Rango: The Video Game Provides Family Entertainment Where The Film Misses The Mark

Is it possible for a video game that's based on a movie to turn out better than the original source material?

It's not unprecedented. The Nintendo 64 version of GoldenEye 007 was definitely more entertaining than the film of the same name. But it is a relatively rare occurrence.

After seeing Rango in theaters and after playing its video game offshoot, it is clear that this is another instance where the interactive iteration is the superior product. Rango: The Video Game is a lighthearted, action-packed adventure with a wide variety of gameplay features that will appeal to the whole family.

As Rango, players control the actor-wannabe lizard who ultimately becomes a decent gunslinger. In the context of the game, he already is one. Using a combination of third- and first-person control and camera elements, Rango is somewhat of a shooter for kids. It's fast (but not as fast as Microsoft's MSFT Halo, Sony's SNE KillZone, or other adult-oriented shooters), it's exciting, and it's fairly addictive. That's a pretty solid accomplishment considering the film that Rango is based on.

Like so many games designed for all ages, Rango offers different gameplay mechanics for different situations. In the beginning, players will control Rango through a desert environment. These levels are somewhat linear (not unlike the classic Crash Bandicoot games), but the frequent enemy appearances and gameplay changes help keep the experience from wandering into Repetition Valley.

As the game progresses, the locations become more diverse. In one scenario, players must sneak through a dark environment while evading the spotlight created by a human's flashlight. In another scenario, players will jump onto a speeding train, maneuver across the top, climb around the sides, and defeat a plethora of enemies before making it to the end.

Bats and roadrunners are also a part of the experience, adding an extra bit of high-speed exhilaration to a game that doesn't have any conventional vehicles. Unlike the horses in Take-Two's TTWO Red Dead Redemption, Rango's creatures aren't used for level navigation. But in the context of an arcade-style mini-game, they are a welcome addition to this video game adaptation.

Graphically, Rango doesn't break any records. It doesn't push more polygons, demonstrate superior facial expressions, or do anything else that hasn't been done before on PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360. That said, Rango is still a very attractive game, ranking high atop both consoles' movie game offerings. In fact, the character designs and textures, as well as the overall architecture and background imagery, are far more impressive than the last Harry Potter and James Bond video games. The latter wasn't based on a specific Bond movie, but it did feature the voice and likeness of the film series' latest actor – Daniel Craig.

While there was no way for the Rango video game to look as realistic as the film, players will be surprised by the game's score, which is light-years ahead of its movie counterpart. In the game, the music is rich and endearing. Its musical style was clearly inspired by old westerns, but not to the point where players will question its originality. Rather, they will be too mesmerized by the remarkable sounds to conjure any negative thoughts, least of all, “Where's the mute button?”

In short, Rango is nearly everything the film should have been. If you liked the film, you'll love the game. If you didn't like movie, that's okay, because there's a very good chance that you, your kid, or anyone else seeking family-friendly entertainment will enjoy the game.