Kim Possible: Global Gemini (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

Considering how long Kim Possible has been around she's managed to get an incredible amount of games released on Nintendo's handhelds. This is the second outing on the DS. As usual Team Possible has to save the world and this time around it's Gemini who's doing the scheming, hoping to brainwash members of Global Justice. Of course it could be anything so long as it allows Kim to indulge in some combat and general secret operative stuff but is it as good as previous outings?

Gameplay

If you've ever played any of the Kim Possible games either on the DS or the GBA you'll know that they are platformers in their purest sense and Global Gemini is no exception. The reason for this decision is simple; rather than opting for the usual TV/Movie tie-in direction, it most suits the theme of the show. The game begins with you controlling Kim as she climbs, jumps and hangs her way through a variety of levels and locations. There's even a nod to Metal Gear Solid where Kim is thrown into some VR-type training missions, complete with lasers and crumbling platforms. You also have to battle it out with a variety of henchmen whilst grabbing as many collectables as possible. These range from communicators, which increase your lives, to floppy disks that allow you to enter otherwise locked doors. You also play similar levels as Ron and both of our heroes have a variety of gadgets to aid in their quest, which are added to your inventory when required.

Outside of the platforming action you are also treated to two 3D 'driving' sections starring both Kim and Ron. These are both set up as races with Kim demonstrating her Snowboarding skills whilst performing tricks and catching 'air' in order to increase her overall speed. Ron is involved in a Moped pursuit and although this appears to be much slower than the Snowboarding you can still pull off some amazing tricks. Finally, there's a Multiplayer option but as this requires two copies of the game to enjoy there's little point in talking about it.

Controls

Both Kim and Ron are very responsive regardless of what they are doing and just to make things as simple as possible every new move is explained by a 'twin ghost' of each character.

Graphics

Visually the game looks just as good as the cartoon it's taken from and while the environments lack some of the finer details there is an illusion of depth to the whole thing making for a more immersive experience. The animation is very good indeed, with Kim demonstrating an impressive number of moves whilst Ron is a great deal more awkward and lacks Kim's speed and agility.

Sound

With Shin'en taking on the audio responsibilities you know you're in for a bit of a treat and predictably both the music and sound effects here reflect the feel of the show perfectly. Sadly there's no dialogue from the show but you can't have everything.

Dual screen

The touch screen has two very separate uses and while neither is groundbreaking, at least it's not completely ignored. The bulk of it is used during the platforming to select any two gadgets for either Kim or Ron. These are carried at all times and activated by pressing the X or Y buttons and range from Jet Boots to Lipstick, which transforms some areas into a powerful trampoline. The 'driving' sections are also touch screen with the stylus handling the control and the other buttons taking care of the tricks.

Final comments

If you are a fan of the show this latest outing for Kim and friends certainly ticks all the right boxes and is just about as close as you'll get to being in the show without coming to any harm. It's much better than last years Kimmunicator and the new gadgets and race sections are great fun. Unfortunately, it's not all good and some of the levels can become a little repetitive, as can the 'dumb' enemies who simply stand there as you attack them. It's still well above average though and definitely recommended for all budding secret agents.

Pro: Great Visuals and Animation, Solid Platforming Action
Con: Not Very Original, A Little Too Short.
Final score: 7.7

Share on Twitter or Facebook

Comments