Toy Story 3 PlayStation 3

Released on 16/07/2010

• Toy Story 3: Review

  The toys are back in town

  Having played a number of uninspiring movie-based games aimed at children we approached Toy Story 3 with a degree of cynicism which thankfully proved to be unfounded. That's because developer Avalanche hasn't just created a simple rehash of the film's plot. While there's a decent story-based game inspired by the movie, the star of the title is its innovative Toy Box mode, which offers sandbox-style gameplay and plenty of customisation options.

  To infinity and beyond

  The game's Story mode finds Andy's toys facing up to an uncertain future as their now 17 year old owner prepares to head off to college. Playable as Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie across eight levels drawn from the movie, it offers a solid mix of action orientated play, platform puzzling, co-op options and plenty of unlockables to find.

  A solid mix of action orientated play, platform puzzling, co-op options and plenty of unlockables to find.

  Each character has a unique ability and in some levels you're required to switch between them to progress. Pull string cowboy Woody is able to swing across areas, space ranger Buzz can pick up and launch other characters across long distances, while cowgirl Jessie is the most agile, allowing her to balance on small platforms.

  Virtual playground

  It's a bit of a short-lived experience, taking around four or five hours to complete, but it's well rounded and there's a welcome amount of variety to the levels, in which you'll chase a speeding train on horseback, rescue Bo Peep's sheep, play the actual Buzz Lightyear videogame featured in the second movie, and enjoy some on-rails shooter and even mild stealth segments.

  What really distinguishes Toy Story 3 from other movie tie-in games is the excellent Toy Box mode. It's essentially an open world quest-driven game in which you take on the role of a town Sheriff. The basic aim is to expand and customise the town, which is achieved by performing missions that earn you cash to unlock new characters, vehicles and themed levels.

  What really distinguishes Toy Story 3 from other movie tie-in games is the excellent Toy Box mode.

  These range from basic fetch quests to helping out troubled townsfolk - cowboys, space rangers, dinosaurs, little green aliens and more - with various tasks. Finding capsules on your adventures also gives you access to new costumes and building designs that let you decorate the place to your liking, plus there are plenty of fun side distractions like races and trick courses with vehicles. It's well paced, too, providing you with new stuff to do before you grow tired of the toys already at your disposal.

  Play time

  While generally simple and primarily aimed at children, Toy Story 3 is also fun for adults to play. Featuring great visuals that reflect the cool look of the movies, a short but decent story mode and open world gameplay that captures the imaginative appeal of play, Toy Story 3 is one of the best film-based titles we've played.

  GAME's Verdict

  

  • One of the best movie-based games around.
  • Decent, varied story mode.
  • Excellent Toy Box gameplay.

  

  • The voice acting can be a bit ropey.
  • Story mode is a little short-lived.
  • No online mode.

  Review by: Tom 'Sherriff' Ivan
  Version Tested: PS3
  Review Published: 21.07.10

  Published: 21/07/2010

• The Smurfs movie tie-in game coming to Wii and DS

  Ubisoft has revealed that it is working on a new videogame starring the loveable Smurfs for Wii and DS.
  
  The publisher has teamed up with Sony Pictures to create a game version of the new live-action movie The Smurfs, which is coming to cinemas this summer.
  
  In the film, which features the likes of Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria and Katy Perry, the Smurfs become lost in New York when the evil wizard Gargamel chases them from their magical realm into our world.
  
  The new game is likely to appeal to the millions of fans of the little blue creatures, who were created by the cartoonist Peyo in 1958 and have since gone on to inspire cartoons, toys and records.
  
  Ubisoft's Christian Salomon said: "Ubisoft's creative team is working hard on crafting the perfect video game experience that will appeal to new and old fans of The Smurfs."
  
  The publisher will be hoping the title can match the success of last summer's Toy Story 3 game, which proved to be a chart-topping hit as well as receiving critical acclaim.

  Published: 24/01/2011

• Assassin's Creed Brotherhood heads BAFTA list

  It's more good news for Assassin's Creed fans after yesterday's revelation of a May announcement of the next game in the popular franchise. BAFTA has released its list of nominations for this year's videogame awards, and Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood has received the most nods of any game, featuring in a total of seven categories.

  
  It seems the members of the BAFTA panel were big fans of Ezio's latest adventure, as it scooped nominations for Action, Artistic Achievement, Gameplay, Multiplayer, Technical Innovation, Use of Audio, and the biggie: Best Game.

  
  In the latter category, Ubisoft's game faces some stiff competition from FIFA 11, Heavy Rain, LIMBO, Mass Effect 2 and Super Mario Galaxy 2. Call of Duty: Black Ops missed out in that category, but was nominated in six others. Mass Effect 2 also had six nods in total, with Sony's gritty thriller Heavy Rain picking up five, while Super Mario Galaxy 2 and indie darling LIMBO both got four. Surprisingly, Halo: Reach only featured in two categories: Multiplayer and Technical Innovation.

  
  Meanwhile, the mass-market success of Microsoft's Kinect ensured a strong showing in the the Family category, with nods for Dance Central, Kinect Adventures, Kinect Sports and Kinectimals. Flying the flag for more traditional control are LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and the terrific Toy Story 3.

  
  The winners will be announced at a ceremony on March 16, which will be streamed live on the BAFTA website.

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