How To Train a Dragon
Posted May 18, 2010
DreamWorks' blockbuster film, How to Train Your Dragon made an impact on theaters when it was released (our DVDTalk theatrical review). Lovers of 3-D and animated films lauded the movie for its quality and the popularity of the title spoke for itself with how it was received by theater-going audiences. As is the case with just about any child-focused film franchise these days, there's the inevitable game tie-in. Activision has published How to Train Your Dragon for the home consoles and today we're looking at the PlayStation 3 version. How does it stack up?
Well, for starters let's just say that How to Train Your Dragon really plays to its target audience. The game isn't necessarily difficult by any stretch of the imagination, and most of the concepts here are entirely kid friendly. The title also changes perceptions of the movie-to-game-tie-in somewhat, in the sense that this isn't a platformer. Instead, what you get with this release is a Pokemon-like entry that contains some of the components of that franchise and mixes in elements of other titles. The end result is a game that few will adore and many will most assuredly want to skip.
How to Train Your Dragon does not follow the plot of the film to the letter like other such endeavors. Instead the game takes place following events of the movie, so if you haven't seen it prepare to be spoiled. It's a nice companion piece in that regard and little fans of the film will appreciate the continuation of characters in that sense.
Players can choose from Hiccup or Astrid, though really it doesn't matter who you pick in the grand scheme of things. Both character quests offer similar antics and there's negligible differences; certainly not enough to make most gamers care. From this point you go through the hub town known as the Island of Berk and collect items, talk to useless NPCs (non-playable characters), and gear up for confrontations. What kind of confrontations, you may ask?
The main goal of How to Train Your Dragon is to train one of four dragons for battle within a one-on-one fight against other dragons and riders. As you play you'll gather several items for your dragon and you'll also be able to train extensively to learn new maneuvers and better your chances in the ring. On top of that dragons also gain levels and power-up as you make your way through the game. That means a weak starter beast becomes a real monster after a while. That may sound well and good, but the problem is getting from point A to point B.
This title is punishing in the sense that it's duller than dirt. Training and fighting boils down to continuously slamming on the buttons until you get combinations right. The worst part is you have to repeat these same exercises for all four dragons and there's never any variety or spice to the gameplay. It's a humdrum affair that will bore most players to tears and will only endear itself to younger gamers not accustomed to richer mechanics.
Once you've mastered these elements (it's not hard. Trust me.) you'll enter the arena against another dragon and test your strength. In that sense the title emulates Pokemon to some extent, but it's never a flattering comparison. The gameplay is just weaker all around and there's not much variety. Flying components are included, but are polished, and walking around town is as thrilling as one might think it sounds. The only real highlight here comes in the form of customization of your dragons, even if what you can do is mostly only skin deep.
As far as the visuals of this game are concerned I do have to say that at least the character models are accurate enough. Everything in the game looks exactly like one would think it should, however, in motion the game stutters a bit. The animation is often choppy in battle and there's not an awful lot of variety here. Framerate issues abound and there are some hit detection issues in battle.
The sound in How to Train Your Dragon is a mixed bag for sure. On one hand you have a decent score that compliments the experience and some okay voice acting and sound work. On the other the repetition in this game is about as obnoxious as it can get, much like the button mashing.
From top to bottom How to Train Your Dragon is just a mediocre, run-of-the-mill movie tie-in that has a tough time getting off the ground. Only very young fans of the film will get something out of it, but consider the game is rated 10+, I'm not entirely sure that's accurate for the quality of the gameplay. There's not enough variety here and the title just isn't compelling enough to satisfy. There are far better options out there and this one should only be considered for young fans of the film who want to experience more of it. Even then I'd say it's a rental at best, and that's not saying much.
Discuss This Game on Our Forums Here
Well, for starters let's just say that How to Train Your Dragon really plays to its target audience. The game isn't necessarily difficult by any stretch of the imagination, and most of the concepts here are entirely kid friendly. The title also changes perceptions of the movie-to-game-tie-in somewhat, in the sense that this isn't a platformer. Instead, what you get with this release is a Pokemon-like entry that contains some of the components of that franchise and mixes in elements of other titles. The end result is a game that few will adore and many will most assuredly want to skip.
How to Train Your Dragon does not follow the plot of the film to the letter like other such endeavors. Instead the game takes place following events of the movie, so if you haven't seen it prepare to be spoiled. It's a nice companion piece in that regard and little fans of the film will appreciate the continuation of characters in that sense.
Players can choose from Hiccup or Astrid, though really it doesn't matter who you pick in the grand scheme of things. Both character quests offer similar antics and there's negligible differences; certainly not enough to make most gamers care. From this point you go through the hub town known as the Island of Berk and collect items, talk to useless NPCs (non-playable characters), and gear up for confrontations. What kind of confrontations, you may ask?
The main goal of How to Train Your Dragon is to train one of four dragons for battle within a one-on-one fight against other dragons and riders. As you play you'll gather several items for your dragon and you'll also be able to train extensively to learn new maneuvers and better your chances in the ring. On top of that dragons also gain levels and power-up as you make your way through the game. That means a weak starter beast becomes a real monster after a while. That may sound well and good, but the problem is getting from point A to point B.
This title is punishing in the sense that it's duller than dirt. Training and fighting boils down to continuously slamming on the buttons until you get combinations right. The worst part is you have to repeat these same exercises for all four dragons and there's never any variety or spice to the gameplay. It's a humdrum affair that will bore most players to tears and will only endear itself to younger gamers not accustomed to richer mechanics.
Once you've mastered these elements (it's not hard. Trust me.) you'll enter the arena against another dragon and test your strength. In that sense the title emulates Pokemon to some extent, but it's never a flattering comparison. The gameplay is just weaker all around and there's not much variety. Flying components are included, but are polished, and walking around town is as thrilling as one might think it sounds. The only real highlight here comes in the form of customization of your dragons, even if what you can do is mostly only skin deep.
Graphics
As far as the visuals of this game are concerned I do have to say that at least the character models are accurate enough. Everything in the game looks exactly like one would think it should, however, in motion the game stutters a bit. The animation is often choppy in battle and there's not an awful lot of variety here. Framerate issues abound and there are some hit detection issues in battle.
Audio
The sound in How to Train Your Dragon is a mixed bag for sure. On one hand you have a decent score that compliments the experience and some okay voice acting and sound work. On the other the repetition in this game is about as obnoxious as it can get, much like the button mashing.
Conclusion
From top to bottom How to Train Your Dragon is just a mediocre, run-of-the-mill movie tie-in that has a tough time getting off the ground. Only very young fans of the film will get something out of it, but consider the game is rated 10+, I'm not entirely sure that's accurate for the quality of the gameplay. There's not enough variety here and the title just isn't compelling enough to satisfy. There are far better options out there and this one should only be considered for young fans of the film who want to experience more of it. Even then I'd say it's a rental at best, and that's not saying much.
Discuss This Game on Our Forums Here