Review - Over the Hedge for PS2

While we were on vacation we stopped at the gigantic Toys R Us in Times Square. That place was great! The kids were looking for a new game that they thought they might all like and they found it. We picked out Over The Hedge for PS2 and it was immediately opened when we got home.

The game is obviously based on the movie, which we've seen twice and loved. The characters are just as life like in the game. All three kids - 1 boy, 2 girls, ranging in age from 4 to 10, are loving the game, so it has great appeal and play value.

There is the basic story mode, which you have to go through in order to unlock some of the more fun features of the game - the mini-games. In order to unlock the mini games, you have to perform missions - like getting food into R.J.'s wagon for Vincent or rescuing Heather the 'Possum from "The Verminator". You can play as R.J., Verne, Hammy, or Stella. Some of the mini-games are:

• RC Rally - Remote control racing on a track. Perfect for those who love driving games.
• Range Driver - Identify enemies and swing your golf club at them. Not my favorite part of the game, but the kids think its funny.
• Bumper Carts - This is the best part of the game according to my crew. You drive golf carts around the course and bump into each other. It is sure to get everyone laughing.

The game is rated E 10+ for mild violence - which comes across to this mom as silliness more than anything else. The weapons the characters have are creative; R.J. and Verne use golf clubs, Stella has a plunger and Hammy uses a boomerang. You can collect power-ups during missions to refill your health and energy bar.

What do you think of the game? Would you rent it or buy it or pass all together?