Wild Thornberrys Australian Wildlife Rescue: A Review

Wild Thornberrys Australian Wildlife Rescue is a family-friendly simulation game developed by Big Fish Games, transporting players to the diverse landscapes of Australia to rescue and care for a variety of native animals. This game, based on the popular animated series, offers a blend of puzzle-solving and animal care, making it an appealing option for children and families seeking engaging entertainment. However, its simplistic nature and limited gameplay might leave older players wanting more.

Gameplay and Objectives

The core gameplay revolves around rescuing twenty different Australian animal species, each requiring unique care and attention. Players embark on a journey through various Australian habitats, locating animals in need of help. Once rescued, the animals are brought to a sanctuary where players must provide appropriate care, ensuring their health and well-being until they are ready for release back into the wild.

The game incorporates puzzle elements into the care process. Players must solve these puzzles to obtain necessary resources, such as food, medication, and habitat enhancements, ensuring the animals’ survival and eventual recovery. This puzzle aspect provides a fun and engaging challenge, particularly for younger players. The difficulty level is designed to be approachable for children, but some puzzles may require parental assistance, fostering a collaborative gaming experience.

While the rescue and care aspects are central to the gameplay, the game also incorporates an educational component. A built-in “Trek computer” provides information about each animal, including its natural habitat, diet, and unique characteristics. This feature subtly introduces players to the diverse Australian wildlife, making the game both entertaining and informative.

The game accurately simulates certain aspects of real-life animal interactions, reflecting the natural world’s complexities. For example, the game acknowledges the predatory nature of certain animals, like the dingo. If a player inadvertently places a smaller animal in the same enclosure as a dingo, it faces the possibility of being consumed – a realistic consequence mirroring the circle of life. This adds a layer of depth to the game, encouraging players to think critically about animal pairings and habitats.

Furthermore, the game incorporates consequences for neglecting animal care. If a player fails to adequately attend to an animal’s needs, the animal may attempt to escape its enclosure. This mechanic subtly teaches players about responsibility and the importance of consistent care, turning the game into a learning experience disguised as fun.

Graphics and Sound Design

Wild Thornberrys Australian Wildlife Rescue adopts a cartoonish art style, consistent with the visual aesthetic of the original television show. This simplistic approach provides a visually appealing experience for younger children accustomed to similar animation styles. However, older children and adults might find the graphics somewhat simplistic compared to more graphically intense modern games. The cartoonish nature, while fitting with the show’s style, may lack the visual detail and realism sought after by some players.

While the specifics of the sound design are not explicitly detailed in the available information, the overall sound experience likely aligns with the game’s lighthearted and family-friendly tone. The sound effects are probably designed to enhance the gameplay experience, emphasizing the sounds of the Australian wilderness and adding to the overall immersive quality.

Game Mechanics and Challenges

While the game provides a captivating introduction to animal rescue and care, its simplicity might limit its long-term appeal for older players. The core gameplay mechanics, though designed to be accessible to children, may lack the depth and complexity that older players might expect. The puzzle elements, while engaging initially, might become repetitive after extended play.

The limited variety of game mechanics and challenges might contribute to a shorter playtime for some. The game’s linear progression and straightforward objectives might not provide the same degree of replayability found in other games with more branching narratives or customizable options.

The inclusion of certain items like antibiotic pills and stomach pills, which are described as being next to impossible to obtain, might frustrate players. This difficulty spike introduces an element of artificial scarcity, potentially disrupting the flow of the game. The limited availability of such items could discourage repeated play, as players might find it difficult to consistently provide optimal care for their animals. The scarcity of rats and frogs, which could be used as food sources, further complicates this issue.

Target Audience and Overall Impression

Wild Thornberrys Australian Wildlife Rescue is most suited for younger children (ages 6-10), who are likely to appreciate the cartoon-style graphics and straightforward gameplay. The educational aspects of the game, such as learning about Australian animals, are well-suited to this age group, making it a valuable tool for introducing children to wildlife conservation and the importance of animal care.

Older children and adults might find the game too simplistic and repetitive. The lack of complex gameplay mechanics, limited challenges, and simplistic graphics might detract from their overall enjoyment. While the game’s educational value is still present, its appeal for older players is likely to be limited.

The one-hour trial version allows potential players to experience the game’s mechanics and overall feel before committing to a purchase. This feature is particularly helpful for parents or guardians who want to assess the game’s suitability for their children before purchasing the full version. This approach mitigates the risk of purchasing a game that might not meet the expectations of its target audience.

In conclusion, Wild Thornberrys Australian Wildlife Rescue offers a delightful and educational gaming experience for young children who are fans of the Wild Thornberrys series and Australian wildlife. However, its simplicity and lack of complex mechanics may not appeal to older players or those seeking more depth and challenge in their games. Its focus on education and lighthearted gameplay makes it a suitable choice for families looking for a casual and engaging game experience.