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With over 600,000 Nintendo DS units sold in February, it’s a good figure which shows that the handheld won’t slow down anytime soon. It is great news for consumers, because it means that there is a constant flow of games chiefly due to the lucratively of the handheld. The problem is that while there is so much money available on the DS, the advent of more games doesn’t necessarily mean better games. Take Nintendo’s other console for example; the Nintendo Wii. Like the DS, the Wii already has an extensive game library, but sadly many of its titles are weak, poorly constructed and add nothing to your game collection. Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer might not have the most eye-catching title and is actually an effort to remember. The important question is whether Mystery Dungeon jumps on the DS bandwagon in search for easy money or does it actually provide a worthwhile gaming experience?

Those looking for a forgiving game should move on and look elsewhere. Mystery Dungeon is in the higher echelons of ‘challenging video games’ and it’s extremely proud of being there. The game places you straight into the action and lets you fend for yourself. The learning curve may be steep but it does give you some indication of how to play. The premise is simple; start at level one with your fists and work your way through the game, fighting monsters, levelling up and finding loot and gear. If you die, that’s game over and it sends you back to the beginning. It’s definitely ‘arcade’ in its promise and the punishing death-penalty is sure to put many people off. On the other side of the argument is the gamer who scoffs as the simplicity of modern games; the reliance on quick-saves and unlimited continues.  That cross-section of the gaming public will revel in the return to their nostalgic past; the re-creation of games like Rings of Power and Ghosts and Goblins. Mystery Dungeon may push you to the ground, but thankfully it doesn’t kick you when you’re down. It does offer some help, mainly in the form of Wi-Fi rescue. If you know someone else who owns the game, or are part of an online community which tracks DS Friend Codes, then once you are dead you can summon a friend to your game via Nintendo Wi-Fi and be revived, fresh to fight another day. Annoyingly, we had the game prior to its release so obviously it was back to the beginning for us every time. It’s a nice feature to have and marks a merging of the core, old-school gaming mechanics with the dawn of the online, always connected age.

So why fight through dungeon after dungeon? Well, you’re in search of a magical place known only as the Lair of the Golden Condor. You’re granted control of Shiren the Wanderer and his companion, a talking weasel, Koppa. It’s pretty bog standard stuff and the dialogue / story is unlikely to win any awards. It serves its means and that’s about it; do not expect stimulating narrative and character exploration. There is literal exploration though, as you’ll discover randomly-generated dungeons and fight through them, avoiding traps (ranging from arrows to slowing ‘dust’) and a selection of mystical monsters and bandits. Movement, combat and player actions are either controlled with the touchpad or with the standard d-pad and buttons. Boasting over 30+ hours of gameplay, the logical choice of control is the tried and tested means, but touch control is well executed and responsive. It pretty much comes down to your personal preference and it’s nice to have both options.

As you’ll undertake your adventure you’ll find new weapons, armour, magic, scrolls and herbs, as well as other fantastical items. Each has its advantage and you’ll have to think tactically when to use each item. Item selection ties well in the turn-based gameplay, as you’ll have plenty of time to think about your next move. There isn’t a time limit and it means that often slow and steady wins the race. Periodically you’ll come across settlements where you can rest, buy food, store equipment in a saveable warehouse and partake in static challenges to get equipment. The death penalty doesn’t apply and it’s a good play to learn new tactics and practise against enemies. You’ll be able to speak to NPC’s in the towns but they offer little dialogue and it’s often worth just ignoring them all.

Graphically, Mystery Dungeon isn’t bad, but you can’t say its shines true. The environments are the its best feature, whether it’s a waterfall mountainside or a dank cave. A helpful minimap overlays the screen as you explore, highlighting enemies and items when you get close to them. Magical effects offer some fireworks and characters / monsters pretty much repeat throughout the game. Sound design is your typical fantasy job, the clashing of swords and piercing of arrows into flesh. It’s not surround-sound quality but it is still well made for the DS. It adds to the game and thankfully lacks any annoying factor.

Now to the crunch point, the score. Yet again, we’re presented with a title with does everything right, but doesn’t stand out, in our impressions or memories. It’s a well rounded title and a decent enough game but lacks the oomph factor. You’ll play it, enjoy it and then most likely move on to greener pastures.  The developers should be proud of what they have achieved and you won’t feel disappointed spending your money on it, but it’s not a game that you’ll play upon the pinnacle. A good effort.

Score: 7/10

(Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer is out on Nintendo DS.)

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