Play Madagascar (i)(independent) Online

I picked up Madagascar for the Game Boy Advance back in 2005, a game developed by Vicarious Visions. It was one of many licensed platformers from that era, a time when you could reliably find a game based on almost any major animated film. This one followed the movie's plot, letting you run through the story as the animal crew.

You control Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe, switching between them to use their unique abilities. The main goal is to escape from the zoo in New York and eventually get back home from Madagascar. You explore levels screen by screen, fighting zoo keepers and wild animals with simple attacks like Alex's claw swipes. Each character has a specific move for navigating obstacles; Melman can stretch his neck to reach high platforms, for instance. The game is not particularly difficult, but it keeps you moving through varied locations, from city streets to jungle environments. It feels like a straightforward, colorful adventure that faithfully follows the movie's beats.