Dr. Blowhole Returns Again!
Nickelodeon’s penguin quartet make their way to the Xbox 360 Kinect console in this simple yet highly entertaining game that highlights the spirit of the show and is sure to delight Madagascar fans of all ages.
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 List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $45.95 
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The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns Again! Kinect game features the four penguin protagonists and some of the major cast from the popular spin-off show “The Penguins of Madagascar” on Nickelodeon. Players unfamiliar with the series won’t have to worry about catching up on some penguin lore, as the game is designed to be playable for all ages and is moderately easy to complete. This title may be geared more towards younger players, but adult gamers can also get their fun via the humorous storyline and in-game jokes which the series is known for.
In the game, Dr. Blowhole hatches another devious plan in his bid for supremacy, and it’s up to the Penguins to stop him. The Penguin team is composed of Skipper, the suave but paranoid leader who views everything as a military operation; Kowalski, the illiterate but cunning battle strategist; Private, the youngest and most level-headed member; and Rico, the slightly unhinged weapons specialist with a knack for regurgitation.
At the start of the game, you are introduced as the new penguin recruit in Skipper’s group and are given the codename “Freshfish”. The game then proceeds in first-person perspective as you tag along with the gang on various missions inside and outside the zoo. By keeping the player’s identity unique through the unseen Freshfish character, gamers get to play as the fifth member in the illustrious Penguin group. This is more exciting compared to playing a regular character on the show and is sure to create a lot of glee for kids who daydream about joining the Penguin crew.
In The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns Again!, game mechanics involve executing a few basic movements with your body such as leaning side-to-side or raising an arm or leg in order to progress through the levels. The missions usually involve your character running behind one of the four penguins in a chase-camera style as you scale various obstacles and collect items. Throughout the levels, various cutscenes and side missions will appear. For instance, you may be required to answer multiple Madagascar related trivia questions in order to test your intelligence as a recruit, or you may be called upon to assist Rico in chasing away pigeons from the zoo. The basic movements remain the same throughout these missions, and the difficulty level is easy once you get the hang of it.
The scriptwriting is topnotch and all the characters dish out their humorous lines in full force. Familiar faces such as King Julien XIII, Maurice, and Marlene also make guest appearances. The characters are voiced by their respective actors, with Neil Patrick Harris reprising his role as the evil Dr. Blowhole.
Finally, The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns Again! has a wacky, bonus dance minigame featuring King Julien XIII and comes with a photo snapshot feature that is sure to leave some outrageous poses and hilarious memories for players. This game is definitely a fun package meant for all ages.
Graphics-wise, the game doesn’t stand out much. Also, adult gamers may be playing strictly for the story and humor since the gameplay itself is more suited for little tykes. The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns Again! also disappointingly lacks multiplayer options for the main campaign, and replay value is limited once the game is completed.
The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns Again! uses the Xbox 360 console and requires the Kinect sensor. It is primarily for single player only.
There’s a little something for everyone in the Kinect Penguins of Madagascar game. Fans of the series will love it that the game stays true to its source material, and those new to the Penguin mania may find themselves drawn to this popular series once they finish the campaign. Those looking for a hardcore game that requires skill to complete should look elsewhere, but others who only want good times with lots of laughs should definitely give The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns Again! a try.
