Sony’s Invizimals series has been through some changes since its inception on the PSP and has finally made its way to the PS3, ditching the augmented reality features to bring a traditional action platforming experience to the console.

As expected, it doesn’t threaten the genre dominance of the Ratchet & Clank games, but is worth a look for younger gamers. Parents, older siblings, or other family members of young children should take a look at this one instead of settling for the usual movie/TV licensed guff.

In Magenta Software’s game, you control Hiro, a teenage secret agent who has been sent to a distant world populated by the mystical Invizimal warriors to help them fight a robot army. It’s all very child-friendly and features enough bright colours and energetic characters to keep them entertained in short bursts. It’s is an easy game to play thanks to basic controls and a gentle difficulty curve. Some players may find it similar to the Skylanders games, but parents will be glad to hear that they won’t have to succumb to pester-power for new toys to play with in-game.

Hiro is able to team up with the Invizimals and transform into each species to use their unique powers (without having to buy a new toy!). With eight to find naturally over the course of the story and an extra eight hidden off the beaten path, there’s plenty to choose.

Combat is a basic affair, with one button dishing out regular attacks while another handles stronger moves. String enough together and you can unleash a special attack that usually takes out multiple enemies. Combat is far from fluid, but enemies seem slow to react too, balancing out any scuffles you get yourself into. Puzzles are the most basic of door switch affairs and Hiro has lots of help coming through his radio, so getting stuck isn’t an option.

Click here to read the rest of my review at NewGameNetwork.com