Editor's note: The animated feature "Over the Hedge" (rated PG) was released in theaters last month and is still doing well at the box office. Here's a look at the companion video game.

Game: "Over the Hedge"

Console: PlayStation 2; also out for XBox, PC, Gamecube, Gameboy Advance, Nintendo DS

Developer/publisher: Activision

Genre: Platform

Number of players: 1-2

Rated: E10, everyone 10 and older

Premise: Follow the zany adventures of Verne the turtle, RJ the raccoon, Hammy the squirrel and Stella the skunk (all voiced by actor impersonators) as they forage for food in a suburb with more security than could possibly be considered normal. It's the kind of neighborhood that helped the Y2K fears thrive.

Game play: You start off as Verne and RJ on your journey through several introductory missions. Once these are completed, you are taken to a menu screen called The Woods, which really looks like somebody's untended back yard. From here, you continue to complete missions, which are given to you in a set of continuous levels instead of going back to the menu after every one. Each level has required objectives, along with some secondary ones. The more tasks you complete, the more rewards you unlock.

There's also the chance to unlock prizes during the levels. Usually hidden areas or breakable objects will hold an icon to pick up for extra health and power, concept art, movies and original comics.

To parents who worry about kids hogging the controller: Rest easy. "Over the Hedge" provides the opportunity to share. With two characters always on screen at the same time, players can go at it alone or bring a friend for the journey.

Tips: As you progress, don't be afraid to explore the levels. Just because the enemies are all defeated, that doesn't mean there's nothing to be found. Look for DVD icons or health power-ups hidden behind items or in hard-to-reach places. And always be on the lookout for hats. Wearing them gives both your characters an extra five dots of health, which can come in handy in a difficult level.

My take: "Over the Hedge" is just another video game with the purpose of keeping the movie fresh in kids' minds. It has no real heart. The time wasn't even taken to make this game warm-hearted — a shame, compared with last year's infinitely better "Madagascar" video game. As long as movie companies offer lucrative contracts to developers, more run-of-the-mill games like this will be produced. If you're older than 8, skip this game and save your money for the movie.

Jeremy Castillo recently received his associate of arts degree from Windward Community College.