Robots (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

To animation enthusiasts Blue Sky studios are best know for their Oscar winning Bunny but the rest of the world is more familiar with their crowd pleasing Ice Age and now, of course, Robots. Indeed it seems that full-length CGI movies are the new thing and Robots is only one of a handful of releases this year. Of course any family movie now means computer and console game tie-ins so Robots is not only appearing on Nintendo's GameCube but also the GBA and DS. We felt it only fair to review these separately (even though the screens appear to make them look identical) and here we're looking at the DS version.

Gameplay

Your main objectives couldn't be simpler as it seems that any robot not trying to stop you in your tracks is a little forgetful and has misplaced a vital component without which they can't function. Reunite these rather scatty tin things with said item and they'll generally reward you with yes, you guessed it, more stuff. Not all the Robot world is open to you at the beginning and to get from the various areas you'll need to use the Transit System. You'll also have to upgrade your handy Wonderbot and while this mechanical sidekick starts out fairly useless, enhancements such as the Drill and Trampoline will enable you to reach a number of previously closed off areas. The same is true of the various gadgets but you'll need blueprints before even considering their construction and while some of these are simple weapons others open doors.

To break away from the platforming the developers have also included some mini-games that become available from the main menu once they have been played in the game. The best of these is the Marble Madness inspired Transit Challenge Courses where you must guide a ball around an impossibly narrow platform whilst avoiding all manner of dangers. There are five of these dotted around Robot City and once you've completed them you'll have the opportunity to unlock another five. Next up is Jack Hammer's Oil Rush, another game based on an arcade classic. Here you must tend three separate bars serving and cleaning up after an increasing amount of thirsty robots. Finally (and undoubtedly the least entertaining) is the Zip Line Challenge where you travel at speed down a 45 degree fixed line whilst avoiding dominoes of all things! This can all be saved via the menu at any time during the game or at one of the many save capsules. An added bonus here is that seeking one of these out will also rejuvenate your health.

Controls

Standard platform controls with enough hints and tips throughout that you never get lost or confused. Don't be put off by the seemingly endless drops around each platform either as you are generally protected by an invisible wall which stops you from harming yourself.

Graphics

The majority of the game simply doesn't tax the new hardware at all and although the intro uses both screens in a reasonably dynamic fashion the game quickly deteriorates into a 2D platformer. The animation isn't too bad but the environments are so bland and similar it's difficult to tell where you are without first referring to the map. The highlight is definitely the unlockable images located throughout the game. These, and there are a good number, are a collection of stills and production paintings from the movie and are well worth seeking out.

Sound

The soundtrack is really very good indeed although as I haven't seen the movie yet I can't actually confirm if it's the film score or a new composition. Disappointingly voice samples are incredibly sparse and conversations are delivered by on-screen text with characters only muttering anything when in celebration or peril.

Dual screen

As with The Urbs the dual screen use here appears to have been bolted on in the eleventh hour but rather than make full use of this feature the developers only appear to have discovered it before the cart went gold. The most interesting use is the map and the ability to make notes of where objects or items are located with the stylus. However strangely this is wiped every time you finish a game making it all rather pointless. Other uses include constructing your inventions although we've seen this done with much less effort in Griptonite's own Lemony Snicket utilizing the buttons alone. Probably the best use of the bottom screen is in the Transit Challenge sections where the stylus gives you much greater control than the buttons ever could, especially when you consider the rather awkward angle the whole thing is played at.

Final comments

After the triumph that was Lemony Snicket developers Griptonite Studios dish up this rather uninspiring effort that manages to demonstrate all the pitfalls of producing a movie tie-in title. It does have its highlights and the soundtrack plus the inclusion of the concept art is well worth a look and listen although the eventual DVD release is probably a better place for these. Unfortunately the good points are far outweighed by the negative aspects and the bland game design at this level is completely unforgivable especially when you consider this is aimed at younger players. The problems continue with the endless repetition of gaming objectives and the rather frustrating level design. For a DS title there's minimal use of the bottom and touch screen functionality and what there is, is generally unnecessary and in no way enhances the game. Sadly the whole experience is another wasted opportunity and although this appears to be the norm for movie tie-ins now, gamers deserve a lot better.

Pro: Great Soundtrack.
Con: Bland Level Design.
Final score: 5.1

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