Want to build and defend walls? Lock's Quest for the Nintendo DS (Lock's Quest (DS))

Member Name: julwhite

Product:	Lock's Quest (DS)
Date:	09/07/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great gameplay, addictive

Disadvantages: Graphics and sound limited, maybe a bit too easy

This review is for the Nintendo DS game, Lock's Quest, developed by Fifth Cell and published by THQ. The game is a puzzle type game where you have to defend your defensive walls from attackers.

There are two different modes of play, the building mode and the battle mode. The aim of the game is to spend the first part of each level in the building mode, where you have a couple of minutes to build your defensive walls, and then the second part in battle mode, where you have to defend the wall and attempt to repair it for a fixed period of time, generally another couple of minutes.

Learning to play the game is easy, as there is a comprehensive tutorial section which takes you through all of the different controls. The controls in the building mode mainly rely on using the d-pad, whereas the stylus is used more in the battle mode, as you have to frantically repair the damage. Controls in the game are logical, and in general, everything that you want to happen does, so there's no frustration with the controls.

There are one hundred different levels to work through, and as you work through the levels, they get harder and harder, with more materials available to build the wall and stronger enemies to help bring it down. Each level takes a few minutes of play, so there's a lot of game play involved, even though the game is finishable quite easily after just a few hours play.

The graphics in the game are good, they're nothing that really strains the capabilities of the DS, but they are sufficient. Cut scenes are present in the game, which is a useful addition, but players should have the choice to be able to skip these, which they unfortunately can't in this game. The sound is limited to some sound effects, which don't detract from the game play, but don't add much to the atmosphere.

As you play through the game, there are also lots of mini games which you have to play. These are good fun, and are a useful addition to the game, and prevent it from becoming too repetitive.

There is a multi-player mode where you can play the game with another friend. Unfortunately, this suffers from the developer's decision to make both of you have a copy of the same cartridge, which many other developers don't require. However, this additional function will increase the length of interest in the game, provided that you can find a friend to also acquire the game.

The game retails for 29.99 pounds, but is currently available on Amazon for just under seven pounds. If you're happy with a second hand copy, at time of writing, these are available on sites such as eBay and Amazon for around five pounds. The game is rated as 7+, so is suitable for most children.

In summary, this is actually a really good game, although the thought of building some walls and defending them doesn't sound like the basis of a great game. The implementation of the game could be improved, with more levels, better sound and graphics and some general improvements of the mechanics of the game. But it's one of those games you'll keep coming back to in order to win just a couple more rounds, and is addictive. This is a game which is crying out for a sequel!

Summary: Overall a good game, lots of game play and an interesting style of game