More Fun Than A Barrel of Monkeys - Bob The Builder “Can We Fix It?”

I can’t remember when I picked up the PlayStation version of this game for my youngest but it must have been at least three or four years ago when he was into the show. While he never admitted that he was a fan he did like the concept of it and the characters. For those of you looking for a portable version this is also available in the GameBoy format [Fix It Fun!] but this version doesn’t have as many games and is a little harder to get the hang of. It’s still a great game but younger kids will have better luck with the PlayStation version. This game is rated “E” for everyone so kids of all ages can make use of it, play some games and have a tremendous amount of fun. If you have a child that likes the show or any of the related paraphernalia then chances are this game is going to be a huge hit!

Bob The Builder - PlayStation 1

Unlike the GameBoy version where the goal is to complete the tasks so everyone can enjoy a picnic party, this concentrates more on games and completing tasks. You start off at Bob The Builder’s office; this is where you can select the various jobs that you need to complete. It gives you the name of the job, what it entails and what you have to click on to go to it. The way this is set up makes it easy for kids to get around the game and lets them have some true independence when it comes to completing things. Some jobs have one task, some two but all of them are fun. You can choose from three different levels of difficulties but you have to make this choice before you start the game, once you start playing you won’t be able to increase or decrease it. Parents can change options by clicking the filing cabinet, this will let you change the difficulty and sound levels.

Porcupine Rescue
Tunnel Time

Bob and Lofty are building a tunnel for the porcupines to use. Help them place the pieces in the correct spot so that they connect and make a solid passageway for the porcupines. This isn’t just a fun game but it teaches kids how to place things into a certain shapes [within the confines of the shape of the tunnel] and problem solving skills. The sections of the tunnel are outlined so even younger kids can do this one without any help from mom or dad.

Travis’ Race Day
Race With Scoop, Race With Dizzy

This might seem like it is two different games but it’s really all in how and who you choose to play as. Travis has issued a challenge to anyone brave enough to accept. Race around the course to see if you can beat him. You can play as Scoop or Dizzy and race against any of the three. This is a very cute game but the speed if it is a little slow. This runs a lot smoother than the GameBoy version because you can see more of the screen and have more control over the vehicles.

Plumbing Puzzle
Radiator Riddle, Fix The Leaks

“Radiator Riddle” is a very cute game that will give younger kids the chance to help Bob and Wendy fix Mrs. Potts heating system. Place the new pieces of pipe in the correct location but be mindful of the colors because some of them will only work in certain areas. “Fix The Leaks” is where the heating system gets tested out by Bob. You have to help him make sure that the leaks get fixed before the water runs out of the pipes.

Can We Build It?
Knock It Down, Build It Up

“Knock It Down” requires you to use a wrecking ball to knock down the remaining pillars of the old bridge. It seems that it was struck by lightening and Bob and Lofty have to clear it out to build a new one. You are working as Lofty here as well as in the second part of the game, “Build It Up”. This is where Lofty and Bob build a new bridge; you are using the crane and placing new pieces of the bridge into place. This might sound complicated but all that’s needed is the “X” button on the control pad to complete the tasks.

Bubble Trouble
Bubble Trouble

Your next task is to make sure that the bubbles that keep popping up on the playground are flattened. Bob has just poured out new concrete and it’s Roley’s job to make sure that the surface is even and that the bubbles are flattened. You’ll have to be quick and get to them before they burst, there’s also an element of time to deal with; Bob wants the job done fast so keep your eye on the clock!

Scary Spud
Scary Spud

This is one game that I had a lot of trouble with - mostly because I am an adult and tend to complicate things. The basics here are that Spud has to protect the field from crows that are swooping down and stealing the seeds. He gets to run around and chase them away but some of them are pretty mean so he has to spit raspberries at them. This is one mini game that little boys love to play .. wonder why.

Wendy’s Birthday
Cake-tastic, Wild West Wendy

When Bob decides to make a cake for Wendy to help celebrate her birthday he needs your help! Choose toppings, candles and different icings to decorate the cake. This isn’t something that you have to do to complete the game, it’s just a lot of fun and lets kids get creative. “Wild West Wendy” is another very cute mini game where you get to have Wendy teach Bob to line dance. Once you have completed the dance steps you can play it back to watch what you have created. Very cute!

Where’s Pilchard?
Where’s Pilchard?

This is sort of like Hide And Seek, you have to go through the game trying to find clues as to where Pilchard is hiding. It’s her feeding time and Wendy wants to make sure that she gets her food. You get the various clues after you have completed certain parts of the game so make sure you listen for Pilchard’s purring and leave no stone unturned!

The Bottom Line

This is an absolutely adorable game that kids of all ages can play with. My only complaint is that there is no way to save the progress of things so if your child gets bored with it and shuts it off, he or she will have to start over from the beginning. The GameBoy version issues you a code that you can enter so you will go back to a certain spot when you shut the game off. Why they created this without memory card support is beyond me. The game is easy to play and there are no tricky movements needed to move the characters around or complete the tasks but most kids will get a little sore if they really want to complete the game but have to keep starting over each time. I got hooked on this and played it for about an hour and loved it. The graphics are a lot nicer than the GameBoy version and the music has a lot more variety to it. Chances are this is a game that you will be able to find for around ten dollars since it is an older title [released first in 2001] and it’s worth every penny. Since this is rated “E” for everyone it is something that everyone in the family can make use of, learn from and enjoy together.


As always, thanks for the read!

~^V^~ Freak ~^V^~

© 2005 Freak369


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