{tag [PS2]} {tag [PSP]} {tag [Retro]} {tag [Review]}

Warning: If you are not a fan of the television program, Family Guy, you needn't read any further. This game is not for you. Now, if you have not seen the show, I highly suggest watching the next episode, then go pick up this game for your PSP, PS2 or Xbox system. Let me start by saying, High Voltage Games has done an excellent job producing a game that plays like watching an episode of Family Guy. Everything about this game is done well, but fell just a bit short of great.

Video - 90%
The video is very faithfully reproduced utilizing cell shading to emulate the show's artwork. My only gripe is that the original Xbox and PS2 have the power to smooth out corners and rough edges, and the developer did not take the time to do so. Stewie's football shaped cranium, looks a bit more like a carved rock, than the sleek, oblong "pigskin" it normally resembles. Also, there is just something about Peter's face, particularly his eyes, that just didn't look quite right.

Audio - 95%
The audio is truly the highlight of this game. The usual cast of voice actors was assembled to record the dialog in this game, and they certainly deliver! Some of the audio had me in stitches. Chris screeching, "This is how families love!" after I had Stewie shoot him with his ray-gun, was priceless. My only complaint of the audio was that it can be redundant at times, especially in the midst of a battle. Peter can only yell, "You bastard!" so many times, before it wears on you.

Controls/Interface - 95%
This is a 3D platformer/adventure game, and I am not a 3D platformer expert. In fact, I often suck at these games. What made this game enjoyable for me, was the easy to use control scheme. One button each for jump, kick, punch, and use. The combos were equally easy to learn, often just 3 press combinations of two buttons. The only reason I did not give 100% in this area, is the execution of combos can be labored. You must press the combos quite slowly, or they will not execute. As a gamer who has become accustomed to performing fighting game combos, this proved difficult at first, but those new to the idea of combos, will really appreciate it.

Gameplay - 90%
The gameplay is your standard platformer fare: destroy enemies, move forward; sneak past enemies, move forward; button mash, move forward. The difference here is the gameplay is made simple, sprinkled with soon to be classic audio bits, and interrupted by segue mini-games. These games REALLY add to the appeal of the game, and top of the "Family Guy feel". Just like in the show, random segues occur, this time in the form of these interactive mini-games. My favorite has to be when Stewie announces its time for a "Sexy Party."

Summary - 87.5%
All in all its a good game with great audio and controls, and some respectable graphics and gameplay. It's just shy of perfect in a few ways. You'll notice my score for the game is only an 87.5%. I deducted 5% off the total score for lack of Xbox 360 support. Development of a game at this point in the console development cycle that does not work for both platforms is simply inexcusable.

Regardless, if you ARE a Family Guy fan and own a PSP, Xbox, or PS2 (or eventually a PS3), go buy this game. Its "friggin' sweet!"