Review: PAW Patrol: On a Roll! (Nintendo Switch)

While adults will likely be bored by this simplistic platformer, the target younger kid audience is sure to have some fun with PAW Patrol: On a Roll! In fact, big fans of the popular show might even have this game near the top of their wish list, though the $39.99 cost should give some pause. Even for youngsters, this game is excessively basic.

All eight PAW Patrol pups are on hand, and you control two during each level. The focus is mainly on the team as a whole, and not the individual (mostly male) dogs. Cooperation and sharing the workload is emphasized throughout every rescue. Each dog has their own special vehicle and ability, although it doesn’t always make sense why one dog is needed over another with seemingly just as effective skills. However, I’m not going to overthink this kids game.

Sixteen missions sound like a good amount of content, but know that the level layouts in PAW Patrol: On a Roll! are all straightforward and, many a time, awfully similar. The graphics are nothing special either, offering a strictly serviceable presentation on the Switch. I think the addition of two-player co-op could’ve made things like these less of an issue. It seems a real missed opportunity, given that every mission has two playable dogs. Alas.

I presume the voice acting is representative of the voices used on the show (if not the same). It’s fine, but expect to be interrupted constantly. An option to adjust the frequency would’ve been appropriate. Especially as some of the pauses come off as more insulting than helpful. For instance, why is a reminder necessary each and every time to pull on the (barely animated) ropes? Kids are smarter than this game gives them credit for.

Games based on TV shows aren’t uncommon, but they often fail to match their source material. I can’t say that’s the case here as I’ve never seen the popular show, but I can say that PAW Patrol: On a Roll! doesn’t shake the reputation that such games have. While its many positive themes are definitely commendable, the lack of challenge, level diversity, and options do no favors. The game also has no ending, and thus feels unfinished. It’s an okay game for youngsters, but there’s no innovation here. The quality doesn’t match the price, so I’d wait for a reduction.