The THQ Kids, Family and Casual games division stopped in New York during its Q1 Media Tour, and this little journalist had the chance to check out some of the latest family-friendly titles coming to gamers this spring, including SpongeBob's Boating Bash, Beat City, World of Outlaws: Sprint Cars and Nancy Drew: The Model Mysteries.
The famous yellow porifera is back with his friends for another adventure in gaming. SpongeBob’s Boating Bash takes content from the popular television series and brings it to life as gamers lead SpongeBob through an unconventional driver’s education course. Mislead by a shady shark, SpongeBob is convinced that attending the D.R.I.V.E. class is the only way to finally become a legal driver. What ensues is crazy, family-friendly Twisted Metal-style action featuring more than 100 unlockable watercrafts, including tugboats, bumper boats and cabin cruisers.
Designed for the entire family, there are several multiplayer options, and players will enjoy their time together as they smash through six arenas located around Bikini Bottom. Gamers may select one of eight playable characters to represent them on the track, and as they complete each stage, new boats are unlocked.
The game looks like a lot of fun, and during my hands-on time with the title, I definitely found myself giggling as I slammed into my opponents. Graphically speaking, the Wii version of the game has all the bright and cheerful graphics fans of the series will instantly recognize. SpongeBob’s Boating Bash is also scheduled to ship for the DS; however, there was not a copy to see during the event. SpongeBob aficionados looking to get their hands on this game have to wait until March. The game will be about $39.99.
In terms of gaming, it doesn’t get quirkier than Beat City. The story is out there, but to premise the strange yet amusing rhythm-based gameplay, it’s gonna take a little imagination. A scorned opera singer returns to her hometown angered by the public’s reception of her voice. Determined to make everyone miserable, she uses the evil Cacophony Corporation to suck the life and vibrant color out of the city.
As gamers fight back and bring color into the gray world through 20 rhythmic minigames, they will earn a star and unlock new activities. Each successful swipe or tap initiates a positive change in the environment on the other screen. The more changes a gamer makes, the higher their score will be.
Developed for the Nintendo DS, Beat City is perfect for rides on public transportation as well as long waits at the doctor’s office. The graphics are initially dull and gray, but progressing through each game brightens the environment shown on the left screen. As color returns to the dull city, I found myself more focused on the changes than on the gameplay. Beat City will be available in April for about $19.99.
Coming out just in time for the beginning of the World of Outlaws sprint car season, World of Outlaws: Sprint Cars for the Xbox 360 features professional drivers from the 2010 season as well as real-world tracks found around North America. Players will select their driver of choice from names like Steve Kinser, Joey Saldana and Donny Schatz and will lead them through a season of races at such venues as the Knoxville Speedway, Williams Grove Speedway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte.
To encourage friendly competition, World of Outlaws ships with several multiplayer options, including two-player splitscreen action as well as five different types of eight-player rumbles over Xbox Live. Additionally, as gamers progress through their “career,” they may customize the look and handling of their sprint car.
Steering the car around the track, I noticed the handling is incredibly touchy. The mud doesn’t grip the tires like asphalt, so it took me a second to account for slippage. However, after a few turns, I was successfully keeping the front of the car away from the guardrails and was able to keep my car going in the correct direction. World of Outlaws: Spring Cars will be available Friday for about $19.99.
Nancy Drew: The Model Mysteries
Nancy Drew continues her legacy as the world’s greatest female detective in Nancy Drew: The Model Mysteries. As a girl, I read almost every Nancy Drew book written, and it is always interesting to see how developers transfer her legendary sleuthing skills to the digital era.
This time around, a friend is having wedding troubles, and only Nancy can figure out who is behind the sabotage. Players take the role of Nancy and lead her through three mysteries by interviewing more than 15 witnesses and suspects, searching locations and solving puzzles to uncover the person responsible for all the trouble.
Nancy Drew: Model Mysteries will ship in April for the Nintendo DS for about $19.99.
