| Introduction
BAM clearly like the Powerpuff Girls, and so do the
millions that follow the series on the Cartoon Network.
For BAM, this is another of the many titles that they've
released across almost every format, including an incredible
five on the GameBoy. For those that don't know, the
Powerpuff Girls are the cute but tough crime-fighting
super-trio who were created as a result of an experiment
that went horribly wrong and who now dedicate their
lives to ridding the city of Townsville of evil. Obviously,
this makes for a game where almost anything can happen
and usually does. Enough of the intro then and let's
see what Bubbles, Buttercup and Blossom have in store
for us this time around.
GamePlay
Your adventure starts out in the classroom with Ms.
Keane (your teacher) challenging you to a scavenger
hunt where you must collect some 25 listed items. This
is not as easy as it first appears because some items
are hidden and others require you to trade with people
you meet. It's important to talk to everyone as they
may tell you what you are looking for and occasionally
point you in the right direction if you get lost.
Another way to find the much-needed objects is to
complete such tasks as freeing prison guards or collecting
acorns, which will eventually be rewarded down the line.
As this is the Powerpuff Girls, something strange and
weird is bound to happen, and so it does, in the form
of the evil Him who is all set to spoil your innocent
scavenger hunt.
But don't fret, because there are 'help' options
at hand in the various inventory screens. One of these
is a handy map feature, a necessity as you often get
lost until you work out the layout of Townsville. You
also have a list of all the items you've currently collected,
which is incredibly useful when you forget exactly what
you've picked up.
Finally there's the all important scavenger checklist
containing all 25 items with red ticks against those
you've managed to locate. The list scrolls which can
be a bit confusing if you're trying to count although
the total is listed at the base of the map screen and
in your 'save slot'.
In addition to the main game there are also three
mini-games that can be played at any time you wish,
although you do have to encounter them in the main game
first in order to unlock them.
'Powerpuff Pinball' is simple but hugely enjoyable
with the shoulder buttons acting as flippers, thus making
it easy to handle. The table's filled with bonuses but
you'll actually have to play it for some time before
you discover the best way to rack up those points.
'Boogie Frights Fever' has you following dance moves
in a kind of 'Parappa the Rappa' affair and although
it's fast becoming the mini game of choice, it's still
fun to play.
Finally, there's 'Mojo Jojo on the Go-go', which
is basically an extended version of Frogger with the
infamous Mojo Jojo being substituted as the lead character.
All of this is then saved to an automatic battery backup
so your scores can be kept for all to see.
Controls
Anyone who played the last Powerpuff Girls game on the GBA will feel at home
with the controls and the option to select any one of
the girls at any time is still there. Even when you
venture into one of the mini games, the controls are
kept intuitive and as a result, you're unlikely to ever
refer to the manual which I've always found a bit of
a drag to thumb through anyway. Simple and very responsive
which is just how all games should be really.
Graphics
Because of the bold psychedelic colors and simplistic
design of the Powerpuff Girls, they've always translated
well as a video game and on the GBA there is no exception.
Everything, from the various environments and characters
to the rather wonderful intro section, feels like it's
been lifted directly from the cartoon. This gives the
illusion that you're actually controlling the Powerpuff
Girls in the TV show, which will no doubt please their
many fans.
Sound & Music
As with the last GBA outing, the sound in this new
adventure is also excellent. As soon as you start playing
you will be wondering why all games don't sound this
good. It is achieved by a clever mix of samples taken
from the TV series and a great soundtrack, which plays
throughout the game. Everything is then seamlessly woven
into the game making for an audio accompaniment that
is very close to the standard of the TV series itself.
Excellent stuff.
Final Comments
There's no doubt that 'Him and Seek' is an enjoyable
and polished game. While the previous title was an almost
'mindless' shooting game, this one boasts a little more
variety and grey matter with its simple exploration
and puzzle solving scenarios. Unfortunately, there's
little incentive to replay the game once you've located
all the items although the three mini games might coax
some mileage for those that like high scores. Ultimately,
however, the game is targeted at younger audiences and
should be judged as such. Mature gamers should look
elsewhere, unless of course they are die-hard fans of
the Powerpuff Girls and aren't afraid to admit it!
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