The game has bland level design and relies on a fan’s love of the show to paper over the cracks of not being that fun. Throwing in 2 player local co-op should help to increase the entertainment for both parties. If this element of the game was implemented cleanly, it certainly would. There is drop in/drop out co-op that splits the screen. One player is now Stewie, the other Brian. The game remains exactly the same as single player – the goals, number of enemies etc. This makes the game easier and it is certainly fun running around shooting comedy characters as a duo.
Unfortunately, there is an issue that negates the positives of playing in co-op. The solo game is a little flaky and prone to pausing for no reason; this occurs far more often in local co-op. The freezing does not appear to be linked to anything in particular e.g. too many enemies on screen, but is a simple oversight by Heavy Iron which becomes frustrating during play. The pauses are long enough to be notable and drag you out of the experience.
So in conclusion, Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse is a rather uninspiring third person shooter that repeats dialogue, has bland level design and is prone to freezing. However, for Family Guy fans there is enough here to make the game worth playing. The various in jokes are amusing; with the Peter vs. the Chicken level standing out. If you don’t mind some old fashioned shootin’ and collectin’, you should still like the game – just don’t worry that it is pretty much a pointless cash in.
Verdict
Co-Op Score
Overall
The Co-Op Experience: Play as Stewie and Brian in local 2 player split screen co-op throughout the campaign and/or in a series of challenges.
Co-Optimus game reviews focus on the cooperative experience of a game, our final score graphic represents this experience along with an average score for the game overall. For an explanation of our scores please check our Review Score Explanation Guide.