Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster

Review from Cav - Thursday, 17 November 2011 @ 7:19am

Sesame Street - It’s part of the upbringing of billions of kids across the planet. I, for one, am a big fan of the show and love what Double Fine Productions (makers of the fantastic Stacking and Costume Quest) have managed to put together, using Kinect for the Xbox360. Once Upon a Monster shares a story that easily engages kids and draws their attention near flawlessly, with the bright images, colours and of course, popular Sesame Street characters like Cookie Monster, Elmo, Grover and Oscar, as well as the main focus of the game, newcomer, Marco.

Cookie want Elmo to pull him finger

'Monster' can be played by more than one player, which is great when you have more than one kid, or just want to jump in and have a go yourself alongside your offspring/neice/nephew/kid from next door who hangs out at your place because his parents won't buy him a console/whatever. I find that the Kinect element of this game is really forgiving and being a game aimed directly at kids, this is a good thing, unlike many other Kinect titles I have played. It is really responsive and you don’t find yourself struggling to meet the expectations of your Muppet instructors. This game does exactly what Kinect wants you to do, which is get up off the couch. Word of warning though: try no to let others walk into the Kinect's 'line of sight' or you may find yourself being asked tyo log in another player - this can be frustrating.

The Story sees our beloved Elmo and Cookie Monster helping out Marco, a monster who's birthday party was forgotten by his friends. The story flows all over the place, but that really doen't matter with this title, as it is the action that means the most with kids. Player will find themsleves, posing, weaving, jumping, ducking and calling out to the TV. The moves aren't hard at all. There are around 40 Achievements to earn in 'Monster', but it's the stars awarded for acivities in the game that the kids will strive for.

Look! Elmo like to pretend he's Mario!

The question I suppose you all want answered is 'Did you play this yourself, Cav, or did you kick back and watch your kids?'

If you answered with the latter option you really don't know me at all. Of course I played it: I played both with my kids and on my own. It's not challenging for me or you, but you will get a kick out of it when you see your kids jump around, enjoying themselves.

Is there really much more I can tell you about Once Upon a Monster?

No.

It's a simple game and that's why it works so well. Colour - repetition - fun. The perfect ingredients for a kids game.

Pros

• Great visual product
• Kinect is forgiving
• Cookie Monster's script will make you smile

Cons

• Keep you playspace void of other people and passers by
• It's for a precise audience, as younger ones can get frustrated