The levels are designed with strict objectives and don't allow much exploration outside of the standard hunt-for-the-hidden-objects cliche. Featuring invisible walls and areas that must be cleared of repetitiously spawning enemies before any progress can be made, Over the Hedge defines mediocre gameplay.
The never-ending torrent of product placement refuses to blend into the game's background; it clubs you over the head at every opportunity. While earning new hats for your chosen animal can be cute and fun when the hats are of the cowboy or chef variety, nobody wants a cap emblazoned with the Dreamworks logo. When the critters of the forest gaffle a video projector from the humans, the first thing they do is fire up a game of Shrek Super Slam... how convenient (or rather, contrived).
