Lost in Blue 2

"Same game, same idea... But so much better"

After months of waiting and surfing all over the internet for sneak-peeks, Lost in Blue 2 (the latest in the 'Survival Kids' franchise) has arrived to the Nintendo DS. Like its predecessor, you take control of two teenagers stranded on a deserted island. So how could a game with such an identical idea and goal be better? You haven't seen anything yet...

Plot - 10/10

Jack and Amy (the heroes of this story) are on board the same cruise ship when it hits a terrible storm and ultimately sinks. Unable to fight the currents, Jack/Amy (whoever you choose to play as) is washed away and falls unconscious, only to awake on a lonely island in the middle of nowhere. From there, they meet up with the other survivor (If you chose Jack, than it's Amy and vice versa) and begin their adventure.

Other than that, there is not much plot. But the game deserves top marks for sucking you into the game right away and leaving no room for "Well, what if...?"

Gameplay - 9/10

Day to day, your characters will be forced to explore in the tough and jagged terrain, scouting for food, shelter, ways to make life easier, and ultimately a way to escape the island.

In order to live through a day and make it to the next, your characters will need to keep their three health meters from reaching zero. These include their Hunger level, their Thirst level, and their Stamina level. Should any of these reach zero, than your character's overall HP will begin to deplete. And if that reaches zero, your character dies. If any one of the characters die, it is an instant game over.

Part of surviving is finding materials and making more tools/building more furniture. There are plenty of items from the old game that can be made, such as spears and shelves to store items. But new to this game are other extensions, such as lures to fish with and accessories to give to your significant other.

The only downside to this game is that the beginning can get quite tedious. Don't take this game for granted. You will definitely struggle in the opening as you try to gather enough food to keep your characters alive. But if you can survive long enough and work hard, things will get a bit more smooth.

Controls - 10/10

You use the + Pad to move. A allows you to perform actions like jumping or drinking. B allows you to run. Y lets you use tools or take your partner with you. And X opens the menu. The controls are simplistic, so they do not interfere with gameplay whatsoever. If these are too hard for you, the touch screen can be used for all of these as well.

The game also utilizes some good DS features. Blow into the microphone to start an ember from your sparks and tap the screen to stab the fish with a spear! Unlike the game before, you can now cook your own food regardless of gender, and each cooking methods requires you to perform in one of 6 new mini-games. Definitely far improved from the first.

Challenge - 8/10

The puzzles are certainly not the hardest ever, but simply trying to survive long enough to reach these puzzles is a challenge in itself! You are entirely at the mercy of the new weather effects and the added wildlife. Whatever made the original Lost in Blue easy has been revamped to provide more of an experience. Hurricanes prevent you from leaving your home, tides open and close areas, and there are even wild animals that want nothing more than to see you dead. Certainly this game will keep you sweating as you struggle to return home and keep yourself alive.

Graphics/Sound - 9/10

Lush landscapes are embroidered with flowers and grass to provide a realistic experience. Every area looks unique and has its own dangerous feel. Looks and sound combine to allow you to immerse yourself in this wild world. Every step you take makes a noise depending on the environment. The only reason this section did not score a perfect is the odd voice acting. The characters just sound a bit fake when saying their short phrases, but do alright when they grunt or chew.

Will I Replay It?

That's a question I cannot answer. The game is tedious enough the first time through, but there is always the burning question "Would things be different if I had chosen the other character?"

It's all up to the gamer.

Buy? Rent? Stay Away?

I recommend that you at least try it out before buying it. While I loved this game to pieces, this game is not for everyone.
If you were a fan of the original, I definitely say that you buy it immediately.
If you didn't like the original, odds are, you won't find this version that much better.

Final Verdict 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/21/07