Kombo's Review Policy: Our reviews are written for you. Our goal is to write honest, to-the-point reviews that don't waste your time. This is why we've split our reviews into four sections: What the Game's About, What's Hot, What's Not and Final Word, so that you can easily find the information you want from our reviews.

What the Game's About
Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian piggy backs off the just released movie starring Ben Stiller. The game was developed with children in mind and sends you exploring the most famous museum in the world looking for ingots that hold great power. You'll interact with famous names that spring to life at the "magic time" that bring history books to life. One of the unique parts of Battle for the Smithsonian is that the game incorporates learning during gameplay in a fun way that makes sense to the flow of the game. All of the powers you are given are used with the help of your trusty flashlight.

What's Hot
When you think of movie-licensed games, the reaction isn't generally positive. Thankfully, strides are being made in the gaming industry and Battle for the Smithsonian is an example of an enjoyable little game that happens to have a movie license. There are clever puzzles that make you use the powers you get from collecting the Egyptian ingots that are scattered through the museum. You can activate paintings to set traps for enemies or tame animals like the Egyptian Anubis to aid you in your quest. The quick tutorial before the core adventure will teach you all you need to know and where to apply certain powers so you aren't left guessing on what to do or where to go.

The developers made good use of the characters and premise of the movie franchise and they sprinkled learning into the fabric of what makes this game tick. You are rewarded with Achievement Points when you complete your objectives and part of that involves talking with the personalities that inhabit the museum. It is a great way to learn about history while being rewarded. It is the first time where actually learning doesn't feel forced and makes sense in the correct context.



What's Not
Not all is well in the museum. Some of the platforming sections of the game are frustrating with clunky hopping and jumping or just plain pointless. The powers you are given are often contextual and will require you to stand in a precise position to activate. One of the more pointless sections is flying in an airplane with Amelia Earhart. It feels like the obligatory vehicle level and doesn't jive with the rest of the game all that well. The upside is that these parts don't last long. In fact, the entire game doesn't last long.

Battle for the Smithsonian is shockingly short. Once you lose the ingots, you'll be amazed at the pace the game sets as you quickly regain the powers back. It wouldn't be in the least bit surprising if the movie is around the same length as this game. It's a shame too, because the game, while budget priced, is quite a bit more expensive than a movie ticket. There are some collectibles to keep Achievement junkies playing but most points are given through the natural course of the game anyway.

Final Word
I'm all for games that are well built and don't overstay their welcome but the length of this game is horribly short. Battle for the Smithsonian is paced too quickly and would have benefited from slowing down by offering more clever puzzles. Battle of the Smithsonian should be remembered for actually making learning in a video game fun, if not for being a decent kiddy game.