Dinotopia: The Timestone Pirates (GBA) (Dinotopia: The Timestone Pirates (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Dinotopia: The Timestone Pirates (GBA)
Date:	04/05/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Graphics

Disadvantages: Simple gameplay

"Dinotopia: The Timestone Pirates" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2002 by TDK Mediactive. It is based on a novel series of the same name. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

The game is set in the fictional world of Dinotopia where dinosaurs live freely amongst humans. This specific game sees Clayton, the player's character and powerful mage, attempting to recover stolen tyrannosaurus eggs from a band of pirates. He must navigate through the "Dinotopian" world to recover the eggs which are scattered throughout the stages of play. Clayton will also recover gemstones that are applied to his weapon; an enchanted wooden staff. These stones will unlock various magical powers in his weapon, such as a blinding ray of light, which devastate the pirate enemies. A vehicular system was also added successfully to this game and sees Clayton making use of various riding dinosaurs and cars to navigate from left to right. It is a simple game overall which is clearly aimed at children due to the lack of any perceived difficulty. I was able to simply rush through the title quickly and without any challenge.

The graphics are presented from a side view which focuses on Clayton. The detailing to the stages is phenomenal with numerous features to suggest prehistoric times, such as the wide availability of rocks to use as platforms. There is also numerous dinosaur features as to be expected from a title such as this. Character detailing is somewhat lacking with Clayton appearing to be a faceless image. This is offset, however, by the numerous mounts and vehicles which he will be required to use. Each are brightly coloured and well detailed. The soundtrack is acceptable in terms of being appealing to a younger child. The musical scores are short, repetitive and loop throughout each stage of play. The sound effect department features higher quality snippets including dinosaur roars, movement and weapon sounds.

Overall, I would recommend Dinotopia to prospective buyers. While it is a simple game to complete its visuals are particularly impressive and make a good use of the available technology in the console.

Summary: Thumbs up