When it comes to wholesome family entertainment, Double Fine isn’t the first name that comes to mind. Homages to 80′s metal and mechanised re-enactments of world wars have earned them a devoted following but their contributions haven’t got a universal age rating between them.
Slap us on the wrist for doubting them as these brutal legends have taken to the educational TV show Sesame Street like a certain blue fiend to a plate of sumptuous cookies.
‘Once Upon A Monster’ plonks you into a vibrant story book world with Sesame Street favourites, Elmo and Cookie Monster, providing hilarious commentary through-out.
Within its pages live troubled monsters in need of a helping hand and throughout the game’s six chapters, you’ll play party planner, get green fingers clearing out a garden, and throw shapes in numerous dancing numbers to get acquainted with these misunderstood creatures.
Yes, it’s a kid’s game but not like one you’ve played before.
Double Fine’s threefold accomplishment puts license, technology and understanding its audience together in such a way to show a complete understanding of all three – like almost any Pixar film, it has appeal that extends to the child within every grown-up.
Controllers, being the dastardly things they are in the hands of a child, are swapped for simple gestures and voice commands using the Kinect sensor to flick through pages and outfits, duck and dive through obstacles and flap your arms to ascend the mighty Tree of Plenty.
You’ll repeat these activities numerous times over the breadth of its story and if the Star ratings are anything to go by, the once in Once Upon a Monster isn’t taken seriously. That might sound like a drag but younger gamers are likely to get more enjoyment out of it and forgive its shortcomings – after all it’s their game, not yours.
Whatever the age it’s hard not to appreciate Once Upon A Monster. Its universe is dripping in colour, characters endearing, and use of Kinect is novel. It’s a style that is unique to Double Fine and in conjunction with the furry exterior of the Sesame Street gang, Once Upon A Monster is an delightful charm for all ages.
Score: 80%
Tags: Sesame Street Once Upon A Monster
Crysis 3, Medal of Honor: Warfighter, Borderlands 2 and Far Cry 3 previews plus reviews for Prototype 2, Sniper Elite V2 and The Witcher 2.
Download Now!
