Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (CCM) is officially one of my most favorite co-op games to play with younger kids — target age 6-9.  It has several of my requirements for a family-friendly co-op daddy and kid game:

• It is based-on but not a scene-by-scene repetition of a movie (or TV show) – in this case, you’ll be battling and/or getting-rid of the overgrown food that has been created.
• The 2nd player can drop-in/drop-out at will, without affecting game play.
• It isn’t just a button masher — in that you have multiple tools available to you.
• It’s fun on its own!

GamePlay

You’ll start out in Flint Lockwood (player 1)’s lab and receive requests for help, as the overgrown food continues to create havok on the town.   There are several different tools (weapons) available, depending on which jobs that you do:

• Choper-er … for slicing
• Forkamajigger … for picking things up
• Upsucker Plus … for squirting stuff
• Bigacious Pow … for hitting stuff
• Hot Enougher … for melting

Throughout the game, as you gather gameplay points, you will have the option to upgrade each of these from rinky to cool!  The tools are varied enough to add an extra dimension to gameplay, and yet intuitive enough for younger players. 

As the levels progress, navigating some of the platforms to reach locations becomes more challenging.  So, if your youngster is playing solo, a parent may want to jump in as player two on a few levels to help find the last food items.

Nothing gets killed, though you will dissolve, slice or punch a lot of stuff.

Co-Op Ness

Player 1 is the lead character, Flint Lockwood … Player 2 can join as his faithful monkey friend from the movie.  When my daughter and I played through, she was my monkey … and we both had a great time.   Player 2 can use all of the same items, independent of the primary player.  This works out well, so that each player can take on specific “jobs” and directly contribute to the team’s success.

Points accrued during the game are scored separately during gameplay, but combined at the end of the level.  Any weapon upgrade purchases apply to both players without distinction.

My only co-op disappointment, and it is a fairly common one, is that Player 2 does not receive Achievement Points for their contributions.  Come on developers – even my 7 year old notices when the achievements pop-up, but she doesn’t get them!  Other than the recognition, gameplay is nearly identical for both players and therefore is a great co-op title for kids!

As always, thanks for reading … Have fun playing with your kids !
                  

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