The recent teaming of THQ and Nickelodeon has brought several of the network's TV series to videogames, including SpongeBob Squarepants and Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. The latest target for game conversion? The animated series "Fairly OddParents," which follows the misadventures of Timmy Turner and his wacked-out fairy godparents, Cosmo and Wanda. On this episode of "X-Play," we slap authority in the face and review "Fairly OddParents: Breakin' Da Rules" for the GameCube. While not the most challenging game around, "Da Rules" offers plenty in the way of entertainment, gameplay variety, and lively design.
Follow da rules
As the game opens, Timmy wishes he didn't have to follow "Da Rules," a set of guidelines that dictate his fairy godparents' behavior. Cosmo mistakenly grants his wish, which gets the mystical benefactors into some serious trouble. For one thing, Timmy's babysitter Vicky unknowingly gains the power to make whatever she wishes come true. In order to gain back use of their powers, Timmy, Cosmo, and Wanda must collect all the pages of "Da Rules" before its too late.
"Fairly Odd Parents: Breakin' Da Rules" starts with a rather lengthy introductory sequence, but unlike many other games of its kind, it's actually entertaining while it explains the back-story. A brief tutorial follows, but its teaching is so well-integrated into the action that you'll hardly notice.
The game is a traditional 3-D platformer. But what separates it from the pack is its creativity, excellent production design, and variety of gameplay types. Each level is based on one of Vicky's wishes gone wrong, which leads to some humorously inventive situations. One level has you playing a "Tron"-inspired videogame within the game (talk about postmodern), while another puts you in the comic book world of the Crimson Chin. Other levels find you miniaturized and fighting for your life inside a grimy bathtub, or stealthily sneaking your way through a summer camp trying to rescue your fellow members from the creme puffs, a group of wannabe Girl Scouts.
Wish upon a star
Crowns are the coins of the "Fairly OddParents" realm. Collecting 100 will give you an extra life. Collect five wish stars and you receive a wish, which essentially means you can move on to the next part of the level. And Crimson Chin cards unlock video clips from the series. But thankfully, the game isn't a tedious collecting fest like many other modern platformers. Collecting these tokens is a side effect of making your way through a stage. Along the way, there are plenty of interludes and mini-games to keep things interesting. You can control a snowplow, speed around in a hovercraft, swing from rooftop to rooftop, fly a helicopter, and take shots at digital bees.
Cel-ing the drama
The visuals help set the game apart, with wonderful cel-shaded graphics that do an excellent job of replicating the look of the cartoon. The characters are bright and lively, and their mouths move when they speak. Some edges appear a bit jagged, but the game runs smoothly and otherwise looks quite good.
The sound track features a wide variety of music, including everything from laid-back jazz to electronic-infused pop to more symphonic compositions. The voice work from talents such as Tara Strong is excellent, though the characters' voices are purposefully in-your-face and may get on some players' nerves.
A fairly great game
While "Fairly OddParents: Breakin' Da Rules" never really presents a challenge for the seasoned gamer, this shouldn't be held against it. There are a few semi-difficult spots, but the young target audience should find it taxing enough without it being discouragingly so. Older gamers will appreciate that the game doesn't resort to cheap tactics to extend its length, since the eight levels offer sufficient gameplay time all on their own. Even if you've never watched the show before, the game's sense of humor and creativity will draw you into its distinct world, and may just encourage you watch the cartoon.
"Fairly Odd Parents: Breakin' Da Rules"
