Welcome to Modojo, 
Madagascar Preview
Written by Modojo Staff on Monday, April 4, 2005
Another game license based on an animated flick? Sure, but that doesn't mean we're not looking forward to Madagascar!
It's officially a rule - every time a new computer animated film comes around, a company must follow suit with a video game that takes the theme and characters of the film and puts them into a platforming situation of some sort. The latest game following this rule is the fun-looking Madagascar, based on the forthcoming summer film from Dreamworks Animation.
The plot revolves around four animals from the Central Park Zoo who suddenly find themselves embroiled in a plot being hatched by a group of no-good penguins who are planning an escape. Somewhere in the mix of things, the animals find themselves shipped off to the island of Madagascar, where they are celebrated for their uniqueness and find themselves once again facing the penguins.
The game takes place in several locations based throughout the film, and gives you control of the four different characters- Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo. Each character brings something new to the platforming experience, and the ability to change characters on the fly with the touch-screen is a nice touch.
Madagascar will feature cartoon-style graphics that emulate the look of the film, right down to the sides of the cargo ship you get stuck on and the decorative design of the island of Madagascar itself. The sound will also capture the essence of the film, including some tropical little beats and songs lifted straight from the soundtrack.
As far as gameplay goes, each animal can do something differently. Gloria can swim more efficiently; Melman can hide himself by digging his head into the dirt; Alex can perform great jumps and attacks; and Marty possesses the ability to stealth crawl and back kick. You'll need these powers, too, as many threats run into the animals on their journey to Madagascar.
Along with the game's fourteen different levels, there's extra mini-games that you can engage in, either alone or against others using Wi-Fi. Games such as Penguin Fishing and Gloria Rolling await you, pitting the characters in fun little competitions where you can emerge as king of the zoo...or the island, if you will.
Madagascar looks like a lot of fun so far, and could be a good exception to the rule on movie-licensed games if the gameplay holds up for it. Look for it to arrive this summer alongside the film, offering lots of fun for animal lovers of all ages.
