Build-A-Bear Workshop

At first glance, it may be easy to write off Build-A-Bear Workshop as a weak attempt to cash in on a license (in this case, one based on a store). However, there is a lot of fun to be had in the game, published by The Game Factory for the Nintendo DS. Build-A-Bear Workshop allows you to create your own stuffed animal and then play with them and take care of them through a series of mini-games. While the games are a bit on the easy side and the subject matter is unlikely to pull in many gamers over six years of age, the younger set will enjoy this one.

Of course, you begin Build-A-Bear Workshop by building your character. Instead of just a standard teddy bear, you can choose from several different avatars, like a dog, monkey or even a frog and so on. Using the stylus and touch screen, you have to fill your character with stuffing and then sew him up, then pick out an initial outfit for them. 

Once your character is created you are then free to hang out with them at their pad. You can play a bunch of different mini-games with your buddy. One mini-game involves cooking food similar to Cooking Mama, where you have to use the stylus to cook your friend a snack. There is also a dancing mini-game, where you can teach your character special dance moves, a swinging game, a honey catching game and so on. As you play through the games you can unlock more outfits, dance moves and other tricks for your character. 

The game is very easy, as the mini-games are all pretty low-key and don’t pose a lot of difficulty whatsoever for most gamers. This as well as the subject matter makes this a title that is geared completely towards very young gamers. Most people above the age of six or so will be unlikely to be too enthralled in Build-A-Bear Workshop for long. 

However, while the game is geared at very young kids, there is a bit of a learning curve that might make parents take notice. The game has no voice work, meaning that all of the instructions for the mini-games and any kind of tutorial are done solely via text. If you have a young child whose reading comprehension isn’t terribly high, you may want to play the game with them for a while just so that they can have time to learn the games properly before setting off on their own. When reading through the text with your child, be ready for tons of bear-related puns. 

Graphically, the game is pretty nice, with bright and colorful environments and nice character models. While there isn’t a whole lot of detail, but the graphics will likely appeal to the crowd that the game is geared towards. 

The music and sound effects are decent, with a nice light musical score that works with the theme of the game. However, the lack of voice acting is a downside, especially considering all of the text that could overwhelm young children.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is light fare which most gamers won’t likely find too difficult (nor will it hold their attention for long), but young children could get a kick out of the minigames.

Gameplay: 7.0
While the virtual pet elements and mini-games are pretty fun, they are quite simplistic and likely won’t challenge anyone over the age of six. However, if you do pick up the game for your child, be aware that there is a lot of reading and instructions involved early on.

Graphics: 7.5
Decent enough looking character models and brightly colored environments should appeal to children.

Sound: 7.0
The music works well for the game’s theme, but the lack of voice work makes the reading factor a bit heavy for a game geared at very young children.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept: 7.5
An interesting take on the virtual pet genre, Build-A-Bear adds some fun minigames to the formula and keeps things fresh for a younger audience.

Multiplayer: 7.0
There are some multiplayer mini-games added to the mix, as well as the ability to trade items and clothes with your friends’ Build-A-Bears.

Overall: 7.0
While the easiness of the mini-games and the theme may be more geared towards younger gamers, Build-A-Bear is a surprisingly fun virtual pet game that will appeal to the six and under demographic.