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Published By: Warner Bros. Interactive
Developed By: Griptonite Games
Genre: Adventure
Players: 1
Rated: E10 (Everyone 10 and Up)
Release Date: October 13, 2009
Screenshots: Link
Amazon: Buy Now!
Written By: Matthew Prunty

For many young adults, reading the book Where the Wild Things Are was a requirement when they were in school. In my case, I didn�t have that luxury, so in order to know more about the game; I actually took time out to read the book and go see the movie, which was released in theatres last month. I did this primarily to see if the game continues within the same vane as that of the book and movie release of the same name; unfortunately to which they walk different paths. Where the Wild Things Are in its own right is an interesting tale of adventure, however it just didn�t translate very well when it came to the videogame adaptation.

In Where the Wilde Things Are, you are in control of a young boy named Max as he arrives to a mysterious land, home to the Wild Things. Upon arrival, Max is intrigued by a giant Thing, so he follows the creature, only to be lead to the village of the Wild Things, which will act as the game�s home base. After being tormented by the Wild Things, he is soon made king and this is where the similarities to the book end for this videogame adaptation. Developer Griptonite Games decided to venture off the beaten path of the book in order to create a universe worthy of exploring, thus keeping the attention of the player beyond a few minutes. While I think it was the right move from a gamers� perspective, venturing so far off the path of the book may alienate many folks who grew up reading the book.

Upon exploring the lands of the Wild Things, Max will come across various tasks and obstacles that must be overcome in order to progress through the game and to ultimately save The Wild Things. Whether it is giant silver bugs, inky shadows or things raining down from the sky, it�s up to Max and his new friends to rid the land of all its evil. While completing the various tasks required of you in the game, I notice a key flaw within the story of the game. At no point in the game do you find out why Max is in the land of the Wild Things, let alone why each Wild Thing acts the way they do. It�s as if you are suppose to already know why he�s there; and your main job for this game is simply to help the Wild Things out.

With Griptonite Games not following the book to the letter, it allowed for elements like combat and platforming to be thrown into the mix, diversifying the adventures that Max and the Wild Things will set out on. Both the combat and platforming is kept rather simple, allowing anyone from a young child to an adult to be able to pick up the game and play. When it comes to defending yourself, you have an attack button and a block button. While blocking does keep you from taking damage, I found myself primarily on the offensive due to the fact that I was able to strike my enemies before they strike me. With there being only one attack button, you will find yourself mashing that button repeatedly in order to vanquish your problems. With the platforming, you will find yourself jumping from ledge to ledge, swinging from branches (a la Nathan Drake), or even shimmying across ledges. While it�s nothing mind-boggling, it does create moments of danger and diversity from simply running around the lands.

In a similar vain to the combat and platforming, the visuals also take a simplistic approach. Whether you have to the Wii, PS3 or Xbox 360 version of the game, they all look virtually the same (unless gaming in HD). The environments are nicely detailed; however lack the depth in detail of most adventure games. I�m not saying in any way that this game looks horrible because it doesn�t. The developer took a visual approach that was suitable for the title. Also keep in mind that there isn�t as much time to develop a game based on a book/movie and have a release date alongside the movie�s release. There are a few framerate issues that pop up here and there, nothing that would impede the gaming experience. While this is certainly not the worst looking game out there, it doesn�t offering anything breathtaking to look at.

While I�m sure this game won�t be a high priority for those looking for adventure titles like Uncharted 2: Among Thieves or Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Where the Wild Things Are is an enjoyable gaming experience. Sure the developer opted for a different path than that of the book, but it was done to create an enjoyable experience for players of all ages to enjoy. I believe the game to provide and experience left out of the book.

6.5/10

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