Phineas and Ferb Across the 2nd Dimension

We all know that movie game tie-ins have a chequered history.

So imagine playing a game that's a tie-in for a straight-to-DVD movie. Ouch. And yet Phineas and Ferb Across the 2nd Dimension on Nintendo DS is surprisingly good.

Sure, it's simple and generic, and it becomes repetitive after a while, but there's still plenty to enjoy here - especially for kids who love the cartoon.

According to a quick Google search, Phineas and Ferb is a popular cartoon series that started in 2007 on the Disney Channel, and features two boys who are constantly looking for things to do while on their summer holidays.

The game is based on a feature-length movie that aired earlier this year, and sees the duo attempting to save their hometown from an evil scientist in another dimension, with help from their pet platypus (who is also a secret agent, obviously).

This involves blasting through a series of platforming scenarios with enemies to knock out, robots to build, and batteries to collect. Much of it has a very familiar feel.

Specifically, it feels like New Super Mario Bros. The overmap is very similar to Mario's, while each level houses three gold coins that are in hard-to-reach spots.

Fortunately, the developer has struck a fine balance between Mario and other mechanics, so that Phineas and Ferbs feels very much like its own experience.

One such mechanic is the ability to switch between the three main characters on the fly and use their special abilities to overcome obstacles and puzzles.

There are also a number of areas in which you can use batteries you've collected to build robots and put together useful items.

When you do this, special mini-games come along. These are very simple, but still a welcome break from the main action.

You can also use batteries to buy new clothes for each character to wear in-game, adding an element of personality to proceedings.

Phineas and Ferb Across the 2nd Dimension is a kids' game, and that means it's rather too simple for the common gamer.

It's incredibly easy in every respect. Enemies go down instantly, mini-games are simple, and the puzzles are barely even noticeable.

The mechanic of switching between the three characters to carry out certain tasks is completely pointless, because the game screams at you every time you need to switch, telling you exactly who to use and where.

The whole game is awfully generic, too, from the bouncy music to the blocky, dull visuals and the forgettable level design. There's plenty to do, but you'll have lost interest within an hour or two anyway.

If you're buying the game for a young child, knock the score up to an 8. Otherwise, Phineas and Ferb is just like every other generic platformer you've ever played.