Hop The Videogame for Nintendo DS is based on the feature film and asks players to play as a rabbit named EB and his friend Fred as they go on a quest to save Easter. The game is filled with candy to collect, candy guns to shoot, candy-themed mini-games and more.

The majority of the game is spent as Fred, running through locations based on the movie while firing one of many different candy cannons.  Players will run using the d-pad, but simultaneously need to touch the screen with the stylus in order to fire.  So you’ll need to be able to either set the DS on the table, or hold it with your left hand, since you’ll need to be touching the screen as you run around.

The game’s storyline and direction are all presented via detailed text-based prompts.  Combined with the skill necessary in order to control the levels with Fred, it makes this game more appropriate for older kids and tweens.

However, after each exploration level, players also need to play a mini-game based on the movie.  These various games include an easter egg hunt, bowling with a jawbreaker as the ball, whack-a-bunny and even a music mode featuring EB playing the drums.  These mini-games are actually great fun for younger players, but they’re so interwoven into the game and level selection that there’s no way to let kids just choose those games alone.

The gameplay in Hop The Movie Game is challenging and engaging, with players needing to use different colored guns and weapons in order to take out certain enemies, or unlock certain areas of the game. Even though you play some of the same areas over again as you progress, the actions you need to perform are usually different enough that the repetition is not a negative.

Hop The Movie Game includes lots of candy and lots of weapons, and even though the “guns” and “grenades” are supposedly made out of candy, it’s still shooting.  So, if parents don’t want their kids exposed to either of those aspects, they’ll probably want to steer clear.

But for kids who are strong readers, Hop The Movie Game is a good test of both reflexes and strategy for players, and is a great recommendation for older kids and younger tweens.  There aren’t really any opportunities to play together, but there are plenty of time-consuming exploration and mini-game levels that will keep players occupied for more than a few hours.  Despite the colorful appearance and prominence of candy, though, Hop The Movie Game is definitely not suited for younger kids and preschoolers.

INFORMATION FROM COMPANY FACT SHEET:
Easter baskets will come with a new action adventure puzzle game this year with a Nintendo DS title based on the animated comedy Hop.

From the makers of the blockbuster Despicable Me comes Hop, a new comedy that blends state-of-the-art CG animation with live action. The follow up to the worldwide hit tells the story of E.B., the teenage son of the Easter Bunny. The film is helmed by Tim Hill, director of the blockbuster Alvin and the Chipmunks and produced by Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment. Hop opens on April 1, 2011.

Play as Fred as you help the Easter Bunny’s son, E.B., save Easter from a fluffy coup d’état led by Carlos and his fellow chick workers! Hop your way through the Easter Bunny’s top-secret candy factory on Easter Island, solve puzzles and sugar shock your enemies as you turn them into delicious chocolate treats. Play through a wide variety of mini-games and modes, including helping E.B. realize his dream of becoming a famous rock-‘n’-roll drummer!

Hop: The Movie Game Features Include:

- Wacky weapons, including chocolate super soakers, gumball shooters and cotton candy canons;
- Movie Locations in 3D — Play through actual locations from the film in 3D, including Hollywood and Easter Island;
- Tons of mini-games, including Whack-a-Bunny, Bowling for Candy and the epic Easter Egg Hunt.

Hop: The Movie Game has been rated “E” for everyone by the ESRB. For more information regarding HOP: The Movie Game or 505 Games, please visit www.505games.com.

QUOTES FROM ANNOUNCEMENT PRESS RELEASE:

“The videogame is a bright, colorful, entertaining and downright hilarious title perfect for gamers of all ages and is set to be the must have game for children’s Easter baskets this year,” said Ian Howe, president of 505 Games. “Hop provides hours of wholesome entertainment and is perfect to bring on that long road trip for the Easter holiday!”

“With its whimsical design and mix of action levels and clever mini-games, Hop: The Movie Game is a lively, fun-filled extension of the movie," said Bill Kispert, VP and General Manager, Digital Platforms, Universal Partnerships and Licensing. ”Candy, chicks and rock ‘n’roll...like the film, this family-friendly game has it all.”