Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
System: Gamecube   Publisher: 2K Games   Developer: High Voltage Software/Backbone Entertainment   Genre: Action   Release Date: 07/11/05

Quick Synopsis	Overall Score
Enjoyment:  For the most part the game is cute, but I wouldn't go so far as to call if fun.

This game is for very young children that are not experienced in playing video games.  Although it may still be difficult to even keep an inexperienced child's attention for very long.  The gameplay is very linear and very repetitive.  About four levels in the beginning of the game all revolved around plugging vents with the same balled up robots.  The game stayed repetitive until the very end.

In the beginning of the game there is a lot of story then you chase a ten dollar bill around the town for awhile.  Once you catch it, you drop it again and you have to go snowboarding down the street.  Sound exciting?  Not really!  There is no way to really mess this up, the game is far too easy.  Then more story occurs which brings you to the Chocolate Factory.

Once you are in the factory you start your tour with Willie Wonka, who by the way sounds freakishly similar to Michael Jackson.  Well I guess they do look kind of similar and they both like children.  Then the heavy boy finds himself trapped and the responsibility of freeing him has been delegated to you.  At this time the Oompa Loompa's are at your disposal.  Your character, Charlie, claps his hands, gives orders, and the Oompa Loompa's do your bidding.   

At this time you have free rein of the grounds.  This is the only fun part of the game because even though the graphics aren't the best in the world, they are a little bit enchanting (especially to children).  The areas are very colorful and filled to the brim with candy of varying types.  There are plenty of items for you to collect on your way so don't miss out on those little extras. 

For the most part the game is cute, but I wouldn't go so far as to call if fun.  It's completely lacking in difficulty, who wants to play something that easy. 

Miranda Stites, HeroesOfGaming.com, 07/23/05