Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: Spirit Caller

It seems like every time you turn around a new Yu-Gi-Oh! game is being released. First the consoles, then GBA, DS and late last year, PSP. Now it's back on the DS again. Will the series ever end? Probably not. And as long as the series continues to push entertaining content, players will return every time.

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: Spirit Caller takes you back to the familiar school setting, where young boys and girls come together for a higher learning of card playing. There are the braggers, the whiners, and those who are cocky but not eager to battle. Characters speak, discuss the art of summoning, announce their skills, and show 'em off before the game enters its lengthy journey.

The saga begins at the Duel Academy, the birthplace of all Yu-Gi-Oh! battles. Most of the previous game's actions may be executed in this title as well, but there are some significant differences between Spirit Caller for the DS and Tag Force for the PSP.

First off the obvious: touch-screen controls. The dual screen aspect doesn't add a lot to the game. There are graphics on both displays, but it's nothing that couldn't have been done with one screen. The touch controls, however, are very accurate. Tap the card you want to select and a window will appear above it, asking whether you want to set or summon. If touch play isn't your bag, the D-pad and button combo is still in effect. This way makes the game feel more like the other versions, including Tag Force.

The 2D world map hasn't gone anywhere since the last DS adventure, producing roughly the same uninspired image as before. You're on an island that's separated into a few different chunks. Select a chunk by touching it to go to that location. Yeah, it's a DS-specific feature, but I'm not too impressed.

Locale interiors are a bit more interesting, but still can't compare to the environments of the PSP version. You dorm room has a lot of objects to click on, like the closet, which lets you check your character's status and change his spirit or equipment. Tap the bed to save or go to sleep, advancing game time to the next day. Select the PDA to read fictitious e-mails and get duelist info. Touch the computer when you want to have a wireless or Wi-Fi duel (the game’s only significant new feature), or just to check your friend roster. The card-launching arm attachment rests on the floor – use it to construct a deck, view recipes or the card list, etc. Finally there's the door, which you'll use whenever you want to exit.

This style of world navigation is a lot like a point-and-click PC game, but not nearly as deep or attractive. The backgrounds are kind of plain, and the character pop-up images (that appear during dialogue sequences) are just average. There have been higher-quality visuals produced on the SNES.

Not that graphics mean a whole lot – after all, this is a card game. But Tag Force is very vibrant and detailed in comparison. It made me want all Yu-Gi-Oh! games to be on that level.

The area that counts most – the gameplay – is still great, but it hasn't changed much. Card battles are a challenge with unexpected foes who unleash a seemingly impenetrable assault. In reality the attack is not impervious, but the act of having an attack reversed or eliminated can be startling. You might have the stronger card(s), leading to a more powerful army of monsters. But enemies who have a special trick – some unique advantage – could get the better of you.

Cards are typically too small to read their tiny info, but you can enlarge their image and bring up a status description by tapping the magnifying glass on the bottom left corner, or simply by pressing the X button.

The bottom screen is where the game is conducted, but you can get a 3D view on the top. Albeit, not a very attractive view. But it's supposed to add something to experience. And maybe it will if you're a kid who hasn't played many titles.

With so much of this game the same as before, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: Spirit Caller isn't for the conservative player who doesn't buy a game every few weeks. It's recommended if you've yet to purchase a handheld Yu-Gi-Oh! title. I also recommend it to those who have only played the DS original, Nightmare Troubadour, and do not own a PSP. The gameplay is still great, the addiction is still high, and the replay value is really strong. But don't expect anything shocking or new.

Gameplay: 7.4
Great Yu-Gi-Oh! action in DS form. The card game is a blast with more than 1,400 of the cards. Earn points and purchase new packs of cards in-game, increasing your battle wealth and collection status. Though the battles are short and sweet, there are tons to engage in, ensuring that you won’t be a loss for things to do.

Graphics: 5.0
While the PSP version gets an 3D isometric world, DS fans are stuck with another 2D map. It’s touch-enabled, but doesn’t look that good. This DS sequel has better load times than the PSP version, but card visibility is better on Sony’s larger-screen handheld.

Sound: 6.9
Not the series’ best. The sound is clear as always, but the music is a little too upbeat and repetitive.

Difficulty: Medium
I’m getting better at Yu-Gi-Oh! with each game release, as I’m sure most of the fans are. The series is still challenging, and if you’re new to it, there will be a lot of difficulties for you to overcome. Having already explained the game rules in previous editions, Spirit Caller’s tutorial is not as effective as Tag Force (likely due to that game being the first Yu-Gi-Oh! offering for PSP).

Concept: 7.0
No steps forward outside of Wi-Fi support (which isn’t exactly a revolution). Spirit Caller adds more cards and challenges, but is in many ways a clone of Nightmare Troubadour.

Multiplayer: 6.8
Wi-Fi is supported – that’s the good news. The bad news is that you still need more than one game card to play against a friend locally. I understand the reason for this (everyone is supposed to have their own deck, etc.). But a multi-card option, even if it were dummied down, would have at least given players the opportunity to try the multiplayer function without spending $60 to get two copies of the game.

Overall: 7.1
A great game for players who have played all the Yu-Gi-Oh! games and can’t get enough. If you have a choice between Spirit Caller for the DS and Tag Force for PSP, go with Tag Force. It’s a fresher and more thoroughly designed game. Spirit Caller is still worth playing, but it’s not as exciting after Nightmare Troubadour.