Ah, the sequel to the runaway hit, *Runaway: A Road Adventure*! *Runaway 2: The Dream of The Turtle* makes its tranquil landing on the Nintendo DS. It's back to tropical island vibes mixed with a hearty scoop of absurdity, as Brian Basco and Gina Timmins navigate love, military secrets, and the occasional facepalm-inducing predicament. Does this game continue the comedic legacy or does it flop harder than Gina's parachute? Let's find out!
The gameplay of *Runaway 2* sticks to classic point-and-click mechanics. You'll be controlling Brian as he embarks on a convoluted quest to rescue Gina, who seems to have a habit of getting into trouble (seriously, give that girl a whistle!). Players explore vibrant environments, solve head-scratchingly absurd puzzles that could make a Rubik's cube seem like tic-tac-toe, and interact with an eclectic mix of characters including a soldier who thinks Brian is his superior and a barmaid who moonlights as a makeup artist. Let's not forget how Brian's quick thinking often involves disguising himself as someone else-just don't ask him how he keeps getting caught! Collect items, piece together clues, and try not to lose your mind in the process. However, this is not without its issues. The puzzles at times feel like they were designed by someone who had just lost a game of charades. Sometimes you may find yourself scratching your head, wondering if you missed the memo on how to proceed. The interface is also a little clunky, especially for the DS-it feels more suited for a computer mouse than tiny stylus taps. The story unfolds nicely, though, with humorous dialogue and quirky plot twists that will keep players entertained, if somewhat frustrated, most of the time.
Graphically, *Runaway 2* is a mixed bag. On the one hand, the character designs make you feel like you're in a comic book-vibrant and colorful characters that pop right off the screen. On the other hand, the backgrounds and animations sometimes feel like they were hurriedly assembled during a coffee break. The visuals maintain a hand-drawn style which adds charm, but with the limitations of the Nintendo DS, the overall experience can look slightly dated compared to modern standards. Still, the charm shines through and it's often enough to carry the game's atmosphere.
Overall, *Runaway 2: The Dream of The Turtle* offers a delightful mixture of humor, quirky adventure, and baffling puzzles that will appeal to fans of graphic adventures looking for something to invest time into. While it might not hit the high notes of its predecessor and has technical flaws, the charm and creativity behind Pendulo Studios still left a smile on my face (despite the urge to fling my DS out the window during some of those puzzles). If you're looking for an entertaining escape filled with shenanigans and wacky adventures, consider giving Brian and Gina a chance. Just remember: don't try to think too hard-it's supposed to be fun, not a final exam in philosophy!