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You might have noticed that this review looks slightly different to other reviews on VideoGamer.com. That’s because we look at games clearly designed for younger gamers in a slightly different way to other games. We’ll endeavour to tell you just what you need to know in a clear and concise way so you’ll be confident it’s the right purchase for whatever your situation.
What is it?
Buzz! Junior: Dino Den is a mini-game collection that uses Sony’s Buzz! controllers. Dino Den is the latest game released for kids and features cute dinosaurs competing against each other in a tournament. Up to four players can play together, either directly head to head or in teams of two.
Complexity
As with previous games in the Buzz! Juniors series, all control is handled by the simple Buzz! controller. Lots of the mini-games require little more than pressing the big red button, while others require you to press the coloured buttons in time with the on-screen commands.
Every mini-game has a brief introduction which explains how to play the game. Rather than bombard players with loads of completely different games, many share the same basic control scheme and players of previous Buzz! Junior games will find things very easy to pick up.
Suitability
Everything about Dino Challenge is made for kids. Menus are easy to navigate and there’s always a voice over explaining what to do and what’s going on. As with previous games in the series, the overall look is similar to what you’d find on a children’s TV show, with the characters being friendly and the voice over always enthusiastic.
The majority of the mini-games are played by all four players simultaneously, meaning there’s rarely a moment when you’re not doing something. It should be noted that there are less customisation options than in some of the previous Buzz! Junior games, but it doesn’t affect the gameplay.
Production value
Although simplistic the visuals are bright and colourful and the voice over man keeps things moving along to ensure there’s never a dull moment. The simple visuals allow for the on-screen information to be incredibly clear and easy to understand. While Dino Den isn’t linked to a TV show or film that kids will recognise, it’s got a charm that most kids will warm to.
Anything for adults?
Adults expecting a traditional Buzz! game might be slightly shocked – this isn’t a quiz – but because of the simple nature of the mini-games it’s easy for adults to play alongside kids. The simple controls mean that even novice gamers can take part without feeling out of their depth. Don’t expect to be playing this at parties without kids present though.
VideoGamer.com’s Verdict
The Buzz! Junior Party series has always been great for young gamers and Dino Den is no exception. You are getting more of the same, but the new mini-games are different enough to warrant a purchase even if players have put plenty of time into Jungle Party, Monster Rumble and Robo Jam. Dino Den is simple multiplayer fun that everyone can enjoy.
