Review: Hamtaro: Ham Ham Games - Game Boy Advance
I know what you're thinking. But think again. This game isn't half bad.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
What happens when you take a pre-teen only cartoon about hamsters and send them on to the track and field circuit? Why, you get Hamtaro: Ham Ham games of course! Although the cartoon may not be up your alley in the least and track and field makes you rather watch grass grow, the fusion of the two ends up surprisingly entertaining.
Although there aren't many track and field games permeating the video game world, all of them used a similar tactic to complete events. Many of the tracks events boiled down to how fast you could tap buttons repeatedly. Ham Ham Games breaks the mold with a very simple innovation. Most of the exercises hinge on correct timing, not the amount you press.
For instance, pole vaulting is a timing exercise much like kicking off the football in Madden. You have a moving reticule that you must stop on the correct part of the curve to get the best possible result. The higher the bar, the faster the reticule moves. Some events have you following a certain pattern of buttons to press to advance, where other events like tennis are a simple and obvious way to play. There are many events including synchronized swimming, diving, hammer throwing, jumping, sprinting, sailing, beach volleyball and others.
Despite its cutesy nature, the game proves to be a fun diversion for a few hours. You can race through the adventure mode, winning all three classes in about seven hours or so, which is pretty short. The multiplayer component doesn't support opposition; you can only team up with a friend to attack the games as a team. Certainly this can be fun but beefing up the multiplayer component would've added so much life to the title
The presentation is directly proportionate to the cartoon; it's cheese with a fully realized purpose. The graphics and sound are inspired accordingly. None of it is too impressive, but it does sport some great animation.
I know. You don't want to be seen playing this game. But do yourself a favor and at least try it once. Although it won't last too long, I guarantee you'll have a decent amount of fun no matter if you are outside of the cartoon's target audience.
Graphics: B+
Sound: B
First Play: B
Last Play: C
Gameplay: B
Overall: 81% B-
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