VeggieTales Larryboy and the Bad Apple
SCORE: 95
“I AM THAT HERO!” That short sentence is something that drives
millions upon millions of LarryBoy fans wild. All of those fans will be
interested in finding out about this VeggieTales video game on the
Playstation 2 - LarryBoy and the Bad Apple. This video game is based on
the DVD television show of the same name. For the few readers who have
not already seen the DVD television show, let your friendly magazine
editor give a little recap (unless you are going to purchase it soon,
then please ignore the next few sentences). The Bad Apple wants to tempt
the citizens of Bumblyburg. She decides the best strategy is to take out
the leaders of the town. That includes LarryBoy, Petuna, and the Mayor.
Thankfully the superhero LarryBoy gets help out of his own temptation
(which happens to be chocolate), and then rescues all of the other major
members. But LarryBoy’s work is not done there as he then has to save
the entire town from the Bad Apple. There is no need to add any
additional spoilers, just know that this is one very rewarding story
that does not beat you over the head with preaching. It does however
impart a very important lesson for people of all ages, and it does so in
an entertaining way. In fact it is a shining light of good morals in a
very dark industry. Speaking of dark industries, this video game is also
a shining light in another dark industry. The video game version of
VeggieTales: LarryBoy and the Bad Apple includes a level for each of the
major characters that were tempted in the DVD television show, and it
includes a few other town leaders. The baker, and the fire chief also
found themselves ensnared in the web of temptation, and it is up to the
player to assist LarryBoy in saving them.
Graphically VeggieTales: LarryBoy and the Bad Apple is very bright
and colorful. It is awesome to see the LarryBoy superhero universe being
fleshed out in such a visually pleasing way. This is one of the ways
that video games can improve upon a television (or movie) show. The
graphics are bright and colorful. Each of the worlds is themed quite
well. In fact the enemies are also themed to the level. This attention
to detail, and diversity shows that Crave Entertainment really put some
thought, and hard work into this project. The artwork is very close to
the graphics in the DVD television show, and the cut scenes used are
exactly as they appear on the DVD television show. Wholesome images are
used properly in this game. Temptation is appropriately shown as a bad
thing, and assistance is needed in order to overcome this problem that
every single human being faces every single day. There are some images
that encourage a relationship with God. Again the player is not beat
over the head, and it may take someone who looks for them (like yours
truly).
The sounds in VeggieTales: LarryBoy and Bad Apple are spectacular.
Big Idea has an entire library of wonderful Silly Songs that have
spanned several CD’s, multiple DVD projects, and millions (upon
millions) of fans. In fact every single DVD television show that has
been released from Big Idea includes a new Silly Song because they are
that popular. The top songs are included in this video game, and many of
them are part of the unlockable material that players can unearth while
playing various levels. The sound effects used in the game also work
well. The voice acting is at the same level of the DVD television show.
The butler Alfred, and LarryBoy have quite a few conversations
throughout the game levels, and many of them are quite humorous. It was
to my personal pleasure and surprise to find the “Rock On LarryBoy” song
to be included in this video game. There are sounds in this video game
that encourage all of us to do our best because that is what God wants
us to do. It is also very nice to play a video game that is not using
the Lord’s name in vain. In fact the opposite is presented as common,
every day occurrences, and that is well received here at Family Friendly
Gaming.
Rushing through the levels (translation: not looking for every single
secret the game had hidden) took me around six hours. Finding all of the
secrets is going to take at least that amount of time, if not longer.
There are quite a few images, and songs to be found in this game. This
really encourages replay value. On top of that there are some simple,
but fun mini games included on this DVD video game disc. Multiple saves
are allowed so more than one person can enjoy this game at the same
time. Most of the mini games are also designed for two players as well.
In this reviewer’s humble opinion this game is most assuredly worth your
hard earned dollars. Especially when one considers this game is selling
for $19.99 US Dollars brand new on the store shelves all across America.
There is some mild cartoon violence, as LarryBoy uses his spin attack
to take out the enemies. He also bats attacks back at certain enemies,
and they are disposed of. The violence is never graphic, and the enemies
are purple ghost like things (as some of the screens on the pages of
this review display). The controls took a little getting used to, mainly
because I am not familiar with the analog joystick controls on the
Playstation 2. The camera also felt a little loose the first couple of
levels, but I was able to figure that out pretty quickly. This is a
really fun game to play, and the level designs are quite intelligent.
Thankfully the puzzles never got to the point of being frustrating.
It is my pleasure to play, review, and write about this video game.
It is so nice to have games like this one on the market. It is one that
I would recommend to pastors all over the world. It is my hope, and
prayer that more games like this one will be appearing soon. People have
demanding a good Christian video game that does not beat non-believers
over the head, well VeggieTales: Larryboy and the Bad Apple is one such
video game.
- Paul
Graphics: 95%
Sound: 100%
Replay/Extras: 97%
Gameplay: 90%
Family Friendly Factor: 93%
System: Playstation 2
Publisher: Crave Entertainment
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
{Mild Cartoon Violence}
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