There have been two software games
released that are based on Disney/Pixar's
feature film, Finding Nemo, and we are happy to report that both
are really quite good. The program for this review is simply titled
Finding Nemo and is published by THQ.
This CD-ROM transports children on a fun underwater adventure
that closely follows the movie story line. In the movie, after
Nemo and his father, Marlin, are separated, viewers watch both
Nemo's adventure in a fish tank and Marlin's adventure with Dory
as they attempt to find the little clownfish. Well, this CD-ROM
lets kids do the same thing. They can skip from helping Nemo gain
"friendship totems" from the different (and colorful!)
members of the fish tank to helping the funny pair (Marlin and
Dory, pictured above) get to Sydney Harbor...and to Nemo.
There
is a little of everything in this game: The tank adventure plays
somewhat like an activity center, while the adventure with Marlin
(Nemo's father) and Dory (the forgetful blue fish) plays somewhat
like a scavenger hunt wherein players need to find certain
objects, store them in their inventory, and use them at different
points in the adventure. Once Nemo and Marlin are reunited, there
are more games to play.
The activities are quite strong, and there are quite a few of
them. Kids get to surf the current atop Crush, the "surfer
dude" turtle who helps Marlin and Dory on their way. They
help Nemo practice swimming, and solve puzzles such as the gear
puzzle pictured below left. Kids work with colors and patterns as
they solve the problems in the game.
As is apparent from the screenshots here, the graphics are
wonderful and truly mesmerizing. Whether or not kids have seen the
movie, they will likely enjoy this sweet adventure game. Movie
clips help move the story along, and they perfectly add context to
each new challenge in the game. Plus, kids can view the movie
clips at any time in the program's gallery. Once the games have
been "opened up", kids can return to any game they
choose independently of the adventure.
This CD-ROM is perhaps best for children ages 7-9. The
other title, Finding Nemo: Nemo's Underwater World of Fun,
is best for kids ages 5-8.
For more information, user reviews, or to
buy:
Finding Nemo