It’s almost time for Dora’s birthday party, but a twisty wind has blown Dora and Boots to Wizzle Land inside a story book. Can your kids help Dora find the Wishing Wizzle so they can be wished out of the book and make it to the party on time? Watch out for that mean ol’ witch! Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure for Wii is best described as your child’s first 2-D platform jumping video game adventure (click here for the review of the DS version).

Young children control Dora and Boots on-screen by holding the Wii remote sideways and tilting left and right to make Dora run in those directions. It would’ve been nice to offer D-pad support for movement as well, but tilting controls work fine and are easy also. Pressing the 2 button will make Dora jump. The 2 button is also used for other context sensitive areas. When Dora gets near a bush, tree, or small space, the 2 button will make Boots explore those areas. In some spots, you can even play as Boots. But you can’t play as Swiper the Fox, unfortunately (what does preschool’s coolest villain have to do to get his own video game, huh?).

Other times, Dora comes across an item that, when you press the 2 button, will prompt your child to perform certain actions with the Wii remote, like turning it around like a crank to raise a flag on a pole. These sections are similar to the TV show where Dora will ask kids to get up and move around to imitate an action on-screen. There are also some light color and shape matching sections, too.

Throughout the levels, Dora collects gems and other items to progress through the levels. Collect enough to get a sticker for Dora’s collection. Only problem is that the levels themselves seem slightly too long, and it would’ve been nice to have save checkpoints in the middle of some stages. Also, this game plays EXACTLY like the other Dora Wii games, so if they’ve already mastered those, they may get a little bored with this one.

A parent can also join in with a second Wii remote to give their youngster a hand, but the game is so easy and forgiving that little ones probably won’t need any help. There is no way to lose in this game. Even obstacles like mud and tree branches just make Dora slow down a little bit. Reading skill isn’t necessary, as everyone has spoken voices. Rounding out the package are some two player birthday mini-games. Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure is rated E for Everyone.

Tags: Game Reviews