When Nintendo released the first of its “Star Fox” series in 1993 for the Super NES, it created an instantly likeable space shoot-em’up game. Since then the series has progressed as Nintendo’s consoles became more powerful, offering better control, graphics and plot.
Now the series returns, this time for the portable DS, with “Star Fox Command.”
Like the others in the series, you are in command of a heavily weaponized spacecraft and are taking on an army of aliens. You play as Fox McCloud (yes, he’s a fox, literally; but man can he dogfight) and are taking on the evil Anglars.
Since this game is for the dual-screened DS, it takes advantage of the unit’s touch-screen ability. In fact, the way you steer your ship is not with a control pad at all, but instead with the stylus, directing your ship with the stylus and firing your weaponry with any of the buttons. This may sound a little confusing, but even the most dexterity-challenged should get the hang of it soon enough. And once you get the hang of the controls, they provide a satisfying aerial experience that is heightened by good graphics, especially when it comes to landscapes.
“Star Fox Command” also incorporates some real-time and turn-based elements, but I found the most enjoyable parts in the dogfights, which are tame enough to warrant the good-for-anyone-age-10-and-over rating, but still exciting enough to keep someone three times that age interested as well. – MATT DEGEN/The Register
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Having been referred to as being one of the greatest games of all time by critics and gamers alike, “Final Fantasy VII” introduced many players to the role-playing genre. Being aware of how much attention “Final Fantasy VII” has received, Square Enix has been adding to the universe of the game and putting out additional content, the first being the movie “Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.”
Now the publisher has released a new game, “Dirge of Cerberus,” taking place after the events of the movie. Players assume the role of the mysterious Vincent Valentine. Unlike its source material, the game is a straight up shooter with some role-playing elements thrown into the mix. With such a strong mythology to back it up, does the game have what it takes to thrive in a different genre?
Regrettably, the lackluster action and level design keep this game from even being an average shooter. Repetitive and bland levels set the stage for clunky combat against wave after wave of uninteresting, monotonous drones. The control doesn’t fare any better. Frustration will set in at regular intervals, thanks to the wonky camera adjusting itself in the middle of battle, making it even harder than it should be. On a positive note, you are able to purchase upgrades and special powers for your guns, which adds a nice touch of customization.
What’s sad is that the potential was there for “Dirge of Cerberus” to have been a better action game. Given the above issues though, the game ends up being nothing more than a mindless shooter with pretty cinematics. Coming from a company known for creating games that are dear to so many worldwide, it’s rather disheartening that the game falls short on so many levels. – PHONG T. LE/The Register
Contact the writer: mdegen@ocregister.com, phong_le@ocregister.com
