- Release Year: 2006
- Platforms: Windows
- Publisher: Buena Vista Games, Inc.
- Developer: InLight Entertainment Inc.
- Genre: Educational
- Perspective: Third-person
- Game Mode: Single-player
- Gameplay: Mini-games, Puzzle elements
- Setting: Oceania
- Average Score: 63/100
Description
Disney•Pixar Finding Nemo: Learning With Nemo is an educational adventure set in the underwater world of Oceania, where players help Nemo on his first day of school by assisting him and Dory to collect pictures of sea creatures through engaging mini-games like eel bingo and turtle jumping. The game features three modes—adventure gameplay, direct access to mini-games, and an editable photo album—while teaching early learning skills including picture recognition, letters, numbers, counting, and basic math.
Disney•Pixar Finding Nemo: Learning With Nemo Reviews & Reception
metacritic.com (63/100): The game is by no means for everyone, but with amazingly good graphics, a theme and feel that stick remarkably close the movie, and enough challenge to keep the game from being beaten in a few hours.
superkids.com : Finding Nemo: Learning with Nemo is a fun preschool skills practice program for four and five year-olds. Younger children may need additional support to use and enjoy the program.
uk.pcmag.com (50/100): Although the game is colorful and lively, it’s brief and holds little replay value, and the games aren’t integrated well with the story.
Disney•Pixar Finding Nemo: Learning With Nemo Cheats & Codes
Game Boy Advance
Enter codes at the main menu. Master code must be on for cheat device codes.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| RK3SJS9Q7J | All stages and mini-games unlocked |
| MHC!?S9Q78 | Bella escape completed |
| MRC!?S9Q7R | Bella’s 1st minigame beaten |
| M1D!?S9Q79 | Bella’s 2nd minigame beaten |
| MHD!?S9Q78 | Bella’s 3rd minigame beaten |
| M7C2?S9Q7W | Bloat escape completed |
| 57C2?S9Q7X | Bloat’s 1st minigame beaten |
| M8C2?S9Q7W | Bloat’s 2nd minigame beaten |
| M9C2?S9Q79 | Bloat’s 3rd minigame beaten |
| 16CX?S9Q72 | Bubbles escape completed |
| 26CX?S9Q7D | Bubbles’s 1st minigame beaten |
| 36CX?S9Q7D | Bubbles’s 2nd minigame beaten |
| 56CX?S9Q7S | Bubbles’s 3rd minigame beaten |
| 9HDSBS9Q79 | Deb escape completed |
| RJDSBS9Q76 | Deb’s 1st minigame beaten |
| 9JDSBS9Q79 | Deb’s 2nd minigame beaten |
| RKDSBS9Q7J | Deb’s 3rd minigame beaten |
| NHDS?S9Q7J | Jacques escape completed |
| PHDS?S9Q7J | Jacques’s 1st minigame beaten |
| QHDS?S9Q7Y | Jacques’s 2nd minigame beaten |
| RHDS?S9Q7Y | Jacques’s 3rd minigame beaten |
| M6HM | All levels unlocked and all gallery images |
| H0C0 | Password for last level |
| ?RPO | Unlock All levels and 3 gallery pictures |
| HZ5I | Level 02 |
| ZZ5I | Level 03 |
| 806I | Level 04 |
| 7KPI | Level 05 |
| 8JPI | Level 06 |
| 3N6J | Level 07 |
| MP3K | Level 08 |
| L67K | Level 09 |
| 45ZK | Level 10 |
| 3NGH | Level 11 |
| 4PHC | Level 12 |
PlayStation 2
Enter codes on the title screen or new game screen as specified.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| T, S, C, C, S, T, T, S, C, C, S, T, T, C, S, T, S, C, C, S, T | Bonus Level |
| T, S, C, T, T, S, C, T, S, C, T, S, S, C, T, S, C, T, S, C, C, T, S, C | End Credits |
| T, S, S, C, C, C, T, T, S, S, S, C, C, C, C, S, T, C, C, C, S, C, T, C, C, S, C, C, T, C, S, C, C, C, T | Invincibility |
| Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, Square, Square, Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Square, Triangle, Square, Triangle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Triangle, Triangle | Level select |
| Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, Square, Square, Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Square, Triangle, Square, Triangle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Triangle, Triangle | Level select |
| Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, Square, Square, Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Square, Triangle, Square, Triangle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Triangle, Triangle | Unlock all levels |
| Triangle, Square, Circle, Circle, Square, Triangle, Triangle, Square, Circle, Circle, Square, Triangle, Triangle, Circle, Square, Triangle, Square, Circle, Circle, Square, Triangle | Secret level |
Xbox
Enter codes on the New Game screen as specified.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| Y, X, B, B, X, Y, Y, X, B, B, X, Y, Y, B, X, Y, X, B, B, Y | Extra Level |
| Y, X, X, B, B, B, Y, Y, X, X, X, B, B, B, B, X, Y, B, B, B, X, B, Y, B, B, X, B, B, Y, B, X, B, B, B, Y | Invincibility |
| Y,Y,Y,X,X,B,X,Y,B,X,Y,X,Y,X,Y,B,Y,Y | Level Select |
| Y, X, B, Y, Y, X, B, Y, X, B, Y, X, X, B, Y, X, B, Y, X, B, B, Y, X, B | View Credits |
GameCube
Codes can be entered at the pause screen, level select screen, or during gameplay as specified.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| Y, B(2), X(3), Y(2), B(3), X(4), B, Y, X(3), B, X, Y, X(2), B, X(2), Y, X, B, X(3), Y | Invincibility |
| Y(3), B(2), X, B, Y, X, B, Y, B, Y, B, Y, X, Y(2) | Level Select |
| Y, B, X, Y(2), B, X, Y, B, X, Y, B(2), X, Y, B, X, Y, B, X(2), Y, B, X | Unlock End Credits |
| Y, B, X(2), B, Y(2), B, X(2), B, Y(2), X, B, Y, N, X(2), B, Y | Unlock Reward Level |
PlayStation 2 (Action Replay/GameShark)
Enter master code and device code via Action Replay or GameShark as specified.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| 0E3C7DF2 1853E59E, EE972372 BCD06E02 | Master Code – Must Be On |
| DEBAE4FA FE719B83 | Invincible |
| DEBBB5BE BCA99B8D | Invisible Shield |
| DEBBB5B6 C19E7B82, DEBBB5B2 C19E7B82 | Max Score |
| DEBB6A26 BBA89A82, DEBB697E BBA89A82 | Going to School |
| DEBB6A2A BBA89A82, DEBB6902 BBA89A82 | Field Trip |
| DEBB6A3E BBA89A82, DEBB6916 BBA89A82 | The Drop Off |
| DEBB6AC2 BBA89A82, DEBB691A BBA89A82 | Mask Chase |
| DEBB6AD6 BBA89A82, DEBB692E BBA89A82 | Catch Dory |
| DEBB6ADA BBA89A82, DEBB6932 BBA89A82 | Minefield |
| DEBB6AEE BBA89A82, DEBB69C6 BBA89A82 | Submarine |
| DEBB6AF2 BBA89A82, DEBB69CA BBA89A82 | Hide And Seek |
| DEBB6986 BBA89A82, DEBB69DE BBA89A82 | Mask Search |
| DEBB698A BBA89A82, DEBB69E2 BBA89A82 | Angelfish Chase |
| DEBB699E BBA89A82, DEBB69F6 BBA89A82 | Mount Wannahockaloogie |
| DEBB69A2 BBA89A82, DEBB68FA BBA89A82 | Jellyfish Race |
| DEBB69B6 BBA89A82, DEBB688E BBA89A82 | Training With Gill |
| DEBB69BA BBA89A82, DEBB6892 BBA89A82 | East Australian Current |
| DEBB694E BBA89A82, DEBB68A6 BBA89A82 | The Plan |
| DEBB6952 BBA89A82, DEBB68AA BBA89A82 | Whale Chase |
| DEBB6966 BBA89A82, DEBB68BE BBA89A82 | Treatment Plant |
| DEBB696A BBA89A82, DEBB6842 BBA89A82 | Fishing Net Rescue |
| DEBB697E BBA89A82, DEBB6856 BBA89A82 | Bonus |
Disney•Pixar Finding Nemo: Learning With Nemo: Review
Introduction
In the early 2000s, Disney•Pixar’s Finding Nemo captivated audiences with its heartwarming story of a clownfish’s journey across the ocean. The film’s success spawned a wave of licensed merchandise, including video games. Among them, Disney•Pixar Finding Nemo: Learning With Nemo (2006) stands out as an educational title designed to engage young children with the film’s beloved characters while teaching foundational skills. This review delves into the game’s development, narrative, gameplay, and legacy, arguing that while it may not be a technical marvel, it serves as a charming and functional educational tool that captures the essence of the film.
Development History & Context
Developed by InLight Entertainment Inc. and published by Buena Vista Games, Learning With Nemo was released in 2006, three years after the film’s debut. The game was part of a broader trend of educational titles leveraging popular franchises to teach children basic skills. The mid-2000s saw a surge in edutainment games, with studios like Disney capitalizing on their animated properties to create interactive learning experiences.
Technologically, the game was constrained by the hardware of the era, running on Windows PCs with modest requirements (450 MHz CPU, 64 MB RAM). The game’s development team included veterans from other Disney projects, such as Chicken Little and Cars, suggesting a focus on quality and brand consistency.
Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive
The game’s narrative revolves around Nemo’s first day at school, where players assist him and Dory in collecting pictures of sea creatures. The plot is a departure from the film’s main story but retains the film’s themes of exploration, friendship, and learning. The dialogue and voice acting feature the original cast, including Alexander Gould (Nemo) and Ellen DeGeneres (Dory), enhancing immersion.
The game’s educational focus is evident in its structure: players engage in mini-games that teach letter recognition, counting, basic math, and shape identification. The underwater setting and vibrant visuals reinforce the film’s aesthetic, making learning feel like an extension of the movie’s world.
Gameplay Mechanics & Systems
Learning With Nemo is a point-and-click adventure with three primary modes:
1. Adventure Mode: Players guide Nemo and Dory through an underwater journey, collecting items and solving puzzles.
2. Mini-Games: Standalone activities like Perla’s eel bingo, shell conkers, and turtle jumping teach specific skills.
3. Photo Album: Players can edit and organize photos of sea creatures, fostering creativity.
The gameplay is simple but effective, with intuitive controls suitable for young children. The mini-games are well-paced, avoiding frustration while reinforcing educational concepts. However, the lack of difficulty scaling may limit replayability for older children.
World-Building, Art & Sound
The game’s art direction is a faithful adaptation of the film’s visual style, with bright colors and detailed underwater environments. The sound design features the film’s iconic score and voice acting, creating a cohesive experience. The soundtrack by Billy Martin and Lincoln Page complements the gameplay, enhancing immersion.
Reception & Legacy
At launch, Learning With Nemo received mixed reviews. Critics praised its educational value and charm but noted its short length and lack of depth. SuperKids gave it a 4/5, highlighting its appeal to preschoolers, while PCMag rated it 2.5/5, criticizing its limited replayability.
Over time, the game has been remembered fondly by parents and educators for its effective teaching methods and nostalgic appeal. It influenced later Disney educational titles, demonstrating the potential of film-based edutainment.
Conclusion
Disney•Pixar Finding Nemo: Learning With Nemo is a well-crafted educational game that successfully leverages its source material to teach young children. While not groundbreaking in gameplay or technology, it remains a valuable piece of early 2000s edutainment, blending learning with the magic of Pixar’s storytelling. Its legacy lies in its ability to entertain and educate simultaneously, making it a notable entry in Disney’s interactive catalog.