Barnyard (GBA) (Barnyard (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Barnyard (GBA)
Date:	26/04/09 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Simple gameplay

Disadvantages: Basic audio

"Barnyard" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2006 by THQ. It is based on the computer animated film of the same name. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

Players control Otis the Cow during his beginning stages of being introduced to a large countryside farm. In order to gain friendships and admiration of his peers, the player must complete various tasks for other animals which tend to include simple object retrieval. To acquire these objects they can either be traded with other animals, who will likely send Otis on a request to gather another item, or by acquiring them from the wild. Leaving the safety of the farm can pose some trouble to Otis. As per the film, wild coyotes live outside the farm and wish to eat the livestock. The player will be required to do real time battle with these villains by use of the cow's udders. Otis may also be guided to a local scrapheap for possible item discovery. Day and night are represented in this game but do not hinder significantly on gameplay. After 5 PM the item errands will no longer be issued and Otis may join his other barnyard companions in a local night club after 9 PM.

The graphics of this title are excellent and are presented from a top side perspective. The animals are very well detailed with the typical cartoon allure seen in the feature film. There is little differentiation in the graphics due to the rural environment which this game takes place in, but what is presented is of a higher standard. The audio, however, is not of the best standard and only features simple musical scores that are often looped throughout play and animal noises to suggest farm life.

Overall, those who enjoyed the film may find some entertainment in Barnyard. It is an acceptable game that can be completed quite quickly in terms of in game hours. Independent sources claim that there is only three hours of actual in game play which is often regarded as short. Nonetheless, it is still an acceptable title for the short duration which it lasts.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle