Penny Proud of the Proud family is in a quandary. Her parents’ 15th wedding anniversary is coming up in a few days, and she has decided that her initial present of a scrapbook just isn’t going to cut it when compared to her friend Lacienega’s suggestion of a T.H.A.N.G. for a gift. The T.H.A.N.G. is a Total Home Automation Necessity Gizmo, which manages money, gives massages, and styles hair, amongst other useful tasks. The only problem is that a T.H.A.N.G will require a good bit of money, which Penny doesn’t have. She needs to get a J.O.B.; actually, she needs a whole lot of J.O.B.s!

The Proud Family is an adventure platform-type game, interspersed with mini-games that have to be unlocked. The main plot of the game revolves around Penny’s pressing need for instant cash, which she can acquire in a variety of ways. During the course of the game, she will pick up litter, retrieve items for people, and carry out a number of jobs around town. The litter is ever-present, and is the easiest method of earning money; all Penny has to do is pick it up and deliver it to recycling bins. Once all the litter is picked up, a spaceship appears and dumps more out, allowing Penny to pick it up again for even more money. The errands she can run for people serve the purpose of advancing the game forward through the different levels, as do the jobs. The jobs are the mini-games, of which there are six. These games are a mix of arcade and simplistic logic games. They will require Penny to select the right ingredients for snacks, according to what the judges like; make the perfect pizza crust; mix the right music choices; throw down some wrestling moves on Suga Mama; and put her dance on. As each game is unlocked, it can be played over again separately.

While Penny does have to hop around from time to time to get up to high places, there aren’t a whole lot of platforming moves. There aren’t any enemies to defeat, and obstacles are easily jumped over. Most of Penny’s tasks will involve picking up items for money, running errands and playing the mini-games. She can also practice dancing around town for the dance competition. A photo section is provided to store the pictures Penny can take around town with her camera.

The game looks great, and is animated wonderfully. It looks exactly like the TV cartoon. The sound effects are minimal, and the in-game music is pretty average, but the mini-game with the music tracks is neat.

At first glance, this appears to be a typical “girl game,” but actually it’s not. The mini-games and errands aren’t focused on makeup or hairstyles, but are appealing to all kids, with the emphasis on music, making weird snacks and wrestling. The humor is very well done and will appeal to all players. The mini-games are varied, interesting, and fun to play. The mix of errand running, picking up litter, jobs (mini-games) and platform style levels is designed nicely; however, the platforming aspect could use some work. There just isn’t much to this part of the game, and it could have had much more thought put into it.

Overall, though, this is one of the better all-around games in terms of variety and interesting gameplay that I’ve seen for kids ages 10-up. It’s colorful, hip, and features funny mini-games. The storyline of having to earn lots of cash doing odd jobs all over town is appealing to this age group, too. Replay value is good with the mini-games that can be played over again, although having more in-depth platforming or maze type levels that could replayed for more points or collectibles would have boosted the replay value even more. Buena Vista has done an excellent job. A good choice for families.

Gameplay: 8.0
The gameplay is engaging and mostly what it should be, except for the weak platforming. The mini-games are just the right mix and challenge, with interesting themes. Replay value is good.

Graphics: 9.0
Very good graphics, it’s exactly like the show!

Sound: 7.0
The music is average, but at least not annoying. The music mini-game is tuneful.

Difficulty: Easy
The game is easy, but lasts a decent amount of time.

Concept: 7.5
Not just your average girls’ game, this game offers a little something for everyone. The overall execution is good, but the platforming is weak.

Overall: 8.0
A cute and fun game that is sure to please most kids. The theme of earning money for a gift by doing odd jobs is a good one, and ties in all the game features very well. The replay value is high enough to warrant a purchase, especially for fans of the show.