Rugrats I Gotta Go Party (GBA) (Rugrats I Gotta Go Party (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Rugrats I Gotta Go Party (GBA)
Date:	28/05/09 (6 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Accurate to television series, Some audio

Disadvantages: Simple gameplay, Some graphics

"I Gotta Go Party" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2002 by THQ. It is based on the Rugrats animated cartoon series. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

The gameplay of this title is essentially a glorified "hide and go seek" game. Players assume the role of Tommy and navigate him through the Pickles residence in search of other popular Rugrats characters. Each of the characters will be hidden in a distinct spot and uncovering them unlocks a mini game for the players to engage with. Each of the mini games are simple in their execution on only make use of a few button commands. One game in particular, known as "Angelica's Cookies", proves the most challenging with the player alternating between the left and right directional arrows to catch falling biscuits from the top of the display. It is a very simple game in practice and is clearly aimed towards the younger audience which the animated series captivates. Finding the Rugrats characters also proves to be easy as they are not "hidden" in the true sense of the word. Instead, they stand in clear open spaces where the player can simply have Tommy crawl up to them to start a corresponding mini game.

The graphics are presented from a top down perspective which focuses on Tommy. Each of the room designs are less than impressive. While each room does bear a strong resemblance to that seen in the animated series, I found the colouring to be bland and lacking in any boldness. The mini games are a credible improvement over the initial "seeking" stage but are short in their duration so do not capitalize on the visual allure. The soundtrack is also simple with gentle musical scores and sound effects following the player throughout.

Overall, I Gotta Go Party is an average Rugrats tie-in which may appeal to younger fans of the animated series. It is a game which I would be hesitant about recommending due to its simplicity and mediocre visual implements.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle