Bratz: Super Babyz

I have to say that I actually like the Bratz dolls. Some of their outfits are a bit “hoochy-mama,” but what’s not to like about dolls whose feet twist off? However, I’m not so keen on the Bratz Babyz, as they just look weird to me.

The Bratz console games are also a likable collection of games for the most part, with a good mix of exploration, puzzles and creativity. The Bratz Super Babyz DS game is our first Bratz game on the DS, and for the most part, it is a fairly enjoyable game for the very young players in your family.

The basic premise of the game is an adventure story mode which correlates to the movie. The four Bratz Babyz have different missions they must carry out that involve tasks like finding lost pets, helping carnival entertainers and stopping a bully. There are also mini-games embedded in the missions. The missions are very linear in nature, and involve the babyz trekking back and forth on fetch quests to help the in-game characters or to trade for needed items. Sometimes the missions will require the babyz to play the mini-games, like in the carnival level.

Movement in the game is accomplished by the directional pad. This doesn’t work very well, and players will have to constantly zigzag their baby around the screen, as she can’t seem to move in a straight line. The mini-games are all played with the touch stylus, which happens to work very well.

The majority of the game will be spent moving the babyz from one side of the map to the other in endless fetch quests. Fortunately, the missions are all very short. The levels are attractive and the characters and animals are cute, but there’s not enough to do in each level. There should be much more interactivity for players to explore while they’re moving around from one side of town to the other.

On the other hand, though, the mini-games are a lot of fun and are exceptionally well-designed, as compared to many games of this type for children. Most of these games are arcade-style games that require the stylus to play, and are clones of such games as Whack-A-Mole, a carny shoot game, a basket that catches falling items, and other similar games. The one really different game is a cool maze game that is basically a dungeon crawl through a haunted house. Players will have to navigate through the maze by unlocking areas with switches or buttons. The hazardous ghosts and creepy crawlies are interesting, and while avoidable, will require a bit of thought to outmaneuver. There is a sliding puzzle game, too.

There is also a creativity dress-up game, but it’s pretty basic.

Overall, this is a decent game for the young crowd. The gameplay is a little inconsistent in design, as some aspects are very easy, like the adventure missions, but other features are difficult for young children, like the sliding puzzle. It’s also a little awkward to move the characters around. Once the adventure missions are all played, it’s hard to say how many children will want to replay them. However, the mini-games can be replayed as well, and they are fun to play again. The price is a little steep for the type of game it is, though. Best for young children.

Gameplay: 7.0
The gameplay is a mixed bag: Mundane adventures, but nice mini-games. The overall theme is cute, but that will only carry a game so far.

Graphics: 7.0 
The graphics are slightly above average and portray the Bratz Babyz well.

Sound: 7.0
Wholly average music and sound effects.

Difficulty: Easy
Most of the game is very easy, but a few of the mini-games are more difficult.

Concept: 6.0
The content isn’t anything new.

Multiplayer: 5.0
There is a multi-player mini-game, but it's pretty lame. It involves finding gems around the neighborhood.

Overall: 7.0
This is a nice enough game for the young crowd, and the gameplay is easy and not frustrating. The mini-games are a lot of fun, too. However, the adventure mode, which is the bulk of the game, doesn’t have a lot going for it.