Dee Dee has stepped into the machine and pushed the big shiny button. Now, instead of just one Dee Dee, there are dozens and they are all running amok in the laboratory. Collecting all the Dee Dees (in order to reform them into a single maniacal sister), and repairing all the equipment that she has tapered with, or which has just plain broke, are the primary tasks in the Game Boy Advance release of Dexter’s Laboratory: Deesaster Strikes.

This program is a product of Warner Brothers, BAM Entertainment and the Cartoon Network.

For those not familiar with Dexter’s Laboratory, which airs on the Cartoon Network, Dexter is a small young man with red hair, big glasses and an enormous IQ. Somewhere below his house is a high-tech, ultra-modern laboratory filled with a giant computer (which is known at Computer), thousands of machines, planes, and other vehicles. Of course, Dexter’s parents are total oblivious to what lies below the house.

His sister, Dee Dee, isn’t. She knows exactly what is down there, and often visits, much to Dexter’s consternation and various attempts to keep her out. Dee Dee is rather tall and spindly, blonde hair, big blue eyes and an IQ that is at the opposite end of Dexter’s scale – or at least she would like people to think that. It is amazing how smart she can be when the situation warrants it.

This, however, was not one of those times.

Dexter’s Laboratory is a game that looks like it was taken directly off the television screen and translated into the palm of your hands. In fact, unless mistaken, this whole cloning storyline came from one of the episodes of the cartoon. It has been faithfully and delightfully rendered into this console format.

Game controls are simple to understand and use. The D-pad directs Dexter around his lab, the A button is a jump (and he will need to at times), the B is the action button, the R button is for punching, and the L button cycles through the inventory. Remember, the right tool for the right job, and considering the size of Dexter’s lab, you will need plenty of tools, and weapons.

After all, this isn’t just a matter of wandering about and collecting pint-sized Dee Dees. There are enemies and obstacles to overcome, including robots, voracious plants and slime, as well as a general assortment of traps that will shoot Dexter or zap him.

The game has a general assortment of weapons and tools to pick up as you explore a level. Each weapon or tool will probably be needed in the level you are on, so be prepared. Of course, Dexter can punch an enemy or by pressing the jump button twice, Dexter will execute a flying jump kick to the foe’s head.

The sound portion of the game adds a variety of effects and Dee Dee’s vocal intonations to the standard background music. When you snag a Dee Dee, and release her into a tube that transports her back to the Clone-a-Matic, she will yell “whee!” and then call out for Dexter when she realizes she has been deposited inside the machine. This adds a little variety, and some charm, to an otherwise standard soundtrack.

The graphics of this program are terrific. It has the feel of the cartoon itself, combining the same style of animation with colors seemingly taken right from the television. When Dexter gets zapped, you will see his little skeleton with the standard lightning glow around him.

Dexter’s Laboratory is a well-made game featuring excellent graphics, solid sound, and challenging puzzles and levels. This is an entertaining game capable of providing hours of enjoyment to any age level.

No surprise that this game is rated for Everyone. The game does have a save feature with four slots for saved games.

Install: N/A

Gameplay: 8.
You may find yourself going in circles, but that has nothing to do with the game. Once launched, the game is nonstop fun.

Graphics: 8.5
This program features some of the best animation and cartoon-like graphics seen to date for the Game Boy Advance.

Sound: 7
Dee Dee’s little yelps are enjoyable, though the game, otherwise, features solid by average music and sound effects.

Difficulty: 8
Dexter’s Laboratory makes it easy to master the control elements, but the puzzles and levels can present some challenges.

Concept: 8.5
This is a cartoon come to life with all the nuances of the Dexter’s Laboratory animated series.

Multiplayer: N/A