Looks like we’ve got another miss-tery
Now lets see who the villain really is- it’s design…
Scooby-Doo is one of the most popular and beloved animated franchises in history. Debuting in 1969, it has remained strong and continues to endure to this very day. As with any huge franchise, tie-ins are all but inevitable. In 2001 Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase would be released on Playstation and the Gameboy to coincide with the Direct-to-Video film of the same name. Would this be a delicious Scooby-snack or something rotten wearing a mask?
Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase’s narrative follows the film in a very loose manner. The gang is invited to a presentation of a video game based on their mystery solving escapades. However, things take a hard turn when an evil phantom virus infects the game and tells them they will never escape.
Fred, being the fearless and bold leader, says they need to split up. Fred and Daphne will look for a trap. Velma, will do all the technical mumbo-jumbo. Scooby and Shaggy, basically stuck doing the hard part- going into the game itself to stop the Phantom (you’re an asshole Fred).
This is a 3-D platformer, a staple of its time. You venture through various levels with the main goal to collect a box of Scooby Snacks. Scooby and Shaggy’s method of attack is double jump stomping and…..throwing pies……because that’s such a Scooby-Doo trademark? Differences between characters is solely cosmetic, as both play exactly the same. Controls are iffy, character movements are a bit stiff and awkward. This can make the platforming frustrating and lead to many pitfalls. The most infamous level is actually vehicle based. Taking “control” of a snowmobile, you can’t turn around, go backwards or stop. This thing moves at a million miles-per-minute and trying to clear that one specific gap towards the end was the absolute bane of my 10-year-old self’s existence. Boss fights in this title are very weak sauce; dodge attacks, throw a pie. Not much else to say.
Graphically, this game looks pretty decent. The characters all look and sound like they are supposed to. Like in the film, you will explore Ancient Japan, Rome, prehistoric-jungles and a modern big city. The level design, while varied, is painfully standard. Where this game actually does shine is its music and sound design. The cast from the movie reprise their roles and do a solid job. The track for each stage pairs well with its atmosphere. A nice flute and drum for Japan and a swinging and funky early 2000s jam for the modern city.
All round, Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase is a pretty mediocre experience. Soundtrack aside, everything across the board is just painfully average, making this the dictionary definition of “So-so”. That combined with the platforming and vehicle level being out right frustrating makes this game a hard sell. Not to mention, even for its time this game is VERY short; clocking in around 2 hours. Unless you’re a die-hard Scooby fan, this is a mystery you can skip.
And I would’ve gotten away with it too if this game had more effort put into it… ,
Fil
Verdict: 6/10
