The Cartoon Network has a cavalcade of unique and fun cartoon characters under their umbrella – making us wonder why there aren’t more video games based on their properties.  Cartoon Networks Punch Time Explosion XL is a console brawler/fighting game heavily influenced by Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros Melee (and/or Brawl) for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii.  Gamers can play up to 26 characters from some of the Cartoon Network’s most popular franchises of all time including Johnny Bravo, Samurai Jack, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls and Dexter’s Laboratory.

Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion XL is basically two games in one – first there’s the multiplayer brawler in which you compete against friends or drones using power up abilities, jumping around and smashing your way to victory much like SSBM or SSBB and then there’s the campaign or story mode in which you can play alone (or co-op with a friend) traveling through 32 Cartoon Network’s worlds to fight iconic villains from each of the shows – unlocking characters along the way.  The game was developed by Crave Games and Papaya Studio and at first glance you can see that a labor of love went into development – as the backgrounds and characters have a true to the cartoon feel about them.

On the positives Punch Time Explosion XL is a good mash-up of worlds and characters from the Cartoon Network history with a tender care put into the game however as much as the game is visually entertaining it lacks heavily in sound production polish.  We tried every option possible to boost the sound effects yet were disappointed to find the game lacking simple sound effects like punching, smashing or jumping.  There is actually a huge void in audio production that makes us wonder if this game was rushed out to make the 2011 holiday season.

Overall – Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion XL is a fun treat for the weekend fun – it comes at a discount price and often feels like it could have been released as a glorified DLC game.  We’ve provided some sample gameplay for you to check out along with commentary by Andre Meadows aka Black Nerd Comedy – enjoy!

Related Links:
CN Punch Time Explosion XL Gameplay – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnntXCPHi94
CN Punch Time Explosion XL Gameplay – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbMvxVBZXUg
CN Punch Time Explosion XL Gameplay – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5m8GEO91mg
CN Punch Time Explosion XL Gameplay – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkiuB5fW91Q