The Trash Pack

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The Trash Pack
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Trash Pack is based on the line of toys of the same name, which carries the slogan, "The Gross Gang in your garbage." This game is a collection of four different mini-games, each of which involves throwing trash, collecting trash, or moving trash. The positive side effect of the game is that players are helping to clean up the streets, but the focus of the game is on the garbage and how dirty it is. Players collect digital versions of the "Trashies" toys in the game, and the game also encourages players to collect as many of the real-life toys as they can as well.
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What’s It About?
THE TRASH PACK is a collection of four mini-games: \"Trash Catch,\" \"Trash Attack,\" \"Trash Drop,\" \"Trash Toss.\" Each mini-game consists of a relatively simple task, such as catching falling trash from the sky, throwing trash into garbage cans, and getting from point A to point B while avoiding an onslaught of garbage. After completing a mini-game, players are rewarded with characters known as \"Trashies.\" The goal is to collect as many different kinds of Trashies as possible. The game also ties in with the line of real-world Trash Pack toys. It provides players with a checklist of toys, encouraging them to buy more of the physical toys until they have them all.
Is It Any Good?
The Trash Pack has few redeeming qualities and is designed only for players who are interested in collecting the real-world Trash Pack toys. This game's main purpose is to advertise a line of physical toys. It does not have any semblance of a redeeming storyline, and it is just not that fun. There are only four mini-games, each of which is very basic and does little to challenge players. Moreover, players will need to play these mini-games over and over again to collect more Trashies. It comes off as a repetitive and sometimes frustrating experience. Those who are really into the toys may find some enjoyment simply out of the fact that they can see their favorite Trashies come to life, but as a video game it falls flat.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the level of consumerism in this game. Why was this game created? Would you want this game if the characters were not "Trashies"?
How well does the game present the message that cleaning up the streets is a positive thing?
Game Details
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS
- Subjects: Math: estimation, patterns, sequences
- Skills: Responsibility & Ethics: embracing differences, honoring the community
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Activision
- Release date: October 30, 2012
- Genre: Mini-games
- ESRB rating: E for Comic Mischief
- Last updated: August 26, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
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