Spirit - Stallion of the Cimarron (GBA) (Spirit - Stallion of the Cimarron (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Spirit - Stallion of the Cimarron (GBA)
Date:	01/06/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Accurate to film

Disadvantages: Repetitive gameplay, Some graphics

"Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2002 by THQ. It is based on the 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.

In this title, players assume the role of a young Native American tribesman who sets off to rescue scattered horses. A terrible storm has hit the plains where said tribesman lives and it is up to the player to guide him on his quest. Because of the storm many animals have become spooked and will not immediately trust the player's presence. Simple puzzle solving to include bribing with food, playing a musical instrument or singing to the horse will eventually subdue it into submission. The player will then have the opportunity to ride the horse and guide it back to the tribe where they are maintained and cared for. The player must be wary, though, as not all horses belong to the tribe and some are inherently evil. Any horse which the player is riding comes equipped with a standard kicking attack which can fend off evildoers, but care and compassion is required when using attacks as forcing the horse to fight frequently will reduce its tame state. After the horse has been returned to the tribe, the player will once again set out into the field to recover another animal and repeat until all horses have been found.

The graphics are presented from an isometric perspective which focus on the playing field below. I found the images to be standard as far as one would assume a horse related game to be. The visuals are accurate to their intended purpose and almost seem to be rushed in their design. While a horse "looks like" a horse I found the image to be somewhat scribbled versus other horse related video games on the Gameboy. The audio is also of an average state with simple and frequently looping musical scores following the player throughout.

Overall, Stallion of the Cimarron is an average at best movie tie in which may only appeal to younger fans interested in the film. I found the gameplay to be far too repetitive for my enjoyment and quickly grew bored of the experience.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle