Meteos
SCORE: 90
There are games that defy explanation, and categorization. Meteos is one such game. Nintendo does an amazing job creating new, and innovative experiences within the video game industry. Again Meteos is one such game. This is a puzzle game that adds some RPG (role playing game) elements. The main goal while playing the game is to move blocks up and down until they line up three or more (either horizontally, or vertically). When that happens the blocks will then take off (ala rocket launch). Depending on the gravity of the planet, and the composition of the blocks being launched will determine if the blocks go flying off the screen (or descend back down). Blocks that go off the screen are saved. These blocks can be spent on buying items, and other planets to play with. Strategy can come into play then as certain kinds of planets are more powerful against certain other kinds of planets.
Graphically Meteos is a sight to behold. The background graphics of many of the planets are stunning. The graphics are very bright and colorful. The details and artwork work nicely. A fire planet has more than enough theme to it that players will immediately identify it.
The sounds in this game are orchestrated quite nicely. For some reason this reviewer was reminded of Star Wars while playing Meteos. It may be because the music seemed to be of the same caliber (at the same level). These sounds are crisp, clear, and crystal. The sounds work extremely well in Meteos. Most of the music is very cheerful. The sounds on the menu screens works quite nicely as well.
Nintendo is the current king of replay, and extras. There is no denying that. Meteos is no exception to that known fact in the video game industry. There are a ton of different planets to unlock, and purchase. There are a whole lot of items (and special skills) that can be unlocked, and purchased. There is playing against other people with a Nintendo DS (only one game cartridge is needed - but two Nintendo DS's are required). The game has quite a few difficulties, along with the different modes it can be played in. This game is worth the money in this reviewers humble opinion. The one concern is addiction to this game.
This game is best played with the stylus. Moving the blocks up and down is handled quite well. There were only a couple of times were double moves were performed (swapping two blocks, and then they immediately re-swapped). This kind of a control design works quite well. The more the player plays, the more they unlock. The more that is unlocked the easier the game is (at least until the player moves on to a harder difficulty setting). This is a fun game to be played; that can be played for a few minutes, or for an hour at a pop.
The storyline behind this puzzler is an evil planet sends meteos out
to destroy other planets. The player is required to defend their planet,
work their way to the evil planet and stop the onslaught. This game was
a joy to play, and review. The only way this reviewer wants a sequel is
if they allow block movement from left to right as well as up and down.
The only real concern about this game is the possibility to addiction
for some players. Games like this are nice to review, because they are
not some political statement, nor are they trying to degenerate the
culture.
- Paul
Graphics: 94%
Sound: 92%
Replay/Extras: 97%
Gameplay: 100%
Family Friendly Factor: 87%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
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