Parents of young children are likely familiar with the Canadian animated TV series Paw Patrol, a collection of canines that embark on various rescue missions. Each pup has a specific name, role, and specialty. For example, Chase, the police dog, is a German Shepherd, while Skye is a cheerful and courageous cockapoo with a penchant for aviation. This team consistently demonstrates helpfulness and optimism, providing a positive role model for young viewers.
Beyond passive viewing, interactive experiences can be beneficial, leading to an evaluation of the game Paw Patrol: On a Roll! With children aged 4 and 2, who are beginning to navigate the complexities of gaming with titles like Addams Family on NES, a change of pace and a more contemporary title seemed appropriate.
Paw Patrol: On a Roll! presents a straightforward, side-scrolling platforming experience. Players control individual pups, navigating obstacles and collecting dog biscuits and gold badges. Periodically, players must activate switches or utilize one of the dog’s two special abilities (triggered by a single button press when prompted). At times, the active pup can call for assistance from another computer-controlled character to overcome specific challenges.
The game offers a relaxed and forgiving environment, free from time constraints, enemies, or fatal traps. Each pup can jump or double jump, and utilizing special abilities involves simple button presses. The gameplay proved suitable for a four-year-old, especially when paired with a smaller controller such as the Hori Wired Mini Gamepad. While the two-year-old understood the objectives, the controls proved challenging due to their complexity. This title is most appropriate for players aged three and up, remaining engaging until more complex games are desired. For achievement hunters, this game offers a relatively easy path to unlocking all trophies or gamer points.
The graphics are functional and appropriate for the target demographic, visually consistent with the TV series. The audio quality is also acceptable. However, the absence of Swedish voice acting is a notable drawback, as Ryder (the leader of Paw Patrol) provides guidance throughout the game. The exclusive use of English may present a comprehension barrier for children aged 3-4. Hopefully the upcoming release, Paw Patrol – Mighty Pups: Save Adventure Bay, scheduled for November 6th, will include Swedish voice options. A review will be provided closer to the release date.
Paw Patrol: On a Roll! serves as a simple, accessible introduction to console gaming for young children. Given the limited selection of quality video games designed for this age group, it stands out as one of the better options, contrasting with the abundance of tablet-based games and apps. Parental guidance in translating the English dialogue (while not strictly necessary) can enhance the experience, making this a worthwhile purchase.
Footnote: Paw Patrol content is available on Viaplay.
