, this game is accessible to anyone familiar with the puzzle-solving, environment-traversing nature of platformer games. There are some boss battles that are difficult to defeat, especially on a first try. The later levels also become tricky and tough to maneuver through; however, players who are willing to figure out the best strategies and the most efficient way to solve the platforming puzzles should be able to get through the game with a sense of accomplishment.

Violence

Throughout the course of the game, players will have to take out a barrage of enemy creatures, many of whom are colorful and not that intimidating. Nevertheless, players have an arsenal of gadgets like a baseball gun and laser shooter to destroy the creatures. Some of these creative weapons are designed to simulate real gun controls, and can result in big, bright explosions. However, when a creature is defeated it simply fades away and disappears.

Sex
Language
Consumerism

This game could be considered as a marketing tool to promote the TV movie of the same name.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension is a platformer game based on the animated direct-to-TV Disney movie of the same name. Players embark on a journey with Phineas and his friend Ferb as they wander through an alternate dimension on a quest to defeat an evil villain by foiling his plans to wreak havoc on Phineas's and Ferb's real-world hometown. Players will have to take out a barrage of enemy creatures using whimsical gadgets as weapons (some of which appear and behave as guns), sometimes resulting in large explosions, though enemies simply disappear when defeated. The DS version of this game has a milder depiction of the combat and is rated E, while this review covers the PS3 and Wii versions, which are rated E10+. Additionally, the PS3 version contains four episodes of the Phineas and Ferb TV show.

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User Reviews

  • Parents say
  • Kids say
Parent of a 3 and 5-year-old Written bylaribrook September 29, 2011
age 5+

Feels like you're part of the Phineas & Ferb gang.

While there is a little violence in this, overall it's pretty cute and a relatively easy game for 5 and up (we have the Wii). We rented it because w/ his d... Continue reading
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Kid, 10 years old November 19, 2012
age 9+

good

it is violent easy to play and it is not good for learning why? because is fighting good for learning no.
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Teen, 15 years old Written byEpopo June 14, 2012
age 8+

Awesome game

Fun
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Add your ratingSee all 3 kid reviews.

What's it about?

PHINEAS AND FERB: ACROSS THE 2ND DIMENSION puts players in the shoes of best pals Phineas and Ferb, two characters known for getting into zany adventures and always pulling through. In this game, the two have to travel through an alternate dimension to reach the nefarious Dr. D, who is planning to unleash destruction all over the neighborhoods and surrounding areas of the hometown of Phineas and Ferb. Players will have to take out various minions and enemies, using everything from laser blasters to a projectile-like electric gum. All the while, the two friends work together and turn what could be an unnerving experience into an exciting adventure.

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Is it any good?

Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension is a fun, creative platformer game. The highlight within the 24 different levels is the wild selection of gadgets that players can collect and upgrade to wreak havoc on the enemy minions scattered throughout the game. The levels are also very well designed, ranging from platypus-themed environments to a level made out of gelatin. The actual gameplay mechanics are no different than what has been seen in myriad other platformer games before it, but fans of the Phineas and Ferb TV show should have no problem enjoying this game.

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Talk to your kids about ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in this game. How do Phineas and Ferb defeat the bad guys?

  • How strong is the friendship between Phineas and Ferb?

  • Why do you think Dr. D wants to destroy the Earth?

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Game details

  • Platforms: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3
  • Price: $39.99
  • Available online? Not available online
  • Release date: August 2, 2011
  • Genre: Action/Adventure
  • ESRB rating: E10+ for Cartoon Violence
  • Last updated: June 19, 2019
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