Posted: Monday 25th August 2008

You would be forgiven for dismissing a game that is based on a critically slaughtered movie. Space Chimps had the unfortunate experience of being released after Pixar's Wall-E and sadly did not come out of it very favourably. It was felt that the movie moved animation back a good few years and whilst Pixar continue to push boundaries, Space Chimps bought nothing new to the table. Well the game of the same name is a little similar and whilst it brings nothing new to the table, it is unashamedly quite good fun.

Taking control of Ham and his sidekick Luna, Space Chimps takes the gamer through a moderately enjoyable platform game that hints of something greater than it ends up being. The game's narrative isn't the clearest but for the majority of the game you're running around trying to get from A to B in one piece, fighting enemies off along the way. In terms of a platform game, Space Chimps acquits itself fairly well with strong visuals and interesting surroundings. As a combat game the title almost falls flat on its face. Using Ham for combat is utterly pointless and you can just as easily avoid the enemies as you can fight them. Thankfully combat is almost saved thanks to the inclusion of Luna; a creature attached to your arm. By pressing C you can take control of Luna and using the Wii remotes sensors you can aim at enemies and fire at them. This scores points as the makers do at least try to utilise the full Wii control system.

Visually the game looks great and the animated cut-scenes are particularly impressive. The levels are suitably detailed and the characters well replicated ensuring there is plenty to keep the kids happy. Another win comes with the soundtrack which is actually pretty effective and helps to keep the suspense pretty high.

The main problem with Space Chimps is that it soon becomes predictable and a bit easy. Ham seems to be able to jump across most gaps with relative ease to the point where it becomes completely unrealistic. Another complaint is that sometimes you can jump for a platform which is clearly there when you first see it but upon landing you find yourself in lava. Timing jumps like this is incredibly difficult and the game doesn't give you any room for error.

Space Chimps is suitable for first-time and young gamers and there's not a great deal of appeal for any other audience. As a platform game it's pretty solid but many gamers will find it too easy. Whilst it's no where near the worst tie-in game we've played, it didn't really excite us and enthusiasm for revisiting it was pretty low. Space Chimps shouldn't be your first choice for a platform game but if all else fails then it should suitably entertain you.