THINK OF THE CHILDREN

Release Date: Mar 11th, 2008 Developer: Magenta Software Ltd MSRP: $29.99

I will say this for Sony: continuing support for old systems is something they do very well. When is the last time you’ve seen an XBOX game from Microsoft? Sony Computer Entertainment of America is releasing Buzz! Junior RoboJam for all the little children out there whose parents haven’t had a chance to get a next-gen system yet. Those sweethearts!!

RoboJam is another title in the Buzz! family that is geared towards a younger crowd. Essentially it’s a collection of minigames that incorporate the use of the standard Buzz! controllers (sold separately).

Presentation & Graphics: I suppose that any effort to bring another title to the PS2 platform is a good one. Graphically this game is reminiscent of the first generation PS2 games, but then again it’s obviously a childrens game and generally speaking kids don’t give two shits about graphics as long as the robots and monsters look the part - which they do so that’s that. I think that Magenta Software knew that the age of the system and the demographic of the gamers were a major factor and put their focus on other things. A small amount of customization for your bot is a nice touch.

Overall, adequate is the word. 6.5 of 10

Sound & Music: Much like the graphic, everything sounds as it should, nothing really pops out or get any extra attention from an aural perspective. The music however reminds me of an third-rate indie film festival from the eighties - maybe I’m just extra sensitive because I lived through the eighties - but damn is that music annoying! Wow!

Once again, adequate. 6 of 10

Gameplay: Considering that you’re using a quiz controller there are only so many ways to accomplish the goals given in the game. Press that button at the right time! Press those buttons in the right order! Press those buttons as needed! Repeat under varied yet similar circumstances! You can guess the quality of the games as soon as the title screen pops up - and that quality is delivered. An overall generic feel washes over you as you play through the various levels - it simply cannot be helped. Very few of the games stand out as something special. But then again, the fact that any of them would stand out at all is unexpected! 7 of 10

Lasting Appeal: This depends on how infatuated your children become with this game. I have a feeling that the younger they are the more magical this game is. There is enough in here to keep them from drawing on the walls for as long as you let them play this during the day. But the thrills won’t last forever. 6.5 of 10

Final Word: Remember: this review is based on an adult perspective. If you are over the age of ten do not go anywhere near this game. This is strictly kids only.

For the kids however, this is a definite consideration. They will laugh at the cheesy humor and gawk at the bright colours appropriately. They will be out of your hair for a while - and for only $30! Need I say more?

Overall: 7 of 10