Over the last couple of decades, educational entertainment has been the parent’s solution for distracting the younglings while prepping them for preschool. Based off the Dora the Explorer spin-off of the same name, Go, Diego, Go! On the PS2 brings the shows style and content into the video game form. 

In order to stop an evil wizard who is casting various spells on the animals, Diego must find and use a magical drum to restore order to the world. Along the way, players will control the games namesake, running, jumping and finding collectables throughout several platforming levels. In between these stages players take part in simple controller based minigames or racing segments, the latter being playable in a 2 player split screen mode outside of the main game.

The platforming itself is extremely forgiving, to the point where it is impossible to fail. There is only one way to go, Diego cannot walk into bottomless chasms and there are no enemies to defeat or avoid. With so many concessions made to make the game approachable by children and fans of the show, anyone else would be almost insulted with the lack of challenge present in the game.

Races are also on the forgiving side for players, with many obstacles being destructible when run into and other others simply bumping your vehicle to the side. Like the platforming levels, the races are impossible to lose so every player will progress on their first try. Finally the minigames revolve around moving the analogue sticks in specific directions, all of which allow a second controller to jump in and assist in their completion; perfect for parents who want to help their kids without taking the controller away from them.

The game successfully recreates the basic presentation of the show, with many characters from the series being present. While the game is kept on a 2D plane, the characters and environments are all created in 3D giving the game a little more flare. Voice clips and music tracks will entertain fans of the show with their original feel, but can borderline on the repetitive side for others.

The main quest lasts considerably longer than a normal viewing of the show, lasting roughly 4-5 hours with regular autosaves between levels so players can jump back in. Despite having the option, very few regardless of age will want to check out the 2 player split screen since it offers nothing new outside of what was experienced in the main game.

Children already familiar with the show will definitely have a blast with Go, Diego, Go! Safari Rescue, it successfully replicates what kids love about the show. Those who are not already fascinated by the series and demand at least a single obstacle to overcome in their games can happily leave this safari for the young ones.

Platform reviewed: Playstation 2

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