Before I played this game, I was hopeful for a feel similar to "ICO", keeping in mind that it would have its own story and custom feel. Though it didn't turn out like that, I like the experience that I did receive from this game.
One of the most interesting things to me about this action adventure game... are its cut-scenes. They follow the 2nd season of the TV show, and I looked forward to progressing because of them. The thing I would suggest the next time around (when it comes to these scenes though), is to try and recreate the scenes for the game and allow for it to lead into the stage smoothly... or at least avoid presenting in a way that cuts them abruptly.
Once the stages begin, you're basically solving puzzles to progress and complete the areas. The replay value is factored in based on the optional stage challenges, that include racing against the clock to complete a level in a set amount of time, finding chests, collecting all stage parchments, and avoiding capture a set amount of times. If you aren't successful the first time, or you're simply not pleased with your completion time... try try again.
Beyond the story, the music quality is pretty good, as well as the animations (I really like the way the characters move; especially Tao)... and I could really picture a AAA release on the Wii U. It wouldn't have to abandon certain puzzle elements (those are part of what makes this experience unique), but to have an even bigger adventure element in a 3rd person title (with charm kinda sorta like "ICO")... would be pretty cool.
The 3DS version of this game honestly began as a frustrating experience... due to the touchscreen controls. Character control really wasn't as smooth as it could've been (with the touchscreen... for me at least), and at times I found myself tapping one area of the screen to avoid an enemy, but instead of going around a rock or a set of plants in the desired direction... the character would go the other route and i'd be caught.
Not only that, dialog appears on the screen... and the only way to close it is to tap the screen (with that control option). If the characters react to every tap of the screen... even when you're trying to avoid an enemy, you have to make sure that you tap on a safe part of the screen to close the dialog out (or else... you're caught). While hiding in bushes or containers and dialog pops up... you're good as caught (if the baddies are around) because the characters will hop out as soon as the screen receives contact.
I began enjoying the game a lot more... after switching to the circle pad & buttons, because there weren't problems getting in the way. The responsiveness felt a lot more immediate when swapping between characters (I noticed this almost immediately), and I didn't have to worry about being involuntarily caught.
Tip: No matter your preferred way to control this game, utilize the first level to get familiar with the feel and then restart the level.
The developer had the perfect opportunity to set the 3DS version apart from the others by giving us 3D capability. I would've liked to see the cut-scenes play out in 3D, and there are certain elements from the in-game action that would've allowed for the 3D to shine. If another installment is made, I hope this is considered... but I will say that it doesn't ruin the experience for me.
As far as the price is concerned, it works at $14.99... but it would be great at $9.99. Overall, its a nice adventure i'd call an action-adventure-puzzle hybrid, and though 3D should be added for the sake of setting the 3DS version apart... i'd like to see them follow this up with a sequel.
Fun factor: 3
Visually: 5
Replay value: 5
Price: 4
"4 / 5 Mushrooms"
You can find the game here: http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/si96W4NP9h74FPNPV6iDgnD1w4-1GA6-
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