Danny Phantom Urban Jungle
SCORE: 61
Danny Phantom is a shy 14 year old high school boy who has received
the power to turn into a ghost in order to combat ghosts from the Ghost
Zone. He got this power from an accident when Danny opened the Ghost
Zone, and got trapped between realms. This Nintendo DS video game is
based on the Nickelodeon cartoon that attracts 33 million television
viewers per month. THQ has brought this franchise to the DS in form of a
shooter. For those in the family unfamiliar with a shooter, let me
explain. A shooter is where the player has an on screen representation
(usually side scrolling to the right), who is shooting the hordes that
come at the player from all directions. This game is based on a cartoon
that is planned to be aired on Columbus Day weekend in the year of our
Lord 2006. The evil Undergrowth needs some pruning, and Danny Phantom is
the one to do it. The video game also announces a brand new ice power
for the transparent hero.
Graphically Danny Phantom Urban Jungle is really strange. There are
color combinations that gave me a headache, and others that were very
bright and colorful. From what I have learned about this cartoon
(previously unaware of it), the art style matches the television show.
Quite honestly the art style is not my cup of tea. If it is yours, then
continue to enjoy it. All of the ghosts have a cartoonish look (with a
definite mean look), and the cartoon violence is shooting different
powers towards the ghosts. None of the images reached the level of
occultic. Some of the bosses can take up close to half of the screen.
There are some 3D flying levels that reminded me of Sewer Shark, and are
pretty neat to play.
The sounds in Danny Phantom Urban Jungle are okay. I did not find
myself humming any of the songs, nor were they annoying. They fell in
the middle of the road. The sounds were crisp and clear. Since there is
a lot of shooting, the firing sounds can get pretty repetitive. I must
have become accustom to them, because they did not irritate me. These
sounds were also done in subtle manner.
The game can be replayed on different settings, and the player could
replay levels to get a higher score. Aside from that, there is little
reason to replay Danny Phantom Urban Jungle. The game can be beat in an
hour to two, so it is not worth the money in this reviewers humble
opinion. If you are a fan of this television show, you may want to give
it a look.
The game play is pretty much holding down the ‘A’ button, and
avoiding shots. The game has two colors of attacks the ghosts use, and
the ‘R’ button swaps the color your player is. Staying the same color
avoids a hit. The touch screen to use health items, and change weapons
is a nice little feature. The controls work quite well, and the setup is
easy to learn.
There is a spiritual nature to this game. Ephesians 6:12 comes to mind, since we are in a spiritual warfare everyday. Danny also shows care, and concern for his friends, and correcting his own mistakes. On the flip side it is all about his powers, and using his powers to save the day. Make sure your children understand that this is a fantasy game, and the real world nature of spiritual matters. The decision to purchase this game, or leave it on the shelf is yours to make. - Paul
Graphics: 58%
Sound: 61%
Replay/Extras: 59%
Gameplay: 67%
Family Friendly Factor: 61%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: THQ
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
{Cartoon Violence}
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