Players take the role of Maurice Sendak's mischievous Max in Where the Wild Thing's Are, a side-scrolling platform adventure for Nintendo DS. Based on the 2009 Spike Jones film adaptation of the classic children's book, the game takes place on the Island of the Wild Things, a land discovered in Max's imagination when he is sent to his room as punishment for rebellious behavior one night. The game's story follows the plot of the film, with 18 increasingly challenging levels in seven distinctly themed areas. The challenges involve running, jumping, and swinging through the branches, with combat against unruly beasts using Max's scepter. Collectable items found along the way unlock bonus content. As Max soon learns to rule the many Wild Things that inhabit the island, he begins to see a larger threat, and he embarks on a perilous journey to save his new friends and himself. His path leads through moonlit mountains and shadowy jungles, in the style of the film's live-action re-creations of the distinct art in the Caldecott Medal-winning book. Throughout his travels, Max overcomes major obstacles by using special abilities he learns from his Wild Thing companions. Before gaining each new power, Max must calm the creature by defeating it in a duel. By collecting icons found along the way, players can unlock bonus content. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
