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Activision follows up with another solid movie-to-game adaptation. The game is based on the movie of the same name, which stars Jim Carrey and isn’t due for another month or so. The game, like the movie, is targeted to kids, and includes rather straightforward gameplay. Along the way you’ll find that there are a number of unfortunate events that mar the characters in the story.
The game throws you in control of a trio of orphans – Violet, Klaus and Sunny – who are forced to live with the truly mean Count Olaf after their parents inexplicably die. The story is well told, although a touch pessimistic at times. Nonetheless, it is seemingly accurate to the source material and does provide some motivation for playing the game.
The game allows you play as either Violet or Klaus throughout the entire adventure, but Sunny has a few special missions thrown in occasionally. As Violet, you’ll need to pick up a number of items that will later be used to construct a variety of different gadgets and apparatuses. These tasks aren’t particularly difficult as there are really no puzzles, and if you can remember where you saw the items as you travel through the environments, you’ll be at ease. Klaus is a bit more action-oriented as he’ll frequently have to defeat the simple enemies in the game. Combat isn’t bad, but undeveloped. A few missions include light stealth elements, as well. Lastly, you’ll be able to play as Sunny in a number of side-scrolling events, which are actually quite enjoyable although simple, like the rest of the game.
The game’s visuals and overall production values are quite solid. The different character models are faithful to the source and animate very fluidly. The camera is spot-on for the most part, although a few parts are annoying. Thankfully, these are few and far in between. The environments are detailed, as well. Progressive scan support makes the visuals look even prettier.
The sound package is less impressive but good nonetheless. The soundtrack and effects are solid, and the soundtrack helps establish the game’s atmosphere rather well. The voice acting from Jim Carrey (as Count Olaf) and Tim Curry (as Lemony Snicket, the narrator) is great.
Overall, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is a good movie-to-game adaptation. The gameplay is pretty undemanding but fundamentally sound; the different characters manage the spice the game up a bit, as well. The game would be rated higher if the length was a touch longer; it clocks in at just over 5 hours. On the other hand, children should play for a considerable longer bit of time. -- Jake Wilson, PGNx Media
---- Nov 17, 2004
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