One Cartridge: Two Games
It came as no surprise to anyone (particularly those under the age of thirteen) when Hannah Montana: The Movie broke box office records on
its opening weekend. It was the biggest ever opening for a live action children’s movie ever. Little girls, it would seem, simply can’t get
enough of the Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana franchise …
Hannah Montanna the video game follows the movie closely, starting with a concert in which Hannah Montana has seemingly forgetten her roots.
After the concert she is whipped back to her home town of Crowley Corners where she learns what really matters in life …
You can play the guitar, drums, keyboard, dance and sing – sort of.
Like the movie, Hannah Montana the video game has two personalities. When you’re in Hannah Montana’s hometown, you will find yourself
searching for missing objects, talking to people and generally helping people out in order to progress. But Hannah still occasionally yearns for
her old life. Cue the music for the second aspect of the game which sees Hannah reliving her life as a pop star.
One-Girl Band
As you strut about on the stage you activate hot spots where you can play the guitar, drums, keyboard, dance and sing – sort of. To activate
the instruments you just tap, strum or slide the stylus on the touch screen when prompted.
Hannah Montana on the DS looks pretty good. The animations are generally smooth and clean, and the touch screen is clear and colourful, with
the interactive buttons big and easy to tap. So Disney have looked at who this game is for and made not only a game that will appeal to them but
is also made for them, with easy controls that don’t get fiddly or confusing.
The animations are generally smooth and clean, and the touch screen is clear and colourful.
The top screen shows all the in-game action, like Hannah talking, walking and generally getting her groove on when on the stage. The touch
screen shows all the icons that you interact with. It has to be said that the controls work very nicely, the D-pad is used or walking whilst the
touch screen is used for everything else.
It's all about the Fans
This is not a challenging game by any means – in fact some may find it down right boring. BUT what it does do well is allow young fans of
Hannah Montana to relive the movie as both Hannah the pop star and Miley the country girl by putting themselves in the shoes of their idol. Some
people have criticised Disney’s decision to base the game closely on the movie plot. I say that’s probably what will make it appeal to the fans.
After all, it’s easy to forget that the game is aimed at young girls who will automatically bring their own imagination to the game in (bright
pink) spades.
If you’re a Hannah Montana fan and own a Nintendo DS, this is pocket-packed Hannah Montana fun that should take up residence in your DS carry
case.
GAME's Verdict
- Perfect for Hannah Montana Fans
- The music sections of this are very enjoyable
- Fun little mini games are a great addition
- The music quality isn't brilliant
- the on stage sections are good, but a bit more substance would have good for the older Montana fans
- A multiplayer option would have been an excellent addition
Review by: Tom "Disney-Diva" Daly
Version Tested: Nintendo DS
Review Published: 01.05.09