Developer – Drakhar Studio

Publisher – Merge Games

Platforms –  Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Publisher

Cry Babies Magic Tears: The Big Game is an adorable and entertaining adventure tailored for young players. It promises an exciting journey as you join Lady, Coney, Dreamy, and their friends in a multi-stage tournament to win the legendary Golden Pacifier. However, despite its promising title, the game falls short of delivering a truly “big” experience, feeling more like a collection of mini-games strung together.

The game allows players to meet and play as 15 popular Cry Babies characters, taking them on a tour of various locations, from the familiar Baby Bottle Valley to Fantasy Mountain, Tutti Frutti Bay, Icy World, and finally to the new planet, Planet Tear. The array of settings and characters is undoubtedly charming, and the game’s visual style remains faithful to the franchise’s cute and colorful aesthetic.

Cry Babies Magic Tears offers a variety of activities to engage young players, including hide and seek, mazes, puzzles, dancing, taking photos, and even having a bath , making the game suitable for its target audience.

Cooperative gameplay is a standout feature, enabling two players to join forces using a second controller. This cooperative mode can double the fun for kids, encouraging teamwork and camaraderie as they progress through the game.

In the game , you also earn pink stars by exploring and using them to purchase new clothes and outfits for your favorite characters . Customizing characters and their wardrobes can be an engaging aspect for young players, allowing them to express their creativity and style.

One of the game’s strengths is its animated and voiced story scenes, mirroring the TV series and giving players an immersive experience, as if they’re part of a brand new interactive episode.

However, the game’s biggest drawback is its lackluster story. While the game is indeed filled with entertaining mini-games and activities, it falls short of delivering a coherent and compelling narrative that one might expect from a title with “The Big Game” in its name. The individual activities feel somewhat disjointed, as if they were bundled together without a strong overarching storyline to tie them all together.

In conclusion, Cry Babies Magic Tears: The Big Game is an enjoyable and friendly adventure for young players. It offers a variety of activities, charming characters, and cooperative gameplay that will keep kids entertained. Nevertheless, the game’s title may set unrealistic expectations for a grand narrative, as it ultimately feels more like a collection of mini-games rather than a cohesive “Big Game.” A more robust and interconnected storyline would have elevated the gaming experience, making it a more deserving title for the “Big Game” moniker.