In an era where every major blockbuster seemed to come with a mandatory video game companion, Despicable Me: The Game arrived in 2010 as a distinct entry in the twilight of the movie tie-in craze. While many titles from that period are often forgotten, this project—developed by Monkey Bar Games—offered a surprising amount of personality, even if it wasn't aiming for the status of a genre-defining masterpiece.
For those revisiting the title 16 years later, it is worth noting that the game holds a specific place in the history of licensed software. Developed by the team at Monkey Bar Games, a studio that had previously cut its teeth on spin-offs and Pac-Man titles, the game managed to retain some genuine movie DNA. Steve Carell returned to voice Gru, and the project even saw involvement from film directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud.
Gameplay and Design
Unlike many of its contemporaries that tried to mimic the structure of their film counterparts, Despicable Me opted for a side-scrolling platformer approach. Because the developer utilized Vicious Cycle Software’s in-house engine, the versions released on the PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii, and PSP were remarkably consistent—a rare feat at a time when handheld ports were frequently stripped-down, entirely different experiences.
The game spanned roughly 30 levels, framing Gru’s quest to steal the Moon as a lighthearted Saturday morning cartoon. A major highlight for many players was the inclusion of aircraft piloting segments, which shifted the pace with dogfights reminiscent of After Burner. These airborne mechanics even extended into the PSP version’s multiplayer mode.
The Nintendo DS version stood apart from its console siblings. Titled Minion Mayhem, it provided an entirely different experience, offering alternative perspectives on Gru’s schemes rather than simply recycling movie scenes.
The Minions as a Tactical Tool
The real hook of the experience wasn't just the platforming, but how the game reframed the Minions. Rather than acting as mere comedic fodder, the Minions served as an essential workforce for the player. You could command them to stack on top of one another to bypass obstacles or instruct them to pull switches, turning the army of yellow allies into a legitimate tool for navigation and puzzle-solving.
The game eventually found its footing in the market, even joining the PSP Essentials roster in Europe back in 2012. While it may not rank among the best titles available on the system, it remains a notable example of a licensed game that tried to provide a cohesive, fun experience for its audience.
Whether you remember the game for its platforming challenges or its surprisingly loyal depiction of Gru's minions, Despicable Me: The Game serves as a reminder of a time when the industry was filled with ambitious, if imperfect, attempts to bring cinema to the living room console.