How many puzzle games start with a 10 minute cutscene? With over 150 levels, Steal Princess makes distinguishing leap into the puzzle genre by including platform and RPG elements to make this game a unique challenge for puzzle game lovers.
WHAT YOU’LL LIKE:
Challenging puzzles in a platform environment
One thing Steal Princess masters is a distinctive approach to the puzzle game. If you’ve ever played Adventures of Lolo on NES, then that gives you a feel on what this game is like. Each level takes you through a series of enemies, which you must first obtain the correct weapon (enemy color must match the weapon color), while also traversing the 3-D planar terrain. The puzzles are also timed and each stage awards medals from gold to bronze depending on the time it takes to complete it.
Small voice effects compliment the small characters
Storyline
Unlike the majority of puzzle games, Steal Princess follows a tale of a thief turned hero that is revealed throughout the game. The very beginning starts with a daunting 10 minute cutscene making you wonder if the game will ever start, but after this first bit, the story only appears between the major land stages. It gives the game a little bit more depth than just your usual hours of puzzles.
WHAT YOU WON’T LIKE:
Teeny-tiny graphics
The majority of the game takes place on the touch screen. Each map is shoved into the DS’s lower panel, which makes for some micro characters. Along with the lack of graphical detail, the gameplay becomes difficult because of the screen to viewing area ratio. It is hard to see ahead on the map to plan, but it is also difficult to control such small items. A stationary map on the top screen would have been extraordinarily helpful. Alas, an annoying Navi-like fairy is what the top screen cages.
Your fairy companion provides less-than-helpful advice
Stylus controls: Although the D-Pad is a viable option, the stylus is irreplaceable for some movements. Snapping your whip, your primary weapon throughout the game, requires the stylus, along with many other minute movements. Because of the small interface, miss-tapping and consequently dropping whatever weapon you are holding is a common occurrence.
Large maps on a little screen prevent strategic planning
RECOMMENDATION:
Steal Princess provides a fun, fast game for puzzle and platformer lovers alike. Each level takes only minutes (if you’re good), can be saved at any time, and makes for a great put-down-and-pick-up title. It’s challenging puzzles will prove to confuse and frustrate you at least a few times before face-palming yourself at the obvious solution. There’s a lot more to this game than just your average puzzle game. It’s worth a shot, but with the control issues mentioned above, it’s not a must play.
Steal Princess
System: Nintendo DS
Developer: Climax Entertainment
Publisher: Atlus
Find: Amazon, Gamefly, Goozex
All reviews are based on final retail code unless otherwise noted.
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July 3rd, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Don’t hate on Navi.