Care Bears: To The Rescue! Review (PS5) – Fuzzy, Fun and Full of Friendship
Guys, no joke, are we bringing back Care Bears? As someone in their early thirties, even I was on the cusp of missing the fun friendship family of the Care Bears. First established in 1982, I remember having the odd t-shirt and the occasional flash memory of the show. However, if we are making way for a reintroduction into the Care Bears world, sign me up. Especially if we kick off with a new game. Let’s get into it with Care Bears: To The Rescue!
Belly Badges at the Ready
So what’s the story in Balmory? The 911? The SOS. Well, the peaceful realm of the Silver Lining faces threat from the ‘Bluster’. Essentially, the weeds and bad roots reaming with negative energy. Destructive vines and horrible monstrous debris litter the world of the Care Bears realm. The Care Bears must now come together to embark on healing the world of the destruction in their wake. Their aim is to power the Heart Cannon, destroy the seed and the vines and everything the bad seed has touched and turned into negative energy and restore hugs, peace and love back into the world.
Care Bears to the Rescue is a side-scrolling action platformer that features 35 levels across five unique different worlds. Each world has its own adventure and set of challenges with visual themes. Grumpy Bear, Funshine Bear, Good Luck Bear, Cheer Bear and Share Bear are on your side. Players can assume any bear they wish out of the team, and each bear comes with their own unique perk. Funshine Bear has enhanced speed, Share Bear regenerates health, Cheer Bear has a stronger belly badge to ‘heal’ those corrupted and influenced from the bad seed, Good Luck Bear has a chance to avoid damage and Grumpy Bear detects hidden collectables.
My experience was played from the start in co-op. This game supports co-op from the very first level to the very end of the game. You can play alone or have a friend jump in at any time. I personally found this game more fun with a friend. The game is extremely accessible and whilst aimed at those tinier humans of smaller ages, could be a good starting game for anyone who is new to platformers or side scrollers. The game supports up to four people in local co-op for maximum belly badge fun. I personally found the completionist in me, being my true inner personality – grumpy bear, is best as then you can mop up collectibles as you go. Players can also collect rainbow stars throughout the level which essentially works the same as Mario coins!
Good Luck, Babe! Bear!
Staying true to the vibrant and colorful aesthetic of the Care Bears universe, the game offers visually appealing environments that range from icy landscapes to sunny beaches. Each world has a unique challenge attached to your mission, whether this means shrinking like a wallflower across gardens, jumping across various plants and having bumblebees guide you across bigger leaps, sliding across the ice and snow-capped roofs, or simply ducking high and low among the vines. Character designs are faithful to the franchise, and the animations are smooth. If a rainbow hasn’t vomited all over you, is it really Care Bears?
At the end of each world, there will always be a unique challenge minigame – this was probably my highlight of the whole game. It offers something a bit different and interesting to keep focused on. I find myself always zoning out a bit in side-scrollers at times, and as this is aimed at the younger generation, it perhaps, for someone like myself, is hard to keep my attention. However, there is always a place for games that are enjoyable, that you do not need to think too hard on. Similarly, each world ends with a spaceship multi-directional shooter level, where players must avoid obstacles whilst tearing into the bad seed to weaken it.
Do You Still Care?
In each level, players can collect up to three stickers hidden amongst the environment. As you progress through the game, these will become a bit trickier to track down and much less obvious to the player. The soundtrack complements the cheerful atmosphere, featuring upbeat and whimsical tunes that enhance the overall experience. While the music is pleasant, it may not leave a lasting impression.
In terms of replayability, I can certainly see those with tiny humans be able to replay levels and grab the collectables, and I certainly had a reasonably average fun time playing with someone else. However, all in a day’s work is what it took for the platinum trophy on PS5 from starting the adventure. A good get for trophy hunters or those who like the franchise; annnnnnd…that’s it really? The story is fine, keeps a coherent and good pace. There really not that much more to say, this game was fine. I can see it captivating the audiences of beginners and children, and it’s a story that perfectly stays its welcome. For seasoned players, perhaps not so much unless you really like the franchise or just want a sense of nostalgia.
Care Bears: To the Rescue is available from 6th March 2025 on PlayStation 5 (review platform), Nintendo Switch and PC.
Developer: PolyGoat
Publisher: Forever Entertainment
Disclaimer: In order to complete this review, we were provided with a promotional copy of the game. For our full review policy, please go here.
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