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Good: Decent character animations, good number of minigames

Bad: Extremely short, repetitive main quest, several disposable minigames, limited use of combat mechanics

Scientific Breakthrough: Male cows squirting milk

If there is one thing I've learned from the Game Boy Advance version of Barnyard, it's that farm animals love melons. Lots and lots of melons. In fact, throughout the course of its four hour main quest, you will retrieve melons for no less than three different characters at three different points in the game. And I always though cows ate grass.

The game's setting and story are based off the Nickelodeon movie of the same name, and for the most part, it gets the source material down. Whether that's a good thing is debatable. The game's characters, touted as "the original party animals," are a group of farm animals who have the ability to walk on two legs, talk on cell phones, and most bafflingly of all, shoot milk despite gender. Additionally, these wonders of science are constantly up to no good, throwing late night barn parties and teasing mailmen, among other wild and crazy activities. In all honesty, that's really about all there is to the story.

The game itself essentially boils down to a large number of fetch quests with occasional minigames thrown in for good measure. It's really a tedious formula, and most players will be sick of it before they can even finish the game's short main quest. You will constantly be running (or later, biking) from point A to B in effort to retrieve and deliver milk bars, screws, flowers, and of course, melons.

Fortunately, the minigames do help break the monotony quite a bit. Some of them are actually fairly entertaining. In particular, the racing games and the bowling game are simple and fun. Another plus is that a large number of the minigames are unlocked right off the bat, allowing you to take a break from the tedious main quest to indulge in something a little more interesting. On the downside, there are quite a few minigames that just aren't very exciting and for the most part forgettable. Considering that the game is targeted at younger audiences, games like the sliding tile puzzle are baffling in their inclusion.

In addition to the minigames, the game includes a few combat sequences in which the player shoots milk at enemies such as raccoons and coyotes. Unfortunately, these segments are few and far between, and for the most part combat can be avoided. In fact, I literally took only one point of damage throughout the entire course of the game, and even the most moderately talented players should be able to do the same.

The game runs on a pseudo real-time schedule, and consequently, players will notice a shift in the environment between night and day. Certain quests can only be completed at certain times of the day, giving the game an extra dynamic. The in-game menu system is also quite well done. Managing inventory is extremely easy, and the game's map and objective system are very simple to use.

Perhaps the game's biggest fault lies in its replay value. The main quest itself can easily be completed in a few hours, and that includes all of the side quests and minigames. Some gamers might want to come back for the minigames, but even these are so easy that most players will tire of them quickly.

Graphically, the game is acceptable although unspectacular. The character animations are fluid with a decent amount of frames. The environments are also colorful and fit the mood of the game well. Unfortunately, there is noticeable slowdown whenever several characters are moving on screen at once. Some of the minigames also have very simplistic graphics that could have been greatly improved before release.

Sound-wise, the game is also passable. The music does a decent job of recreating that of the movie, although it gets a little monotonous after your first hour of playing. The sound effects are also very basic, never really standing out, but also never becoming irritating.

All things considered, Barnyard is really only going to appeal to young gamers looking for a simple adventure with some mildly entertaining minigames. Unfortunately, even for this demographic, the game's short length and tedious fetch quests will likely dissuade them from picking it up again.

Graphics: 6.5

Sound: 6.0

First Play: 6.0

Replay Value: 4.0

Gameplay: 5.5

Overall: 5.6