Impression: Blue Dragon Plus on DS

March 22, 10:46 PMDC Video Game ExaminerJames Fleenor

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Ignition

Take one of the first major Japanese role-playing games released on the Xbox 360, adjust the game play, add in new story following the original titles events and shrink it down for the Nintendo DS and gamers end up with Blue Dragon Plus. The 360 Blue Dragon introduced gamers to Shu, a young boy with a unique shadow, on that takes to form of a powerful Blue Dragon. As Shu journeys he teams up with other shadow possessors to fight and defeat the evil Nene. While the story is a bit more complicated than this the overall package is a very generic role playing game mixed with semi-memorable characters, great music and excellent design thanks to Dragonball and Dr. Slump creator Akira Toriyama. Blue Dragon Plus picks up the story after Nene’s defeat and while it’s a new battle system and story fans of the original Blue Dragon (or Blue Dragon anime from Viz) should take a look …

Game play – Mesh the free flow of an action RPG and put it on a tactical RPG filed and that is what Blue Dragon Plus is all about. Select one or all characters and pick a target and watch them move. Precision movements can be tough with the small screen but the menu does allow for an easy cycle of characters. Most of the time fights are all about ganging up on one target, but the appearance of Shadows and the shadow fights can turn the tide of battle.

Graphics – The full motion video sequences are great looking on the DS, a bit grainy at times, but overall these sequences tie Plus to the original. The in-game action is a mixed bag as the characters are small, not as good looking as other DS titles while the shadows look much better when they come out to play.

Sound – Some of the tunes remind of the original titles but overall this is not a soundtrack gamers will be buying. Battle sequences background music does what it should but won’t leave gamers humming.

Design – Levels are nothing special to behold but the characters, this is where Blue Dragon Plus shines. There is something so familiar about Toriyama’s design that a few generations can now enjoy. While the overall feel can be kid targeted it’s the adults out there who will stop in their tracks and look at the store shelf for Shu and his resemblance to Goku and gang.

Miscellaneous – The simplicity is an issue, just like with Blue Dragon. Unlike the Xbox 360 the Nintendo DS has a few dozen good if not great role-playing games of the traditional, real-time or action variety. Gamers looking for a deep and challenging RPG will not find what they desire in Blue Dragon Plus, something very apparent even after the first mission where each characters is described and introduced as a ‘type’ and suggestions for their role are recommended. This overall simplicity plagues the Blue Dragon franchise and keeps it from being that next great RPG.

Overall Blue Dragon Plus is a must buy for anyone who completed the Xbox 360 title. Journeying with characters you’ve spent hours and days with in a previous game is always fun especially when gamers get to see where the story has gone. This is a great game for young gamers or parents looking to introduce their kids to a fun, action packed story what does require some motor skill development. How to win a fight, how to setup inventory, there are useful lessons hidden in this cart. From a graphics and sound standpoint this is not the best the DS has to offer but again it’s all about the fans. The simplicity will turn off many older gamers but for the young this is a great way to get into a new genre that’s not overly complicated.