Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers (“Battle Crashers“) is a side-scrolling, beat-em-up, action game that can be played as a singleplayer or as a multiplayer co-op with up to three friends. Newly released, this game is available across multiple platforms including Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo 3DS.
The game’s plot is very typical of Cartoon Network. Uncle Grandpa carelessly falls asleep while driving his RV. In this time, a mysterious hand appears and puts the RV into ‘Break Dimensions’ mode, causing the RV to travel through multiple dimensions, picking up characters from other cartoon universes along the way, such as, Gumball, Steven Universe, Finn, Mordecai and Clarence. Together, these cartoon characters battle evil shard creatures throughout multiple levels as they attempt to bring order back into their worlds and put things right again.
Right from the beginning, this game appeared rather similar to the Scott Pilgrim vs The World videogame in terms of gameplay and style. The game doesn’t feature actual character voices and all conversations and narration are done through text. This was a bit disappointing as the uniqueness of each character’s personality was lost. Because of this, the inclusion of popular Cartoon Network characters in this game seemed a little pointless (despite the fact that it is a Cartoon Network game requiring Cartoon Network characters).
Gameplay was doable but there was nothing particularly exciting about the game, nor did anything really stand out. Each level felt repetitive and while each character had special attacks and abilities, this didn’t greatly influence my character selection. Even boss battles felt rather lacklustre, which can be disheartening when it comes to playing videogames. Most often, a videogame is appealing due to its in game challenges. The game just didn’t seem to have much life to it; it just felt soulless.
The good thing about Battle Crashers is that it allows for a 4 player co-op multi-player experience, which is more fun than going at it alone in single-player mode. However, that being said, even the multi-player experience couldn’t save the game from being anything more than so-so.
For me, animation and visual effects save difficult and unappealing games from being put into the discard pile but, sadly, Battle Crashers‘ animation style was just too bright and very odd. Character movements felt mechanical and together with the visuals of the game, everything just didn’t feel right.
To be fair, though, this game is meant to be family friendly and for kids, so I can see why the visuals are ‘loud’ and the general feel of the game isn’t as smooth as some other games. I suppose for young children who may never have played video games before, having a fast paced game would be a little tough initially. In addition, the co-op multiplayer allows children to play together or even play with their parents. That being said, I’m not sure that I would want to play this with any children at all. After all, as you keep playing through the game, the soundtrack just keepings getting worse. Not that the soundtrack itself was bad but the repeated loop it was on started to get on my nerves.
Perhaps if Battle Crashers added more challenges at each level and included actual character voices, this game could be rather interesting. In all honesty though, I’m not a fan of the cartoon characters these days so chances are that I may still not enjoy this game. Maybe a Wacky Races game? That would have a bit more personality.
If you’re wanting a game that doesn’t require too much thought and one that’s basic and simple for young children, then Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers is for you. If you’re over the age of 18, then maybe not. This is definitely a not for me. Sorry Cartoon Network, I know you tried.