Whenever a major kids’ movie is released, you can expect a barrage of related products. Whether it is toys, clothing, or computer games, you know it’ll be bright, loud, and annoying. Accordingly, DC League of Super-Pets is on the horizon and so the floodgates of unwanted items are well and truly open. Consequently, parents will be hiding their wallets while trying to ignore their young offspring.
Developed by PHL Collective and published by Outright Games Ltd, this is a child-focused adventure title. As such, older gamers will find the action to be tedious, underwhelming, and repetitive. However, this is the perfect title for 6 to 10-year-olds. Thanks to its simple approach, bite-sized levels, and vivid aesthetics, this was a hit with my children.
DC League of Super-Pets is influenced by the movie.
Though much of the gameplay isn’t a direct representation of the upcoming film, it has clearly taken inspiration from it. DC League of Super-Pets follows the action of Krypto and Ace as they take to the skies to take down Lex Luthor. This world-famous villain has captured the stray pets of Metropolis and imprisoned them in his LexZoo. Determined to beat Lex and free the animals, Krypto and Ace must destroy the LexBots, free the pets, and save the day.
I know what you are thinking, “BORING”! However, this OTT plot and combination of whacky characters captured my kid’s attention. Further to this, they found the rescued pets to be adorable, cute, and irresistible. Subsequently, they beamed with joy as they completed each stage, destroyed every bot, and rescued every pet.
Repetitive gameplay.
DC League of Super-Pets was tough to swallow. Sadly, the action is mind-numbingly repetitive and tough to watch. However, I knew what to expect as Outright Games Ltd is responsible for Peppa Pig, Blaze and the Monster Machines, PJ Masks and more. Therefore, I must focus on the audience it is aimed at and understand its child-friendly approach.
The core gameplay revolves around 3 unique missions comprising 5 stages. As you unlock each one, you discover a new ability for each hero. First, you have a twin laser, then you can increase your speed, and finally, you can equip a bulletproof shield. Whatever you decide, they’ll adjust your style and make it surprisingly much easier to play.
Alongside this, each of the heroes has unique powers. You’ll discover your favourite, but each has strengths and weaknesses that can be exploited. Once you’ve picked your hero, you must fly along a set route through the city streets. You’ll destroy LexBots, pick up captured pets, and undertake a QTE. As you finish each level, your effort will be ranked and the story progresses.
Upgrades and bosses.
Disappointingly, the game lacks depth. Yet, my kids weren’t deterred as they enjoyed it on a shallow level. To add some meat to the bone, you can upgrade your skills, and powers, and look after your pets.
As you complete each stage, tokens are awarded to upgrade your health, stamina, or special powers. Once this is completed, your flying canines are uber-powerful and can easily defeat the bots, bosses, or Lex Luthor himself.
Talking of bosses, each chapter has an annoying mechanoid that’ll test your patience and skills. This is the only portion of the game that will trouble younger players. Consequently, it was a nice twist on an otherwise balanced and low-difficulty approach.
Pets and a break from the norm.
Alongside this, there are side missions the further you progress. My kids adored this out-of-course situation, but I saw it as unnecessary padding. However, I enjoyed the deviation from the normal gameplay. Instead of fighting waves of robots, you spend your time dodging cars and weaving between buildings.
Finally, the pets incorporate a puzzle/riddle element into the gameplay. Here, you must read the clues and pick from a choice of 3 answers. If you are successful, the pet will be ready to be adopted. From here, you must select a new owner and the right answer earns you upgrade tokens for your canine team.
DC League of Super-Pets won’t wow you.
Kids’ games and great graphics aren’t a match made in heaven. Accordingly, the dated look and unpolished finish are all but assured. However, the use of vivid colours and simple, contrasting backdrops makes it easier to play. Consequently, it is perfect for children even if it’s not so pleasant for adults.
The same can be said about the audio! The loud and obnoxious sound bites are grating and soon become an irritant. Yet, they do their job as they add drama and excitement to the action. What’s more, I shouldn’t complain too much as they are in keeping with the superhero theme. Though much of the audio is painful to listen to, it creates a high-energy atmosphere that’s perfect for this genre.
Simple enough for a kid to play.
Unsurprisingly, the UI and control setup are easy to understand. Thankfully, the straightforward approach means that youngsters can play with limited supervision. Sadly, though, it wasn’t as responsive as I’d have liked and this caused some issues. Aiming and shooting weren’t as simple as they should have been, and this causes you to fly into walls and cars. Luckily, it’s a minor issue that didn’t reduce the fun or undermine the end product.
Like its peers, DC League of Super-Pets has some replay value. Because every stage is ranked, you can try to beat your score on each. Other than this, there is little reason to return once you complete it. Annoyingly, the developers missed an opportunity by not including a speedrun mode or collectables to find. Had this been done, the longevity would have been vastly increased.
DC League of Super-Pets: amazing for kids, not so much for adults.
As a parent, you learn that sacrifices need to be made. One such sacrifice is playing inane games with your offspring. Disappointingly as an adult, you won’t enjoy DC League of Super-Pets. But your children will love everything about it. It’s for this reason that I recommend you to buy it here!. Will Krypto and Ace stop Lex Luthor? Give your child the controller and watch them enjoy this vivid and colourful child-friendly title.
