"A great story, but not much game."

Developer's Cing last game, Another Memory, was a great game that showcased the possibilities of the Nintendo DS. It had imaginative puzzles that have never been seen before in the videogame medium. The game also had a terrific storyline. However, the game was horrendously short and despite the flashy and innovative puzzles, they were really easy to solve and complete. Now we come to Cing's next major game, Hotel Dusk: Room 215. Is it better than Another Memory? Yes, by miles. It plays in a same fashion as Another Code, except you hold the DS like a novel. The story is a cut above most stories is stronger and more mature in tone than Another Memory. You play as Kyle Hyde, a washed out ex-cop playing detective, working as a salesman who travels to the seedy dump, Hotel Dusk in California. Obviously all is not what it seems in this hotel and pretty soon you'll discover all manner of secrets that each guest hides.

The saving grace of this game is its story. Thought the interface control is as slick, as uncluttered as you can get, it won't appeal to everyone. The reason why is because there's a load of text to get through. Yep, this game is severely text heavy. I think the game took itself to seriously in making an interactive novel, but it's missing quite a bit of gameplay. I'm not grumbling, but most people will be turned away from this because of it's novel nature. That's not to say it's bad. It's just pretty weak. And since the puzzles aren't really a cut above Another Memory, it's a shame to be honest. What wowed with Another Memory is somewhat lacklustre here. The puzzles are once again easy, except for some important conversations when conversing with the many guests and staff. You have to make sure you say the right thing; otherwise your game is over because they chucked you out. This is where one of the biggest flaws rears its ugly head. The text can't fast forward and you have to sit through all the text again just to try the second option. It's not so bad that is spoils the game, but it does destroy the pacing of the story, which of course picks up again after the conversation is over. Exploration is covered by having the touch screen for moving Kyle and examine and interacting etc. The left hand screen is the world through Kyle's eyes and is presented in a slick 3-D graphics engine.

The graphical presentation is astounding in Hotel Dusk. Many have been wowed by it and many compare the character models to the A-Ha music video "Take On Me". Which, of course, is entirely accurate. The character models are mostly presented in 2-D, rough black and white pencil like sketches that contrasts with the detailed colourful 3-D world. It works great, has some great animation and makes the game that more compelling. Admittedly, I had some concern over the graphical style but it won me over and I can see how it's fits the atmosphere and mood of the story wonderfully.

The music is a mixture of jazz and blues that goes well with everything else. The sound effects are adequate and add to the atmosphere and make the world more real. The only thing that's missing is some sort of voice acting. But I mustn't grumble, this is not the PSP, this is the DS and such things are only exhibited rarely (such as Resident Evil DS, but that hasn't got as many lines as Hotel Dusk).

I completed the game just over 10 hours and I'm sure it can be completed quicker. It's certainly longer than Another Memory, and, like that game, it has an incentive to play it all again. If you really want to see the whole game that is.

Hotel Dusk: Room 215 is a great game. It should appeal to die hard fans of the point and click genre, could possibly convert a few people to the genre too. It's charming and unique, much like Another Memory, standing strong on its own two feet... If it had any... If the Phoenix Wright series were too camp or loud for you, then I would recommend this game. But if I had to pick between the two, I would go for Phoenix Wright. Both games are good, enjoyable and engaging, and you won't go wrong with either of them. Buy it!

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 05/22/07