Madagascar for GameCube Reviews by Gamers

I really liked this game mainly because my 6 & 7 year olds took to it immediately and didn't get a migraine trying to figure out how to play. I loved the graphics and am probably partial because I really loved Madagascar the movie. I only wished that you could have two players at once instead of one since both of my kids really enjoyed playing it. I would probably buy it if it were available to purchase as well.

In Madagascar, you play as Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman, and the penguins. You collect "power cards" to unlock new abilities, which are usually needed to progress through the level. They are not difficult to find. Each character has his/her unique abilites, and parts of levels are designed for specific characters to use those abilities. You also collect coins, which can be used to buy minigames, clothing for characters, etc. Although the game is creative, makes good use of the controls, and is hilarious at times, its graphics are terrible. It looks flat and unpleasant, the words don't lip sync, and the sprites hardly look 3D; just like a 3D body with 2D animation placed on top of it. And it is also extremely short. You could probably beat the game in a few hours. Besides the graphics and shortness, the game has character-exclusive bonuses in the levels (Alex jumps through rings, Gloria smashes cars in one level, etc.) that can help you progress through a level or earn bonus points. For example, in the first level, Alex needs to jump through seven rings to move on, but in the third level, it earns coins for the Zoovenir shop. At times the game can have mental challenges, like memorizing patterns or completing puzzles. One of the main enemies are the foosa, which is the final boss of the game. Although the game is mostly platforming, it sometimes goes into a few different genres, such as racing or fighting. So overall, Madagascar is a great game, and although the hideous graphics and lack of length bring it down, it's fun enough that you should buy it, and play it over and over until you get tired of it, which is usually after 4 or 5 times. If you love the DreamWorks movie, you'll love this game. P.S. If you don't have a GameCube, don't worry! It's the same game on Xbox, PlayStation 2, and PC. So what are you waiting for?