Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Over the Hedge on the DS delivers a stealth-adventure experience that’s both accessible and surprisingly deep for a licensed handheld title. You can choose to play as RJ, the fast-talking raccoon con artist; Hammy, the hyperactive squirrel; or Verne, the cautious tortoise. Each character brings unique movement abilities and gadgets to the table, so missions often require you to swap between them to bypass obstacles, outsmart homeowners and retrieve your objectives.

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The core loop revolves around sneaking through human dwellings, grabbing food and supplies while avoiding traps, guard dogs and the homeowners themselves. You’ll find yourself laying down diversions with Acorn Bombs or rigging shutters to drop on unsuspecting foes. The DS microphone adds a playful twist—blow into it to create gusts of wind that trigger environmental traps or distract enemies, adding another layer of interactivity to each level.

Progression is structured into bite-sized incursions, making it ideal for portable play sessions. The top screen displays a 3rd-person view of your character in action, while the bottom screen gives a strategic top-down map showing trap locations, hidden items and patrol routes. This dual-view approach helps you plan your route and react quickly when new hazards or opportunities crop up. A wireless two-player mode further spices things up, allowing you and a friend to race through levels vying for the biggest haul.

Graphics

Visually, Over the Hedge makes the most of the DS’s modest hardware. Character models are fully polygonal and animated with surprising smoothness, capturing the charm and expressions of the film’s cast. The environments themselves—suburban backyards, cluttered kitchens and manicured lawns—are rendered with bright, cartoon-inspired textures that feel lively without straining the system.

The dual-screen presentation is a standout feature. On the top screen, you’re treated to well-zoomed-in action sequences that let you appreciate character animations and environmental details. The bottom screen offers a crisp, top-down schematic of the level, complete with icons marking traps, objectives and interactive objects. This layered perspective not only bolsters strategy but also showcases how versatile DS graphics can be when well optimized.

While you won’t mistake this for a home-console production, lighting effects—like the warm glow of kitchen lamps or the cool blue shadows of a moonlit backyard—add real atmosphere. Occasional frame dips during hectic sequences are noticeable but rarely derailing. Overall, Over the Hedge strikes an appealing balance between colorful cartoon fidelity and functional, gameplay-driven visuals.

Story

The narrative in Over the Hedge closely follows the spirit of the movie: a misfit band of woodland critters fighting to survive in the face of suburban sprawl. Each mission ties directly into the animals’ grand scheme—raiding pantries, stopping construction crews and keeping their forest home intact. Though the plot is straightforward, it’s woven into every level’s objectives, giving context to even the stealthiest of heists.

Dialogue and character interactions—while limited by DS cartridge space—capture the film’s humor. Hammy’s rapid-fire quips and RJ’s sly one-liners pop up at mission start and completion, lending personality to otherwise routine infiltration tasks. Verne’s cautious remarks serve as a nice foil, reminding you of the stakes whenever you set off an alarm or trigger a trap.

Story progression is broken into small “chapters,” each feeling like a mini-adventure. While there aren’t full-motion cutscenes or extensive voiceovers, text-based dialogue paired with character portraits keeps you invested. The narrative drive is steady, ensuring that even optional side-areas feel purposeful rather than filler.

Overall Experience

Over the Hedge on DS stands out as a polished, portable stealth-adventure crafted with care. Its blend of character-specific abilities, environmental puzzles and clever use of the touchscreen and microphone make for a satisfying playthrough that never overstays its welcome. It’s perfectly suited to short bursts on the go or longer sessions when you want to clear multiple houses in one sitting.

The wireless two-player competitive mode adds extra replay value, though it’s more of a fun distraction than a fully fleshed-out multiplayer suite. Still, racing a friend to collect the biggest stash of junk food injects some chaotic amusement between friends. Single-player, by contrast, remains the game’s true strength, offering a well-paced campaign with plenty of variety.

In the end, Over the Hedge is an engaging licenced title that delivers quality stealth gameplay, attractive graphics and a lighthearted story—all tailored for the handheld format. Fans of the movie will appreciate the familiar characters and humor, while stealth and puzzle enthusiasts will find enough depth to keep them sneaking back for more. It’s a reliable pick for anyone seeking a portable caper through the suburban wilderness.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10