At last, a game based on the brilliant new Ronger Pangers kids' TV series! We kinda mean that, too. Last week we saw an episode where an ageing soap actor fly-kicked a robot T-Rex in the face. Seriously. Alright, so it's not really our thing. But far be it for us to make a game down just because it's based on a kids' series. No, we're going to mark this game down because it's not very good.

The over-the-top plot sees villain Mesogog attempting to return Earth to prehistoric times. Unfortunately, all the potential fun of this premise evaporates the moment you start playing. The opening tutorial shows off Dino Thunder's daringly unresponsive controls, average visuals and all-round sloppiness. For example, a while into the tutorial you're told to collect power-ups to arm your primary weapon. "Wow, it worked!" the Power Ranger boss-guy radios to you as you test it. But we'd been blowing the inspipid level to bits as soon as we'd begun, and it had always worked.

Admittedly, there's still some limited fun to be had here. The variety in Zords - that's the dinosaur vehicles the Rangers control - is pretty impressive, and every mission can be completed in several different ways, depending on which Ranger you use. Plus the whole thing is bright and colourful. Which is nice. But none of which prevents Dino Thunder from being being an unoriginal, unchallenging toy advert. To be honest, we'd rather be watching the TV series. And that's saying something.

Graphics 50%
Sharply defined but basically limited.

Sound 60%
Acceptable voice acting and effects.

Gameplay 40%
Samey, tedious and hard to control.

Lifespan 40%
Fifty missions make only five hours' play

Overall 40%
Rangerettes might be temporarily roused with interest, otherwise it's really not worth any of your time, money or patience.