Dreamworks Animation is having quite a busy year with a few big releases zipping into theaters this year, and D3Publisher is right in the same zone, getting out a few cool family-friendly titles tying into these assorted properties. Turbo (set for a July 19 release) is the next film zooming your way and D3P’s Turbo: Super Stunt Squad will also pop up as a multiplatform release (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii/Wii U, Nintendo DS/3DS) a few days before on July 16, 2013 (what, no Vita version?). I had the chance to take the Xbox 360 and 3DS versions for a spin earlier this month and came away with a smile, as the games are coming along as fine and well-made tie-ins to the upcoming film.

While you’re not going to be getting any hyperbole-packed “Game of the Year!” reviews from a licensed game like this (and you shouldn’t expect any, mind you), developer Monkey Bar Games is whipping up a fun, cool homage of sorts to the classic Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater with this stunt-filled racer/exploration game that’s sure to put smiles on a few faces…

The console versions will focus on a mix of missions designed as stunt-based events set across levels based on locations from the film. Players will need to whip through these stages quickly, as there’s a clock ticking and a number of objectives that need to be met before time runs out. The maps are fairly large and that snail’s eye view makes them seem as if it would take forever to get around in any other game, but Turbo and his snail buddies have a little secret (as you’ve probably guess when you checked out those trailers above the jump). That super-speed they’re granted allows them to jet about and bust out some nice moves you’d see in a skateboard game as they work it around for points and assorted goals.

Controls are simple to pick up, but you’ll need precise timing when stunting about, as slipping up isn’t good for your point total. D3Publisher’s Michael Cerven was having a blast showing off the game, pointing out the customization players will be able to do for the playable snails and also making note of the interactive elements such as the appearances by Chet, one of Turbo’s snail pals who choppers in to lift him to new areas and some of Turbo’s other pals who pop in for an assist when needed. In addition, there are some surprising celebrities lending their vocal talents from the movie to the game. Yes, that’s Snoop Dog (… or is it Lion?) adding a new animal to his ever-changing performance persona as the eternally laid-back Smoove Move, fuzzy dice around his neck and all.

From what I got to play, the game seems to be one of those where there’s a lot more depth hidden under the surface, as plenty of hidden collectibles are scattered about each area. There’s an untimed mode that allows for less frantic item seeking, so players who want a bit more to do should be pleased. The HD visuals are super clean and sharp overall, there are some nice destructible elements to maps and it was great to see Turbo zooming across a roof skylight and seeing the level played in a different stage below. That sort of detail will be lost on some who sneer at licensed games, but it was appreciated and showed a developer that’s not phoning it in just to get a product out the door. Music is bouncy happy fluff that sounds as if it’s straight from the film.

As for multiplayer modes, they’re in there, but I’ll defer to the official press release so you get the full inside scoop:

Play as your favorite characters from the movie – Speed, jump, drift, grind, and flip through various levels with your favorite characters from the film including Turbo, Whiplash, Smoove Move, Skidmark, and Burn.
Perform awesome stunts! – Use the environment to perform one-of-a-kind Turbo-ized stunts combining jumps, drifts, grinds, and flips and other super-cool stunt moves.

Unique levels based off locations from the film – Explore, catch speed, and perform awesome stunts in locations like the Dos Bros Taco Stand and Starlight Plaza, all from a snail’s point of view!

Tons of Customization and Unlocks – Design, upgrade, and unlock highly customizable shells and abilities for each of your favorite Turbo characters!

Team up in Multiplayer – Play with a friend to team up and tackle objectives and missions on the Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii U and race with up to four players on the Wii!

The 3DS and DS versions are a more straight up racing experience against the other snails in the cast, but with a few power-ups and stunts to knock out in order to build up a boost meter. This one looks as if it’ll be cool for that extended road trip or rainy weekend where there’s not much on the schedule and no actual snails on the menu. Overall, Turbo: Super Stunt Squad is shaping up to be a solid little game anyone who likes the upcoming film may want to check out. Provided you’re not freakishy afraid of snails (although the film will probably change that fear for plenty of folks), you may just want to check this out on your favorite console or handheld (except the Vita!) when it hits retail on July 16.