Activision's latest game based on a DreamWorks animated film, Over The Hedge may not be for everyone, but it definitely hits the mark with its intended audience - ten year old boys and girls. The games (which are available for multiple platforms including the Xbox, PS2, GameCube and PC) are set after the film, but offer all the key characters and some nice moments featuring stand-in voice actors that do a an "okay" job of faking the roles of such stars as Bruce Willis (RJ), Garry Shandling (Verne), Steve Carell (Hammy) and Wanda Sykes (Stella). Besides the voice acting and some cut scenes where the stars of the game don't move their mouths when delivering their lines, Over The Hedge has a pretty decent overall presentation including some key moments as the story is told and while some of the action is being played out.

The game's storyline sees the four lead characters return to the civilized suburban neighborhood occupied by the film's villains Gladys Sharp and the bumbling exterminator defend the neighborhood as a hyper squirrel, a brave and timid turtle, a streetwise raccoon and a lovable skunk invade various areas in search of food, adventure and a myriad of collectables that are laying about all over the place. The game combines lots of platforming, action and light puzzle solving with a few unlockable mini-games for multiplayer fun. The game be played solo or with a friend using a pretty streamlined co-op mode that lets players jump in and out of a game at any time.

Gameplay in Over The Hedge is easy to pick up and play on all platforms (thought the DS version offers a little mode depth that its console counterparts). The "X" button is used for a standard attack (and is used for any projectile you might be carrying). Holding the "X" button also offers the added effect of giving players more powerful attack. The "Y" button is used for a super attack that does a lot of damage but drains your energy rapidly. Players can also jump on their partners shoulders and do a duel attack that deals out a lot of extra damage. The co-op play is tailored towards this kind of interactivity so it works pretty well whether you are attacking or simply jumping.. Players can also pick a number of extra weapons in addition to using a default weapon that can be used to shoot something in the distance. The "B" button is used for all this stuff - tapping it once will fire of a quick shot wherever the reticule is aimed at. Holding the button down will give you a more precise shot - which also serves well in a lot of the game's mini-games you can unlock as you make progress. Finally players can put those skills to use in smashing up the environment and collecting various power-ups and collectibles that unlock the mini-games we keep mentioning.. Various food items serve to give players a health boost, while other objects like DVD's unlock extra content. Finally players will use their skills to hit targets to solve puzzles like finding a hidden key.

We keep mentioning mini-games, so we might as well tell you some of the games you'll be able to unlock as you go. These range from racing RC cars, driving golf carts, playing golf (a no brainer considering the aiming skills available from the get-go in this title) and some shooting gallery action where you break certain objects for extra points. The mini-games are quick and a lot of fun, and because you can play with one other player the can prove a decent diversion after you've completed the single-player campaign.

If there's one true complaint we could lodge against Over The Hedge, it's the game's real lack of camera control. The game handles all of that for you, and while it is a good idea to control this aspect for younger players who might have a hard time navigating a third-person perspective game, it's not a good thing for us adults. The biggest problem with is that it is often in the wrong position at the wrong time, making the overall perspective a little agitating... In the end Over The Hedge serves a pretty good extension of the film on which it is based and gives kids more quality time with their favorite characters. The co-op play is pretty nice and the mini-games are a great addition to the single-player game. If your kids enjoyed the film, then they should enjoy the game. If I had to recommend on platform over another I'd have to go with the Nintendo DS title, which offers a slightly different style of gameplay and coop play that doesn't require the second player to own the game.

Review by James 'Prophet' Fudge - courtesy of Gameshark.com