Paw Patrol: On A Roll!

🎮 Game Information

• Developer: Torus Games
• Publisher: Outright Games
• Release Date: October 23, 2018
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Genre: Platformer / Adventure / Family
• Mode: Single-Player
• Based On: PAW Patrol, the animated television series by Spin Master Entertainment

🐾 Introduction

Having played PAW Patrol: On a Roll!, it is evident that the game is not designed to push gamers into action or provide a tough challenge. In contrast, it was made specifically for kids who are fans of PAW Patrol, providing a fun, bright, and easy world to explore with their beloved characters.

Going through all the missions was similar to watching one extended episode of PAW Patrol rather than playing a classic platformer. The game is very simple, which is the essence of its success.

🕹️ Gameplay – 7.2/10

Gameplay is about simple platforming, gathering pup treats, solving trivial environmental puzzles, and utilizing abilities of each character to get past barriers. During the course of the game, players will control several well-known pups such as Chase, Marshall, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma, and Everest each with particular abilities useful during particular levels.

Controls are intentionally kept simple as well. Jumping, interacting with the environment, and using abilities do not require much time spent training. There are plenty of checkpoints in the game, and failure does not punish at all, which makes it easy for children to test different methods without fear of losing progress.

However, for the more mature audience, the gameplay can become monotonous pretty fast. Almost all objectives are repeated level after level, and there are no new platforming mechanics that would make gameplay more difficult. For me, a person who completed the game, it was enjoyable but too easy to be worth mastering its mechanics.

🎨 Visuals & Art Style – 8.5/10

From a visual standpoint, PAW Patrol: On a Roll! successfully manages to replicate the bright and cheerful atmosphere seen on TV. The character models closely match those in the animated series, as do such iconic locations as Adventure Bay.

The vibrant environment is full of charming animations and crisp visuals, making exploration a joy for kids who play. There isn’t anything too flashy about each level, which makes it easier for kids to concentrate on their goals.

The graphics of the game may not be impressive, but they are true to the original, and that’s precisely what the game required.

🔊 Sound & Music – 8/10

The soundtrack is in line with the spirit of the show through cheerful background music which makes all the missions fun and light.

The sound effects are crisp and fulfilling, especially when collecting food items or using each dog's own equipment. Character voices and catchphrases are recognizable and make the user feel like they are part of an episode of PAW Patrol.

While the music is repetitive after prolonged gameplay, it is entirely appropriate for the young audience of the game.

📖 Story & Atmosphere – 7.5/10

The story is based on the same simple pattern as the television show. Mayor Goodway, Ryder, and PAW Patrol have rescue operations in Adventure Bay, where they help people resolve their everyday problems using teamwork and kindness.

There's no dramatic conflict, which is deliberate, as every mission helps instill good moral values such as teamwork, helping others, and perseverance, but not in an excessively complicated manner.

The overall atmosphere is always cheerful throughout the whole game. It's friendly, colorful, and totally appropriate for the whole family.

🐞 Bugs & Technical Performance – 8.8/10

The game played smoothly for me with stable frame rates and fast load times. Controls were consistent, and I did not experience any crashing or bugs.

There are some slight animation glitches and basic AI behavior, but it is not really noticeable at all. For the intended audience, the technical performance of this game is strong.

🔁 Replayability – 6.5/10

Whether or not replay value is there depends on the player.

Young kids will love to replay their favorite missions, collect all the dog treats and go through the familiar characters. The parents will be pleased with the generous nature of the game which allows for the possibility of replaying.

But when it comes to older players, there isn’t anything which would make them come back after completing the story mode.

🔚 Final Verdict – 7.6/10

The success of PAW Patrol: On a Roll! is due to the fact that it knows its audience very well. It does not attempt to go against the more intricate platformer titles; rather, it provides an excellent adventure game experience for children, which is easy to grasp and enjoy from beginning to end.

While adults and gamers who are already well-versed in the genre will certainly find the game too simplistic, they are simply overlooking the purpose of this fun game.

So, if you are looking for something for your little PAW Patrol enthusiast, there you go.