"One of the best action platformers on the Nintendo DS"

Nowadays, platformers are usually just clones of each other, offering nothing new to the table and usually become a collect-a-thon of coins, rings and whatnot. But every once in a while, there are games that exude a breathe of fresh air into their corresponding genre and Kekkaishi is one of them.

Setting
The game is focused on Sumimura Yoshimori, the legitimate successor of the Hazama Technique - a student by day and a Kekkaishi by night. He is assigned to the land of Karasumori (A school in present day Japan) and is held responsible for protecting said land. So, yes, the game takes place mostly on the school courtyard. The storyline is loosely based on the anime of the same name plus a few sub-missions here and there.

Graphics
The graphics are sub par. That, is the honest truth. It actually looks like a cheap gba game. It is disappointing that it doesn't even capture the look or feel of the anime/manga - at least, not enough. Well, graphics isn't everything I suppose.

Gameplay
Okay, this game is revolutionary in terms of how it plays. I honestly have not seen any other game (except for its sequel, of course) that plays like it and is actually executed very well.

For the main part, you use the directional buttons to move your character all the while using the touch screen to target enemies as well as create platforms and defense barriers.

Moving your characters is generally the same as any other 2d platformer, but since one of your hands would be actively using the stylus the whole time through, the up button is configured to be the jump command. It's initially a bit awkward but it does the job and is an adaptable change. It should also be noted that the hand coordination could be changed through the options menu.

Targeting enemies is as easy as tapping them thru your stylus. When they are tapped. they are surrounded by your barrier (kekkai), you blow them up by tapping the upper right side corner of the screen (or you can use the mic if its activated through the options menu). As for defense, you can build a kekkai on yourself when you tap against your character. You could also build kekkai's to serve as platforms to get to greater heights and hard to reach places.

This game also has simple RPG elements built into it. As you level up, you gain health, stock kekkai's and eventually get stronger at making kekkai. No grinding is necessary though, as each stage completed gives you the necessary experience to progress through the game.

Also, finishing the game unlocks an extra character. But it does not guarantee extra replay value. While there are slight differences between the two, the stage progression is identical.

Sound
Nothing spectacular. Everything is just so generic and forgettable. There just isn't anything in there that might make you feel like it's based on an anime show. As far as I can remember, no theme, not even the main song was used in this game. At least voice clips were used for the main character. Generic, but acceptable.

So to summarize this review into numerical form, Id say:
Graphics: 5
Gameplay: 8
Sound: 5

Based on the numerical values given, it's clear where the PROS and CONS lie. But do take note, that this game does not need great visuals nor sounds. The gameplay and uniqueness of this game makes it more than worth playing, worth having.

So on a final tally, this game gets a 6 kekkai's out of 10.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 08/18/08

Game Release: Kekkaishi: Karasumori Ayakashi Kidan (JP, 05/24/07)