Disney's Kim Possible 3: Team Possible

Last year, Disney and A2M teamed up to produce Kim Possible 2, a solid platform game that embodied the spirit of the TV show quite well.  Kim had all kinds of cool moves, including wall-jumping, swinging on poles and grappling hooks, and even skating. With Kim Possible 3, A2M has kept all the elements that made the game so good, and has added some new features, which have increased the game’s replayability.

Now, instead of playing as just Kim, players will play across the levels as both Ron and Kim, each of whom has distinct abilities. Kim still has her incredibly useful grappling hook, and Ron has power boots, which enable him to shoot up into the air from the ground. They have other gadgets that become available in later levels, as well, but these are used to take out enemies. Playing as two characters doesn’t change the gameplay all that much; it mostly means that the levels are played through twice, as each character has to get to the next save point. The main affect has to do with the puzzle element of the game, wherein only one of the characters can get across a certain area (usually Kim), who then will do something to enable the other character to get across the area. Rufus makes a showing every now and then, as Ron can pop him out of his pocket at places that are only accessible by Rufus, who can crawl up walls and squeeze into small crevasses.

There is also a multiplayer mode, which requires two GBAs and a cable. Players can play simultaneously as Ron and Kim. This, along with the mini-games that can be unlocked by collecting special items in each level, definitely add to the longevity of the game.

As to be expected with the same development company, the characters look pretty much the same as in the previous game, which is to say, they look pretty sharp. The characters move fluidly, and it’s really fun to watch Kim swinging along on her grappling hook. Kim, Ron and Rufus all appear the same as on the TV show, and the game’s environments are consistent with the show, as well. The backgrounds are good, too, but there’s not that much contrasting detail. In the jungle, for instance, there’s mostly just bland greenery and trees, no flowers or other decorative items. The music is the same as in the previous game, and can get annoying. I played with it turned off, mostly.

Alas, while the new content is nice, it would have been even nicer if some problems from Kim Possible 2 had been addressed, namely the difficulty of some of the areas. It’s just too hard for Kim to get across some levels, and younger players will end up frustrated by their lack of progress. It does seem that there are more health points scattered around, and more save points, but that still doesn’t help get Kim through the level. Another peeve is the difficulty of hitting the vines just right; if the character doesn’t catch  a vine correctly, he or she will fall off and have to try again, which happens too often. One note, the wall-jumping seems to be easier. Despite the difficulty for younger players, older kids and adults may find the challenge a plus in making the game more interesting.

A2M has come out with another winner, one that combines a super-cool TV cartoon character with interesting gadgets, and lots of challenging platform action and puzzle elements. While the game can be too difficult at times for young children, the numerous save spots and plenteous health points available take some of the pain away.

Gameplay: 8.0
This is exactly what a good platformer should do: offer a good challenge, interesting puzzles and gadgetry, and lots of exciting action. The buttons are easy to use, too.

Graphics: 8.0
Nice graphics, although a trifle bland across some levels.

Sound: 7.0
The sound is Ok, but I found it annoying after a while. Others may not find it so.

Difficulty: Medium/Hard
This game, while easy enough in some parts, is not for the faint of heart in others.

Concept: 8.0
A2M has kept the same successful elements of last year’s game, and added some new content which is implemented well.

Overall: 8.0
This is one of the few platforming games designed around a children’s show that is actually any good. While there are only three worlds, each of these worlds is huge. Having to run Kim and Ron through each level makes them even longer. The gameplay is well-designed and executed, and the multiplayer modes and mini-games increase the replayability.  A great game for any family’s library. Best for kids ages 10-up.