Action & Adventure Video Games

Based on the animated film about a family of cave people dealing with their changing world, The Croods: Prehistoric Party! is a collection of 30 primitive-themed party games. Players can join Grug, Ugga, Eep, Thunk, Sandy, Gran, and Guy as they take on mini-games, collect eggs, meet strange creatures, and learn about technology while searching for a new home. There are two different game modes, with the Trailblazer mode offering a board game competition, and the Hunter and Gatherer mode letting users define their own time- or egg-based victory conditions. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

Based on the animated film of the same name, Rise of the Guardians finds gamers joining mythical childhood figures as they fight to prevent the Boogeyman-like Pitch from cloaking the world in nightmares and darkness. Players take on the role of Jack Frost, North (Santa Claus), Bunnymund (Easter Bunny), Tooth (Tooth Fairy), and Sandy (Sandman) as they battle nightmares through 3D levels based on locations in the film. Each character has unique abilities and weapons that can be upgraded as they defeat more difficult foes. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

The Cartoon Network's surreal series about the feats of a brave 14-year-old and his shape-shifting dog companion comes to gamers for the first time in Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?! As the title suggests, the story finds Finn and Jake on a quest to teach the Ice King a lesson for stealing their trash and constructing the Garbage Princess. The classically styled action adventure find players exploring the Land of Ooo by travelling across an overworld map, taking on side-scrolling levels, and engaging in some old-school dungeon crawling.

Featuring a story penned by series creator Pendleton Ward, Adventure Time send gamers to the Grass Lands, the Candy Kingdom, Red Rock Pass, and the Ice Kingdom, and puts them in contact with familiar characters like Princess Bubblegum, Lady Rainicorn, Tree Trunks, and Marceline. Players use their stylus and touch screen to help Finn unleash fist smashes and sword thrusts, while Jake's special powers can be used to turn him into a boat, a bridge, or a giant version of himself. There's plenty of treasure to collect along the way, and gamers can combine found food items and condiments to unlock new special powers. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

Based on the animated film about a kind-hearted videogame bad guy seeking a new role in life, Wreck-It Ralph picks up where the movie finishes, with Ralph and his nemesis Felix teaming up to help rid Mr. Litwak's arcade of menacing Cy-bugs. In classic platforming action, gamers use their stylus and touch screen to run and jump through four game-themed worlds, including the candy-coated world of Sugar Rush, and the war-torn landscape of Hero's Duty. Players can grab a variety of collectibles along the way, and the game can be played a second time with a new set of rules. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

Finding Nemo: Escape to the Big Blue makes waves on Nintendo DS as a collection of more than 20 tropical-themed mini-games that make special use of the system's touch screen and microphone features. The goal is to save each member of the "tank gang" from a dentist's aquarium by completing character-based challenges aimed at younger fans of the feature film. Players will locate hidden sea creatures amidst a colorful reef, clean a shark's teeth, engage in 3D races, explore the ocean's mysteries with the "interactive reef" option, and even blow in the microphone to create bubbles.

This is a re-issue timed to coincide with the 3D re-release of the film Finding Nemo. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Diner Dash meets Tapper, with an iCarly twist, as players join characters from Nickelodeon's hit show for wild time management action in iCarly: Groovy Foodie! When Sam gets into trouble at a hot dog stand, she and Carly are sentenced to serve 20 kinds of crazy customers wacky dishes, including spaghetti tacos, corn juice, and fladoodles. Five different Seattle locations find gamers interacting with familiar characters from the show, including Gibby, T-Bo, and Nevile Papperman, all while earning Bacon Bucks to purchase upgrades and specials abilities. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

Released in conjunction with the three-quel feature film, Madagascar 3: The Video Game puts players in the roles of Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria, for zoologically fueled adventure in a circus tour across Europe. Through a series of mini-games, the animals perform publicity stunts at famous landmarks, as well as acts of derring-do under the big top. They'll also need to watch out for animal control officers, who can cut their circus careers short with a quick trip back to Central Park. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Following the same format as 2010's Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on Nintendo DS, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town is a collection of themed mini-games featuring characters and settings from the Rankin-Bass Christmas classic. Use the stylus to help Santa prepare for his big night by completing various touch-screen supported activities. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

3DS gamers take the role of Spongebob or his pal Patrick Star as they relive their Surf & Skate Roadtrip. Much of the game is played from a Tony Hawk's Pro Skater perspective, with breakaway super-trick highlights at key points. The surfing and skateboarding take place on more than two dozen maps, each with multiple challenges and goals. Boards can be customized with designs unlocked along the way, and players who complete the main game gain access to ten bonus levels of snowboarding. Multiplayer options let two 3DS gamers hit the waves or go for a roll together. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Players wage technologically enhanced third-person combat, against throngs of vicious E.V.O. mutants, as Generator Rex: Agent of Providence. In the first retail game based on the animated series, emphasis is placed on providing fans with an appropriate sense of power as they unleash the hero's nanite-derived special abilities. Rex Salazar slams and smashes his foes, with giant biomechanical hands or feet, and with more powerful weapons that can be unlocked by blueprints found throughout the adventure. Action plays out in multiple environments, including the jungle, desert, and city. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide