WALL-E DS Review

WALL-E

Nintendo DS Review
Publisher: THQ
Developer: Helixe
Released: June 24, 2008

WALL-E is the latest release from Disney and Pixar, telling the story of a robot named WALL-E, and how he falls in love with a female robot named EVE. The film has already been deemed a huge success at the box office, and has received video game releases on all major consoles. One of those releases, the Nintendo DS version, seems to stand above the rest.

WALL-E has been developed by THQ’s Helixe studio for the Nintendo DS, as the team has worked to create what is actually a very enjoyable experience on the portable console.

The handheld version of WALL-E on the DS follows pretty much the exact same set-up as the movie. You go through the entire movie sequence, from WALL-E being alone, to him meeting EVE, going into space, and so on.

The game on the DS uses everything from the movie in a very productive and efficient manner, turning it into a puzzle-solving affair which will have gamers really enjoying themselves.

Throughout the game, you get to play as both WALL-E, as well as EVE. They each have their own distinct abilities which allow both of them to be needed to get through various puzzles and such throughout the game. WALL-E has the ability to pick up objects, throw them, etc. He also can move around the environment thanks to his tank-like feet.

A lot of the puzzles which involve WALL-E make you really think things out. Those who just start buzzing around and trying to do things will find themselves getting stuck very quickly. The developer did a great job here of thinking out their puzzle, and then executing it in a manner that is very enjoyable, and gives a feeling of accomplishment once it is all said and done.

On top of the levels involving WALL-E, there are also a set of flying levels which have to do with his female friend, EVE. These levels are enjoyable, but not nearly as much as the ones involving WALL-E.

In terms of visuals, the team did a great job of making the most out of the DS with a solid 3G engine. The levels are pretty big for a DS game, so you can’t expect all that much in terms of details. The fixed 3D perspective is set up well though, allowing players to have a good sight of all of the necessary things in the levels.

The way in which the developer handled the cut-scenes in the game need to also be applauded, as everything was clearly thought out well. A few framerate issues take down the visual score a bit.

In terms of audio, this is the most lacking department in the entire game, as the sound effects get repetitive quickly, and beyond that, there is not much else to be had.

The only drawback to the game is that it is extremely linear. You are solving one small puzzle after another as you try to progress, and completing everything does not give you much in terms of a real reward in the end. This could make it hard to keep gamers coming back for multiple completions.

Overall, the developer did a solid job with WALL-E on the Nintendo DS. This is a very enjoyable little puzzle game that both beginner and experienced gamers may be able to have some fun with. Though there is not much here that will redefine any genres, WALL-E is a fun and recommended experience on the Nintendo DS.

Graphics: 7.8 For a DS game, it looks really solid. Big levels, a good camera, and decent detail.

Audio: 7.0 The sound is disappointing, repetitive sound effects, and not much more.

Gameplay: 7.8 The game is fun with some great, well-thought-out puzzles.

Replay Value: 7.0 The game is well worth playing through once, but it does not have much to keep you coming back.

Final Score: 7.5

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