Bluey: The Videogame - Review | MarkMeets | Entertainment, Music, Movie, TV & London Film Premiere News

Introduction: Bluey’s Vibrant World

The arrival of Bluey: The Videogame coincided with a countdown of the top 100 Bluey episodes on Australia’s ABC, creating a perfect backdrop for a comprehensive review. As fans eagerly anticipated the game’s release, the question lingered: could it capture the essence of the beloved children’s show? Bluey, known for its rare blend of entertainment for preschoolers, older kids, and emotionally resonant themes for parents, is a standout in the world of children’s programming. However, does the videogame adaptation live up to the standards set by its animated counterpart?

Emulating Bluey’s Aesthetic Brilliance

Bluey: The Videogame opens strong by flawlessly emulating the vibrant and chunky 2D animation that defines the show. The recreation of the Heeler home and other backdrops into 2.5D environments adds depth without compromising the show’s visual identity. The characters and animations, indistinguishable from the television series, contribute to an immersive experience. The involvement of the original cast in providing voices further enhances the game’s authenticity. It’s evident that the developers, Artax Games, put effort into capturing the aesthetic brilliance of Bluey.

The Challenge of Short Playtime

However, beyond the visual allure, the game falters in terms of content and playtime. Priced significantly at £35 in the UK, $60 in Australia, and $40 in the US, Bluey: The Videogame faces criticism for its absurdly short length. Completion can be achieved in under an hour, leaving players feeling shortchanged. The limited number of maps, with only four available locations, further adds to the sense of brevity. The game’s price tag becomes a focal point of critique, challenging the notion of value for money.

Unfinished Narratives: A Missed Opportunity

The narrative, centered around a school holiday treasure hunt involving Bluey and Bingo, starts off promisingly. Familiar characters like Uncle Stripe, Muffin, Uncle Rad, and Grandad Mort make appearances, adding depth to the storyline. However, the disappointment sets in as the story abruptly concludes without providing a satisfying resolution. The unlocked beach area lacks a corresponding story component, leaving players with an unfinished narrative that feels like a missed opportunity. The potential richness of Bluey’s world is not fully explored, leaving fans wanting more.

Gameplay Woes: Fractured Experiences

Bluey: The Videogame falls short in the gameplay department, particularly in cooperative play. Experiences of frozen characters and finicky interactions mar the overall gaming experience. The limited precision of platforming in 2.5D spaces adds to the frustration, making progression cumbersome in larger groups. The incorporation of mini-games, while attempting to diversify gameplay, introduces scrappy and rudimentary elements. The lack of draw towards these mini-games leaves a void in the overall entertainment value.

Imaginative Shortcomings

Given Bluey’s extensive catalog of 151 episodes, the game’s limited scope becomes glaringly evident. The potential for exploration of diverse locations and characters remains largely untapped. Bluey: The Videogame appears as a perplexingly unimaginative adaptation of a show celebrated for its creativity and thoughtfulness. The game’s failure to fully leverage the source material raises questions about its overall design and execution.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity for Brilliance

In conclusion, Bluey: The Videogame falls short of expectations set by the exceptional children’s show it aims to translate into an interactive experience. While successfully replicating Bluey’s visual charm, the game falters in delivering substantial content, leaving players wanting more. The unfinished narrative, coupled with gameplay issues, creates a sense of unfulfillment. The price point further exacerbates these shortcomings, raising concerns about the game’s value proposition. Ultimately, Bluey: The Videogame stands as a missed opportunity to translate the brilliance of Bluey’s world into an engaging and immersive gaming experience.