Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Game Type: Released
Max Players: 1
Genre: Action - Adventure
Developers: High Voltage Software
Publishers: Global Star Software
Cooperative: No
PEGI: U
Game Overview
Roald Dahl's famous children's novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which comes included, is the basis for this set of 5 different mini-games: Guide Augustus Gloop floating through a maze of tubes of a machine in the candy factory so that he arrives safely into a flask, by changing his direction to the correct tube. The first objective of the game is to help Charlie find money to buy a Wonka Bar to win a Golden Ticket. This is done at the beginning of the game while giving a tutorial of what controls will be needed during future stages. The main part of the game takes place in Willy Wonka's chocolate factory where the Oompa Loompas help the player through each level. By giving them commands Charlie finishes each challenge and progresses through the game. Each Oompa Loompa specialises in different tasks, such as harvesting, welding, and electrical work. Candy is scattered throughout the levels and when collected it boosts Charlie's energy. Each level has the following goals: Charlie must help Willy Wonka remove Augustus Gloop from the pipe above the chocolate river, roll Violet Beauregarde to the Juicing Room and juice her, follow Veruca Salt down the chute and save her from the incinerator, and free Mike Teavee after he shrinks himself by repairing the television-chocolate machine. Throughout the game the Oompa Loompas must help Charlie return the chocolate factory back to normal by fixing the mistakes that the self-indulgent children made, as well as deal with rogue robots.
Introduction to the Chocolate Factory
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory begins with young Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy from a poor family. He lives with his parents and four bedridden grandparents in a small, dilapidated home. Despite their dire circumstances, Charlie remains optimistic. One day, the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka announces a contest, inviting five lucky children to visit his factory by finding golden tickets hidden in his candy bars. Charlie, against all odds, discovers the final golden ticket, earning him the chance to explore the enigmatic factory.
The Start of the Factory Tour
Charlie, accompanied by his Grandpa Joe, joins the other winners—Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Mike Teavee—at the factory gates. Willy Wonka greets them and ushers the group inside. The factory is a whimsical, surreal world filled with fantastical inventions and edible landscapes. However, Wonka's factory hides deeper lessons for the children. The group begins their journey through the factory's magical corridors, with Wonka revealing his eccentric personality and creative genius at every turn.
Augustus Gloop's Greedy Demise
The first major incident occurs in the Chocolate River Room. Augustus Gloop, unable to resist the flowing chocolate, drinks from the river despite warnings. He falls in and is sucked into a giant pipe leading to another part of the factory. Wonka shows no concern for Augustus's plight, stating that the Oompa-Loompas will take care of him. This event serves as a warning about the consequences of gluttony and disobedience.
Violet Beauregarde's Obsession with Chewing Gum
The group moves on to the Inventing Room, where Wonka showcases his experimental creations. Violet Beauregarde, fascinated by a stick of three-course meal gum, ignores Wonka's warnings and chews it. As she reaches the dessert course, she swells into a giant blueberry. The Oompa-Loompas roll her away for "juicing," illustrating the dangers of excessive pride and obsession with being first.
Veruca Salt's Greed Exposed
In the Nut Room, the group encounters trained squirrels sorting nuts. Veruca Salt demands one of the squirrels as a pet. Ignoring Wonka's refusal, she enters the room, but the squirrels deem her a "bad nut" and toss her down the garbage chute. Her fate underscores the perils of greed and entitlement, as her parents chase after her, sharing in her punishment.
Mike Teavee's Obsession with Technology
The tour continues to the Television Room, where Wonka demonstrates a machine that can transport objects through television signals. Mike Teavee, obsessed with being on TV, uses the machine on himself, shrinking down to a few inches tall. The Oompa-Loompas carry him off to be stretched back to size. This incident highlights the dangers of overindulgence in technology and a lack of moderation.
Charlie Bucket's Integrity and Reward
With all other children eliminated due to their flaws, only Charlie and Grandpa Joe remain. Charlie demonstrates honesty and selflessness, impressing Willy Wonka. Wonka reveals that the true purpose of the contest was to find a worthy successor to run the factory. Charlie's humility and good heart make him the perfect candidate. He and his family are invited to live in the factory, leaving behind their life of poverty.
The Oompa-Loompas and Their Role
The Oompa-Loompas play a significant role throughout the story, serving as both workers and moral commentators. After each child meets their unfortunate fate, the Oompa-Loompas sing songs that highlight the lessons to be learned from their behaviour. These whimsical yet insightful performances underline the consequences of greed, pride, and self-centeredness while celebrating the virtues of kindness and humility.
Willy Wonka's Vision and Legacy
Willy Wonka himself is a complex character, blending brilliance with eccentricity. His factory represents the power of imagination and the importance of values over materialism. Through his interactions with the children, Wonka emphasizes the need for self-control, respect, and gratitude. By choosing Charlie as his successor, Wonka ensures that his legacy will continue in the hands of someone who embodies these ideals.
