"Humorous, Interesting, and Short"

"Testing...... testing..... is anyone there?"

*Click* *veeet-whir*

Oh my, it seems as though I've made contact at last. My job is to give you the good and bad points of the Nintendo DS title "Contact" in the form of one of these "reviews" you're all so interested in. Now then, shall we begin?

GRAPHICS (8/10) :

While the graphics in Contact were in no way bad, they were also in no way epic either. The backrounds were impressive and the effects were also quite good to, but the characters a little on the mundane side. Also it seems as though Terry (the main character) and the other main cast are a little under detailed so much as it's hard to see who they REALLY are. But seeing as this is an action/RPG game it really isn't that big of a deal, you buy the DS for gameplay, not graphics anyway.

GAMEPLAY (7/10) :

While many RPGs tend to send you on a determined path, Contact manages to allow you to be more personal in the way you play. With the EASS (Event Activated Status System) you can train you character in anyway you please. If combat's your gig (and it better be if you play this game) than take on monsters to boost your stats. However you don't gain Levels like most RPGs, you boost each individual stat based on your actions. While this system is neat, it does seem a little broken at times. Some stats have no point at all until they reach a certain level, and then they're only used for one thing. Also you get such a large amount of stat EXP from bosses that fighting anything for training is just a little pointless.

COMBAT (5/10) :

Ugh... this game REALLY could have done better. It's the basic I hit you, you hit me, sort of boring battle. There is no attack button/function, it's all automatic except skills, and even they're limited and a little difficult to hit. Bottom line, the combat is lame and shallow.

STORY (7/10) :

One word: SHORT! I did almost all the sidequests and bonuses in this game in my first playthrough, finished the story, and took a shower and went to the corner store for some snacks, all in under 10 hours. 10 HOURS?! At this point I expect at least 25 hours from my RPG's priced at $35. While it was short, the time I spent playing it will certainly be remembered. It was funny at ever turn, however the average player may not pick up on all the jokes. They are all pretty well based on internet forum humor. Overall it was funny and interesting, but still a little ordinary. Collect the thing, stuff happens, get another, more stuff happens, repeat until the final boss is beaten. Basic plot with twist and turns, almost all of them expected. Mundane, but unique.

SOUND (6/10) :

The music is you're basic RPG fare, foot tapping normal. This alone should grant it a 7, but one thing will drive you insane. Every time a new text box appears, the persons greeting noise repeats. As if hearing Mute's heart shattering annoying giggle wasn't enough, you get to hear it 17 times a conversation, IN STEREO!

FINAL WORD :

Good-

Funny
Unique
Neat Leveling system
Hard Bosses

Bad-

Short
Limited Combat
Unrewarding Leveling System
Annoying Sound

RATING :

Graphics : ********
Gameplay : *******
Combat : *****
Story : *******
Sound : ******
Overall : 33/50 "FAIR"

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/22/06