Over the Hedge

Simple fun can be a good thing, especially when your target audience is likely younger players. Such is the case with Over the Hedge on the Game Boy Advance.

Activision and Vicarious Visions are behind the GBA version of the game (which is based on Dreamworks upcoming animated release), and it is readily apparent that – while an attractive game – the game caters to platform gamers who like short levels, simple puzzles and quick rewards.

The game begins with RJ (the raccoon) entering a meadow with logs leading to the various quests. As this was a preview build of the game, there were only about 7 available, and other options (such as the store) were not working. RJ can run into other characters from the main story, such as Stella or Verne, and when ready, jump though a log and into a mission.

The missions themselves are fairly short in length, and there are three difficulty settings. Most of the puzzles in the build received were very straight forward in design – you traverse a map (go from point A to point B) and push or pull objects out of the way, collect scattered food items, avoid humans and pets and the traps of the Verminator.

Some of the missions require a couple of stages, and you can either use some of the individual skills the stars of the game possess, or just be sneaking. Verne, the turtle, for example, can avoid being spotted simply by popping into his shell. Once the danger passes, he can get out and move along.

Some of the pets can be knocked out using ranged attacks, but the traps are best avoided all together. Get zapped too many times and you will be restarting the level.

The control scheme is very simple, using primarily the D-pad and the A/B buttons. The shoulder buttons were not used in this particular build.

The sound is kept light and uptempo, with all the characters relegated to typed chat. While the screen gives a centered and big view of the star of the level, you are not afforded much in the way of seeing the map overall, especially to plot a course during maze-like missions. However, that is a small inconvenience when compared to the lush three-dimensional environments. This is a game that not only looks very good, but is easy to jump into and play.

Over the Hedge, on the GBA, is targeted for a younger crowd, and in that regard, the game – at this stage – looks to be one that will definitely entertain.