Orcs & Elves (DS)

Hack and slash your way through an archetypical faux-3-D dungeon crawler that'll either dazzle or depress with its old-school charm.
1/31/2008 12:00 AM | 0 Comments | Page 2 of 2

But we'd be lying if we didn't also admit that we loved, nay adored, the end result, which taps into a vein of rich nostalgia so few of today's titles recognize as still poignant, let alone pander to. And since its original, award-winning appearance on mobile phones, the addictive, just-one-more-go-type outing has only gained more monsters, catchy sound effects, spells and inventory management options. (Everything from armor repair kits to collectible aperitifs and casks of spirits is now accessible via the touch-screen, with automatic mapping functions -- the salvation of many an adventurer -- instantly available at the touch of a button.) For all the clunky setup, it's as if someone essentially took a casual game and dressed it up in classical fantasy role-playing trappings, disguising a shockingly engaging hack-'n'-slasher in AOL- or Yahoo-friendly clothing. Never mind that superb use is made of traps; strategy actually plays a role in combat, as you're forced to second-guess enemies and literally think one step ahead; it's imperative that players successfully ration potion, item and ammo consumption; and that ambient effects such as walls crawling with insects add flair. Only six to eight hours long (a plus from the working professional's perspective), what we're most psyched about is the surprisingly high levels of polish that shine throughout the entire outing, from its basic construction to overall tongue-in-cheek attitude.

If you're a Mass Effect fan or Final Fantasy junkie, there's obviously going to be a general sense of disconnection, and we can't in good conscience promise that your opinion of the game will be nearly as glowing. But if you're a veteran of SSI's Gold Box titles, or a former resident of its Ravenloft games, then grab your vorpal sword and dragonscale armor... Short, sweet and promising a chance to revisit a style of action too long absent from both handheld and home consoles, what can we say? Orcs & Elves makes a fine fit for those of us who still love codpieces and lightning bolts, but otherwise can't find the time between work and family to don the old chainmail armor and enchanted boxer shorts.

This review was based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.