Developer: Neko Entertainment
Publisher: The Game Factory
Genre: Strategy
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 05 Nov 07

Score 10 (Best) 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 (Worst)

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Overview

I have reviewed my fair share of games that either no one has ever played or no one has ever heard of. Today we are not checking out a game that is necessarily "weird" or different, but instead a game that is going to appeal more to your kids, or nieces and nephews rather than your average adult gamer. The game is Build-A-Bear Workshop and it is from The Game Factory making its way into your DS. Does the game have what it takes to be a worthy gift? Read our full review to find out.

Gameplay

So in terms of gameplay, you're going to be pretty limited in what you can do in this game. If you're expecting any action, romance, or intrigue, this is not your game. However if you have been to a Build a Bear store (as I have) and find yourself wishing you could continue to build and build, then this may be the perfect game for you.

You start the experience by doing exactly what you would do in the store, creating your very own fuzzy friend. Similar to the experience you have in the store, there are a lot of steps to creating your new pal. This means any accessory or item that you want to put in him is available in the game. I hate to say it, but you can't get much closer to a virtual Build-A-Bear store than this; except this one you don't have to buy the stuffed animals.

I have to say however, for as bad as I thought this was going to be, it actually was surprisingly well developed. The virtual experience is easy to pick up and play and actually really makes the store come to life in the virtual realm. The developers did a great job of really having the user interact with the experience, which like the store, tries to make you really feel like the intricate part of the creation process.

Once you have created your furry friend, you then can go to the "Cub Condo" which is where all the rest of the gameplay can be found. There are a bunch of small games to be had in the condo, like cooking, dress up, and other very simple mini-games that make for a rather well rounded experience. The demographic for this game is obviously young children, probably more along the female gender but I could see young boys enjoying it as well. For what the game tries to be, it succeeds quite strongly.

Graphics

Visually I have to say that I was actually very impressed with Build-A-Bear Workshop, although not a graphical powerhouse the game really does bring the whole atmosphere to life and in a very strong virtual setting. The colors are bright and powerful and pretty inviting, and although it seems a bit bland in some areas of the condo, it still works pretty well.

Fun Factor

Although I am not in the demographic this game is being developed and released for, I still can have a good perspective of what children that age would or would not enjoy. For example, there is a bit of a repetitive nature to a lot of the mini games, so I can see that a lot of young ones are going to spend the majority of their time in the workshop, creating all sorts of different creatures. This is not only the most enjoyable aspect of the game, it also is the best developed.

Overall

Although not exactly a gaming masterpiece, Build-A-Bear Workshop does exactly what it sets out to do, make for a simple enjoyable experience for the young people in your life. If your son or daughter can't get enough of going to the Build-A-Bear store, then giving them this game may not only save you money but this could really be an enjoyable experience for them as well.

Gameplay
8.0

Graphics
8.0

Fun Factor
8.0

Overall
8.0

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