It takes two to Rango

My husband and I first bonded over video games back in college, so when he moved in with my son and I a few months back, I had flashbacks to our youth as I watched him unpack the original game systems – and games – that he’s held onto all this time.

My son, who is now seven, could not have been more thrilled. Over the last four months, the two of them have bonded over these ‘old school’ video games along with the newer games that my son now plays on his Nintendo DSi.

Luckily, I now have my own Nintendo DSi (it’s pink, and I won it from our school’s Fall Festival), so I can keep up with the two of them. My son has since taught me how to use it and I continue to add games to my own wish list. The best part about each having our own is that we can play two-player games together, even from different rooms of the house!

While Rango is not a two-player game, it does allow for three files so that more than one person can play and stats are kept separate for each player. The third game slot is reserved for the newest member of our family, who won’t be ready to play for several years yet.

When I was invited to review the new game, Rango, for Nintendo DS, I was ecstatic. My son was too. We’ve been playing for a few weeks now, sharing hints and tips with one another and helping each other beat certain levels.

The game starts out in the town of Dirt and certain characters guide Rango on his adventures as he is led to the Desert and through the mines and hillsides beyond Main Street to chase down Bad Bill.

Once your Rango character finds the roadrunner, you’re in luck, since this is your ticket to getting back to Dirt, where you can purchase upgrades and restore your health.

So far, @hip_kid has had to battle two bad guys for me since I couldn’t beat them, after several attempts. Bad Bill and Rattlesnake Jake are two of the toughest dudes in the town of Dirt but my son’s a pro at video games and was able to survive and get me to the next level.

Rango is great for kids who can read on their own, otherwise mom or dad – or an older sibling – will have to step in and read the clues and messages that continue to pop up.

There is animated violence throughout (Rango uses a gun and other weapons to destroy certain critters throughout the game), but if you know anything about the movie, this shouldn’t surprise you. Also, when you get toward the end, aliens and UFOs come onto the scene and this was a surprise since they did not appear in the film.

According to hip_kid, “The game is harder than the movie.” Enough said.

If you’ve stopped by to get some tips on your Rango game, please let us know what you need help with. We might be able to help.

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