Lion King II Simba's Pride GameBreak

Copyright: KBkids.com

Lion King II has hit the small screen with a bang. Disney has recently released two new software programs based on the new video release. Lion King II GameBreak, and Lion King II Active Play. GameBreak will immediately appeal to your children due to it's theme, but it's life expectancy may be a bit short.

Be forewarned that the installation portion of this program is a bit odd. Screens do not look 'familiar' and you must read each screen before proceeding. The attempt at jazzing up the installation screens only results in confusion.

Kiara and Kovu are hiding out from the 'baby-sitters' (Timon and Pumbaa) in their secret hiding place. From the secret waterfall, you can access any one of four multi-player games. Your kids can play by themselves, or with one other friend. While the games are almost ridiculously simple to play, testers found instructions for each game severely lacking. You are told very briefly what to do, but unfortunately not how to do it. It may not be until you dig into the controls screen that you realize you are supposed to use the AWS and D keys to make your character move! Kids pounded around forever, and needed adult intervention to save the keyboard. Some games allow mouse and joystick use, but these controls must also be set separately. Testers liked the games at first, but they are too shallow to keep kids busy for an extended period.

Cub Chase: Kiara loves to leave lion tracks all over the jungle. Your kids will move her through a series of mazes, leaving footprints on each and every trail. The 'baby-sitters' will try to thwart Kiara's efforts. Kiara can hide from them by running through mud puddles, and playing a sort of 'tag' game.

Paddle Bash: This arcade-style game is similar to Breakout. You and your opponent (computer or otherwise) are each given control of a paddle at the side of the screen. The object is to hit a ball into bricks and knock out a path for Timon or Pumbaa to reach a tasty grub. Using the ASWD, and shift keys in this game may be difficult for younger children with little small motor coordination.

Swamp Berry Sling: By clicking on moving objects in the swamp, your slingshot will launch berries and gain points. Nasty crocodiles will try to stop you, so keep shooting. Several Kindergartners seemed to shoot constantly and rapidly instead of attempting to use much skill.

Conga Longa: The dullest game here. By using the same letter keys, your kids will move Kiara around a field of animals. As she passes by each animal, they will join a 'conga line.' The object is to collect as many conga dancers as quickly as possible.

Scores are kept for each game, but never made much sense, and meant nothing to kids testing this product. Testers were initially drawn in by the subject matter, but quickly turned to other real-life endeavors. Lion King II Active Play offered more substantial activities.

Bottom Line: Dull games, and not enough instruction make this program one with limited replay value. This one may make you say, "is that all?" Stick with Lion King II Active Play.

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

Overall: 2

BrainGain: 1 1/2

FunFactor: 2

EasePlease: 2

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