Licensed games are usually letdowns, as developers rush to complete games before or around the time their licensed product comes out. The Incredibles is not a horrible game, but alas has little to make it stand out in the platform genre.

While not the most graphically impressive game ever, The Incredibles still packs a good amount of detail, and destructible elements within the environments that are fun to break. It’s not that the characters and areas aren’t detailed, as they are. However, many of the levels throughout the game are either in a bank, jungle, or base. While there are some other levels that fit in with the movie, it just doesn’t seem varied enough, and takes away from the graphical detail. There are some nice explosion effects and other things, but nothing horribly noteworthy.

The Incredibles boasts great sound work. The soundtrack seems to be pulled right from the movie, and fits the mood of the game. Dramatic moments will be cued in the soundtrack, and it works very well. Contained in the game are movie clips direct from the film, as well as in-game cinemas that use sound-alike voice actors (who do a fairly good job). One problem is that the one-liners contained in the game are sometimes used a little too often, but they likely won’t get on your nerves.

Gameplay varies based on which character you are using. As Mr. Incredible, levels will revolve around your brute-strength, and it plays out like a beat-‘em-up with platforming elements thrown in. As Mrs. Incredible you will use your elastic powers to solve certain puzzles within the levels, while Violet uses her invisibility powers to create a stealth element. Finally, in Dash’s levels you are racing against the clock while avoiding obstacles.

One of the major problems with the game would have to be its artificial intelligence. Enemies will often attack you in swarms, and can often be taken out with quick attacks. Also, even when not playing a stealth level it can be possible to walk right in front of an enemy and not have them see you (though this only happened occasionally). The camera can be controlled with the right thumbstick, and although it’s decent, at times it will get hung up on objects (creating frustration in some boss battles).

Another area where The Incredibles falters is variety. While you have four characters with different game types, for the majority of the game you play Mr. Incredible. This basically results in the majority of the game being a beat-em-up, with some stealth and other elements thrown in for added (and somewhat fun variety). Although some of the levels have some frustrating jumps that will take a couple tries, otherwise the game is fairly linear and short. The length and lack of variety are probably due to the fact that the game follows the movie plot, and so there isn’t a whole lot to pull from. While there is one downloadable level available via Xbox Live, the game itself still takes little time to complete.

Overall, The Incredibles feels like a fairly standard platform game. While it follows the plot of the movie quite well, there is little within the game that can distinguish it from others in the genre. If you loved the movie (or are of a younger audience), then give this game a look, but know that you’re getting into a fairly average experience.

Chris Dahlberg