Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs had a strong opening at the box office, so of course video game adaptations were to be expected. On the DS platform, you don’t usually expect much from a movie game with the budgets going more towards home consoles over handhelds.
In this game, you play as the movie’s star - Flint, an inventor who has created a machine that causes food to fall from the sky. Of course, something goes horribly wrong (or else there would be no story) with the machine and it’s up to you as Flint to save the citizens of his hometown. Luckily, you’re equipped with some pretty handy inventions that will combat any gastronomical enemy.
When I first turned on the game, the music reminded me of something I heard 20 years ago on the original gray grandpa GameBoy. Other than that, the audio was tolerable for a portable console, although not the best I have heard. The graphics were right on par with what you’ll find on movie tie-in title on the DS as well. It took some time to identify that those were gummy bears, not mutant corn, attacking me. But either is disturbing if you ask me.
The controls are solid. You use the stylus for most objectives, and it’s a welcome experience in today’s age of rushed movie games when you guide your character with the stylus and he goes where you want him to go. When in a level where you would need multiple weapons, a tap of a button was quick and painless.
Throughout the game you fought with vegetables, fruits, desserts, etc. Not all food was bad. The gelatin helped you jump to higher platforms. There was also chili sauce early in the game that you sucked into one of your weapons and sprayed back out on renegade food. Objectives were clearly defined, and as long as you didn’t become a victim of rolling meatballs or angry snowmen, getting to the goal was fairly simple.
This game is based on a wacky movie, so expect a few laughs and silly situations. Considering this game is available on all other consoles, and most movie games are merchandising afterthoughts, don’t expect a masterpiece on the DS version. It is a relaxing way, however, to spend an afternoon. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a rental candidate, at best. My forecast? Cloudy With a Chance of Meh.
| Graphics | Audio | Gameplay | Replay | Genre | Final |
