ThunderCats (2012) Critic Reviews

The battles became a chore after a while of playing, as no enemy after the second level presented anything new to deal with, and my options were limited in what I could actually do during battle.

Unfortunately, the ThunderCats game we finally got is an incredibly simple side-scrolling romp through boring levels populated by similar looking enemies.

In a world where development houses like Vanillaware, Wayforward and ska Studios are giving us exceptional examples of the platformer action genre, there is no excuse for this to exist. Stay far away from Thundercats, and let's hope that we can get this right again in yet another couple of decades.

I had high hopes for Thundercats, but those were dashed within the three hours I spent playing. It's too short, too tedious, and I would have liked to see better use of the other Thundercats, not just as assists. You can replay prior stages to unlock more cards, but why would you want to?

This one belongs in the litterbox.

I had initially hoped ThunderCats was going to be one of my last great outings on the DS. Instead I got a game which was far more aggravating than enjoyable. The semi-enjoyable strategy elements needed for boss battles could not make up for the unpolished gameplay and confusing plot. Even though ThunderCats seems to have been a long time coming, the final project wasn't quite worth it.

Overall, Thundercats on the Nintendo DS is definitely a dud. I've not played a more lackluster licensed action game in quite a while, and it sort of breaks my heart to see one of my classic kid cartoon franchises get treated with such little care. This is little more than a quick cash grab on a recognizable name, and you'd do well to avoid this at all costs.

The fact that it looks and sounds pretty good doesn't change the basic fact that the game is, overall, a poor conception of a storied franchise. The design is basic and outmoded, and while in some games that can lend itself to a cool retro feel, it doesn't feel that way here.

Thundercats is a poor example of almost every facet. The license is abused, the nostalgia just isn't there and the game is downright terrible functionality-wise. I simply cannot recommend this game for anyone. It is short, poorly designed and just not any fun. Someday I truly hope to see Lion-O and the gang return to form, but this game is certainly not the start of something special.

A truly disgusting DS game.

Thundercats looks bad, it plays bad and it drags a fantastic cartoon reboot's name through the mud.