Jambo Safari is actually a remake of a title released quite a few years ago, 1999 in fact, it was more of a cult hit back then rather than hitting Sonic heights, but still it must have something for Sega to re-release it now. The aim of the game is to choose one of four characters and help them to qualify as a park ranger. To do this you must achieve ten certificates by completing a variety of tasks.

 

 

At the beginning of the game you are asked to enter your name and are then presented with two difficulty settings, Easy which has a range age of 3-9 and hard for age 10 +. The game then gives you a choice of Single Player and Party mode.

 

Playing the single player mode requires you to choose one of four characters, once you have done this you will meet Ben at the Ranch and he explains all about the game and what you need to do to become a Ranger. Once you have spoke to Ben you are then free to drive about the ranch in your Land Rover, here you will also find the Park Map, My Place, Animal Enclosure and the Garage.

 

The Park Map displays the entire park, showing you which areas you have access to and even allowing you to quick travel to these if you desire. At the beginning of the game only one area is open, however as you complete missions you will soon unlock more. My Place is where you can customise your character with new clothing etc, view pictures you have taken and also view any certificates, trophies and badges you have earned. The garage meanwhile is where you can customise your vehicle with new parts.

 

To enclosure is where you send any sick animals you have captured and nurture them back to health. The enclosure also allows for you to treat and name the animal as well as reading information about them.

 

The main part of the game comes when you head away from the Ranch to explore, this is where you will get in your jeep and drive around the land, earning badges as you go by completing various missions and assignments. One of the first missions involves catching your first animal, this is simply enough as you just look though your newly obtained binoculars, find the animal you desire and then chase after it. Each animal’s status is marked by an Emotion icon above their head, therefore you can tell which ones are happy and which ones aren’t.

 

 

Catching an animal requires you to twirl the Wii-Mote (not necessary on easy) and then do a throwing motion with the remote, then once you have caught the animal you simply reel it in using the B button. Other missions will involve you taking photos, helping people who need favours and even racing through the park in time trial missions. There are also bonus items spread throughout the park which help your progressions, therefore driving over these will earn you various things from Ranger points (which are used to customise your character) to character and vehicle parts. All of these things will help progress the story and see you on your way to becoming a fully fledged park ranger.

 

Graphically the game is fairly decent by Wii standards, though it’s certainly nothing spectacular, the animals seem to be well animated and when driving even at speed the action seems to be fairly smooth.

 

Jambo Safari is a game aimed at children and it does show, I played it and to be honest didn’t really find much to keep me entertained, however my little daughter seemed to have great fun driving the jeep around and looking at the animals and given the games target audience it seems that it’s done its job.