Advanced Search >
Help Me Search

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

EMAILPRINTps2

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
63
6.4 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 25 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 7 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >

Game Info

Publisher: Activision

Developer: Amaze Entertainment

Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Platform

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: November 9, 2004

Summary

Based on the unfortunately successful book series and the feature film starring Jim Carrey, this is the tale of Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire, whose parents perish in a fire. Soon after, they are sent to live with their sinister uncle, Count Olaf, in a most cavernous mansion. Great tragedy becomes greater misfortune as Olaf's despicable plans are revealed and the siblings must combine forces to prevent the Count and his henchmen from seizing their immense family fortune. Switch among the Baudelaire orphans and utilize their special skills as you journey through 15 perilous missions, from the deep catacombs beneath Olaf’s mansion to the gloomy shores of Lake Lachrymose. Collect household items with Violet, the intrepid inventor, and assemble them into cool contraptions for puzzle-solving and combat. Wield those items with Klaus, the brave intellect, to battle Olaf’s minions. And mind the tottering toddler, Sunny, as she chomps valiantly through obstacles in the orphans’ path with her 4 very sharp teeth. Should you emerge victorious in your attempt to foil Count Olaf's wicked plans, rest assured your success will be temporary, as only woe awaits you in A Series of Unfortunate Events. [Activision]

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

85

GameZone

Very linear, which may cut down on replayability. The look, feel and general style of the game makes for an entertaining game experience that will leave you smiling.

Read Full Review >
85

XGP Gaming

The storybook presentation is truly wondrous and the way that the scenes appear as if they are being drawn solely for the gamer really reaches out and touches something inside in a great way.

Read Full Review >
83

Cinescape

That's the big thing this title has going for it. It's fun to experience this amazing world, and if there was something focused on during the game design it was making sure that the world was a good place to go play in.

Read Full Review >
80

Gaming Nexus

It’s one of the best children-oriented titles to arrive in years.

Read Full Review >
80

PGNx Media

The gameplay is pretty undemanding but fundamentally sound; the different characters manage the spice the game up a bit, as well. The game would be rated higher if the length was a touch longer; it clocks in at just over 5 hours.

Read Full Review >
78

Game Chronicles

The secrets, however, are well worth collecting. You can unlock stills from the movie set to music, production photos, and even "story time with Count Olaf".

Read Full Review >
76

Next Level Gaming

Despite an interesting story and what should have been a solid puzzle solving game engine, it just turns out to be too easy and to be honest a little on the boring side for me.

Read Full Review >
72

Gamezilla!

f you look at Lemony as a game targeted at a younger audience, it works well as the simple gameplay and story telling is probably going to appeal to that audience.

Read Full Review >
71

IGN

A faithful rendition of the books and should please young fans. The gameplay at times feels a bit too dumbed down, but is overall an excellent example of what can be done with a game designed specifically for children.

Read Full Review >
70

Console Gameworld

A game high on polish, but lacking in substance and only recommended for hardcore Snicket fans.

Read Full Review >
70

AceGamez

The game as a whole is very forgiving - too forgiving in fact. If you're an experienced gamer, or even an adult who plays occasionally, you shouldn't find the puzzles, bad guys, bosses or exploration too much of a hindrance and will probably complete the game in about 10 hours.

Read Full Review >
69

GamingTrend

It lacks the depth needed to become a really good adventure game, and ends up being a platform game with some good puzzles built in.

Read Full Review >
65

eToychest

While considerably longer than the PC game of the same name, it is really not a lot of fun to play, whereas that game made me laugh out loud a handful of times.

Read Full Review >
65

Worth Playing

The level designs are somewhat inventive, especially where Violet is involved, but mostly they feel like the developers talking down to their audence.

Read Full Review >
65

TotalPlayStation

The minigames and Sunny's bits are quite well-done, but the lackluster audio, sloppy controls and general lack of graphical punch drag the experience down.

Read Full Review >
63

Game Informer

The wry subtlety of the novels' text pops up once in a while, but not nearly enough, which leaves only a derivative and dull game where there could have been a humorous midadventure. [Jan 2005, p.119]

60

PSX Nation

Too short and easy for grown-ups but just about right for the target audience of both the books and the Jim Carrey movie currently out in theaters.

Read Full Review >
60

G4 TV

All the timed events, amusing physics-based puzzles, likeable characters, and strange contraptions will be a treat for fans of the books and movie.

Read Full Review >
58

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

An average adventure game, well-presented but repetitive. Youngsters should find it easy to play. [GamesMaster]

Read Full Review >
50

Sydney Morning Herald

The difficulty level is accommodating for youngsters, although the controls can be unwieldy. Sadly, the fun is short-lived, with no multi-player modes or replay appeal.

Read Full Review >
50

Boomtown

With age, tends to come more gaming aptitude, which will mean you’ll make quick work of Lemony Snicket’s and a yearning for a bit more of a challenge. By all means though, give it to your toddler and they’ll go wild.

Read Full Review >
50

PALGN

An incredibly simple platformer that most people will find entirely too basic and boring.

Read Full Review >
42

Gaming Age

Simply a boring, run of the mill adventure that likely would not have turned out much different if there were six months tacked onto the development time or another developer was at the helm.

Read Full Review >
40

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

When even a game's manual asks, "Wouldn't you rather play something else?" consider taking the hint. [Feb 2005, p.83]

15

Warcry

Some concepts are just not meant to be made into video games.

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 6.4 (out of 10) based on 7 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Brennan S. gave it a2:
The game was utterly boring, stupid, actionless, and easy, and I swear the last level made me go to sleep. Don't recommend: wasted $25 of my birthday $, and now I know why it's $25. This game sux.

Yasmin A. gave it a3:
It is a somewhat interesting game but way to easy and babyish.

Popular on CBS sites: College Signing Day | Olympics | Lost | iPhone | Cell Phones | Video Game Reviews | Free Music

About CBS Interactive | Jobs | Advertise

© 2010 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy (UPDATED) | Terms of Use