Eragon

Eragon for the Nintendo DS is an adaptation of the critically-hammered blockbuster of the same name. Based on a novel written by novice author Christopher Paolini, the movie failed to capture the luminosity that its literary counterpart seemed to possess so effortlessly. All major consoles saw video-game renditions of the movie, but they, too, didn’t quite fit the bill due to numerous gameplay and storytelling complications. It would seem as though gamers have once again gotten the shaft, but the developers down at Amaze prove otherwise. Whilst Stormfront (the guys who handled the console versions) may have rushed to get a simultaneous release with its big-screen counterpart, Amaze put in the hard work and dedication to deliver up a real beauty.

Upon sliding in the cartridge, the first thing you will recognize about Eragon is the sheer scope of its locations. The majority of multiplatform handheld games take the easy route by shrinking environments, removing characters, and even trimming down the plotline. Thankfully, this isn’t the case here. The environments are some of the largest I’ve witnessed on the DS. Additionally, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities with The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. For example, the levels are bountiful in foliage and laden with maze-esque pathways, two characteristics Twilight Princes had.   

The enemy design is what really took me by surprise. Not only are your foes detailed, but they’re varied and fairly smart as well. One aspect that slightly disturbed me is that you will indeed have to kill wolves. Being a canine lover such as myself, this was a little hard to stomach. However, unless you’re a PETA enthusiast it shouldn’t pose a problem.

Eragon places you into the shoes of a 15 year-old boy named – you guessed it – Eragon. The anecdote revolves around Eragon discovering an egg that hatches into a powerful dragon named Saphira. You and your gallant dragon must save the land of Alagaesia from Galbatorix, the sinister king.

At first glance, the gameplay appears to be your standard hack-‘n’-slash fare. Do not be fooled though, as within Eragon’s button-mashing premise lies a surprisingly deep combat system filled with a profusion of obtainable moves and spells. Your character is equipped with a weapon duo consisting of a sword and bow and arrow. However, I wouldn’t count on using the bow and arrow too much. The controls are so intensely sensitive that it’s darned-near impossible to lock onto an enemy from a distance. Players are thus forced to stick to their sword for combat, which isn’t exactly a downside. The combat here, as aforementioned, hold its own with an in-depth combo scheme, where new moves are unlocked as you progress. There are also flying sequences that involve your dragon. While scripted, they provide a solid change of pace.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: presentation is absolutely key when it comes to movie adaptations. Luckily, Eragon delivers with sleek menus, visuals and audio. The soundtrack is extremely relaxing and could even fall into the new age genre. Sound-effects, while undoubtedly generic, get the job done and come out crystal-clear. There is no spoken dialogue, but it’s understandable considering the size of the worlds and how much space they must take up on the cartridge.

Zelda fan? If so, this is indisputably the closest you’re going to get to having Twilight Princess on your DS. I know I may get chastised for making this comparison, but so be it. Eragon is a perfect example of a developer pushing the envelope on what can be done on the Nintendo DS. 

Gameplay: 7.9
First-rate combat mechanics coupled with an enjoyable hack-‘n’-slash foundation render this one of the better handheld adventure games on the market. 

Graphics: 7.6
After forgiving the grainy textures and washed-out character models, you’ll find that this is truly a remarkable looking title. The environments are utterly massive and the level design profoundly follows suit.

Sound: 7.5
The orchestral, new age-sounding soundtrack is a real delight. The sound-effects are suitable, but they could be a tad more flamboyant and original.

Difficulty: Medium
Eragon does indeed contain mammoth worlds, but with one press of the select button a map will appear outlining all enemies and objectives making navigation a walk in the park.

Concept: 7.7
This may be a movie game, but Amaze has done something most developers have failed to accomplish with this genre – and that’s creating a fun, well-designed movie game.

Overall: 7.8
Eragon for the DS is currently retailing for a budget price of under twenty bones, thus making now more than ever a superb time to pick it up. Fans of the Zelda series, as well as anyone who’s keen on free-roaming adventure games, will be in handheld heaven.