Bratz Rock Angelz 2005 By: THQ

Overview:

"Bratz Rock Angelz" features the four Bratz characters as they start their own fashion magazine publication. "Bratz Rock Angelz" is played in an isometric view and features very simple and straightforward gameplay and controls. The graphics are quite impressive, especially in cut scenes, and the story settings are distinct and allow players to roam freely. "Bratz Rock Angelz" offers way more content than previous entries, and features mini-games that are light and fun. One of the best features of the game is the ability to customize environments with furniture that can be installed on a tiled grid.

Despite its pretty graphics and large bank of content, "Bratz Rock Angelz" still has very shallow gameplay and limited appeal for anyone that is not a fan of the Bratz dolls. The printed description on the game's case says that "Bratz Rock Angelz" is enjoyed by gamers that are, "... especially young girls, who love playing with the BRATZ dolls". This is problematic because of some of the game's dialogue and content. I was happy to see that the game's objective is to start an independent business and create content for the magazine. It seemed like a great example of girl power to me, finally the female protagonists are not given banal goals like shopping at the mall, or styling an outfit, but then I started paying attention to the dialogue in the cut scenes, and I started to pick up a sinister undercurrent.

The story basically consists of women denigrating each other, focusing especially on physical appearance. The four Bratz characters joke while guessing the number of plastic surgeries that their rivals have had done, such as liposuction and nose jobs, stopping just short of suggesting she has implants. So, my question is, how young are girls that play with the Bratz dolls, because if we're talking around 6 to 8 years old, the content is a huge problem and sets a horrible example of human interaction and problem solving. The merciless bullying that frequents the game would seem especially inappropriate for grade school aged children that probably get lectured about bullying from teachers. If, however, it is 13 or 14 year olds that are playing with the Bratz dolls, and as a consequence play the game, I would assume that the hollow gameplay would not provide enough to hold their interest, they're busy play Grand Theft Auto 5. Young teens are sophisticated consumers in this age, and expect more than "Bratz Rock Angelz" provides, frankly, we all should.

Directions:

Players complete tasks to advance the story. Players can view tasks in the Checklist menu, available from the pause screen.

Players will encounter mini-games throughout their gameplay. Mini-games will also become available at the start screen.

Players will have the opportunity to customize their character and room. Item lists can be accessed from the pause menu. Passwords can be entered into the computer to unlock additional content.

BlingBling is used as the in-game currency.

"Bratz Rock Angelz" utilizes a save feature to record progress.