Best Video Games 2006 - LarryBoy and the Bad Apple (Video Game Review)

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LarryBoy and the Bad Apple

Recommended Age:

5 and Up

ESRB Rating:

Genre:

Platformer

Tested Platform:

GameBoy Advance

Available Platforms:

GameBoy Advance

Number of Players:

Fun Factor:

*****

LarryBoy and the Bad Apple is the best game about a crime fighting cucumber you're likely to find this year. This clever puzzle game, based on the cartoon spin-off videos by Big Idea Entertainment (best known for Veggie Tales), challenges our bathroom plunger-wearing hero to defeat and counter the persuasive effects of one really, really, bad apple. Since this is Veggie Tales-based, and since all characters from that series are fruits or veggies, this means that Larry's nemesis really is a bad apple.

This particular bad apple is convincing the residents of Bumblyburg to do bad, or at least selfish, things. The game starts off, for example, with little Junior Asparagus playing ball at the top of a building. Larry's got to get him down! Each level is inspired by a classic videogame and the variety is remarkable. There are homages to Space Invaders, Missile Command, and more, and each challenge is fun, charming, and silly. Big Idea is known for their lighthearted touch and clever use of puns, and this game is no slouch in that department. This raises the reading requirement, however -- expect to do a lot of reading for your younger children.

Parents, take note: With colorful characters, a cool superhero theme, and varied gameplay, LarryBoy is one of those rare licensed videogames that lives up to the source material. Parents will like that the game features no real violence and that the emphasis is on caring, sharing, and doing the responsible thing. That's a good lesson, and the game provides a lot of family fun for little GameBoy Advance gamers.

Veggie Tales is a well-known and regarded Christian TV series, but the LarryBoy spin-off, and this game, contain no overt references to any particular faith or denomination. The focus is instead on being a good person, learning life lessons, responsibility, and respect for others, all with that trademark Veggie Tales wit and charm. This is best exemplified by the catchy song that's included, "Giving and Receiving." Try and get that tune out of your head after you've spent time with this game!

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