In name alone, the clownfish evokes images of underwater jokers inclined to throw custard pies at passing haddock. So imagine our surprise when we discovered that the two main stars of Finding Nemo shun chucklesome slapstick banter in favour of swimming gracefully through dense waters and looking pretty. Clownfish indeed... When was the last time you giggled at a circus aquarium?

Based on Pixar's new film - a heart-warming tale about a kid clownfish (Nemo) gone AWOL - Finding Nemo is a delightful underwater odyssey that's ten times more thrilling than staring at your neighbour's goldfish bowl. You star as several of the movie's colourful characters, but mostly as Nemo, who finds himself imprisoned in a fish tank (he's abducted by a deep-sea diver, you see), and his pa Marlin as he embarks on a quest to save his unfortunate son. Spot the similarities with Toy Story 2? We certainly did.

As with all of Pixar's movies, this is a definite kiddie's product on the surface, but with a fair degree of adult appeal stored below. You don't have to be under 12 years old to enjoy the Toy Story flicks; in fact you need to be older to fully appreciate the clever references. This game is much the same - sweeter than a bowl of cherries, yet tougher than a pair of your grandad's old marching boots.

Gameplay-wise, it plays a bit like Rayman 3 but without the combat and set in the ocean depths. It's piled high on the cuteness factor too - Nemo and co sure look cuddly for slimy fish. Each section is split into several levels. The challenges are varied, ranging from 3D chases and head-scratching tile puzzles to sideways platform action in the classic Mario mould. This game rarely throws up a dull moment. The chases/races are simple, addictive, and strangely therapeutic. Your fishy either has to keep up with a leader (such as the forgetful Dory) or escape a ravenous predator (sharks and anglerfish, for example). Swimming through rings enables you to maintain the pace, but unfortunately mines, squids, oil leaks and electric eels are all there to hamper your progress, while the sea current often drags you off course. The sense of moving through water is astonishingly convincing, and the way that flailing tentacles emerge in the distance can be eerily unnerving.

More conventionally, the platform action is retro fun updated for the deep-sea diving generation; all evading hazards, collecting treasures, trapping crabs in bubbles and solving tricky puzzles. The only difference is that instead of jumping, you kind of well... swim, which is great, because there are no narrow ledges to keep tumbling off. Bonus objectives, such as dropping coloured gems on pedestals, offer added challenge, although with so much horror lurking in the underwater underworld, you'll find your time best devoted to evading the Captain's Table. Fish pie? Good old-fashioned steak and kidney was always the tastier option, anyway...

One of the most important things with games like this is recreating the look of the movie, and on such grounds Finding Nemo rarely puts a fin wrong. As well as employing its original voice actors, the numerous cutscenes are enormously cinematic in their own right. There'll be no need to skip through these ones - you'll be well and truly hooked, like a cod on a fisherman's line.

Okay, so we know that this is geared towards a younger market (ages 4-14 primarily), but that doesn't stop it from being any good, does it? In fact, it's nightmarishly difficult in places. If you still savour your platform action, are easily pleased with simple gameplay and think that fish are the new 'cool' then it could be time to scuba-dive your way into this. 'Water' you waiting for fish face, you've a boat to catch...

1. Looks gorgeous
2. Oozes humour
3. Good use of a movie licence

1. Underneath, it's a generic platformer
2. Can be fiendishly frustrating in places

Power
The sensation of being underwater is excellent and the look of the movie is perfectly recreated.

Style
Charming cartoon feel with funny voice-acting and cutscenes. Kids will definitely get a thrill.

Immersion
The simple platform-style gameplay and fun and varied levels will instantly draw you in.

Lifespan
There's plenty of challenge, but its generic gameplay may prove shallow in the long run.

Summary
A conventional 3D platformer with the unique twist of being played underwater. If you love the film, you'll love this game.