Description:
Sinister aliens are homing in on Retroville, but Jimmy Neutron has bigger problems than a mere off-world invasion. The deadline for the science fair is approaching, and he hasn't yet completed his state-of-the-art teleportation device. Based on the well-known Nickelodeon characters, Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius is a first-person role-playing game appropriate for children ages 7 and older. As Jimmy attempts to put together his teleport invention, he stumbles over other, completed projects. Each find allows players to build on Jimmy's abilities. The inventions, from the flying jetpack to the remote control for Jimmy's robot dog Goddard, come with a tutorial that outlines their applications. Finding and studying old inventions is only a means to an end, though. Players must help Jimmy complete a lengthy series of objectives that will eventually lead to the completion of the science fair project. Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius is a definite winner. Its objectives are varied and easily satisfied, providing a story line that moves along briskly. Action sequences pop up at various points during play; in one, for example, Jimmy converts Goddard to a flying scooter and races a skateboard-riding classmate. Game objectives are posted in the corner of the screen to keep players on task, and the animations are big, bright, and appealing. There is no getting lost in Retroville. That said, the game does have a few quirks. Navigating Jimmy when he is on foot is tiresome, and while the scooter moves more quickly and smoothly, it is far too easy to bump into objects that cause him to dismount. (Moving to a new area of the game map also resets Jimmy to walking mode.) Additionally, though most of the game instructions are verbal, there are some textual clues and cues, making the game less accessible to those new to reading. Even so, Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius offers terrific entertainment: a pleasing story, good visuals, and a nice mix of challenges. With plenty of humor and adventure in the mix, this program is sure to please kids whether they are already Jimmy Neutron fans or are new to the boy genius and his world. (Ages 7 and older) --Alyx Dellamonica
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