Spectrobes (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

Spectrobes represents Disney's first leap into the original IP and while some gamers may see similarities to Pokémon, the fact is Spectrobes isn't based on a movie of TV series and, refreshingly, isn't a platformer. Wisely the Studio partnered with developers Jupiter who have previously brought us classics such as Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, so there's little to worry about on the technical side of things. As for the actual gameplay, Disney are placing their considerable marketing muscle behind Spectrobes (no doubt seeking that all-important franchise potential) so we can only assume that their willingness to show off this new DS title means that they are happy with the outcome... doesn't it?

Gameplay

There's little complicated about Spectrobes story. Gamers get to control Planetary Patrol Officer, Rallen. It appears that evil is on the rampage yet again with an alien race: Krawl, attempting to destroy a Solar System. It's up to you, with the aid of the Spectrobes, to put a stop to this. Within minutes of playing you'll be roaming around the planet seeking out information and, more importantly, places to dig. Once you've located a possible site it's into excavation mode (which we'll cover in more depth in the 'Touch Screen Use' section) in order to build up your collection of Spectrobes. There are 60 of these in all, each of which has different strengths, although you can increase your Spectrobe's power by feeding them minerals or placing them in an incubator back on your ships lab.

One highly original part of the game is the inclusion of input carts. You'll discover four of these inside your pack although various outlets are packaging the game with their own set of exclusive cards. These have seemingly random holes in them, but by placing them on the touch screen, and using the stylus to poke through the holes, you can unlock Spectrobes and enhance existing ones. This has endless possibilities and while it's an interesting addition it's by no means essential to the gameplay and some gamers feel it needs a little more development.

The other part of the game is the battle and after all that digging, nurturing and inputting, it does come as something of a relief. It's a little difficult at first and you will probably find that your first few battles are over quite quickly with the enemy winning despite their rather ropey AI. Battles all take place in a kind of arena and while you have six Spectrobes at your disposal, only two can battle at any one time with the others offering support. It's then up to you to outsmart and out-maneuver the enemy using a mix of attack and strategy. How you do this takes a bit of time to work out but you will find that once you do get the hang of it, it becomes one of the more enjoyable parts of the game.

Finally there's also a simple multiplayer (allowing you to battle friends) although this does have to be unlocked and in addition to digging for Spectrobes and Minerals you'll also need to uncover a variety of Data Cubes. These add extra functionality to the game and unless you find them all you can't complete the whole game. This is a great way to pace the player's learning curve but it does require even more digging. There's also a disappointing WiFi access available, which simply allows you to upload battle records and download special items but not, as you'd expect: battle online.

Controls

Very early on in the game you'll be treated to a control layout map, which fills both screens. This is a little intimidating to be honest but you'll quickly get to grips with the various movements (mostly because you have to) and the game does become very intuitive.

Graphics

Visually the game is very pleasing indeed kicking off with some action packed FMV no doubt taken from the webisodes which were released on the official website in the months leading up to the game's release. Elsewhere the rest of the story is told through a series of 'anime-style' cut screens but it's the actual game engine that allows for the most impressive graphics. These include for some sizeable 3D maps (with occasional weather), which are both detailed and intelligently designed. The main characters are also well animated and the battles are much better than you'd expect from a game of this nature.

Sound

Like the visuals, the audio is very high quality and varied enough not to become repetitive. There are also some well-implemented sound effects and the rain in particular will have you reaching for your umbrella.

Dual screen

This is where much of the game takes place, thanks to the continued Excavation that must be done in order to uncover valuable objects. There are a variety of tools that you'll need to use to avoid damaging the object. This needs you to tap and rub the screen and is an ingenious use of the DS' unique features. It's just a shame it's a little over used. There's also a rare use of the DS' microphone used to wake up your Spectrobes once you get them back to the lab, and while we welcome any use of this almost ignored DS feature you will be doing it far too much for comfort.

Final comments

Strangely, whilst Spectrobes has a huge amount of variety it's also a little repetitive in places. The mixture of turn-based and real-time makes for some exciting gameplay and the battles are almost always engaging and exciting. The excavation too is not only original but highly entertaining with the only real downside that fact that you're required to do it continually. This obviously becomes a chore and involves the endless kind of micro-management that spoiled titles like Lost in Blue for some gamers. Then there are the input cards but you do start to feel that this is an idea too far and this aspect in particular should have been further developed or simply left out all together. Possibly its biggest flaw though is the fact that the whole thing is a little too easy and most gamers will complete the entire thing in around a weekend which, by RPG standards, isn't long at all.

Pro: Great Sound and Graphics. Good Use of Touch-Screen
Con: No Wi-Fi Battles, Can Become Repetitive.
Final score: 7.5

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