Unfortunately for Wii gamers, some development companies are more concerned about making money instead of pleasing the consumers. Kidz Sports Ice Hockey is a prime example of what to expect from those companies.

Ice hockey is a fun game to play on a console at home, especially if you have a group of friends that you can compete with or against for long sessions of intense puck action. In all honesty, the formula for fun when using hockey as the constant is a little difficult to mess up. Unfortunately for Data Design Interactive, the formula must have been divided instead of multiplied or something, because Kidz Sports Ice Hockey is definitely not a product that evokes any form of fun from the player.

The game is cookie cutter in terms of product design. Everything involved with the game, from in-game menus to overly simple controls, are consistent with the way other recent games developed by Data Design Interactive are created. The menus are as simplistic as possible, with only a few select options to choose from. Typically, there are only three different mini-games to play, and the on screen visuals are basic at best.

From a gameplay standpoint, Kidz Sports Ice Hockey does not wade very deep into the waters of innovation. In fact, I’m not even sure if the developers even decided to get their feet wet at all. Each hockey game is a 3-versus-3 match, with inanimate goalies that do absolutely nothing, besides resemble a brick wall. The characters move slowly and often times do not do as the player is directing them to do. Character animation is also relatively simple. Ice Hockey does not really display the kinds of fireworks expected from a hockey based game, even if the game is directed strictly at a younger audience group.

When controlling the kidz on-screen, the player might wonder exactly what is going on at times. Not all of the actions delivered from the controller appear to make it all the way to the T.V. About 50% of the time, the game actually registers the correct action and mildly satisfies you. The nunchuck is used for passing the puck, while the Wii-mote handles all shooting. Most of the other buttons included on the controllers are not used for anything, except the occasional “super shot.” But if the “super shot” only has about a 50% chance of occurring correctly, what is the point in using it anyway?

The visuals took my mind back to the GameCube days, with the overly basic design and a lack of attention to detail. The characters are built to be appealing to children, but at times, can actually seem quite frightening with their wide-faced grins. During matches, the contenders do not even appear to be skating on the ice, but more or less walking slowly toward the “action” unfolding down the rink. The graphics are a setback for any Wii game, and not really even worth noting.

Audio pleasure is nearly non-existent in Ice Hockey. The only true audio stimulant is provided via voice commentary during the actual matches. This commentary really only seems to come into play during major occurrences such as goals, and even when the voice is audible, it is not very pleasing to the ear thanks to poor execution.

Data Design Interactive has a specific type of game creation template in mind, and until something happens that causes them to change their strategy (slowed sales and a loss of money), the development company is going to continue making the same style of boring game exemplified by Kidz Sports Ice Hockey. If you value your dollar, please spend it elsewhere on a title that is worth purchasing.  

Gameplay: 3.0
Although the gameplay might be the strongest highlight of Kidz Sports Ice Hockey, it is still a very poorly executed attempt at re-enacting a typically exciting sports genre.  

Graphics: 2.0 
Avoid the smiling characters! I was actually frightened at times when the characters on-screen would grin at me. The graphics are not something to boast about.

Sound: 2.5
Thank goodness there is any audio attention at all. The voice commentary is only welcome as a distraction from the rest of the game.

Difficulty: Easy
I mean, it is a kid’s game. Kidz Sports Ice Hockey is not meant to be challenging, although the hit/miss controls can create a challenge all their own at times.

Concept: 1.0
There is no concept involved in the creation of Kidz Sports Ice Hockey. Data Design Interactive keeps churning out the same types of games, and this one is no different from the rest.

Overall: 2.0
If at all possible, you should consider purchasing a different game. One that will justify paying what you expect to spend. A game that is worthy of being called a game.