Sky Dancers (Game Boy Advance) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

There's no question that there are less GBA titles being released now due to the phenomenal success of the DS and while major releases are still produced for both formats, original titles are almost non-existent. It's perfect timing then for new European developer Liquid Games who aim to bring new and unreleased titles to the games hungry GBA audience. Better still they're budget priced making an impulse purchase all the more likely. Sky Dancers is aimed at the growing girl's handheld market, which is based on a line of toys of the same name. Quite how this manages to translate to a game remains to be seen but with a serious lack of girl's games out there it would be nice if it were something we could recommend by the end of this review

Gameplay

As you'd expect with a game based on a line of dolls the storyline has to be written and the plot here revolves around the old standard of good versus evil. In short you control three Sky Dancers as they defend their Wingdom against the evil Sky Clone and his servants. This takes place over five different levels which are split into four stages each of which simply requires you to reach the exit whilst avoiding all manner of nasties as you have no means of defense. Success unlocks other Sky Dancers each of whom have special abilities and can be selected when they are required during your quest. Unfortunately these abilities aren't nearly as special as you'd expect as they can only be activated at fixed points during the level, which does downgrade them to skills rather than anything remotely special. In an attempt to rescue the game the developers have also added a handful of mini-games but like the main offering, and the unforgivable password save, there's simply no getting away from the fact that this is GBA game design at its most bland.

Controls

Given that the Sky Dancers have no means of defending themselves this is simply an exercise in avoidance and as a result the control system is incredibly simple with only left, right and jump at your disposal. Even with these few moves though the characters still feel far too heavy and there's little choreography in the way they travel through the air.

Graphics

Visually Sky Dancers is very much a first generation GBA title with some areas even managing to appear like a standard Color title. In short, there's been little thought given to the look of the various environments and while they do change visually over the five lengthy levels they're very much designed using the same template. The animation is not too impressive either with the main characters feeling very heavy and given the title of this game you would expect a far more graceful leading lady.

Sound

If there's one thing which really makes this game feel budget it's the various audio elements which consist of some truly appalling music and a collection of 8 bit sound effects. Very disappointing.

Final comments

Whoever though that Sky Dancers would actually make an enjoyable GBA title was sadly mistaken and the result is something which is unlikely to sell even once it reaches the bargain bucket and remember this is a budget title to begin with. I'd love to say this was only my opinion but my nieces (who have previously enjoyed what I had considered to be below average kids titles) threw it back at me within five minutes of turning their GBA on which is hardly an endorsement. In short there's simply nothing fun about Sky Dancers and you do wonder if the developers had done any research as to just what makes an entertaining and engaging platformer so do yourself a favor and stick with the dolls.

Pro: We Didn't Find Any Bugs.
Con: Bland Design, Password Save, Poor Audio.
Final score: 3.5

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