Space Chimps

Watching the Space Chimps film before checking out the Wii game certainly helped me appreciate the game's objectives. The storyline is not clear from the game itself. Here's what you should know: three chimps — including Ham the Third, who works in a circus and is a descendant of Ham the First, the very first chimp sent into space in 1961 — are recruited to go on a dangerous space mission after scientists detect a giant wormhole. They soon find themselves on the planet Malgor, where an evil ruler, Zartog, is terrorising the inhabitants.

The object of the game is to rescue Titan, the chimp commander who has been kidnapped, and then beat Zartog and save the citizens of Malgor. This game could present quite a few difficulties for young ones. Why? because I am 11 and had trouble with bits of it. It is certified as 7+ and I would agree with that. No matter what, kids will still love it, especially as they get to take on the role of their favourite chimps from the movie, Luna and Ham the Third (though sadly, not Titan). Throughout the game, you get little clips from the movie, which helps keep your interest.

On Ham and Luna’s way, they come up against alien soldiers, out to protect the evil villain king Zartog. Some of these are easy targets, but others are trickier. Prepare to be shot at, beaten with sticks, and pummeled with punches.

You jump, swing and battle your way through the levels — Ham punching and kicking at the King’s army, and Luna flying with butterfly wings and shooting goo from a little alien she befriends! Swing on the vines to get through the jungle, but if none are obvious a sticky green substance on nearby walls can assist. Look out for creatures who don’t try to attack you, they will give you a helping hand, and help you progress through the game. The bananas scattered all over the place have healing properties, and statues of Zartog himself, when activated, will present you with a Zartog head. These will enable you to progress in the game; the little bright blue and yellow heads act as keys, and the larger heads as weights. Saving any golden bananas will give you buying power later. Also, remember that although water is frequently dangerous, it is sometimes the only way to get ahead.

On the downside, older gameplayers may find the game a bit repetitive, but all in all, Space Chimps works pretty well — good movie, good game. So do think you got the skill to save Malgor?! Because if you do, you'd better hurry and…unleash your inner chimp!