"Craving a DS RPG? Don't rule Tao out yet."

After a few weeks of completely ignoring my DS I finally decided to pick up a new game for it. Being the RPG-lover that I am, I came home with Tao's Adventure: Curse of the Demon Seal.

Graphics-9/10

First of all the objects look very smooth and nice. Something that could have easily been done on N64, but very nice for the DS. Objects, people, and areas are highly detailed, and look good for a handheld system. My only complaint is that when you view things like foliage up close (which happens a lot due to the camera controls), they are very pixelated.

Sound-6/10

Decent music with a high level of repetition. After a while, the music in town grated on my nerves and I had to turn it down. Otherwise, the dungeon music is fine and should not annoy.

Story-5/10

I'll admit, this game is light on story. Basic town/world is in trouble, only one person can save it type of cliche. Although there is a nice twist when you reach your main destination.

Controls-7/10

This is usually where DS games can pass or fail with me, and Tao's passes with a 7. The stylus control feels forced, however you have the option of moving with the D-pad. Menus are navigated solely with the stylus though and it can get tedious if you don't use the stylus to move Tao.

Fun Factor-9/10

An unusual category to say the least, but I could think of no other way to express it. Tao's is a fun game to play, plain and simple. Once you get used to the controls, the battles are fun and quirky with the ability to draw your spells with the stylus, or simply attack with a sword. I found my self engrossed in the game about a half-hour after buying it.

In the end I would recommend this game to DS RPG fans; it provides a fix for a seriously lacking category of games on the DS. It's not a pick up and go game, nor is it very fast-paced, but more of a classical RPG with a modern, innovative twist.

Final Score-8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/16/06