Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius – Attack of the Twonkies delivers a lighthearted action-adventure experience geared primarily toward younger players and fans of the Nickelodeon series. You step into Jimmy’s oversized shoes, wielding homemade gadgets to capture the mischievous Twonkies that have escaped from his comet samples. Core mechanics revolve around platforming, simple puzzle-solving, and gadget-based combat, creating a loop of exploration and collection that remains engaging throughout the roughly six- to eight-hour campaign.

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As you journey through vibrant environments—from the corridors of Retroville Elementary to bizarre alien landscapes—you’ll amass parts and components to upgrade Jimmy’s arsenal. The crafting system is straightforward: find hidden bits and bobs scattered across each level, then return to Goddard or Jimmy’s lab to assemble new weapons or enhancements. This progression gives a satisfying sense of growth, encouraging players to revisit earlier stages in search of missed parts and secret areas.

Controls are uncomplicated and responsive, though occasional camera angles can hamper platforming precision. Sidekick Goddard often takes the lead in certain segments, adding variety by allowing robotic flight and unique puzzle interactions. Boss encounters introduce light strategy—learning attack patterns and switching between devices—but remain accessible, making the game suitable for children and casual gamers while still offering a few moments of challenge for veteran players.

Graphics

The visual style of Attack of the Twonkies faithfully mirrors the vibrant, cartoonish aesthetics of the TV show. Character models for Jimmy, Carl, Sheen, and other inhabitants of Retroville pop in bold colors against equally vivid backdrops. Each level boasts a distinct palette—from the neon purples of the comet’s surface to the warm pastel tones of Jimmy’s suburban neighborhood—ensuring locations feel unique and memorable.

While the polygon counts and texture resolutions reflect the era’s hardware limitations, the game leverages clever art direction to mask technical constraints. Smooth animations during cutscenes and in-game dialogue help convey the comedic charm of the original special, and simple particle effects accentuate gadget firepower without overwhelming the frame rate. On mid-range systems of its time, the game runs consistently with few slowdowns, even when several Twonkies swarm the screen.

Environmental details—like the gleaming metal panels inside Jimmy’s rocket or the swirling dust clouds on alien worlds—add depth without distracting from the main action. Though modern titles boast far more realistic graphics, Attack of the Twonkies retains a timeless cartoon appeal that continues to resonate with fans of the series.

Story

Following the plot of the Nickelodeon special, the game opens with Jimmy showcasing his latest invention in class and quickly shifts into high gear when a mysterious creature hitches a ride back from a comet excursion. What begins as a one-off anomaly rapidly escalates into a town-wide Twonkie infestation, with cute “alien snacks” multiplying out of control. This setup provides a clear and motivating premise: capture every Twonkie before Retroville is overrun.

Dialogue faithfully captures the witty banter between Jimmy, Carl, and Sheen, often punctuated by Goddard’s metallic beeps and burbles. Principal Willoughby and other familiar faces make cameo appearances, lending authenticity to the world. Short cutscenes bookend each level, advancing the narrative in digestible bites and maintaining story momentum without slowing down gameplay.

Though the campaign doesn’t diverge significantly from the source material, it expands upon the special by introducing new locales—such as underground Twonkie lairs and cosmic laboratories—that enrich the universe. A handful of optional side missions and collectibles provide brief detours that shed light on lesser-seen corners of Retroville and Jimmy’s expansive toybox of inventions.

Overall Experience

Attack of the Twonkies strikes a pleasant balance between simplicity and substance. Younger audiences will enjoy the accessible controls and bright visuals, while older players can appreciate subtle nods to Jimmy Neutron lore and the mildly strategic gadget crafting. The game’s pacing keeps new threats unfolding at a steady clip, so there’s rarely a dull moment.

Some repetitive level layouts and the occasional camera hiccup prevent the experience from feeling truly polished, but these issues are minor within the broader scope of an otherwise charming adventure. The short play sessions and clear objectives make it an ideal choice for casual gaming sessions or for parents seeking family-friendly entertainment.

Ultimately, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius – Attack of the Twonkies is a well-crafted tie-in that captures the spirit of the Nickelodeon special. It offers enough variety in its gadgets, levels, and cameo appearances to keep fans engaged from start to finish. For anyone looking to relive Jimmy’s comet caper or to introduce younger gamers to the Boy Genius’s world, this title stands as a fun and faithful adaptation.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10