Scooby-Doo! Unmasked for Game Boy Advance is an action adventure platform game that seeks to capture the essence of the beloved cartoon franchise. As players take on the role of Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang, they find themselves immersed in a world of mystery and mayhem, as they attempt to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of Fred's cousin Jed and the chaos caused by malfunctioning animatronics.
One of the standout features of Scooby-Doo! Unmasked is the ability to don different costumes, each granting Scooby unique abilities. From the Kung Fu outfit to the bat and archer costumes, players can karate chop, glide, and aim plungers at the monstrous foes that stand in their way. This mechanic adds a layer of variety and strategy to the gameplay, keeping things engaging throughout.
The game is divided into three sprawling worlds, each filled with multiple levels and mini-games. These levels not only offer challenging platforming sections but also present players with captivating cut scenes and climactic boss battles. Fans of the Scooby-Doo! franchise will enjoy hearing the voices of the original Batman television series' Adam West as the main villain, Winslow Stanton, and the authentic Scooby-Doo! cartoon voice actors bringing the beloved characters to life.
Scooby-Doo! Unmasked does a commendable job of incorporating elements from the original cartoon, such as canned laughter and classic catchphrases, which adds a nostalgic touch to the overall experience. Fans of the series will appreciate these little details, as they transport players back to the heyday of the classic Scooby-Doo! cartoons.
While the game undoubtedly captures the essence of Scooby-Doo! and offers moments of nostalgic bliss, it stumbles in various aspects. The controls can feel clunky and imprecise at times, leading to frustrating moments during precision platforming sections. Additionally, the game's graphics and sound design, while attempting to recreate the charm of the original cartoons, can come across as dated and lackluster.
In conclusion, Scooby-Doo! Unmasked for Game Boy Advance manages to invoke nostalgia and capture the spirit of the long-running franchise. The inclusion of authentic voice actors and elements from the original cartoons adds a genuine touch to the game. However, the clunky controls and lackluster graphics hinder the overall experience. Retro gaming enthusiasts and die-hard Scooby-Doo fans may find enjoyment in this title, but it falls short of being a standout entry in the Game Boy Advance library.
