Quality Family Time With the Robinsons

The game Meet the Robinsons expands its world beyond the movie version. (Disney Interactive)

Disney Interactive has taken a page from THQ's book (think Cars, The Incredibles) when it comes to the game Walt Disney Pictures Presents Meet the Robinsons. In addition to working with the film's director and producer, developers brought in the entire cast of voice actors to reprise their roles for the game.

It wasn't so long ago that movie-based games simply regurgitated the plot from the big-screen adventure, but Disney has created an original story with the film's minor characters, offering a new interactive adventure for kids who got a kick out of the computer-animated movie.

The game's star, Wilbur Robinson, interacts with some of the film's most entertaining characters as he embarks on a time-traveling mission to recover a time machine stolen by the villainous Bowler Hat Guy. That opens the door to a variety of landscapes, including crumbling tombs in ancient Egypt, the present day and multiple versions of the film's utopian future. Avalanche Studios has borrowed elements from some of the best games out there and rolled them into this world with great results: Wilbur collects gadgets (a la the game Ratchet & Clank), such as a scanner that divulges information on in-game objects (as in Metroid), Havoc Gloves to solve underground puzzles (Dig-Dug), a Breakout-inspired Charge Ball and a Super Monkey Ball-like bubble.

The game blends simplified Legend of Zelda-style action-adventure with combat and mini-games, which should appeal to the younger demographic that enjoyed the film. Players can explore areas of the Robinson home not seen in the movie and can spend quality time with key characters. The world has been wonderfully re-created across all the platforms (although the Xbox 360 version doesn't stand out as much as it should). Xbox 360 owners get an exclusive shooter mini-game featuring the robot Carl and the Bowler Hat Guy. Wii owners get another decent movie-based game that makes full use of the motion-sensor controls. Any way you buy it, this game should satisfy young gamers.

-- John Gaudiosi

Walt Disney Pictures Presents Meet the Robinsons Everyone 10+; Xbox 360, Wii ($50); PlayStation 2, GameCube, ($30); PC ($20) Disney Interactive/ Avalanche Studios