Wall.E

Wall.E - (Multi)
Developer: THQ
Format: Multi
Genre: Arcade

More Dusty Bin than R2D2?

THQ's long-running and successful relationship with Disney.Pixar has achieved shipments of more than 35 million units worldwide. That's a whole lot of games. The launch of WALL.E marks the second installment in the company's well-established and successful association with the Hollywood production team. Last year's Ratatouille videogame was the first property released by THQ under this agreement and was a top performing kids title in 2007. THQ are hoping for a similar success with WALL.E - but alas we don't think it's meant to be.

But first to the story - which closely follows the narrative of the summer blockbuster movie. After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, WALL.E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) discovers a new purpose in life (besides collecting knick-knacks) when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. EVE comes to realise that WALL.E has inadvertently stumbled upon the key to the planet's future, and races back to space to report her findings to the humans (who have been eagerly awaiting word that it is safe to return home). Meanwhile, WALL.E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets into motion the big comedy adventure that is this game.

So far so good, but then things star to go the way of the pear. What this game lacks in depth and variety it more than makes up for in repetition and in many parts, emptiness. The gameplay is of the conveyor belt style with more invisible walls for WALL.E to bump into than an 80's mime artist. There 10 levels, each with sub maps and mini-games a-plenty. But with the exception of unlocking doors by chucking stuff at them, seeking out canisters or other icons, there really isn't that much variety of action.

You only have to take a look at the likes of Kung Fu Panda and The Bourne Conspiracy to see how skillful developers can deliver an authentic slice of big screen magic to a home audience. Unfortunately WALL.E falls short for everyone except children who know no better. At best, entertaining for an afternoon.