DISCONTINUED
While films based upon games rarely turn out to be anything more than a low-budget mediocre flick, games based upon films can be a different story altogether. And next up in the ongoing movie-cum-game line up is THQ's Polar Express, released the very same day as the film itself.Unlike its handheld counterpart, the console rendition of Polar Express is a fully 3D and much more convincing offering that puts players onboard the fantasy train as a young boy in search of the lost tickets. It's essentially a free-roaming platform game, and Bringing the Zemeckis masterpiece to life, players are generally charged with the usual run, jump, dodge shenanigans as they wander the vast carriages of the mysterious train.From the outset, those familiar with the visual style and theme of the film will notice just how faithful the video game port of Polar Express really is. The varied locales are just as vibrant and colourful as those in the film and are all tied together by a series of respectable FMV sequences and in-game cut-scenes.The complete adventure isn't as long as some, but the addition of mini-games, vehicles and puzzle element helps to break the routine and at least offer a mixture of fun and indeed challenging playing styles.Like the film, the video game port of The Polar Express is clearly geared towards a younger gaming audience, and has a difficulty level to suit - for the most part. It's a well-timed offering from THQ that kids will mostly likely enjoy in its entirety.