If you’re like me, you have no idea what Ben 10 is. Basically, it’s the new hit Cartoon Network show about a 10 year-old kid named Ben Tennyson, who has a watch-like instrument called the Omnitrix which allows him to transform into various alien forms depending on the situation, and act all superhero-like. (Luckily for you, you didn’t have to watch the first few episodes to understand what the hell is going on. I should have just used Wikipedia…)
None of that is important to understand the game, though. Ben 10: Protector of Earth was obviously designed with children who like the show in mind, but the developers did a good job at allowing people not familiar with the show get right into the action.
Really, Ben 10: Protector of Earth is all about the action. The story is pretty bland all things considered (something steals the alien DNA from the Omnitrix and you have to go smash crystals to gain your forms back and stop the bad guys), and there’s little characterization outside of what happens on the cartoon. This game is a game focused entirely on brawling, and a throwback to the arcade brawlers of yesteryear.
While playing, you’re able to use the Omnitrix to shapeshift Ben into a variety of aliens. There are five in total: Heatblast, Fourarms, Cannonbolt, XLR8, and Wildvine. Each character has their own unique abilities and combos, and for the most part play and look exactly like their names imply. You begin the game with only Fourarms and Heatblast, but as you clear stages and progress in the story you gain more forms and aliens to use during combat.
Combat is basic brawler affair, but the developers (thankfully) put some depth and flair in the system, giving the more experienced gaming crowd more to do than just hit attack nonstop. Whether it’s using a fun special attack (which is more similar to Ultimate Alliance and Spider-man Friend or Foe than any older brawler), throwing in platforming elements, or using the boss-finishing button sequence a la God of War, it manages to mix things up just enough to ward off the yawning.
The best thing about the game, though, is the drop-in-drop-out multiplayer system. If you’ve played LEGO Star Wars or similar titles, you know exactly how fun that can be to allow a friend to join in or quit at any time. For a game aimed at children, it’s an especially good addition, as it allows you to play with your son/daughter, brother/sister, or just random young child you know at any time, but aren’t forced to go through the whole game with them.
There’s really no difference between the Wii and PS2 versions outside of a few waggles and motion sensing abilities (such as activating the Omnitrix). The core gameplay is the same, the graphics are the same, the replay is the same – it’s the same game. Both are budget titles, so whether or not you pick up the Wii over the PS2 depends on A) if you have a PS2, and B) if you want to spend the extra $10 just to have another Wii title.
Ben 10: Protector of Earth is one of the best kids’ games coming out this holiday season. As a game for younger gamers and children, it’s just a huge success. It’s accessible, simple but fun, and very child-friendly in terms of content. If they watch or like the show, it’s even better. For a general gamer, however, it’s a game you won’t mind playing if someone asks you to — but you probably shouldn’t buy it. It’s far too simple for an experienced gamer, and the other elements just don’t come up to par.
