Outright Games, in collaboration with Recotechnology, has brought the viral sensation of Pinkfong’s Baby Shark to life in an interactive underwater escapade. Baby Shark: Sing & Swim Party sees players diving into a rhythmic adventure with the entire Shark Family in one of the most unlikely video game adaptations we’ve ever seen. We played it on a PlayStation 5, traveling through seven different oceanic locations where you can get your groove on. Is it any good? And will parents be able to tolerate it? Let’s find out.
Baby Shark: Sing & Swim Party offers a surprisingly large selection of songs, including classics like Disco Sharks and Baby Shark Dance, allowing players to serenade friends and family with their vocal talents. With a choice of five (customizable) Shark Family characters and two game modes, there’s a bit of variety on offer here, though it mostly caters to younger fans of the source material.
One of the standout features of Baby Shark: Sing & Swim Party is its attention to detail in replicating the Baby Shark world – and there is more to that than you’d think. The cartoon graphics are a faithful recreation, and the game maintains a consistent visual style throughout its various modes and menus that will undoubtedly captivate young players. The inclusion of fully voiced characters and in-game cutscenes further enhances the experience, which although limited in scope is well polished.
The game’s user-friendly controls, designed with young players in mind, ensure a straightforward and accessible gameplay experience. The button prompts are clearly displayed, making it easy for players to navigate the rhythmic challenges and obstacle-filled runner levels that the game features. Additionally, the option to customize voices, music, and sound effects adds a layer of personalization to the gameplay that should enhance the game’s lasting appeal.
The different locations in the game, each with its own look and feel, adds a bit of variety to the gameplay experience. From Tropical Bay to the mysterious depths of the Kingdom of the Deep, players have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of underwater environments, while the inclusion of collectible stars, stickers, and level-up cards provides an engaging progression system, encouraging players to revisit levels and improve their performances.
While Baby Shark: Sing & Swim Party excels in capturing the essence of the Baby Shark universe, its reliance on remixes of the Baby Shark song may become repetitive for some players (read: parents), so in that sense it’s quite loyal to the source material as well. The rhythm sections, though engaging, may prove to be slightly challenging for the youngest players in the intended demographic as well, as the pace required may not be at the level of hand-eye coordination that some three and four year olds have.
Baby Shark: Sing & Swim Party successfully translates the infectious energy of the Baby Shark phenomenon into an interactive gaming experience. Its ability to recreate the beloved characters and world is commendable, and the inclusion of customization options adds a bit of lasting appeal to the gameplay. While some rhythm sections may pose a challenge for the youngest players, the engaging runner levels offer an entertaining alternative to that gameplay style. Parents and older siblings may find themselves taking the lead in certain sections, but the game’s vibrant visuals and familiar tunes make it a nice family play option – at least until the songs start to feel a bit too grating and you have to postpone the next round until tomorrow.
Score: 7.0/10
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