Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Disney’s Chicken Little: Ace in Action offers a diverse gameplay experience by switching between four unique character modes. As Ace, players sprint through side-scrolling battlegrounds wielding a blaster that never runs dry, then swap to power-ups for a heavier weapon when the heat intensifies. Runt’s tank missions bring a slower but more strategic playstyle; his cannon and secondary armaments demand timing and careful aim to clear waves of robotic foes. Abby’s vertical space-shooter stages add a bullet-hell flair, requiring nimble movements and quick reflexes to dodge incoming fire while unleashing lasers and missiles on aerial and ground targets.

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The game’s control scheme takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS hardware. Movement and navigation are handled with the D-pad, ensuring precision when threading through tight corridors or strafing enemy formations. The touch screen shines during weapon selection—tapping to switch ammo types on the fly keeps the pace brisk and avoids interrupting the action. This seamless integration of button and stylus input feels intuitive after a brief learning curve, though new players may need a few levels to comfortably juggle both control methods under pressure.

Collectible “little aliens” dropped by defeated enemies infuse a light RPG element into the campaign. Shields are refilled in real time by picking up these critters, but they also serve as currency for in-between-level upgrades. Whether unlocking armor enhancements or boosting weapon power, these upgrades incentivize exploration and careful enemy targeting. The pacing of power-up availability strikes a decent balance: not so frequent that upgrades feel trivial, yet not so scarce that progression stalls, giving both younger fans and seasoned action gamers a steady sense of reward.

Graphics

Visually, Ace in Action mirrors the vibrant, cartoon-inspired aesthetic of the Chicken Little universe. Character models are bright and expressive, capturing the quirky charm of Ace, Runt, Abby, and Fish-Out-of-Water in crisp sprites. Whether zoomed in close during cutscenes or viewed from a distance in hectic firefights, the DS’s screen handles the palette well, keeping color bleed and blurriness to a minimum. Environments range from suburban rooftops to alien landscapes, each stage boasting its own set of hazards and visual flourishes that prevent scenery from feeling repetitive.

Animation is a standout feature; character movements are fluid, and the transitions between running, shooting, and special attacks feel weighty enough to communicate impact. Explosions pop with cartoony flair, sending debris and alien parts flying across the screen. Abby’s spaceship stages showcase smooth scrolling and a fair number of on-screen sprites without serious slowdown, while ground-based levels maintain a stable frame rate even in the thick of firefights. Minor slowdown during boss encounters is noticeable but rarely detracts from the overall spectacle.

The user interface is clean and unobtrusive. A simple HUD displays shield levels and weapon icons on the top screen, leaving the main action area free of clutter. Touch-screen menus for weapon swaps are quick to appear and fade out once a selection is made, keeping the player’s focus on the battlefield. While the DS’s resolution limits the complexity of background details, each stage’s thematic elements—crumbling buildings, swooping alien vessels, star-studded backdrops—create a sense of variety that remains engaging from start to finish.

Story

Taking place after Walt Disney’s Chicken Little movie, Ace in Action leans into the heroes’ imagination, framing the campaign as a comic-book–style adventure penned by Chicken Little himself. This meta-narrative lets the story stretch beyond the film’s boundaries, sending our heroes into outer space to thwart Foxy Loxy and Goosey Loosey’s interplanetary schemes. The setup feels familiar but playful, offering enough callbacks for fans while allowing newcomers to jump in without prior knowledge of the movie.

Cutscenes punctuate each mission, often presented as glossy, animated panels that reinforce the “comic in motion” vibe. Dialogue is lighthearted and peppered with self-aware humor, with Chicken Little’s trademark nervous quips playing off Runt’s tough-guy bravado and Abby’s spunky attitude. Fish-Out-of-Water provides occasional silent comedic relief, communicating through exaggerated gestures rather than speech. While the narrative doesn’t dive deep into character arcs, it provides just enough context and motivation to propel you from one level to the next.

Boss fights are framed as climactic story moments—whether rescuing abducted townsfolk or dismantling a giant robot crafted by the villainous twins. These set pieces, backed by enthusiastic voice snippets and animated title cards, make for memorable peaks in the campaign. Although the overarching plot is straightforward—stop the baddies, save the day—the self-referential tone and engaging character chemistry keep the story fresh, especially for younger audiences who appreciate its accessible humor and clear stakes.

Overall Experience

Disney’s Chicken Little: Ace in Action delivers an enjoyable blend of action genres under one roof. Its varied gameplay modes—run-and-gun foot soldier, slow-and-steady tank driver, and high-octane spaceship pilot—ensure that players rarely feel stuck in a repetitive loop. Each level offers a fresh challenge, bolstered by a reliable upgrade system and strategically placed power-ups that encourage cautious advancement rather than blind gunning.

The game’s visual style and audio design strengthen its appeal to kids and families. Brightly colored graphics, cartoonish animations, and a bouncy soundtrack capture Chicken Little’s world with charm. Even if the mission structures lean toward the straightforward side, the game never feels overly simplistic. Boss encounters and mini-games accessible via local WiFi add replay value, giving friends the chance to connect and compete in short, lively challenges.

For potential buyers, Ace in Action represents a solid Nintendo DS title for younger gamers or anyone seeking a lighthearted action romp. Controls are generally responsive, the story is fun and approachable, and the combination of platforming, shooting, and tank sequences keeps things interesting. While hardcore action veterans may find the difficulty modest, those looking for a family-friendly adventure packed with personality will likely appreciate what Chicken Little and his heroic alter egos bring to the handheld battlefield.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10