| Gameplay | B |
|---|---|
| Controls | B |
| Graphics | C |
| Presentation | B |
| Audio | B |
| Value | D+ |
| Multiplayer | +++++ |
| Vital Stats | |
| Publisher | 2K |
| Developer | High Voltage Software |
| Price | $39.95 |
| buy from MotionGaming | |
| MetaCritic score | xx |
review by David V
There are not many game experiences tailored for young children on game consoles. There are a ton of edutainment titles on PC, but on consoles there aren't nearly as many choices. While developer High Voltage Software and publisher 2K did a good job with the Dora and Diego platformers last year, I was a tad concerned about buying this game. For one thing, this review could be the first one published on the Internet, which is surprising since we don't typically get games before release like some video game review sites do. The other concern was that this wasn't a platformer, but a mini-game collection, which the Wii already has too many of that are of poor quality.
Ni Hao, Kai Lan Super Game Day is a title meant for the little girls who are fans of this new Nick Jr. program. Ni Hao, Kai Lan introduces kids to Chinese culture and teaches about cooperation and friendship, and several of the mini-games in this collection play more as cooperative activities than as competition, which I count in its favor. This is a game best played by a group of kids, since the single-player campaign isn't terribly challenging.
The game is organized into three levels containing four games each. All of the games use motion control in some fashion, whether it's the typical waggle motions, or tilt control. In the games, items glow according to the character's color indicating when you should move the Wii remote. The games have been simplified to the point where few kids over the age of 7 or 8 with Wii experience with other games are likely to enjoy it.
To review this game, I played it with my daughter Maggie, who is 5 and a big fan of Ni Hao, Kai Lan. We were able to play through all three levels in about 30 minutes. The game is quite forgiving and while most events have a "winner", the game doesn't rub it in like in, say, Wii Sports. She had fun, but she was only interested in playing through once. We'll see if she chooses to play the game more in the future.
The graphics were relatively underwhelming, like a good Nintendo 64 game, which I found disappointing. I wasn't expecting a game that pushed the system, but I was hoping it would look better. The backgrounds are done competently, but the large Kai Lan model used to introduce games is poorly done. Young kids won't be picky, but I'm of the firm belief that a game being intended for young kids is not an excuse to mail it in.
The audio, for the most part, is competently done. The music is borrowed from the television program, and the voice acting is acceptable. The sound effects are effective but not distinguished.
Overall, I was hoping this game would be better than it is. It's not as well done as the Dora and Diego games that HVS has done in the past, and I think that's largely because of the decision to make this a mini-game collection instead of a platformer. As much as I wanted to, I can't recommend this game at $39. If your kid is a fan of the program and really wants this game, wait until it drops in price -- which it no doubt will -- to the more appropriate price of $19. Even then, you might want to just rent it and let them have their way with it for an afternoon. That may be enough for your child to get what they're going to out of Ni Hao, Kai Lan Super Game Day.
