Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns Again

The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns Again is a licensed game released in 2011 and developed by Griptonite Games. It is in fact two games released in tandem under the same title. One is an action-platformer utilizing motion controls and a heavily cinematic approach to mimic the structure of the television series, and the other is a puzzle-platformer in the vein of Lego Star Wars or The Lost Vikings. I'll be talking about the latter.

The story and presentation of Dr. Blowhole Returns are entirely faithful to the television series, featuring the same voice cast, self-aware humor, and expressive (although not as much) characters. And while it also emulates the rounded episodic nature, each event neatly drifts right into the next, ensuring the overall story is both self-contained and enjoyable as a whole.

The actual gameplay centers around the four titular penguins, and navigating them through increasingly complex stages using their signature abilities. While things start out slow, and take a while to build into something more, the slow introduction of gimmicks for each character climaxes by the end of the first world, ensuring everything beyond it is far more entertaining.

Nearly every stage begins with the penguins at individual corners of the map, and tasks you with re-uniting them to reach the goal. Thanks to the above mentioned abilities and variety present in the level obstacles themselves, there's a surprisingly distinct feeling to each outing. This is achieved not only through consistently fresh variations on core puzzles, but an occasional introduction to an entirely new obstacle, or a bit of personality from the show itself made into a context-specific mechanic.

While the puzzles don't often require much head-scratching, they do demand actual thought and attention. Between moving each penguin where they're needed, the level obstacles, and the pleasantly organic humor, the game is always entertaining. Repeated concepts are given new spins throughout, and much like the narrative, the game mechanics drift forward seamlessly, creating a very satisfying conclusion in the final chapter.

Even aside from the puzzle-platforming goodness, there are hidden chameleons throughout each stage for a bit more challenge. They offer no bonus when collected, and are almost entirely removed from the rest of the game's design, but are a fairly entertaining diversion. In addition, there are three somewhat standard mini-games -with surprisingly entertaining quirks- to be purchased with snowcones found in surplus during the adventure.

All of this blends together in an ultimately well-rounded, thoroughly enjoyable package. It presents the player with approachable, thoughtful puzzle design, drenched with copious amounts of bubbly music, charming voice acting, and unlockable entertainment. Through and through, Dr Blowhole Returns is a very good example of a solid licensed game.