Review: Rocket Power: Dream Scheme (GBA)

For those who are unaware, as was I, Rocket Power is a successful cartoon from Nickelodeon and like so many on that channel has made the jump into the world of videogames.

The storyline, which will make sense to anyone under 12, involves Dr Stimpleton and his plans to turn Ocean Shores into a Polka resort with his new Stimpleton device. He has managed to capture everyone in Ocean Shores except Otto and you must rescue your fellow gang members (Reggie, Twister & Sam) before destroying the device and freeing everyone of its evil influence. If you have ever seen a Nickelodeon or Rugrat cartoon then you are aware of the familiar cartoon style that both employ.

Rocket Power is in the same vain and has been faithfully recreated on the Game Boy Advance by using the same character and environment designs in the typical Nickelodeon colour scheme. All four gang members prefer alternative methods of transportation rather than plain old-fashioned walking. Each prefers to travel either by skateboarding, in-line skating, playing hockey or hopping on a pogo stick and are rated on each. It goes without saying that sometimes in order to progress you will need to pick the correct set of wheels, boots or stick. Characters can also collect such items as hockey sticks, magnetic skates, tennis shoes and the ultimate rocket board.

In total there are thirty areas spread over twenty levels in the game and given recent releases on the format, this can be considered good value for money. The levels are all viewed from a side on perspective and the gameplay does not vary throughout the game. It can be summed up quite simply as jumping to avoid obstacles or dangers, collecting stars and throwing the odd switch to progress. Not exactly groundbreaking stuff but the level design although similar brought back memories of Mega Drive and SNES games. The environments are multileveled meaning that different approaches can be taken, dependent on your form of transport and grinds can be performed but this is no trick based game. Adding to the value is the fact that this game isn't as easy as one might have thought, the odd level required several attempts to complete. It is merely not enough to reach the end of each level; you must have also collected enough stars in order to progress further. The graphics are good given the cartoon nature of the series; this is a solid representation of the show in a videogame.

The sound effects are disappointing but the music is above average and is some of the best I've heard recently on the format. Given the target audience of this release the game may prove too difficult for some players and disappointingly options are sparse, as you cannot even alter the difficulty setting. Thankfully there is an option to save your progress but only by password, surely Nintendo should now insist that a proper save function is included in every release? I've recently played some games that do not even offer a save function at all! Rocket Power Dream Scheme is an enjoyable game, firmly aimed at children but never rises above average.

Rating: 4 / 10

Words by Jason Julier