Tintin and his gaming adventure is a pleasant side-scrolling surprise. Filled with an over abundance of 2D charm, you'll likely find yourself in a dizzy spell of entertainment, just like the good Captain.

'The Adventures of Tintin' is a hefty offering with enough content to please any fan of the classic comic-book property. Unexpectedly "Tintin" feels fresh when contrasted against all the nonsensical animal films/games that typically flood the "youth" market. Capturing a retro, yet modern feel, 'Ubisoft Montpellier' does an splendid job re-telling this enjoyable swashbuckling tale. The three main sections of play are substantial, offering more than enough reason to keep coming back. In the day-and-age of throwaway movie cash-ins, "Tintin" is a full experience.

Even in 3D, "Tintin" is more 2D
Echoing the recently released is mode, simply called “Tintin.” Here you will blast through an interactive re-telling of the film based on a mixture of 3rd person action and 2D side-scrolling. Although labelled an "Action Adventure," "TinTin" focuses more towards the platforming than its segmental 3rd person stints. This was a wise decision because the non-platforming action is weak in comparison. In perspective, the platforming sections equal a good 80% percent of action with the other time broken up between driving, flying and short, tiresome "run away" sections. Its this diversity and focus on platforming that helps distinguish "Tintin" from its competition.

For specifics, you will follow the young journalist Tintin and his dog Snowy, who gets messed up in a mysterious journey revolving around an old French vessel called 'the Unicorn.' Adapted from the Belgian comic books, Tintin is your typical adventure tale that feels more like a young 'Indiana Jones' than anything else. Without spoiling too much, you will travel from the sea to the desert doing various deeds of bravery. You will also befriend the eccentric drunk, 'Captain Haddock.' Although I wasn't a fan of being forced to watch the cut-scenes (they're unskippable) "Tintin" never runs too long, getting you back into the swashbuckling fun before you know it.

The trouble making twosome
The next mode, and highlight of the game is 'Tintin and Haddock.' Strickly made up of 2D platforming this is where "TinTin" holds most of its value and can be recommend as a purchase. Each level is energetically crafted with an moderate difficulty curve to provide an refreshing challenge. While it might not be anything you're going exert yourself over, it has enough moments to keep the curious satisfied. The level design is crafty and the animation and quarks of battling your foes, entertaining. Not only will you be slinging banana peels and pots, your affectionate dog "Snowy" gets a shot at the action. When in command of Snowy, his adorable platforming fragments are too cute for words. A bark to scare humans, or louder to the ears of creeping rats, Snowy's sections deserves more praise. Heck if 'Bolt' can have his own game, lets petition 'The Adventures of Snowy.' While that might be going too far, you get the point; "Tintin" is a lot of fun.

Are you challenging me?
Lastly there is a 'Challenge' mode that spotlights three excerpts: driving, sword fighting and flying. Medal awards and progressive difficulties await, but really, each selection isn't overly interesting. The swordplay action is the best of the bunch, although you'll likely won't play it more than once. The vehicle based sections are malodorous and dull, feeling like a last minute add-on. Using Kinect gives a little more life, however, you will likely stick with the controller, since that is how you interact with the rest of the modes.

One slick looker
Taking a look at the execution, "Tintin" is quite immersible with more polish than expected. The animations are slick with its own unique cartoon-ish characteristics that truly stand out. I already bragged about how much fun it is to play Snowy, but it would be as satisfying if he wasn't so precisely animated. Yes, "we get it" Snowy is great, actually all the characters are great. The audio follows this queue with distinguished voice acting and a phenomenal soundtrack. While the game dips in quality when it comes to a few “exploring/vehicle” segments, the overall production is superb. Owners of 3D televisions, "Tintin" also supports 3D, if you have the means.

"The Adventures of Tintin" is an delightful dip into this revived comic book series. Spielberg and Jackson aren't wrong, "Tintin" is a great story that is a blast to play, especially as a 2D platformer. With excellent pacing and many extra features, "Tintin" goes beyond a simple re-telling. While it's not totally perfect, when "Tintin" works, it's a fun game that more than excels for a movie tie-in. Younger gamers in the household or fans of the classic property, this one's a winner and worth the investment.

Great visuals, excellent style and animation Lots of charm, who doesn't love little barking dogs? Variety of game modes Good feeling of progression Lots of collectables to encourage re-play Kinect and co-op support Phenomenal audio Attachment of “kids” licence Might to be too hard for the young gamers Vehicle sections are poorly designed When not platforming, "Tintin" is forgettable Quote: "Spielberg and Jackson aren't wrong, "Tintin" is a great story that is a blast to play, especially as a 2D platformer." Reviewed by DowntownJimmy | 12.23.11