Genre : Platformer
Developer: Bitfield
Publisher: Spellbound
Players: 1
Retail Price: about $60
Availability: DS (import only)
Those looking for modern entries in obscure game series’ need look no further than Giana Sisters DS, a game that is sure to follow its predecessor’s footsteps in terms of notoriety if its localization situation remains constant. The original Giana title, The Great Giana Sisters, hit the old-style home PC market back in 1987 (Commodore 64, Amiga, MSX, etc). Its similarity to Super Mario Bros. led to it being removed from shelves fairly quickly, but it still existed afterward in unofficial and pirated forms and garnered a cult following. Its sequel may share the same fate, as it is currently available in Germany and Australia exclusively. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, you too can experience this game, as the DS has no reigon lock and the text is completely in English. But be forewarned: It may not be worth the high asking price.
The game is bright and cheery, in classic platformer style
There’s no mistaking Giana Sisters DS as anything other than a platformer, and its easy to see Super Mario Bros. “influence” right from the onset. You’ll kill enemies by leaping onto their heads, you’ll jump on or break through platforms made from bricks or breaks and even gain the ability to shoot fireballs. One of the main differences in the basic gameplay is the inability to run. It’s a little jarring at first because the game is so reminiscent of Nintendo’s classic, but it’s exclusion is actually beneficial because it sets the tone of the game. Instead of a fast-paced race toward the end of the level where caution is thrown to the wind, you’ll find a more patient playstyle. It’s easy to see each pitfall, enemy or set of spikes before they’re a threat. You’ll still need to make it across some chasms with nearly-pixel perfect jumps, it’s just that these jumps are in plain sight and deliberately placed as though the developers wanted to taunt you.
The slower pace also encourages something lost on many a modern platformer: exploration. Most of the levels have several red gems hidden throughout. Finding them unlocks extra levels; one level for all the gems in a world and a few more levels should you find each one throughout the game. The true challenge lies not in completing the levels, but in finding the more deviously hidden jewels. Granted, most are in plain sight, but there are a couple that may require a bit more effort than you may think they’re worth. You may be right for the most part, unfortunately, as most of the bonus levels are simple romps that act more like a bonus round than an extra challenge. The end-game challenges, which will remain unspecified, barely help make up for this.
The game's only boss... he isn't all that formidable a foe
Giana Sisters DS is a well-drawn game, sporting some of the best animation seen in a platformer in some time. The backgrounds and tilesets, while sparse in number, are brilliantly designed and pop off the screen nicely. The soundtrack is also of note. It’s comprised of remixed versions of the Commodore 64 version’s songs, and feels like it fell straight out of the 16-bit generation.
The game’s only real issue is its inability to challenge the player consistently. Though the game has more than eighty levels, only a handful are truly difficult. Things start to get a little dicey around World Six, but a little patience is more than enough to overcome most challenges in even the later levels. The game can be beaten by gamers of most skill levels, but platforming enthusiasts will likely find all of the secrets the first time through. Sadly, there’s little reason to go back and play again, unless you’d like the pleasure of experiencing it a second time. There’s also only one boss in the whole game. While you face him several times, the fight only gets a little faster and requires that you deal him more damage with each subsequent encounter. A little variety in this regard would have added more to the title as well.
While Giana Sisters DS is an enjoyable platformer, it’s difficult to recommend it at its inflated import price. The standard $30 pricepoint would have been perfect for a game of its difficulty and length, but it’s clocking in at about twice that cost these days. Those hungry for a Super Mario-style platformer will certainly find something to enjoy but the price of admission may be too much for most to absorb.
