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Review of Labyrinth on Nintendo DS

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Jan 2007
Cover image of Labyrinth on DS
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 01 Jan 2007
Genre: Maze
Developer: Taito
Publisher: Taito

Introduction

The Nintendo DS has always been a delightfully quirky console, known for its unique game library that ranges from adorable to 'what even is this?' Enter 'Labyrinth,' a game that flexes the bizarre muscle of the DS with its innovative mechanic of navigating a ball through a maze by rotating the maze itself! Who knew becoming a human gyroscope could be so fun?

Gameplay

Gameplay centers around players controlling a ball through labyrinthine courses by rotating the maze itself. Imagine if a bowling ball was really into rock climbing-your job is to coax it through hair-raising courses without causing it to tumble off the edge like you're the pit boss in a very high-stakes game of roulette. Initially, the controls might feel like you're trying to teach a toddler how to walk-awkward and a bit messy-but give it some time, and soon you'll feel like a maestro orchestrating a symphony of spheroids. The game offers a variety of different puzzles and challenges, each designed to test not just your reflexes, but also your sanity; because we all need a little chaos in our lives, right? The joy lies in mastering the seemingly chaotic physics, making you feel like a god among balls for every level completed without sending your round friend plummeting to its doom. There's also a tantalizing challenge mode where you can throw down against your friends (sorry not sorry, friends!) to see who can complete the level with the fewest turns and quickest time-because nothing says camaraderie like competitive ball-rolling.

Graphics

Now let's discuss the graphics. Look, it's a pre-graphic revolution world, so don't expect the visuals to come blasting out of the screen like an action movie. 'Labyrinth' offers a charming set of aesthetically pleasing backgrounds and maze designs. It might remind you of that time you tried to design a model labyrinth for your high school project, but it's filled with a sense of whimsy that makes it truly enjoyable. The color palette can be described as 'vibrant but not obnoxiously so'-think party balloon at a child's birthday. Each maze feels unique, and yet they all revolve around the same beloved theme: watch out for the edges! The screens are utilized well, showing off the maze on the bottom while letting you marvel at your multitasking skills on the top screen. There's a bit of nostalgia towards the graphics that hearkens back to the heyday of arcade games when pixel art ruled supreme, albeit with a touch more polish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Labyrinth' is a fun, quirky addition to your Nintendo DS collection. It's not going to take the world by storm or get you nominated for any 'Best Game of the Year' awards, but if you want a delightful way to pass the time with your friends (or against yourself, if you're feeling antisocial), this is a great choice. It's a perfect cocktail of frustration and fun-serving as a solid metaphor for life, really. So grab that stylus and prepare to twist, turn, and maybe throw a few expletives at the screen while you guide your lovable spherical disaster through its maze of life. Just remember: what goes up must come down, but in this case, you're hoping your ball stays up!

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