Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster is one of the first games to debut as part of the Kinect for Kids program which is all about developing kids games that utilize Kinect technology, as well as taking interactive gaming for kids to a whole new level. We have also been told that the concept for Once Upon a Monster was actually developed way before Kinect technology came out, and that the game was only able to be brought to fruition once Kinect became available.
So often when it comes to kids games, the graphics are watered down, but Once Upon a Monster brings kids video games to a whole new level. The visuals aren’t super detailed but they are rich and colorful, and pretty elaborate. It’s a game that is also a feast for your eyes – even if you’re an adult. One thing is for sure, kids light up when they play this game and quickly become fully engaged.
The game features everyone’s favorite Sesame Street characters, including Cookie Monster, Oscar and Elmo, as they interact inside a story book adventure. These characters are animated and full of personality. Sesame Street was involved in the script writing process. The game features a total of six chapters. Each chapter focuses on a different monster who has a problem to deal with. These problems are designed to be identifiable for little ones to help get them more engaged. As the game progresses, kids get to help the monsters out and learn valuable life lessons along the way – while of course having fun playing games like dress up, dancing games, flying games, sledding games, and more.
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Two players can play the game at once, and co-play is actually encouraged in Once Upon a Monster. Players can also drop-in and out throughout the game. As a matter of fact, the game was designed so that parents and older siblings can play along side their little ones and get involved. In total the game offers just 4 to 6 hours of game-play. The game can of course be replayed but we’re not sure that it has a strong re-playability allure, but kids will likely enjoy playing it over and over again because their favorite characters are there.
Overall, Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster Review for Xbox 360 is a fantastic game that offers new level of interactivity for kids. It’s also the best and most advanced Sesame Street game ever. That said, we wish it offered longer game-play. Also, despite great graphics and lovable characters, it won’t likely keep adult’s interest for long. Regardless, if Once Upon a Monster is an indicator of what is to come from future Sesame Street games, and future games from the Kinect for Kids program, than there is indeed a bright future ahead. Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster retails for $47.99 on Amazon.
The Good: Better than usual graphics for a kids game, beautiful visuals, lovable monsters are relate-able to kids, fun mini-games are appropriate for kids, games teaches valuable life lessons, great musical score, Cookie Monster and Elmo are in it!
The Bad: Limited re-playability, short over-all gameplay time
