Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension (video game)

A video game based on Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension for the Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstation 3, and Nintendo DS consoles was released on August 2, 2011.

The Wii/PS3 allows the player to control Phineas, Ferb, 2nd Dimension Phineas and Ferb, Perry the Platypus and Terry the Turtle (including unlockable characters Peter the Panda (Agent Peter), Pinky the Chihuahua (Agent Pinky), Isabella and Baljeet (both including skin versions of their 2nd Dimension selves).

In addition to the game, the PlayStation 3 version of the game also features four Phineas and Ferb episodes for the first time on Blu-Ray Disc: "I Scream, You Scream", "Mom's Birthday", "Dude, We're Getting the Band Back Together", and "Comet Kermillian".

Wii and PS3 Version
The game begins as Phineas, Ferb, Candace, Perry and Doctor Doofenshmirtz are fleeing inbetween dimensions in an attempt to escape the 2nd Dimension Doofenshmirtz and his Norm-Bots. Everyone winds up in the same dimension (but in different places) where the entire Tri-State Area is overtaken by gelatin and miniature versions of the Gelatin Monster are swarming the streets. After uniting the group again, Phineas and Ferb head for the sewers to try and find the power source needed to make another dimension jump (which 2nd Dimension Baljeet says is needed to help them move on to get back home). They come in contact with a much larger and dangerous version of the Gelatin Monster before Perry and a new agent from the different dimension, named "Terry the Turtle" (or Agent T), assists Perry in combating and defeating the Gelatin Monster. Once introduced to the others by Monogram beaming in (telling that Terry is Baljeet's pet in this dimension, coming from the same animal adoption agency where Phineas adopted Perry in their dimension), Terry asks for Phineas and the others in helping to free the dimension from the gelatin. Once they do, they travel onto the next dimension with Terry.

In the next dimension, the entire area is completely made out of balloons and is floating high in the air. There, Doctor Doofenshmirtz meets another dimension version of Ballooney, who can strangely talk to everyone else. Upon arrival, however, 2nd Dimension Doofenshmirtz has tracked them down and sends a wave of Normbots after them (which are destroyed). Afterwards, the group manages to hunt down and find the next energy source needed to dimension jump again, this time landing in a black and white, 1920's cartoon style version of their home. In addition to meeting a 1920's farm style Phineas and Isabella, they help out Cap'n Doofenshmirtz, owner of a large steamboat (which is named after Steamboat Willie, Mickey Mouse's debut cartoon). Once they gain the energy source there, they jump to another dimension.

In this new dimension, the world is under the control of an evil wave of garden gnomes and only by taking their power source from them can Phineas and the others set the dimension free from the gnome's control. But once that is accomplished, 2nd Dimension Candace calls in with a cry for help as she was caught by 2nd Dimension Doofenshmirtz and they must come to their dimension to finish off the evil villain.

Though they have a close encounter with 2nd Dimension Goozim, they arrive in the 2nd Dimension underground hideout, but while speaking of their plan to attack the Normbot factory while 2nd Dimension Doofenshmirtz is gone, Doofenshmirtz is angered that the others don't consider him as evil (or any worse of a threat) than his dimensional counterpart. With the fact that their voices are the same, he orders the robots to attack Phineas and the others before fleeing off to 2nd Dimension Doofenshmirtz' fortress. Phineas and the others manage to destroy the Normbot factory, with an idea to install a self destruct button to the control panel, and escape, only to be attacked by a giant version of Norm the Robot.

But before the giant Norm can attack, 2nd Dimension Isabella arrives inside the giant Queen Elizabeth robot and lets them inside before they all get in a gigantic boss battle against the large Norm. Once defeated, they storm Doofenshmirtz' fortress, finding their Doctor Doofenshmirtz in the main office. He then tries to do his usual speech with Perry, unfortunately not counting in Phineas and the others nearby. Afterwards, Doofenshmirtz pulls the main character's controlled player into a trap where they have to defeat Doofenshmirtz inside a strange pod shaped weapon.

Once he is defeated, 2nd Dimension Phineas tells him to stop everything that 2nd Dimension Doofenshmirtz has caused. But while Doofenshmirtz agrees to and does so in a tired and exhausted state, he accidentally activates and forces Phineas and his 2nd Dimension friends into a final boss battle with a large robotic version of 2nd Dimension Doofenshmirtz on the top of his headquarters (all the while, Doofenshmirtz is not really doing anything and points out that the robot has an "anger" gauge that is filling up each time it is damaged and tries to hints them into where to attack).

The game ends with 2nd Dimension Phineas (still in his resistance outfit even though everyone else had returned to their own dimension after Doofenshmirtz' defeat) filming a video in his dimension, which now is very remarkably similar to that of the other dimension Danville and everyone appears the same as their other dimension version. He then speaks to an off screen Ferb as they plan to construct the coolest rollercoaster ever (a parody off the first episode of the series).

Development
After the release of the first video game, it was revealed that a Phineas and Ferb Wii game was in development. http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2009/09/phineas-and-ferb-interview/ Later, Disney Germany confirmed a PS3, Wii, and DS game for the series to be in development. The game was officially announced on April 4, 2011 as an Across the 2nd Dimension video game adaptation. The game was featured at a video game press event in New York City in April, alongside other games such as Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game. A trailer for the game was shown at E3 2011. The title was also playable at the event.

In an article of Kotaku, it was noted that the console versions of the game borrow elements from the Ratchet and Clank games. This is due to High Impact Games, the game's developer, being a spinoff company of Ratchet and Clank series creators Insomniac Games. As well, the reason why the game wasn't coming to Xbox 360 was addressed, being that Disney wanted the game to capitalize on the motion control of the Wii Remote and PlayStation Move, which the Xbox 360 lacks.

Product Information
From the official press release:

DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS WILL TAKE FANS TO A NEW DIMENSION IN UPCOMING PHINEAS AND FERB VIDEO GAME

Video Game, Inspired By Disney Channel Original Movie, to Feature a New Agent, Cool Gadgets and Off-The-Wall Worlds

BURBANK, APRIL 4, 2011- Disney Interactive Studios today announced that Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension is currently in development for the Wii™ system, Nintendo DS™ family of handheld systems and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems. "Phineas and Ferb" has been the #1 animated TV series among Tweens 9-14 for the past three years and this lively new video game is inspired by the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie inspired by the series. Fans can play as their favorite characters including Phineas, Ferb and Agent P as they journey through new dimensions filled with action-packed platforming, in a quest to battle the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension the video game is slated for release in Summer 2011.

“We collaborated closely with Disney Interactive Studios’ video game development team to ensure that the video game captures the humor and style of our movie,” said Dan Povenmire, Emmy Award-winning Creator/Executive Producer, “Phineas and Ferb.” “The antics of the characters and the immersive new worlds of the video game extend the experience fans will encounter in Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension.”

The PlayStation®3 system and Wii system versions will allow fans to play as up to 10 characters. Players will have the option to work together in two-player cooperative modes while navigating through an old time 1928-style cartoon world, a lawn gnome land and a gelatin world. In a mission to save the world, players will journey through 25 exciting levels while overcoming obstacles. They also can upgrade cool new gadgets including the Carbonator, which fires carbonated orange soda that can melt enemies and Ninja Gloves, which allows players to stick to walls. Along the way, fans will collect cool items and unlock additional playable characters, including a new OWCA special agent created specifically for the video game. The PlayStation® 3 system version will also be the first time a Phineas and Ferb video game features PlayStation®Move motion controller compatible gameplay.

In the DS version of Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension, fans will play as Phineas, Ferb or Agent P. Players will jump, dodge, race and battle through five outrageous worlds featuring more than 30 levels. Players will work to earn gadget upgrades including a baseball launcher and Agent P’s favorite gadget – the grapple gun, while solving environmental puzzles in an effort to save Alternate Danville.

In addition to lending their voices to the Disney Channel Original Movie, several of the actors from the popular TV series will voice the Wii and PlayStation®3 system versions of the game including Vincent Martella as Phineas, Thomas Sangster as Ferb, Alyson Stoner as Isabella and show creators/executive producers Dan Povenmire as Dr. Doofenshmirtz and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh as Major Francis Monogram.

Published by Disney Interactive Studios, Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension will be released in summer 2011 and is expected to be rated E10+ by the ESRB.

In Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension, Phineas and Ferb finally discover that their pet platypus, Perry, is a secret agent who battles the forces of evil almost every day. With the help of their friends, the boys team up with Perry on an adventure through a parallel universe where they must ultimately thwart the disastrous plans of an even more evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

Disney Interactive Studios, part of Disney Interactive Media Group, is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). Disney Interactive Studios self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with other interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. Disney Interactive Studios is based in Glendale, California, and has internal development studios around the world. For more information, log on to disneyinteractivestudios.com.

Playable characters and Abilities

 * Phineas (1st Dimension) - Recovery
 * Ferb (1st Dimension) - Toughness
 * Perry - Extra Damage
 * Agent T - Reflective Shell
 * Peter the Panda - Money Maker (Wii/PS3 exclusive, buyable character, ccost: 750 tickets)
 * Pinky the Chihuahua - Extra Chips (Wii/PS3 exclusive, buyable character, cost: 550 tickets)
 * Resistance Phineas - Recharge Bonus
 * Resistance Ferb - Emergency Move
 * Isabella - Bonus Tickets (Wii/PS3 exclusive, buyable character, cost: 100 tickets)
 * Baljeet - Bonus Gadget XP (Wii/PS3 exclusive, buyable character, cost: 350 tickets)

Wii/PS3 version

 * Baseball Launcher (received in World 1-1)
 * Anti-gravity Ray (received in World 1-2)
 * Carbonator (received in World 1-3)
 * Ninja Glove (received in World 2-4)
 * Digital Hacker (received in World 3-2)
 * OWCA Beacon (received in World 5-1)

DS version

 * Baseball Launcher (Phineas)
 * Electricity Ray (Ferb)
 * Grappling Gun (Perry)

Bosses (Wii/PS3)

 * World 1: Giant Gelatin Monster
 * World 4: Goozim
 * World 5: Giant Norm
 * World 6: Unnamed Doofenshmirtz Capsule Fighter
 * Final Boss: Unnamed Giant Alternate Doofenshmirtz Mech

Continuity

 * Candace mentioned being sick of gelatin. ("Day of the Living Gelatin")
 * Lots of Bango-Rus can seen ("The Chronicles of Meap").
 * A goozim appears as a boss. ("Got Game?")
 * The Queen Elizabeth Robot can be seen battling a giant Norm. ("A Hard Day's Knight")
 * The Video Games' storyline (all versions), possibily occur during the Brand New Reality song because, the Wii/PS3 version's opening has some images of this song, and also because all version have Phineas, Ferb, Perry, Doofenshmirtz and Candace traveling through different dimensions.
 * In the DS version, Isabella mentions that she is going for her First-Aid Patch. ("The Great Indoors")
 * Many of the descriptions in the store have references to multiple episodes such as the movie itself.
 * Balloney shows up in the first balloon level. ("The Chronicles of Meap")
 * Phineas (2nd Dimension) credited line, "But that's a different story", is similar to Ferb's line "but that's another story" in Unfair Science Fair, is evidence that this may bean alternative story similar to Unfair Science Fair/Unfair Science Fair Redux (Another Story) and Bubble Boys/Isabella and the Temple of Sap.
 * Ducky Momo, Rover, and the platypus egg robot are seen. ("Nerds of a Feather", "Phineas and Ferb Hawaiian Vacation", "Run, Candace, Run", "Mommy Can You Hear Me?", "Canderemy", "Perry Lays an Egg"]]")
 * Heinz Doofenshmirtz says "Out, Peace!" again. "Nerds of a Feather" The pharse was also said in Unfair Science Fair Redux (Another Story)", "Attack of the 50 Foot Sister" ,"Invasion of the Ferb Snatchers", "The Beak", and "She's the Mayor".

Trivia

 * Despite appearing as his 2nd Dimension self with no dialogue, Buford makes no appearance except for appearing as a figure. The same is said for Stacy and Jeremy, only appearing in clips from the movie and/or as collectible figurines (Wii/PS3). However in the DS version, Buford has stolen batteries from a robot and gives them to you.
 * The songs "Gotta Get Gone", "Perry the Platypus", "Robot Riot" and "Brand New Reality" appear as background music in the Wii/PS3 versions.
 * A giant version of Candace's gelatin model of Jeremy's head can be seen in the Danville Sewer level of the game's first dimension. ('Day of the Living Gelatin")
 * In the Wii/PS3 game, 2nd Dimension Doofenshmirtz is never met face to face (appearing in clips from the movie), but strangely left just before Phineas and the others came to destroy the Normbot factory and faced off against his gigantic robot for the final boss. In this case, Doctor Doofenshmirtz takes over in his place (though seemingly against his will at the end).
 * Also, alongside his master, Perry the Platyborg is never seen in the storyline (which some would've believed him to be a boss battle). Though with a special code found in the DS version of the game, the Wii/PS3 version can use Perry the Platyborg as a skin for Perry to play as in game.
 * However, in the DS game, Perry the Platyborg is fought as a boss in Worlds 1 and 4, and 2nd Dimension Doofenshmirtz is the boss of World 5 as well as the one operating the final boss.
 * Part of the first level of the Old Timey Dimension is set on a steamboat, as a reference to the first Mickey Mouse cartoon released, Steamboat Willie, whch is similar to Kingdom Hearts II: Both games have the heroes go into a 1928-styled version of their respective worlds. Stages based on Steamboat Willie also notably appeared in Mickey Mania: The Timeless Adventures of Mickey Mouse and Epic Mickey.
 * This is the first game based on a Disney Channel Original Movie to have an E10+ rating, and the first Phineas and Ferb game for the Wii and PS3.

Wii/PS3 version
The game gained mixed to positive reviews. Game Guys gave it B- and Gameplay Today gave it 7/10 find themselves enjoying Phineas and Ferb, they will probably also find that the game is all too easy. PC Advisor states that there's a lot of charm and some unique set-pieces, but it's too short, easy, and lacks replay value. Wired.com stated it’s not without its virtues. The voices of the characters are well done, and the animation is suitably reminiscent of the show and movie. And young novice gamers will likely find it a gentle introduction to the world of video games. Hollywoodchicago gave a 3.5/5 points that isn’t half-bad. It looks good and has a few camera issues — graphic/visual weakness and dodgy viewpoints are common problems in kid’s games — but, more importantly, it attempts to recreate the anything-goes fun of the show on which it’s based. 411mania gave 6/10 that as someone who’s never seen the show before I found the game to be charming although lacking any clever puns or references that would appeal to adults. Game Tactics gave it 6/10 for the Wii and 7/10 for the PS3 states is clearly a game aimed at their target market, kids who watch the cartoon. In that case I’d say it mostly succeed, as they will appreciate the game’s low difficulty and tie in with the series and it’s really not that bad of a tie-in game. That said I’d probably wouldn’t pick it up if you aren’t already a Phineas and Ferb fan or have kids who are. The Province gave it a B+ that is a wonderful game for kids to play. Smart, clever characters with some humorous lines, the game is written very well and features great level design. Mirror gave 4/5 that the main campaign mode is neither particularly long nor challenging to complete, it's filled with so much fun stuff to see, hear and do that Phineas and Ferb fans will be enthralled regardless.

Chipchicklets praised it good graphics and sound effects; easy character recognition (for those familiar with the series); very player friendly – no visually disturbing fighting (if a robot is destroyed it is blown up, if a character is hurt, he either disappears and reappears or waves a white flag for a few seconds until recharged); the game requires some thinking to find the right path and solution to get through each dimension but it is not overwhelming; good for younger children as it is a very gentle game (even with the occasional fighting, it is only with robots). Godisageek gave 6/10 that is a decent enough game, the leveling mechanic of the weapons keeps people playing and the humor keeps people coming back for more, unfortunately there simply isn’t enough of it. Community voices gave 8.5/10 that it’s a comedic, educational and best of all, age-appropriate game for kids and an excellent game for children and is even better if they are fans of the show, and critics suggested buying the PS3 version since it's easier to control the character than the Wii version, and has 4 bonus episodes for fans to watch that are: "Comet Kermillian", "I Scream, You Scream", "Mom's Birthday" and, "Dude, We're Getting the Band Back Together". Thunderbolt gave it a 5/10 that Across the 2nd Dimension can easily be summed up by the mini games – including ski ball and a crane game – that bookend every stage: pleasant, but monotonous.

DS version
However the Nintendo DS version was a negative review, Gamespot gave 4/10 that the characters here are short on personality, but at least the visuals pick up some of the slack.