Game Reviews

When you see a stately owl perched on a cragged branch, its dignified demeanor brings to mind intelligence and good grace. Author Kathryn Lasky explored the secret lives of these feathered folk in her Guardians of Ga'Hoole series, which proved popular enough to spawn an upcoming animated film called Legend of the Guardians. The game of the same title is the inevitable kid-friendly tie-in, and it's not a bad one. As a young owl named Shard, you zip about, crashing into bats and the evil owls knows as Pure Ones, sometimes taking a break to take out some turrets or rescue a few helpless owlets. (You may wonder how owls created defensive structures with just wings and talons, but no matter.) It's unfortunate that the fun is so short lived. This $49.99 game clocks in at about three hours, but the simple mechanics and repetitive missions lead to monotony long before you reach that final hour. Legend of the Guardians is attractive and accessible, but even the most patient younger players will grow bored before it's over.You play as young guardian Shard, whose father was wrongfully accused of betraying the residents of the Great Tree. The film's story follows that of the first three novels in the series, but the game seems to have little in common with those initial books. Shard was created specifically for the game, and does not appear elsewhere in the franchise; owls like the members of The Band are given tiny cameos; and concepts, such as mysterious particles known as flecks, are never adequately explained. Those familiar with the tale may get some enjoyment out of seeing some of their favorite characters come to life onscreen, but they will be disappointed that they don't get to reenact important events from this avian tale.