March of the Penguins was a fantastic movie. It was different. The makers of March of the Penguins GBA evidently wanted to make a different type of game to match the uniqueness of the movie, and so they designed a puzzle game instead of your typical platformer. The result is a sort of simplistic Lemmings set in the Antarctic. However, sad to say, actually playing the game is not as enjoyable as the initial game design promises.

The game begins with a line of penguins marching across the icy landscape. There are various snowflakes scattered around in the air, which can only be reached by guiding the penguins up to higher ledges. To do so, players will need to choose one of many icons at the bottom menu and drag the item up to the desired location. These items are ice ramps, trampolines, slides, fire coals, fish and other things. Depending on their placement, the penguins will react and move accordingly. The fish is the most helpful item.

The manual has to be read in this game to get any sense out of what is expected, so don’t expect to just pop in the game and play. According to the manual, the first levels are supposed to be simple in difficulty, with the subsequent levels becoming harder. Right. The first level is difficult, at least for me it was. I collected about four or five snowflakes, then became stuck trying to figure out how to get the penguins up to some very high ledges. I tried moving further across the ice, getting higher, then making my way back, but the penguins kept sliding downhill past the point where they would need to jump up and get the snowflake. I wasn’t allowed to place any of the items on this particular ledge. However, this was supposed to be solved; I wasn’t the woman for the job, evidently.

Then, my husband gave it a whirl. He found some ledges that were carved in the sides of these pillars, eureka! After he pointed them out, I could see them, but just barely. We were able to progress after discovering these handy little ledges scattered here and there.

The game looks very good, but in keeping with the spirit of the movie, the landscapes are barren and frozen.

March of the Penguins is actually a decent puzzle game that could offer a lot of satisfaction to solve, but it is hurt by design flaws that make it unnecessarily frustrating for kids. The lack of any type of in-game tutorial or instruction, the less-than-instructive manual and the steep learning curve detract from the general fun. Older kids that persevere will benefit the most. Parents of younger players are better off with something a little easier.

Gameplay: 7.0
This game has the potential to be really fun and satisfying, but many young players won’t stick around long enough to find out, because it’s just no fun to keep losing the very first level.

Graphics: 8.0
Nice graphic detail that is indicative of the movie.

Sound: 7.0
The music is unmemorable, but at least it’s not annoying.

Difficulty: Hard
This game is very challenging.

Concept: 8.0
The design and puzzle format are very refreshing.

Overall: 7.0
This game could have been really good, given its great use of locational puzzles and the variety of gameplay elements in the levels. However, the design flaws drag it down. It’s just too hard for its target audience, and the theme and storyline probably won’t interest older players. A tutorial level is badly needed, too. Best for families with older kids who like to solve puzzles.