The Polar Express - GBA

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The Polar Express (GBA)
Viewed: 2D Side-on, Scrolling Genre:
Adventure
Arcade origin:No
Developer: Tantalus Soft. Co.: THQ
Publishers: THQ (GB)
Released: 26 Nov 2004 (GB)
Ratings: PEGI 3+
Accessories: GameCube Game Boy Player

Summary

While films based upon games rarely turn out to be anything more than a low-budget mediocre flick, games based upon films can be a different story altogether. And next up in the ongoing movie-cum-game line up is THQ's Polar Express for GBA, released the very same day as the film itself.

A platform adventure at heart, the handheld edition of The Polar Express pits players in a classic scrolling environment in which ladders must be climbed, items must be discovered and obstacles must be overcome. It's a basic formula, but it's worked so well for so many years - why change it now?

The story behind the game faithfully follows that of the film, and consequently looks much the same too. The game's varied locales are colourful, vibrant and overall much like they are on the big screen. And even though the game is limited from a technical standpoint, the animation remains fluid and rivals anything the 16-bit era of gaming ever had to offer.

As you work your way through the fantasy plot of The Polar Express, you'll also come across a number of mini-games that can help disperse on otherwise routine adventure. These include skiing down arctic slopes and racing down futuristic circuits in search of numerous valuables.

All in all, the GBA rendition of the big-screen offering is good fun and up for a quick thrash whenever you are - you might even play through it twice.