*FamilyFriendlyVideoGames.com Favorite* - This was one of our favorite family-friendly video games we saw at the E3 video game trade show in Los Angeles in June.

Toy Story 3 is really two games in one.  There’s the part that you play which kind of follows the major story beats of the movie, but there’s also a big part of the game that lets players explore the world as Woody, Buzz or Jessie.

With controls that utilize the Wii-mote and nunchuk, the controls are definitely suited for older players.  You'll need to use the nunchuk joystick to run around, and a combination of button pushing and flicking the Wii-mote to perform on-screen actions.  Although the actions aren't overly difficult, they do require coordination, and are likely too difficult for toddlers and younger kids.

The game's setting involves Ham the Pig telling Andy's toys new friends about their adventures in the form of re-creating the story in different areas of the house.  As Ham tells a story, players can take control of either Buzz, Woody or Jessie. 

Two players can play at the same-time via split-screen, meaning that the TV screen is split in two, and each player takes control of half.  Players can and will need two switch between all three characters to solve puzzles, with Buzz being extra strong, Woody able to use his pull-string, and Jessie being very nimble.  Players can switch characters at any time,but not simulataneously (so for example, in two-player mode both players can't be Buzz at the same time).

In the story mode version of the game, players will take on missions taken from the plot of Toy Story 3, such as retrieving Andy's cell phone from downstairs.  After each mission, the game progresses to the next part of the story.

The Toybox mode is a totally different way to play, where families are free to play and explore the many elements of the Toy Story universe.  Everything in this world is a toy, and you can select missions to earn more money to buy more toys, which in turn can make even more missions available.  There’s lots of fun things to play with in this “toybox” world, like green slime which makes everything bigger and pink slime which makes everything smaller.

From what we’ve heard from the developers, many kids who play Toy Story 3 have the most fun just playing around in this area.  They are pretty much free to do whatever they want, and if they find something the like, then can continue to it.  Additionally, any special missions you do receive don’t become urgent, they can be completed at the player’s pace.  So if you talk to a toy that gives you a mission, it gets added to the list, meaning you can have multiple missions going on at once.

Toy Story 3 also features something called Deluxe Playsets which unlock more toys and different missions, such as Haunted Mission.

The Toy Story universe appeals to a broad range of ages, from toddlers to adults.  The Toy Story 3 video game does a great job of translating the fun and feeling of being some of Andy's toys, but unfortunately requires a level of control and coordination that will frustrate younger gamers.  We still recommend this game for families who are fans of Toy Story, but with the reminder that this game is not for young kids, unless they'll be happy just watching the action on-screen.


INFORMATION FROM COMPANY FACT SHEET

Celebrate the joy of play in Toy Story 3: The Video Game! Fans can play as Buzz, Woody or Jessie as they run, ride and fly through scenes inspired by the upcoming release of the Disney•Pixar animated film, Toy Story 3. Experience key moments, interact with new and returning characters, and visit locations seen in the film. The unique Toy Box mode allows players to unleash their imagination and creativity in a new open world and play with Andy’s toys their way.As Buzz, Woody or Jessie, players can choose what activities they want to do and the order they wish to do them. The more they use their imagination and create their own story, the more they get rewarded. In addition, Emperor Zurg, one of the most beloved villains of the Disney•PixarToy Story franchise, will be a playable character exclusively on the PlayStation 3 system. The PS3 version will also be one of the first games to market featuring the PlayStation Move’s motion controller compatible gameplay. Following the game’s launch, PS3 players will be able to download mini-games that will be playable with the PlayStation Move when the new motion controller is available to consumers this fall.

Toy Box Mode Key Features
•Open world, non-linear gameplay
•Complete missions to earn rewards, including gold and new customizations
•Purchase new toys from the toy catalogue to change and introduce new ways to play
•Customize and add new buildings, then change how they look with paint options, textures, accessories, landscaping and tons ofother fun modifications
•Personalize the look of the townspeople by throwing them into various buildings to change their hairstyles, hats and outfits
•Race through levels in various vehicles•Change the rules by adding Deluxe Playsets into Toy Box mode, such as Sid’s Haunted House, that will add new themed characters,customizations, mounts and toys