November 30, 2005 - If you've seen the show on Cartoon Network, then you're probably familiar with Ed, Edd and Eddy. Basically, they're idiots obsessed with finding jawbreakers. In this respect, the game based on the show is no different. You'll spend your time controlling the trio in a hub world, called the Cul-de-Sac, from where you'll access the game's few levels. Each level is preceded by animation sequences that details the limited story. For fans of the series or parents looking for a good game for their kids, this is a title to consider. It stays true to the squiggly-lined visual style of the show, has at times funny voice work, and maintains to some degree the scatterbrained sense of humor that made the show popular.

There's no real overarching plot to this game, it's basically just a series of episodic levels, called scams. There are six total scams, including two bonus levels which are unlocked if you're able to find hidden pieces of clothing. None of the levels are particularly challenging, but a lot of your objectives are, unfortunately, unclear to a confusing degree. Aside from those few moments that will have even veteran gamers scratching their heads, the game does have some decent gameplay elements a kid could really enjoy.

A prime example of something nobody should ever do.

The game allows you to switch between Ed, Edd and Eddy on the fly, and they all have special abilities. Eddy, the leader, can throw stink bombs, sling his yo-yo, and form a tower consisting of him and his three teammates to reach high objects. Ed, the idiot tall one, can slam his head into the ground, dig in sandboxes, throw heavy objects, and form a battering ram with the other Eds. Edd, the smart one with the hat, can manipulate objects and switches in the environment, fire his slingshot, and get hoisted up by his teammates to reach higher ledges. As you progress through this extremely short game, you'll find that each level requires you to use each skill quite frequently.

Though the beginning levels give you a short of tutorial about where to use each skill, you'll quickly find yourself on your own. Afterwards, the challenge of the game is figuring out exactly which skill to use in which situation. So, in the haunted house level, it may take you a while to figure out how to get a can of grease to drop out of a picture frame. After what seems like a countless amount of time, you may eventually find that you needed to use Eddy's tower ability to grab an urn off a cabinet and put it on a shelf. Similarly, in one of the later levels you'll need to traverse a muddy bog. Using Edd's slingshot you'll knock down planks to help you get safely across. However, there will be one point where you'll continue to fall into the water, and you'll have to almost accidentally figure out that you needed to boost Edd up to a trailer roof and use his board to knock down a tire onto a tarp to help you get across.

This game just couldn't exist without Plank.

Aside from these annoying points, the game has a decent amount of variety despite its brief length. You'll play sequences where you'll need to beat a timer, race opponents, or even stealth past town residents. These stealth sequences are suspiciously similar to Metal Gear Solid, requiring you to hide under boxes and putting question marks over the head of those you're trying to evade when they notice you. Nonetheless, it adds a nice variety to the gameplay, though not much depth.