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Review of Battleship on Nintendo DS

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo May 2012
Cover image of Battleship on DS
Gamefings Score: 5
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 15 May 2012
Genre: Turn-based strategy
Developer: Magic Pockets
Publisher: Activision

Introduction

Ahoy there, mateys! Set your sights on the high seas, and prepare to sink some ships! Or maybe just your patience. We're diving deep into the world of 'Battleship' for Nintendo DS, a game that takes the classic board game and throws in some aliens for good measure. Because why not? Let's see if this naval adventure makes waves or if it sinks like a lead submarine with a hole in its hull.

Gameplay

Now, onto gameplay! 'Battleship', in its DS form, is a turn-based tactical game. Think of it like a naval chess match on a grid but with a sprinkle of explosions. You'll take turns firing at coordinates, hoping to score a hit against alien ships. Each turn brings the tension of a classroom quiz-except instead of 'what's the capital of France?' it's more like 'where the heck is Captain Nemo?' Battleship hops into your life with a simple premise: shoot first, and ask questions later. Your strategic mind will be tested as you decide whether to go for that hidden cruiser or the giant squid that's pretending to be a ship. If strategic mind games and naval warfare aren't your thing, worry not! The game offers plenty of action-packed moments where you can go head-to-head with your friends. Use your DS to strategize, laugh at unfortunate hits on both sides, and maybe even hurl some friendly insults that allude to how they definitely sank your first battleship. Who said naval combat was boring?

Graphics

Visually, 'Battleship' on the DS is about as vibrant as a child's art project. The art style skews towards 'cozy' rather than pixel-perfect realism. You'll notice that colors are less 'hyper-realistic ocean' and more 'my crayon box exploded'. Character designs range from forgettable to 'hey, I'll always remember you because you look like a squid with a hat'. And let's not forget that the graphics will take you down memory lane to simpler times. If you've ever played games that are less about graphics and more about gameplay, this'll hit home. It's charmingly outdated-like an old dog that still thinks it's a puppy.

Conclusion

Ultimately, 'Battleship' for Nintendo DS is like a quirky time capsule. It's not pushing the boundaries of gaming like other titles, but it's got enough fun packed into its slightly pixelated shell. Whether you're a nostalgic sailor or a newcomer to the tactical waters, it might just be worth your time on a rainy day or while waiting for the pizza delivery guy. So hoist your sails, play a few rounds, and remember: even if you miss a ship, at least you're not stuck doing your homework!

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