Up – Playstation 3

Up - Playstation 3

I’ve not seen the film, but by all accounts Up is quite good. So it’ll be interesting to see if the game can soar to the same heights.

Rather oddly, the game starts off with an airplane dog fight in which you control the dog that is controlling the plane – see what they’ve done there, a dog fight featuring dogs! This sequence is halfway through the story in the film, so why the developers have decided to have it as the introduction to the game is beyond me.

One of the first things that struck me about this sequence was the controls – they are awful, and what is even more annoying is the fact that you cannot change them! There wasn’t even the option to invert the axis – a rather odd negation if you ask me.

Thankfully, this level is not indicative of the rest of the game and from here on out the game is a rather pleasant 3D platformer.

Controlling the characters of the boyscout Russell and the grumpy old man Carl, you have to collect items and work together to solve puzzles, often by switching characters.

The game can be a two-player co-op, meaning players can drop in then out and join in with the proceedings – a nice little touch that was probably encouraged to make parents play the game with their children.

When not playing with someone else, the computer takes control of the other character and the AI does an amicable job. However, it’s not nearly as sufficient as having another player with you, and since both characters have unique skills teamwork is an important factor.

Should you find yourself stuck an audio cue will give a hint as to what to do. This is a nice little addition that adds a cinematic touch to the game.

As I’ve already mentioned, I’ve not seen the film and without any cohesive cutscenes to explain the dog fight at the beginning or the reason why Carl and Russell are tied to a floating house, I have to piece together the plot for myself.

Having said that, this game is squarely aimed at a younger audience who have already seen the film.

At times the game can become a bit repetitive and matters are not helped by the lack of action. Naturally, being a Pixar-based game I’m not expecting anything too dramatic like Call of Duty, but for most of the game you are just required to jump from one platform to another.

When there is a villain to overcome, taking them out is not that difficult. However, watching Carl tie a balloon to a dog’s back, only for it to drift away, is quite amusing.

Visually, the game is a pleasant treat for the eyes – it’s colourful, vibrant and the animation flows as a Pixar-based game should.

While the graphics are nothing particularly groundbreaking, they get the job done. The same can be said of the audio. The sound design is solid enough, featuring quips and clips from the movie.

Overall, despite a few misfires, the game won’t leave the younger gamers feeling deflated and it has enough charm to win over the older audience too.

Score: 7 out of 10

The Good
Good teamwork mechanic
Colourful and vibrant graphics

The Bad
Dog fight level at the beginning
Bit short