Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (Nintendo DS)

...review is for the game Alex Rider - Stormbreaker for the Nintendo DS, developed by Altron and published by THQ. The game is an arcade type game with lots of different kinds of game play, from driving to snooker and from fighting to exploring. Primarily though the aim is to fight your way through the levels with numerous sub games.

In terms of difficulty, the game is too easy, and I say that as someone who doesn’t necessarily find games ...
...in the game and very little in the game to make a player return. The fighting element of the game, which is most of it, is quite pointless, with your character able to easily beat even groups of opponents.

There are some highlights in the game, including the mini game, the snooker game, which is quite fun and entertaining. But people didn’t buy this game for a snooker type game, and as such, it isn’t enough to save the game from being ... more

This review is for the game Alex Rider - Stormbreaker for the Nintendo DS, developed by Altron and published by THQ. The game is an arcade type game with lots of different kinds of game play, from driving to snooker and from fighting to exploring. Primarily though the aim is to fight your way through the levels with numerous sub games.

In terms of difficulty, the game is too easy, and I say that as someone who doesn’t necessarily find games simple to complete. There is a lack of challenge generally in the game and very little in the game to make a player return. The fighting element of the game, which is most of it, is quite pointless, with your character able to easily beat even groups of opponents.

There are some highlights in the game, including the mini game, the snooker game, which is quite fun and entertaining. But people didn’t buy this game for a snooker type game, and as such, it isn’t enough to save the game from being poor.

Controlling the character in the game isn’t too bad, although the camera angles are sometimes a little confusing. The game does use the various elements of the DS however, there are parts of the game where you need to use the microphone, and you have to use the stylus in numerous different ways.

The graphics are quite poor quality with some clunky 3D graphics and the sound is repetitive and again, not good quality. Neither real add any atmosphere to the game, and in places look quite rushed. Given the clunkiness of how the characters move, this all just makes the game in places very frustrating.

On the plus side, the game developers have added some interest value in creating extra content which can be unlocked by progressing through the game. Such things do increase the interest level in the game, and there is the facility to play the game again in a slightly tougher difficulty level. However, for me, it wasn’t really worth the effort to play again, but at least the choice is there.

The game retailed for a very high 29.99 pounds, which is a considerable amount for a game such as this, and too expensive in my view. However, the game is available on Amazon for just six pounds, and if you’re happy with a second hand copy, it’s just a few pounds on sites such as eBay and Amazon. The game is rated 7+, so is suitable for most children.

Overall, I wasn’t impressed with this game as I believe it failed on a number of different levels. Poor graphics, poor sound, limited game play, limited challenge and very few highlights, really the mini snooker game and some extra unlockable content. For a game which can be completed in just a few hours, the original retail price of 29.99 pounds is very poor value. Available much cheaper now, but still not really worth it in my opinion.

(also on dooyoo under same user name)
 

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