With Planes being a Disney movie, you knew there was going to be video games and merchandise! Well, I did have a chance to check out the video game offerings that they have produced — although they are exclusive to Nintendo.
In Planes the Video Game, the player goes beyond the film and is a full-time racer. On the console, the player gets to choose between ten of the cast planes from the film to participate in races and mini-games. The regulars such as Dusty and Rex are there to play, but also the jets, Bravo and Echo! Not to mention they are voiced by the actual cast — so yes, you do get to play as the Top Gun jet voiced by Val Kilmer…
There are four different modes of play to challenge gamers of all levels, including Air Rallies, Story mode, Free Flight and Balloon Popping. These are available to play in a choice of ten environments inspired by the film. Probably the best feature of the game that I liked was the two player experience that is available on the Wii U. The second player can drop-in or drop-out without disturbing the single player and can participate in co-op play with any of the other characters. I also noticed that the second player can even “assist” the single player, in case there is a younger gamer at the wheel.
The DS and 3DS versions of the game are much the same as the console version, although the cast and environment selections are scaled back to six each. The handheld version also does not include the exploratory Free Flight mode, but it does pick up an objective achieving Challenge mode instead.
When I was playing the game with the designer, I did grow bored with the Free Flight mode, but, as he stated, this is the most popular feature with younger kids. I put this hypothesis to the test and he was right; my five-year-old never grew tired of just flying around and looking at the scenery. Seriously, we almost missed the first day of school!
These are really great games that kids of all ages will enjoy — younger the better. Games reviewed are all rated E for Everyone.
Disney has graciously given us a copy of Planes for the Wii U to give away to one lucky reader! Please fill out the form below and we will draw one lucky name to have a copy flown to them on the next cropduster out of Propwash!
Entry deadline is Tuesday at 8pm CST.
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Giveaway rules:
Open to US residents only.
One entry per physical address.
Must be 18 or older to enter.
Winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries.
Winner will be notified via the email supplied at time of entry.
Prizes are supplied by 3rd parties, and GeekDad.com cannot be held liable for items damaged or lost in shipping.
Do you know if the Free Flight mode is an unlockable on the 3DS? I think my kid would like that too, but I only have the 3DS, not a Wii U.
No Free Flight on the 3DS, unfortunately.