Baby Shark: Sing & Swim Party is a licensed title that may initially deter some potential players. However, it proves to be quite enjoyable, particularly for children who are fans of the Baby Shark phenomenon. While the game seems more suited for mobile platforms than for traditional consoles, its visuals are commendable. The developers have successfully captured the animation and art style familiar to those who have seen PinkFong’s rendition of Baby Shark. It’s important to note that this is a game at its core, rather than an interactive extension of the well-known song.
When evaluating the game on its own merits, it becomes apparent that the content is somewhat limited. The gameplay is essentially divided into two categories: a rhythm-based segment that requires timely button presses in sync with on-screen actions, and an endless runner featuring straightforward controls. Given the game’s target audience, these simplified levels are appropriate, and my child found them enjoyable. However, the rhythm-based levels can be somewhat challenging, potentially requiring adult intervention for completion.
To augment the core gameplay, Baby Shark: Sing & Swim Party offers unlockable content such as artwork and cards. While a nice touch, these extras don’t serve as a compelling incentive for young players. The game does provide some variety by allowing players to choose characters like Mommy, Daddy, or Grandpa Shark. Although there are more than two dozen songs included, they tend to become repetitive over time. If your child is a fan of Baby Shark, they may derive about an hour’s worth of entertainment from the game, given the brevity of the levels, before their interest wanes.
The game features a star-rating system for its levels, adding an element of replayability. However, achieving a three-star rating is relatively straightforward, so this may not present much of a challenge. Additionally, some levels include collectibles that players must find to complete an in-game stamp book. Each song in the game is followed by a runner level, which starts easy but gradually demands quicker reflexes to dodge obstacles and collect stars. The controls for these runner levels are quite simple, requiring movement in just two directions—left or right. This simplicity allows children to navigate these levels independently, except for a few key sections that may require adult guidance.
The rhythm-based levels present a somewhat different challenge. They necessitate timed button presses or sustained button holds, depending on the situation. While there is a generous window for timing these actions, the pace of the gameplay intensifies as players progress through the levels, which can become somewhat overwhelming. Given that the game is primarily targeted at children, a difficulty adjustment could make these levels more accessible.
So, is Baby Shark: Sing & Swim Party enjoyable for adults? Likely not. However, the game’s appeal to children, particularly those who are fans of PinkFong’s Baby Shark, should not be underestimated. Moreover, the game serves as a useful introduction to video gaming for children, given its straightforward controls.
Baby Shark: Sing & Swim Game Information
- Price: $39.99
- Publisher: Outright Games
- Developer: RecoTechnology
- Platform: Switch (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
