PlayExclusive: Elebits: The Adventures of Kai and Zero

Taking place not long after the first Elebits game for Wii, the dimension-hopping adventures of Kai and his new companion Zero begin on the DS!

Story
In the Elebits world, Elebits are small creatures that power everything, from electric stoves, to automobiles. Shortly after the first Elebits game, Kai and his newfound pet/friend Zero become the best of friends. After accidentally traveling to a different world, Kai and Zero embark on a quest to find their way home, looking for Omega Elebits (especially powerful creatures with special powers) to power their Dimension traveling bus.

With a lot of interesting characters to meet along the way, and wonderful hand drawn graphics to illustrate the story, it keeps the game rolling at at a pretty good pace.

Graphics
Elebits has been known for it's wonderful hand drawn cut scenes, and this sequel hands out more. Major scenes are played out with the same beautiful art, and normal gameplay consists of hand drawn sprites, quite the leap from the original Elebits 3D graphics on the Wii.

Though the gameplay graphics aren't all too impressive, each world the main characters visit has a unique feel to it that keeps things fresh.


Gameplay
Elebits has always been a gigantic game of “hide and seek”, with the players looking for Elebits for power. At the beginning of the game, you are given a “Capture Gun”, to move objects to find hidden Elebits, under rocks, hiding in trees, and all sorts of unexpected places. Using the gun, players need to tap each of the creatures before they run away, and collect them for energy. Each one adds Watts to be used to operate devices used to solve puzzles, and also to power up larger Omega Elebits, which follow the player on their journey.


Omega Elebits have varying powers, from the ability to freeze water to make a bridge, forcing other Elebits out of hiding, or even teleporting long distances, and each one has a purpose much like the Zelda or Metroid series has their gadgets to solve certain puzzles.

With 40 to collect, players will be busy for quite a while.

The only problem players may encounter with the story, though, is the fact that once they're given a mission, they're left to find their own way. Sometimes, the right path just isn't clear, and it may take ages just to find where to go.

Online mode is simply the same “Hide and Seek” as the main story, only changed into a free for all with up to 4 players, to see who can gather the most elebits.

Overall
With a cast of cute characters, beautiful artwork and some very addictive touch screen puzzle gameplay, it's a must buy game that'll keep players glued to their DS's for hours on end.


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Copyright 2009 Johar Aston, TheLAG