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The claymation duo of Wallace and Gromit never disappoints in the humor department, always providing a good belly laugh when interacting with one another. Their latest gaming effort is no different, never straying from that theme. From the very get-go, you're thrown into a number of complicating situations, mostly always because of Wallace's failing inventions, needing a quick tune up before they work properly.
Telltale, Inc. and Aardman Animations have worked together and will be releasing four episodes to take place on West Wallaby Street, released monthly -- Fright of the Bumblebees as episode #1, mainly aimed at a much younger crowd.
With a little morning breakfast and a squirrel that won't stop stealing your food, it's apparent that Gromit, who you control early on, will struggle to fix the problems thrown his way. Wallace wants to create a business that makes honey, but obviously messes up and produces giant bees instead, a classic Wallace goof-up. It's up to you to help the situation and prevent havoc from becoming the norm. Gromit to the rescue? Indeed so.
You will point and click and progress through the game by learning what each object does and how it can be used to solve a puzzle, such as fixing Wallace's intense breakfast-making invention. The game handles very nicely, as Wallace or Gromit move smoothly through the maps, setting the game up in a very nice, appropriate style -- making it fun for youngsters to easily explore certain areas and find solutions to mishaps. If you enter an incorrect room when on a mission, Wallace isn't shy about letting you hear it. Take too long to make his breakfast, and he'll hound you for it. Hilarity does ensue.
Graphics in the title are spot on and really run a parallel to the movies the duo stars in, without question. With a bright and bubbly gameplay, it's hard not to enjoy the work Telltale put into it, with fun sounds to go right along with it. With about six hours of gameplay, you'll be hooked and wanting more, just in time for the release of the next episode. It's perfect the way it was set up, leaving room for loads of replay value and succession into the upcoming title in May.
Pros: Hilarious comments and situations, adorable characters, smooth handling
Cons: Mundane for older gamers, frustrating challenges at times
Sounds: 4.25
Control: 4.5
Graphics: 4.5
Fun Factor: 4.25
The Info: Platform: PC (Coming to XBLA soon), Publisher/Developer: Telltale Games, Inc., Players: One, Price: $34.95
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