Babe and Friends

Review

by Kyle Knight

Babe and Friends is obviously aimed at the younger market, but it still manages to have some appeal to adult gamers. The gameplay walks a thin line between being easy enough for younger gamers to grasp, while still having enough challenge to keep adult gamers interested. For the most part it succeeds, and turns out to be a surprisingly enjoyable game.

The graduated difficulty curve is amongst the best in the business. Starting with the first puzzle where all you have to do is bark at the sheep from the right direction, each subsequent puzzle adds one new objective, or one new variation on an old theme. Each puzzle is more challenging and more intriguing than the last, but you never feel as if the game is overwhelming you by including too many new concepts.

Because the puzzles are designed as part of a larger map, later on in the game you may be confused as to where you should be going. The game remedies this by providing a series of arrow markers indicating where you should be heading. You can also consult with your animal friends, who are scattered throughout the levels, for clues on what you should be doing next. When you're in a part of the map that isn't covered by your current puzzle, they'll tell you there's nothing of interest there, and that you should turn back. Babe and Friends's difficulty curve is something that other game designers should study to improve on their work.

Complementing the great difficulty curve is a set of well-designed puzzles. After a series of learning tasks, the problem-solving begins in earnest. The puzzles test your ability to plan and visualize the sheep's course. Some of them are challenging enough that you'll need to restart the puzzle a few times, but not to the point where it is difficult enough to be frustrating. If you're an experienced adult gamer, you will probably be able to go through the game in two or three hours. The trip isn't long, but it's enjoyable while it lasts.

Decent graphics and catchy music round out the game's attributes. The cartridge makes fair use of the Game Boy Color's graphics and color capabilities. It is good enough to let you know what's going on in the game, but there is nothing remarkable to the graphics at all. The music, on the other hand, is cheerful and catchy. It fits well with the light mood.

Babe and Friends is not a very difficult game, especially if you're an experienced adult gamer. But it does have enough challenge to keep you interested for some time. Not everyone will be able to get around the license and the thought of playing as walking pork chops, but if you can, Babe and Friends offers some enjoyable light gaming fun for those long trips. The biggest issue for adult gamers is the game's length; you may not want to spend the money for a game that will only keep you entertained for three or so hours. For younger players, Babes and Friends is a perfect balance of gameplay and difficulty.