The Chase: Felix Meets Felicity (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

We have to say that even we fell for the charm of the initial batch of screens for this game some months ago. We were even further impressed when the first gaming deatails were released and the mixture between the classic platormer and the likes of games such as Line Rider had us very excited indeed. Why, you ask? Well, it's become something of a rareity to get anything original gaming wise for some time now and with many developers turning to reliable IP's during this current 'down turn' this type of title is liklely to become even rarer.

Gameplay

As the title suggests, The Chase revolves around two individuals: Felix and Felicity and it's up to you to bring them together whilst rushing across town attempting to arrive at a meeting place without being late. Just to make things a little more difficult there's also a nasty storm sweeping the city. So severe in fact that it's washing away everything it comes into contact with and that means you too, if you happen to be a little too slow on your travels. You can opt to play as either character but to be honest there's little difference other than the actual story line. The object is to navigate your character to the levels end avoiding enemies and the on-coming storm. The challenge here is double edged andt not only is your charcter in perpetual motion but you also have no control over their direction. This is where your stylus comes in handy allowing you to draw lines onto the screen which act as platforms meaning you can reach higher areas whilst avoiding others. Unfortunately this is where the first problems begin and landing from these platforms is incredibly hit and miss. For example, during the traffic sections, sometimes you'll land on top of a bus (avoiding the irritating moped rider) whilst other times you'll simply fall through it.

The action isn't always left to right either and you'll also be against the clock as you attempt to reach the top on the level with a bungee rope but this is also a little problematic as the bunjee doesn't always send you in the direction you wish to go which means restarting the level. It's this restarting which is the real drawback of the whole experience and while we can forgive some of the gameplay 'quirks' we simply can't forgive the flawed 'continue' facility. This is only available if you have collected enough coins, run out of coins and it's back to the begining even if you are dangerously close to completing the whole thing.

Controls

Other than the ability to 'grind' your opponents into the pavement the d-pad and buttons are used very little.

Graphics

It has to be said that the graphics were one of the first things that drew up to this title and in an age where almost every developer is attempting to push the DS's 3D capabilities, it's refreshing to see a game which is resonably simplistic in its visual style. That's not to say they are in any way bland and the vibrant colours and uncluttered design to have a unique charm about them which will no doubt delight younger gamers.

Sound

While the sound effects are minimal you do get a handful of tunes which play throughout the game. These are best described as poppy and while not nearly as irritating as some games soundtracks they are also instantly forgettable.

Dual screen

The Chase is yet anothet DS title which opts for a more experimenal controls system and here you stylus gives you the ability to draw platforms and bridges in order to avoid the various enemies. This, though, isn't unlimited and the 'rainbow' coloured gage indicates just how much more 'ink' is available. Fortunately this can be topped up by collecting the flowers scattered about the levels or by 'grinding' any enemies obstructing your path.

Final comments

There's no question that The Chase is one of the more original titles on the DS and this mixed with the charming visuals and well crafted audio should have made the game an instant hit. Unfortunately the game is both frustrating and unforgiving and too many unneccesary deaths mixed with an appauling continue function will have you throwing down the game in anger after just a few session. What's worse is that there doesn't appear to be any reason for these 'design' decisions other than to lengthen the gameplay. This is all a huge shame and while the game demonstrates so much initial promise, what could have been a DS classic ends up just being one to avoid.

Pro: Simple but Charming Visuals
Con: Poor Collision Detection, Frustrating Gameplay.
Final score: 5.5

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