Despicable Me: The Game

Lore & Background

Despicable Me: The Game was developed by Vicious Cycle Software using their proprietary Vicious Engine 2. It was published by D3 Publisher and produced by Universal Pictures, releasing for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Wii. A separate version for the Nintendo DS, titled Despicable Me: The Game – Minion Mayhem, was also released. Additionally, Namco released a separate game for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch on July 6, 2010, titled Despicable Me: Minion Mania, developed by Anino Games; that game was removed from the App Store on January 1, 2013.

Reader's Guide

The game is a platformer in which the player controls Minions, sending them through levels to activate elements and traverse environments. One specific Minion is required to retrieve a key object to complete each level, while other Minions possess special abilities to assist. The game contains thirty levels grouped into six worlds. Reception for the Nintendo DS version was mixed or average according to Metacritic. Eurogamer described it as pleasant and noted it used the DS's capabilities well while avoiding pitfalls of other film adaptations. The Guardian praised the gameplay and use of the Despicable Me license but criticized difficulty and poor controls. Nintendo Life called it very average, with spots of fun but varying difficulty.

Did You Know?

• The game runs on Vicious Engine 2.
• A separate iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch game titled Despicable Me: Minion Mania was released on July 6, 2010, and removed from the App Store on January 1, 2013.
• The Nintendo DS version is titled Despicable Me: The Game – Minion Mayhem.