Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension
Score: 50% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Disney Interactive Developer: Altron Media: Cartridge/1 Players: 1 - 4 Genre: Action/ Platformer
Graphics & Sound: I absolutely loved Phineas and Ferb's last DS adventure, Phineas and Ferb Ride Again, declaring it one of the better licensed games I've played. Their latest, Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension doesn't share the same distinction. As DS games go, Across the 2nd Dimension puts on a decent show and remains as true to the series' visual style as possible but, as is the case with the rest of the game, is prone to repetition. Although the game's theme allows for lots of variety, the visuals rarely rise above normal videogame themes. There's an Egyptian level, a "haunted" level and even a toy-filled playhouse. Each offers something different, but at the same time are incredibly bland and lack the sort of personality that makes the series, or even the game's PS3 cousin, such a hit. Audio is a little more impressive. The music falls into the same repetitive trap as the rest of the game, but one or two melodies are oddly catchy. There's also a bit of voicework from the show's cast.
Gameplay: Repetition is a word you've heard a lot already, and it is one you'll hear a couple of more times. Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension is a straightforward action/ platformer that tends to stick to the basics. Although there are attempts to elevate gameplay to something a bit different, it never quite succeeds. What's most disappointing is the game starts off in a really strong place. Rather than re-tell the movie's plot, the game picks up near the end. The boys (along with Perry, Candice and Doofenshmirtz) are captive of the alternate, successfully evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz, but manage to open a portal to another dimension. In the movie, the segment in handled with a catchy tune and montage. Here, you get to play through each dimension. After the brief intro level, Across the 2nd Dimension takes a massive tumble. Rather than explore neat, creative alternate versions of Danville (like the PS3 version), the DS game goes through the above mentioned "videogame" levels. Again, each offers something different, though it really just spins its wheels for most of the game. Level designs are bland and predictable. Each of the three characters - Phineas, Ferb and Agent P - has their own abilities and you always know exactly when their section is coming up in a level. After the first few levels, you'll know exactly how to figure out each puzzle. One of the few bright spots is a level featuring alternate play styles in each dimension, such as a side-scrolling shooter and chariot race. These are fun and show off potential. Unfortunately, you'll only see them once unless you decide to check out the multiplayer. All four games are available via multi-card and download play, adding some longevity to the game.
Difficulty: Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension struggles with the tag team of tedium and lack of difficulty. Levels are incredibly straightforward and predictable. Worse, enemies are incredibly easy, so even when you're overwhelmed with large groups, you can usually knock them out without losing much health. In the event your health does get low, there's always a health pack within reach. The only real challenge comes from bosses, at least until you figure out the pattern. Tedium really sets in during mini-games. Though never incredibly hard, they are annoying. Failure isn't likely, though the few times I managed to screw up, it was usually because I was trying to rush to get back to the game.
Game Mechanics: The one "different" feature in Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension is each character has their own unique abilities. Ferb has an electric-launching gun that lets him power up certain machine and quickly take down robots. Phineas, on the other hand, can hit distant switches with his baseball cannon. Agent P prefers direct combat, though he can also use his grappling hook to disarm and pull enemies closer. You're constantly switching between characters to pass obstacles. I like the idea behind the mechanic, though it gets tiresome. You're never able to use a character for more than a few seconds. There's never an opportunity to enjoy playing as a particular character, and there's rarely any guesswork involved in choosing the right character for the job. In fact, you're always told which character to use. When you're close to an obstacle, the character will whistle and wave on the selection screen until you choose them. The only time you're left to guess involves going for collectible objects in levels. Unlike the rest of the game, reaching some out-of-the-way collectibles is a challenge and requires real thought. Unfortunately, the game offers no overly compelling reason to return for unfound treasures. If Phineas and Ferb Ride Again showed anything, it is the amount of potential the license offers. The numerous gadgets allow for lots of play styles and the dimension-hopping plot only increases the possibilities. Unfortunately, Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension fails to capitalize on either.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
Related Links: Game Vortex's Review of Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension Game Vortex's Review of Phineas and Ferb Ride Again Buy Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension on Amazon
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