Woody Woodpecker: Escape From Buzz Buzzard Park
- March 21, 2002 00:00 AM PST
Another classic cartoon character goes 3D platform-hopping in Woody Woodpecker: Escape From Buzz Buzzard Park.
Gratuitous snickers about his name aside, Woody Woodpecker probably isn't the most widely recognized name in today's cartoon kingdom�nevertheless, this video game incarnation of the laughing bird is worth a look for primarily younger gamers. It's also one of the better �toon-to-game adaptations you're likely to find.Woody is pure, formulaic 3D platform hopping. As the wood-hole-puncher, you hop-n-peck your way through several levels of varying themes, all while collecting floating "W"s and extra lives. Accompanying the adventures is an innocuous music score that�s overshadowed by a clever visual scheme that lends itself perfectly to the game�s cartoony heritage. Complete with oversaturated colors and sweet cel-shading for the bird, there's never a shortage of sharp eye candy. And, of course, you get the trademark Woody laugh, too. The controls are frustrating at first�especially the constant re-adjusting of the camera after each time you move�but you�ll find smooth sailing once you pass the learning curve.
No, this is hardly an excellent game, but younger gamers looking for a cartoon-based challenge�or older ones looking to keep an youngster occupied�will find hours of enjoyment.
