Based on the upcoming computer animated sequel, dance along with Alvin, Simon, Theodore, or the Chipettes. Groove to 30 hit songs in this music and dancing game for Wii, 360, or Nintendo DS (Xbox 360 Kinect version reviewed here).

When you first start the game, you’ll have to take a quiz to see which Chipmunk or Chipette you are most like. This’ll be the main character you see in the game as you play, but you can always switch in the options screen. Then you can dance along in Story Mode, which follows the plot of the film with songs scattered between scenes. You can also play any song you want in Free Play Mode, or dance with a friend in Co-op.

Like any other dance game, just follow the moves of the Chipmunks on screen in time with the music and their actions. Cue cards on the bottom of the screen will tell you what move is coming up next. The game does a good job of letting you know how well you are doing as you play. Colored lines around the arms and legs of the Chipmunks let you know if your moves are too early or too late. And the cue cards will give you a colored checkmark letting you know how you did. Other indicators, like fireworks in the background, also fill you in on your performance. The lyrics to the songs appear at the top of the screen, so you can sing along as you dance, too!

If you do well, a meter will slowly fill up on the bottom of the screen. When it is full, your character will do a “Munktastic” move on screen which will boost your score. Sometimes the cue card will say “Freestyle” and you must move as much as possible to try and fill up the meter. At the end of the song you’ll earn one to five stars depending on your performance, and you can use those stars to buy new outfits for your rockin’ rodents to wear in the game.

Kid Factor:

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked is rated E-10 with an ESRB descriptor of Mild Lyrics. But the songs are nothing worse than what’s on the radio, and if you’re OK with your kids watching the movies, they’ll be OK with the game, too. Reading skill isn’t necessary, as all the instructions are spoken by the Chipmunk gang. The game is pretty forgiving and easy too, so little ones won’t get too frustrated. Basic knowledge of Kinect menu navigation is helpful, however. The game is good exercise, too. It’s a decent dance game for young fans of the Chipmunk movies, but older gamers and parents might get a little annoyed at all the squeaky voices!

Tags: Game Reviews