Care Bears: Rainbow Ride is the latest title added to Nex Playground. It is a family-friendly experience that focuses on fun and movement. Though the ideas are simple, it isn’t designed for an older audience. Instead, younger gamers can enjoy a safe environment where their imaginations can run wild.
This action-adventure game was developed and published by Nex. It is a single-player and cooperative game that requires the Nex Playground console. It has no controller, and the responsive camera picks up every move you make. As such, you feel like you are one of the Care Bears. This design choice made my 3 girls giggle with joy. They picked their favourite bear and marched across each level.
Care Bears: Rainbow Ride tells a limited story.
The game is punctuated by beautiful cinematic scenes. However, the story is a little rudimentary and won’t win any awards for originality. This matters not, as the refined approach is ideal for its intended audience. The short, sharp cutscenes keep youngsters focused, and the joy on their faces will make you smile.
Each player controls their favourite Care Bear. They must use their body to navigate obstacles and collect coins. There are creatures to avoid and logs to jump over. Moreover, the colourful backdrops add some variety to a relatively straightforward affair. I played this with my kids, and I laughed repeatedly. Though it was never going to test me, my kids failed multiple times. They claim “it was challenging, but amazing!”. High praise indeed!
Colourful and clean visuals.
The worlds of Care-a-lot, Silver Lining, and Blusterland HQ were a joy to witness. Though the mechanics to explore each one are basic, it was a pleasure to move from point A-B. The game unfolds using a fixed-screen perspective. The Care Bears run away from you as obstacles, gold, and creatures move towards you. This was a great design choice for younger gamers.
As the obstacles roll towards you, you have plenty of time to react. This generates a challenging experience that is fun to overcome. Alongside this, each item is well designed. Every collectable is easy to see, and harmful elements such as creatures and logs can be identified. Consequently, each player knows what they need to do.
The audio is upbeat, exciting, and safe. My kids had the soundtrack turned up all of the time. This was uncomfortable to hear, but they adored the energetic songs and the simple sound effects.
Responsive controls.
Care Bears: Rainbow Ride is remarkably easy to play and has incredibly responsive controls. The Nex Playground camera picks up each player’s movement with ease. This is phenomenal as you don’t want mistakes or latency issues to undermine your performance. Moving is as simple as leaning your body, and a quick hop makes you leap through the air.
Replay value and longevity may be questionable. My kids keep returning for more, but the rudimentary approach may disappoint more experienced gamers. Care Bears: Rainbow Ride is aimed at kids aged 6+. I think this will keep children up to 10 or 11 interested for limited periods. However, the action is fun, and close-knit families will have an amazing time.
Care Bears: Rainbow Ride will get your kids moving.
This safe and fun game is guaranteed to make you smile. Moreover, unlike other consoles and games, you have to move while tackling each level. Though the action isn’t too energetic, any exercise is better than no exercise. I love the colourful worlds, the energetic audio, and the simple plot. Accordingly, it is great and I recommend buying a Nex Playground to give it a go.
Played Care Bears: Rainbow Ride with my little cousins last night. It’s clearly for kids, but honestly? Kinda heartwarming.
It’s 100% aimed at younger people. However, I loved playing it with my kids. The same could be said for any game on this unique console.