Game Review and Overview
Zathura for the PS2 is a space-faring adventure that takes its cues from the 2005 movie of the same name, itself based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. It’s essentially Jumanji in space, but instead of running from jungle beasts, you’re dodging meteor storms and battling killer robots aboard a rickety space mansion. Developed by High Voltage Software, this game attempts to recreate the film’s chaos while adding a dash of cooperative gameplay. Does it succeed? Well… kind of.
The game puts you in the shoes of Walter and Danny, two bickering brothers whose sibling rivalry takes a backseat when their house is magically flung into the void of space. From there, it’s a race to survive the dangers of the Zathura board game, fend off alien threats, and hopefully not kill each other along the way. Each level ties into a challenge or catastrophe from the game board, with everything from malfunctioning gravity to lizard-like Zorgons trying to ruin your day.
Gameplay-wise, Zathura is a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, sprinkled with co-op mechanics for players brave enough to tackle the chaos together. Walter and Danny have distinct abilities – Walter is the brawler, while Danny handles gadgets – which you’ll need to use strategically to progress. The puzzles are simple but satisfying, often requiring a mix of teamwork and quick thinking to overcome. Combat, on the other hand, is a little clunky. Taking down Zorgons and robots can feel repetitive, but the game mixes things up with environmental hazards to keep you on your toes.
Visually, Zathura does its best to capture the whimsical-meets-terrifying vibe of the movie. The space environments are colorful and imaginative, and the house itself transforms into a surreal battleground that feels both familiar and alien. The character models and animations, however, leave a bit to be desired, as they veer into awkward territory – Danny’s running animation might haunt you more than the Zorgons ever could.
The game’s biggest strength is its cooperative mode. Playing with a friend can make the experience far more enjoyable, as the banter between Walter and Danny mirrors the on-screen squabbles of the movie. It’s also where the game’s quirks feel more charming than frustrating. Who doesn’t love arguing over who gets to press the cool button during a space battle?
On the downside, the single-player experience can feel a little barebones, with uninspired AI controlling your sibling. The controls are occasionally unresponsive, and the camera has a mind of its own, making some sections more difficult than they need to be. But if you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for a lighthearted co-op game with a nostalgic twist, Zathura has its moments.
In the end, Zathura for the PS2 isn’t the most polished gem in the galaxy, but it’s got enough charm and creativity to make it worth a spin – especially if you’ve got a co-pilot who doesn’t mind a little chaos. Just remember: it’s all fun and games until the Zorgons show up. Or the player controlling Walter starts hogging all the power-ups.
PS2 Zathura Cheats and Hints
Defeating the big robot:
When facing the first Boss (the big robot), go over to the side but do not fall off. Shoot his arms and lasers as quickly as possible on each side. You can save time and health. If you get hit by lasers, do not worry because you will only lose a small amount of health.