Bluey: The Videogame review

"Bluey: The Videogame" rolls off the digital shelves with the promise of bringing the beloved Australian animated TV series to life in interactive form. The show, celebrated for its charming animation and heartwarming stories, has captured the hearts of both young audiences and adults alike. The game, now inviting players to step into Bluey's world, aims to deliver the same level of enchantment as the series.

A highlight of the game is its faithfulness to the show's visual appeal. "Bluey: The Videogame" executes a nearly flawless transition of the series' distinct 2D animation style into the gaming world. The voices of the original cast members further add to the authenticity, enhancing the in-game experience with familiar sounds and personalities.

The game offers a straightforward storyline, where players join Bluey and Bingo on a school holiday treasure hunt for a relic once buried by their father and uncles. The quest is split across a few stages, including the Heeler family house and backyard, the playground, and the beach, offering a range of scenarios for players to explore. Pit stops at iconic locations like the creek add to the game's charm, providing brief glimpses into Bluey's universe.

However, "Bluey: The Videogame" falls short in terms of depth and gameplay dynamics. While its simplicity could be seen as age-appropriate for its target demographic, the game's interactions often come across as tedious and repetitive. Puzzles predominantly involve moving objects around and prove to be more exasperating than engaging. Platforming lacks precision, which can lead to frustration, especially in multiplayer mode, where the experience becomes chaotic with more hands on deck.

Diving into the mini-games, each episode introduces a separate activity. These range from the balloon-bouncing "Keepy Uppy" to "Chattermax Chase," a light-hearted capture-the-flag-style game. While the intention is to diversify playtime, they often feel underbaked and not thoroughly tested, marred by glitches and unrefined mechanics. It's a disappointment when considering the potential these mini-games had in embodying the cheerful spirit of the show.

Bluey's venture into gaming had high expectations to meet, yet "Bluey: The Videogame" unfortunately resides closer to the realm of quick merchandise cash-ins than a genuine extension of the series. Despite its gorgeous aesthetics, the game does not encapsulate the clever writing and emotional depth that Bluey fans have grown to adore. Its brevity and clumsy design choices make it difficult to justify its high retail price.