Bluey The Videogame

Review

Bluey, the beloved Australian animated series, has charmed audiences worldwide with its heartwarming tales and enchanting animation. In an attempt to extend its reach, Bluey has entered the video game market with Bluey: The Videogame. Designed to encapsulate the spirit of the television show, the game aims to offer families a digital interactive experience with their favorite Heeler family. Let's delve into how Bluey's adventures translate from the screen to the gaming console.

Graphics that Mimic the Show's Charm

Visually, Bluey: The Videogame is a testament to its source material. The development team at Artax Games has meticulously recreated the vibrant and chunky art style familiar to fans of the show. The transition to a 2.5D environment is seamless, adding depth and life to settings such as the Heelers' household and the local creek without disrupting the show's signature aesthetic. The illusion of jumping into an episode of Bluey is further solidified with the original voice cast bringing their animated counterparts to life within the game.

Gameplay: A Mixed Bag Experience

However, once players delve deeper, the game reveals its limitations. The gameplay feels fragmented, with precision often falling by the wayside, especially in platforming segments. Co-op play, which should be a delightful family bonding opportunity, can become muddled and exasperating as players struggle to interact with objects or encounter character freezes. Despite these setbacks, the game does incorporate mini-games that try to offer diversity, including activities such as Keepy Uppy and Magic Xylophone, yet their execution can be unremarkable or bug-ridden, deterring from the overall enjoyment.

Underwhelming Content Volume

An area where Bluey: The Videogame notably falters is in its content volume. With a story arc that spans a mere four episodes of 10-15 minutes each, the game is disappointingly brief. Its short lifespan is unexpected and hard to justify, particularly considering the premium price point. While the nod to a larger narrative involving a treasure hunt is appreciated, the abrupt ending and lack of further development leave players desiring more substantial content.

Pricing vs. Experience: A Questionable Equation

True to the critical tone of the original review, price becomes a significant point of contention when assessing the game. The high cost is not reflective of the experience provided, which is, at best, akin to a simplistic tablet game rather than a full-fledged console or PC title. This pricing strategy puts the game at an unfair advantage, and it is essential to factor in this aspect when considering Bluey: The Videogame for purchase.

Conclusion: Bluey's Gamified Disappointment

In closing, Bluey: The Videogame is a mixed experience that struggles to transition Bluey's televised magic into the gaming space successfully. Despite a faithful graphical recreation and the inclusion of original voices, the game painfully lacks in robust and engaging gameplay, and its brevity combined with its cost leaves much to be desired. What could have been a delightful extension of the Heeler family's adventures turns out to feel like a missed opportunity, more akin to a piece of quickly forgotten merchandise than a memorable video game.