On the positive side, this is a competent-looking Wii game, one that benefits greatly from the art direction that has guided the film upon which it's based. The movie was helmed by the same man behind Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas, and the heavily stylized character designs translate well to the game. Animations are solid and the environments robust, ably recreating the locations seen in the film. Play is split between the dreary 'real world' of Coraline's life and a far more appealing alternate dimension which is much more vibrant and enticing. With voice acting from the film's actors and a lot of the illustrative edging and textures seen in the film, the game does a good job of maintaining the film's unusual aesthetic.
Like a lot of licensed stuff, this largely coasts by on inherited elements from the movie. Fans will doubtless gain some satisfaction out of simply being in the world, but, as usual, Coraline isn't very good at being a game. If the developers had been brave enough to explore the darkness of the film, this could have stood tall among the other uninspired licensed dross. They haven't, so it remains firmly and indistinguishably in the murk, destined to be forgotten with all of those other ill-conceived movie tie-in games.
Like a lot of licensed stuff, this largely coasts by on inherited elements from the movie. Fans will doubtless gain some satisfaction out of simply being in the world, but, as usual, Coraline isn't very good at being a game. If the developers had been brave enough to explore the darkness of the film, this could have stood tall among the other uninspired licensed dross. They haven't, so it remains firmly and indistinguishably in the murk, destined to be forgotten with all of those other ill-conceived movie tie-in games.
Guardian writes: "With the movie just out, Coraline the game is more a case of disappointment than delight. Visually striking and with atmospheric sound, once you get down to gameplay things head downhill at a frightening pace."
