GENRE
	Action-Adventure
	DEVELOPER
	Griptonite Games
	PUBLISHER
	Activision
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1
	CONNECTIVITY
	No
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When looking at a licensed video game, it is important to consider the target audience, fans of the property that will most likely purchase this title. Who are they? What kinds of games might they enjoy? Most importantly, how do my personal opinions stack up to those of this loyal crowd?

Which brings me to Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, the handheld adaptation of an upcoming Jim Carrey film, which is itself based on a bestselling children's novel. The movie has not opened yet, and I've never read the book. In other words, I am not even close to the target audience. I was forced to assess this title solely upon gameplay. I cannot judge how accurately it depicts the "unfortunate events" of the storyline. It may be riddled with errors. But I can discuss how addictive this game is, even for a Lemony Snicket newbie like myself.

visuals

Rather than creating complex graphical representations of the film actors, the developers chose to use a more cartoonish look, which works well on the Game Boy Advance. The in-game footage is composed of vivid, but appropriately gloomy colors. The backgrounds and inanimate objects are nicely defined, but the animated characters are less impressive, and often indistinguishable. During brief moments of dialogue, crazy caricatures of each character are displayed alongside their lines. I liked this look, and wish it were taken even further. I would have liked to have seen the entire game done in this over-the-top style, with more bizarre enemies and scenery. It could have been a truly original experience for the eyes.

Cut scenes are done using stills from the film, and unlockable content includes additional stills and concept art. All of these photos look fantastic. Plus, I also liked the amount of unlockable content, obtained by collecting butterflies and photographs in the game. There is enough here to keep you busy for a few hours, but not so much that it becomes hopeless. However, only a true Lemony Snicket fan cares enough to unlock concept art and movie stills. I found the pictures to be underwhelming.

audio

I loved the music. This is probably the title's strongest feature. It actually enhances the gameplay by setting an ominous tone. The arrangement is slightly spooky, but still upbeat. I assume (or at least hope) that this mix is some variation of the film's score. It should be. If it's not, then kudos to the composers for creating a perfect set of tunes to accompany this game.

gameplay

This is not a side-scrolling adventure. Each level of the game allows you to explore a larger area, such as a particular section of the house, or an entire town. You play as three children, switching between each in order to take advantage of their different capabilities and weapons. To clear one of these levels, you must collect various items, solve puzzles, and fend off attackers and bugs. It is a nice mix of logic and action, which is much appreciated over a more standard platformer.

But this is where the target audience issue comes back into play. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is intended for a younger crowd, and that is reflected in the puzzles. You're told exactly where to go and what to do. There is very little thinking involved. This teaches kids how to think logically, but rarely asks them to think for themselves. Don't get me wrong, a style like this works great for children, but older, more experienced gamers will likely fly through the title, if they don't get bored first. Seeing as how this is a kids game, I can't fault it too much for catering to a specific crowd, but I do wish the title had a more universal appeal.

multiplayer

N/A

overall

This game is meant for a specific audience, one that does not include myself. This is a children's game, and fittingly, it would be excellent for children who love the novel and will likely love the movie when it's released in a few weeks. Perhaps the 8-12 year old range? For others, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events may offer up some enjoyable aspects, but is ultimately an unrewarding experience.

I don't mind playing a game meant for kids. Some of these titles are still a lot of fun for all ages. There is just nothing that really makes this game pop. It's not memorable. It does not stand out in my mind. And that is the most unfortunate event of them all.

7.0/10