|
|
Bratz Super Babyz
|
|
|
|
|
|
Graphics & Sound:
Ever since the Bratz dolls came out, there's been a whole slew of videogames released based on them as well, and several more in the works. Bratz: Super Babyz is the latest release starring your favorite Bratz: Cloe aka Angel, Sasha aka Bunny Boo, Jade aka Kool Kat, and Yasmine aka Pretty Princess.
Considering that they're babies in this game, the Bratz look quite a bit different from their grown-up versions. Instead of super-thin teens with large heads, you now have very pudgy babies with large heads. Well I guess they're not really that different after all. As with all the previous games, there is a dress up section with multitudes of clothing options. You have the options of changing their hats/headwear, shirts, pants, shoes, and belt/capes, so you can customize the Bratz to look exactly like you want them to. The graphics are pretty and relatively smooth flowing.
The Bratz games have always tried to give you a variety of current music to listen to. This game tries to also, but just doesn't quite get there. The default background music is quite honestly a little bland. There are other music selections available for you to listen to in the bonus area, but you can't make that your background like you can in some of the previous games. |
|
|
Gameplay:
The gameplay in Bratz: Super Babyz is super straightforward. You have three game save slots. Choose whichever one you want and press (A). If you haven't played before, they'll all say "New Game". If you have a previous game save, it'll show the level you're on in the save slot. Select the game and then select Play (or Delete if you want to get rid of your saved game). You'll then be given the choice of Adventure, Mini-Games, and Multiplayer.
Adventure is where you take your Bratz out of Gran's house and into the town, Stilesville. Stilesville isn't very big, but apparently it's big enough to have its own theme park, Adventure Universe. This is where the Bratz obtain their super powers. You play the first and second levels as normal, ordinary girls. After you get your super powers at the end of level 2, you'll be able to fly, and each girl will have her own unique ability. Cloe has super-scream power, which you use the mic to activate. Sasha has super-smarts. Jade is super-sticky, and Yasmin has super-speed. You'll use these powers to help the people of the town and defeat the aliens that are invading.
While you are wandering around helping people, you'll see some diamonds lying around. Personally, I wonder why no one else bothered to pick up a diamond, but we'll just not think about that. Actually, you'll do a lot better in this game if you just don't think. Whenever you see these diamonds, you should pick them up. They're used to unlock mini-games, clothing, and movies. There are 5 diamonds in each area. When selecting an area from the hub to go back to, it'll show you how many of them you have found. |
|
|
Difficulty:
Bratz: Super Babyz is probably the easiest game I have ever played. I'm really not sure who they were gearing towards. Playing the "adventure" is as simple as walking to the big blue exclamation mark on the map and pressing (A). Sometimes though, that exclamation mark is in the middle of a street, so instead of just being able to wander around and talk to people to at least try and make it into an adventure, you have to go to where it points or you'll never find it.
The mini-games are also beyond easy. There is no setting to tell it how difficult you want it, which would have at least made it a little more enjoyable for those with half a brain. One of the mini-games is a slide puzzle. You know the kind that is a picture divided into squares, with one square missing so that you can slide the pieces around to get them in the right order. Well in this case, if you just fiddle with the puzzle for about a minute or two without solving it, a button pops up in the top left corner that says "fix". You don't have to even figure the puzzle out! It would have been nice if instead of "fix", they would have given you directions, like highlighting the next piece to slide. That way, they would at least be showing you how to solve it instead of just making it idiot proof.
I think the hardest part of the game is the maze that you have to go through to get a ticket for Sasha. I actually enjoyed that part of the game, just because it made me think at least a little bit to find the path out.
|
|
|
Game Mechanics:
Now just in case you can't think for yourself enough to figure out where to go, they've made it really easy. When you are moving the Bratz around the different areas, you'll see the Bratz and the town on the top screen, and a map of the area on the touch screen. On the touch screen map, you'll see a big blue exclamation mark, like I mentioned before. Simply direct your Brat to that mark and press (A). You'll either talk to whoever is standing there or you'll trigger a mini-game. After that sequence, you'll see the big blue exclamation mark move to a different spot on the map. Once again, move your Brat there and press (A). You continue this pattern until you complete the area. Sound boring? Yes, it is.
Once you get your super powers, the (A) button (or the mic for Cloe) will let you attack enemies. Don't worry if they hit you. You do only have 3 little hearts showing your life, but if you happen to fall asleep and eventually get killed by the enemies, it'll just bring you back to the last save point. The game automatically saves for you at the end of each area.
If you've read any of my other Bratz reviews, you'll know that I do my best to see them from the point of view of the target audience and rate it accordingly. Well, I just can't really see who would enjoy this one. It's the closest thing to an idiot proof game that I've seen, and that's definitely not a good thing. Unless you're just a Bratz collector and HAVE to own everything, I would not recommend this game to anyone. It is just an insult to intelligence. |
|
|
-Cyn, GameVortex Communications AKA Sara Earl |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
