This second entry in the Paw Patrol series improves upon the first game and is a good introduction to 3D platforming for younger players. The origin story of the Mighty Pups provides the story with each stage of the game exploring at various special powers of two pups at a time. The selection of characters for each stage is out of the players’ hands, however, the player must alternate between the two featured characters to solve various obstacles, requiring some degree of problem-solving and pattern recognition.

Mechanically this is a game that is friendly to inexperienced players. The game camera, usually in the control of the player using the left analog stick is fully controlled by the designers, which surprisingly does not result in any issues, and allows the player to focus on the movement of the character. There are no “fail states” in the game, or even attacking enemies, at least outside of cutscenes. The character that is not in use tags along, usually just out of camera range, and does not get in the way of the player.

Besides platforming (traversing the stage by jumping, running, and climbing) there are also quick-time events that require the player to use the controller in varied ways. These develop in the challenge as the game progresses, carefully introducing new methods so as not to overly frustrate players.

Along with the objective of getting through each stage, the player also engages in collecting pup treats and other gewgaws which can be spent to unlock game art, achievements, and minigames. The collecting element adds reasons to replay the game, which most younger players have a proclivity for, just as they watch a movie several times over. Each of the 16 stages, once completed, can be selected to replay at any time. While there is no online multiplayer (a welcome omission for most parents) two players can play cooperatively on a single screen.

The minigames add length to the main game, which can be completed by most players in four to six hours. Each minigame has its own story and provides a few minutes of enjoyable play, with variations on racing, rhythm, and platforming.

Voice acting from the north American cast is a welcome change from the first game, and the music is also an improvement with an original score that pays homage to the games that have provided influence to each level (keen gamers will notice a subtle tribute to Mario Sunshine in the beachside stage).

Paw Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay is recommended without hesitation, not only for its good presentation and gameplay but also for developing hand-eye coordination and puzzle-solving that engages younger minds.

• Phil Fogg

9/10