Croc: Legend of the Gobos

Copyright: KBkids.com

In the style of popular console games, Croc: Legend of the Gobos takes you on a fun 3D adventure with all the flare of Sonic 3D Blast. This console type game (console games are Nintendo, Playstation etc.) is not nearly as good as Mario 64, but then again, you can't purchase Mario 64 for your computer. Croc has gaming elements similar to those found in Sonic, Rayman and Mario.

While this program has been met with mixed reviews in the media, testers here found the game fun and entertaining to a point. Teens testing this program would still rather stick with their real console games. The controls and graphics take a bit of getting used to. Younger testers seemed to really like this program (6-8) but really were not very successful with the game play, especially as the game progressed. At first run, the graphics, camera angles and controls seemed very awkward. The camera angles were especially difficult to adjust to. You get the feeling of having an ear infection at first. As Croc turns, the camera swings around with him, but at a slightly slower rate, given a wild swinging effect. Testers eventually adjusted and it became only a minor annoyance. Kids who have played Mario 64 a lot may find the controls particularly annoying. This program is missing a lot of the game play element which made Mario 64 a classic. This program is often compared to Mario 64.

These complaints aside, Croc is a fairly good game. There are many levels, making the game one which will not be completed in a day, always annoying to money conscious parents! The many levels are one of the programs greatest strengths. Croc is a "crusading" crocodile who has set out to rescue a group of Gobos, little furry creatures. The Gobos have been snatched by the villain, Baron Dante, who must eventually be defeated. There are five worlds in this program, each containing approximately nine stages (levels,) and two 'bosses' in each world. For those not familiar with console games, a 'boss' is the ultimate enemy which needs to be conquered. Instead of the complex battle scenes with the bosses found in Mario 64 and other popular games, here the routine is mostly 'kick 'em when their down.' Nothing graphically violent, but not the usual complexity which appeals to many console fans either.

Throughout this game, Croc will travel above ground, under ground, swim through water (with great effects!) and visit the obligatory ice world. Control within the water is exceptionally difficult. The game will keep your kids happily engaged for quite some time. If you have diehard Mario fans, be prepared for the same mixed reactions that have appeared in the press. Testers here liked the game, but admit it does not have the magic of real console play. This game was met with a much better reaction than Sonic 3D Blast, however.

Bottom Line: Considering the inherent problems with moving console games to the computer, this is a great console adaptation, but missing the flare of Mario 64.

Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)

Overall: 2 1/2

BrainGain: 1

FunFactor: 2 1/2

EasePlease: 2

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