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Review of Doodle Hex on Nintendo DS

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Jul 2008
Cover image of Doodle Hex on DS
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 11 Jul 2008
Genre: Fighting
Developer: Tragnarion Studios
Publisher: Pinnacle Software

Introduction

Remember doodling during school because the teacher was droning on about the Pythagorean theorem? Well, now you can fight with those same doodles in Doodle Hex for the Nintendo DS! This quirky fighting game from Tragnarion Studios combines your longest boredom-induced scribbles with epic rune-dueling action. Let's dive in and see if this game holds up better than last night's pizza!

Gameplay

Doodle Hex is all about drawing runes on the touch screen to unleash your fighter's attacks. Got a fragment of the One Wish Rune? Draw it like the world's most intense game of hangman to perform combos and special moves. The mechanics can feel like a finger workout while you're simultaneously trying to balance a strategy, as drawing the correct sequence of symbols can unleash a creative fury against your opponent. You'll find yourself battling through multiple stages where each character has their own unique runes and abilities. While you can initially pick any character, mastering them is like trying to teach a cat to fetch. Locating the right combination for those massive special moves may seem simple at first, but get ready for an a-ha moment when you realize that your finger may not be as deft as you thought. The game includes both single-player and multiplayer modes, which are as exciting as your classmate's TikTok dance steps. You can face AI opponents or challenge a friend via local wireless play. The single-player mode offers a campaign that teaches you the ropes, but don't expect an award-winning story. It's basically a playlist of doodles and fights with no deep philosophical twist. If you're looking for mind-bending narratives, you might want to stick to your actual novel.

Graphics

Visually, Doodle Hex is what you'd expect from a DS game-colorful, albeit slightly psychedelic backgrounds that look like they were crafted by exuberant kindergarteners on a sugar high. The characters are cartoonish and charming, living in a world that clearly took a few too many creative liberties. The art style is fun and matches the doodle theme, but let's be honest: there's not much depth or fidelity to drool over here. You're not playing for a stunning cinematic experience; you're playing for the cute factor and frantic drawing fun. Just don't expect a mind-blowing graphics engine like you'd find in today's AAA titles that give you goosebumps. We're in doodle territory here!

Conclusion

So, is Doodle Hex worth your time? In a world aching for imaginative gaming experiences, this title brings a fresh take on fighting with an innovative drawing mechanic. But if you crave complexity and deep narratives, you might find it a little too straightforward, similar to that one friend who can only tell dad jokes. It's definitely a fun party game or a creative way to alleviate boredom, especially if you have a soft spot for doodling and charming characters. However, if you're looking for a fighter that offers serious depth and organic mechanics, remember that this game is more about finger agility than strategic depth. All in all, Doodle Hex is a lovely accessory for your DS library, but don't expect it to be the centerpiece of your gaming setup-more like the colorful tablecloth that brightens up your game night!

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