Kim Possible is back for her second game on the DS, and it’s a lot of fun for kids! She has all her gadgets and then some, and her moves are smooth as silk. Energetic and exuberant are the words for this game.

Gemini has managed to brainwash certain members of the Global Justice organization, and has teamed up with Adrena Lynne and Motor Ed to take over the world for his Evil Empire. Of course, Kim Possible, Ron Stoppable and Rufus the Mole Rat can’t stand around and let that happen without a fight! With the help of Wade, Team Possible sets out to defeat Gemini and his cohorts.

Players begin the game with a short, easy tutorial that demonstrates Kim and Ron’s basic moves and their standard set of gadgets. As in previous games, each new move is demonstrated by a “shadow” character that executes the move. After this demonstration, the buttons that are used are shown as icons in the positions that Kim or Ron would be in during the move, to help players know when to press the correct buttons. After these are completed successfully, Kim or Ron then move on to the next area.

Kim has the best moves and gadgets, such as her familiar grappling hook and wall jumping technique.  She can also turn flips and swing on poles and has a cool hang-gliding parachute. Ron has a deflector shield, buffoon pants (same function as Kim’s parachute) and flame-powered boots that shoot him to higher levels. Both Kim and Ron have basic judo moves in their fighting skills repertoire, but Kim has several additional combo attacks that are powerful, yet easy to accomplish. Most of the time, these dazzling moves aren’t needed because the bad guys aren’t that bad, but they are neat to perform just for the thrill. Unlike many games that feature multiple powerups or gadgets, these items are actually handy in different situations and players will find themselves switching them out frequently.

Kim and Ron move smoothly and effortlessly around the levels, would that all games were designed this well! A2M usually does a great job with the platform movement in Kim Possible games, and this one is no exception. Collision detection is superb, and Kim and Ron nearly always make it across to wherever they are going. If they miss and fall, most of the time it’s to land safely at a lower level, from where they will have to work their way back up to the higher levels. While it is possible for them to “die”, there are lots of health points scattered around for rejuvenation purposes.

Besides the usual platform moves, there are collectables scattered around to pick up, such as Kimmunicators for extra life points, and keys that will open doors.  If there are any weak points to this game, it’s the collectables, which are boring and pretty much the same in every level. The only interesting ones are the clothing pieces that garner power-ups when fully assembled. Different types of collectables and more puzzles would have appreciated.

The look of the game is exactly in line with the TV show, along with the theme music. There are good sound effects, as well. Graphically, everything is pretty standard for the DS, but there are some oddities such as Ron and Kim phasing into the wall a bit when climbing up ladders. The environments are drawn nicely with a 3D look to them that adds depth, even though Kim and Ron can really only move in a straight line across the screen, unlike games such as Open Season, where Boog and Morris can move in and out of the screen.

The levels are adequately varied, but many of them are pretty similar. Some different types include snow-covered landscapes and street scenes, but many of the locales take place inside rooms with a sort of electrical theme. There are two racing levels that mix things up a bit, Kim’s snowboard race and Ron’s moped race. These races are fun and kids really like them! These two races can also be played as multi-player games with two games.

This Kim Possible game has more gadgets and better moves than her first entry to the DS in Kimmunicator. The gameplay is a bit easier, but that’s a good thing for young players. There are two difficulty levels to choose, but the harder level option isn’t available until the game has been beaten the first time. The action mostly involves platform jumps and swings, with the occasional fighting.  However, the fighting is really easy. The manual is better detailed than most for handhelds, too, and the control explanations are clear and easy to understand and follow.

The bottom line is that this is a great game for younger players with its well-designed action moves and energetic characters. The minimal fighting and optimal health points add to the ease of play. Older players and adults may find it a little too easy, though. But, they will still have fun even if short-lived.
 

Gameplay: 8.5
I really enjoy the Kim Possible games, and this time had a chance to test it out on a young crowd at a soccer game. Kids ranging in age from 6-12 played it and enjoyed it thoroughly. Everyone was enthusiastic! Being able to move Kim and Ron around using all their gadgets and special moves imbues kids with a great sense of accomplishment.

Graphics: 7.5
The graphics are nice enough, but nothing to write home about.

Sound: 8
The sound effects and music are exactly right as always, and fit the TV show them exactly.

Difficulty: Medium
The game isn’t very difficult, but it’s not a cakewalk, either. The movement is handled exceptionally well with great collision detection and minimal “plunging to a violent demise” occasions. The jumping is actually fun!

Concept: 7.5
It’s the same formula as most of the other Kim Possible games, but that’s a good thing.

Multiplayer: 7

Overall: 8.5
This is a great Kim Possible game! As good as the GBA editions, and slightly better than Kimmunicator DS. Well-designed elements include non-frustrating platform moves, minimal fighting and interesting gadgets. More varied collectables would have been better, but this game is plenty fun just as it is, judging from the kids’ response to it. Parents will definitely want to take a look at this game, which is much better than many of the Movie/TV tie-ins we’ve seen lately.