This is probably the first time that a video game has inspired my children to go to the movie theater. Usually it is the other way around–they go see the movie and then clamor for the video game to continue the adventures.
My boys (ages 5 and 7) have been slow playing this game, as they are having a great time just roaming around, so I wanted to get a review out there even though they have not finished the game. It seems by doing a bit of research on the game there are some fun things they just have not gotten to yet, but will be excited about once they do.
The game itself looks great, which roped them right in. They told me they felt as if they were really controlling a movie character and watching a movie rather than playing a video game. That is always a good start. Remember, we played the game before seeing the movie, but it was real easy to fall in love with Rango as a character, because he is just so quirky and funny.
I jumped in a bit to play with the controls after the boys had gone to bed, and I felt the camera and the controls were what I would have expected from the game; they gave the Rango character a good feel while playing. My favorite was the way that the items in the environments felt real. A gate out of pencils felt to be the right size, along with all the other items in the game. This really ups that level of immersion, as the scale of the environments can really cause problems if not done correctly. Also the cut scenes really keep the boys interested, and keep that story type appeal going for the game. Rango does have a gun (popcorn shooter) and can get up close and person while smashing other enemies a la melee type attacks, so keep that in mind with the kids.
Rango The Videogame gives you a bunch of different types of events like trick shots, golfing, rail-grinding (Sonic Style), and racing, among others, which keep the pace moving and the player happy. One thing that we have not gotten to yet but have heard a lot about is the 8-bit universe. I think I will be more excited to see that than the boys, but then again they have really gotten into those older classic video games lately, so it may make an impression on them, as well.
Overall, I think the length of the game is perfect for my boys, and I look forward to them getting a little further in the game to see even more of the exciting stuff Rango has to offer. As it stands now, the boys find the game a blast.
Los Angeles, CA—March 1, 2011—Paramount Digital Entertainment and Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) proudly announced today that Rango The Videogame is now available worldwide for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™.
Rango The Videogame is an action-adventure game inspired by the forthcoming Paramount Pictures/Nickelodeon Movies animated feature film, Rango in theaters on March 4th. Set in the gritty, Wild West town of Dirt and filled with wily and whimsical characters, Rango The Videogameinvites players to continue on Rango’s wild journey with all new tall tales, brimming with intense action and outlandish scenarios inspired by the movie.
“Rango’s fondness for telling tall tales allowed us to push the limits in creating new adventures for players of all ages to enjoy,” said Thomas Lesinski, President of Paramount Digital Entertainment. “We worked closely with the Rango filmmaking team on a unique game storyline and integrating stunning visuals from the film to create a game that delivers a great variety of game play that has already impressed the critics.”
Rango The Videogame lets players explore a wide variety of environments featured within and beyond the film and challenges them to achieve near-impossible feats as they work to uncover a plot that threatens the entire population of Dirt. Along the way, players will encounter Zombie rodents, Alien spaceships and even an 8-bit shootout inside an arcade machine.
This family-friendly title captures the spirit and humor of the movie, with an extended storyline that goes beyond the vivid world of Dirt. Some of the features include:
Rango’s All New Tall Tales – Play as the quick-thinking chameleon Rango, the best Sheriff the town of Dirt has ever known, and explore a variety of new missions and environments that expand beyond those seen in the film.
Ride Roadrunners and Desert Bats – Speed through the desert atop these unconventional chariots as players engage in extraordinary acrobatic gunplay and more.
Interact with the Dirtonians – From a group of mariachi birds that provide color commentary to a gang of wild rabbits, the townsfolk of Dirt will provide no shortage of fun and entertainment.
Wild West Action and Adventure – Face hordes of hostile zombie rodents as you show the town who’s boss in good, old-fashioned shootouts where fists are flyin’ and spurs are shinin.’
Developed by Behaviour Interactive, Rango The Videogameis ESRB rated “E” for Everyone on Nintendo DS, and “E10+” on Wii, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 console systems. Rango The Videogameis PEGI rated 7 on Nintendo DS, Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 console systems. For more information, please visit http://www.ea.com/games/rango.
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