Rango

It is difficult to find a movie-based game that is really good, and Rango almost achieves it. It doesn't bring anything especially new, but overall offers a varied and entertaining adventure.

Rango is definitely not a bad game and is much more entertaining than previous movie titles such as How To Train Your Dragon and Monsters Vs Aliens. For $50, the price is a little high but could make for a great weekend rental for your young one (and a free child's movie ticket to see the movie comes with purchase of the game).

Clearly, the game is designed for younger players in mind (although that seems somewhat at odds with the older crowds that Rango is attracting in the theaters). The game is just a scant five hours long and the lack of extra gameplay modes drags the game's replay value down considerably.

Rango isn't a revolutionary action-platform release, but it is a legitimately well-made title built in the mold of the some of the genre's best, and it genuinely engaged us throughout much of the adventure. Sadly, it doesn't last for long.

A surprisingly decent movie tie-in well suited for younger players. Not very challenging, original or unique, but still fun and easily accessible. And actually a completely new story with the cool cowboy.

An oddball attitude, some decent variety, and a dip into the surreal spice up Rango's otherwise tame action.

It's really rather good. [June 2011, p.89]

Rango is a perfectly pleasant and enjoyable game that replicates the animated movie's style brilliantly. Younglings will love it to bits and won't notice its shortcomings or the fact that some of its voices sound ever-so-slightly off. Nor will they care that it's all over in the blink of an eye and there's no reason whatsoever to play it again ever.

It doesn't skimp on the imagination or level design, and while it might feel a little patronising to some in terms of constantly telling you what buttons to press, it still offers some very enjoyable fun.

In terms of controls, fun, and general wackiness, Rango reminded me of the old Spyro the Dragon games, except not as refined. It's a sub-Spyro game, but again, for a game that was based off a movie, it is quite good.

It's very traditional, very solid and in gameplay terms doesn't offer anything new to the genre. Behaviour have, as mentioned, attempted to keep things fresh, but there's only so much they could do if their remit was to create a generic platformer.

Imperfect but surprisingly pleasant. [May 2011, p.103]

Trust us - you'll know when you've been Rango'd. [Issue#70, p.91]

The level design, added mini-games, and continuous action make the campaign surprisingly entertaining.