The Game of Life

The Good
This is a computer conversion of the popular board game. I never played this one as a board game, personally; somehow I managed to miss it. That’s too bad, as it seems to be more fun to play than some of the silly games my friends and relatives were always dragging out during my youth. It’s light, accessible, and plays pretty fast, which keeps things from getting boring.

I won’t bother explaining the game mechanics, as I’m sure I’d just be telling most people what they already know. What I will do is comment on the quality of the translation. The bottom line is that it is very good. The graphics are cute and colorful. For the most part, I enjoyed the cinematics and one-panel cartoons that pop up when players land on the various squares. The game’s sense of humor leans on the simple and silly side, which is very appropriate for the “kids of all ages” demographic that Life clearly aims to please.
I rarely laughed out loud at the game’s jokes, but they usually warranted at least a smile.

I usually hate the sound in games, but not in this one. The in-game announcer voice is very well done. Sound effects are also good (check out the very realistic “buzzing” noise of the spinning wheel!). But the real highlight here is the musical soundtrack, which changes the style of tune based on the decade in which you are playing. So you’ll eventually go from the “Happy Days” rock of the 1950s, to the Beatles pop of the 1960s, to the disco-funk-folk of the 1970s, to the New Wave of the 1980s, to the Gin Blossoms/Counting Crows alt-rock of the 1990s, to the techno/dance-pop of the 2000s. The various styles pretty much all make sense (except maybe the last one), and they’re actually worth listening to—at least for a while, anyway.

Finally, Life has multiplayer options. I haven’t ever actually used them, though, so I can’t really comment on them.

The Bad
I find the big-headed, 3D-doll character graphics to be ugly and a little bit disturbing. I guess they are supposed to be funny, but for some reason they just creep me out.

Some (but not many) of the voices are annoying or poorly done.

I suspect this game is much more fun to play against human opponents. I haven’t played it that way yet, but now I’ve practiced, so I’ll be ready if I ever get the chance!

The last thing I’ll say is that this game is nothing too deep or satisfying; there just isn’t a whole lot of thought or strategy to it. Life really seems to be more about luck than skill. So come to think of it, maybe it’s a lot like real life in that way…

The Bottom Line
A good translation of a family-friendly board game. Recommended for the young and young at heart.