Advance Guardian Heroes

Advance Guardian Heroes is a GameBoy Advance (GBA) port of the Sega Saturn classic Guardian Heroes. As a side-scrolling beat em' up title the premise is pretty simple, defeat as many enemies as you can from the beginning to the end of the level, advance the next level, and repeat. For the most part, this game is a pretty decent way to pass the time. Having played the original on Sega Saturn, the GBA port doesn't quite live up to the original's standards, but is still a great game nonetheless.

The graphics are about what you would expect from a GBA game, sprite based with somewhat pixelated edges. Not nearly as smooth as the lines on the Sega Saturn. With the small screen of the GBA, it can be a little challenging to play when you get dog-piled with enemies. The colours tend to blend into each other and enemies can appear to be allies. From a replay standpoint, the only real replay incentive is that you can unlock virtually every character in the game to replay through the levels, right down to the simple peons that appear in waves throughout the levels.

Overall, as a title to kill some time, Advance Guardian Heroes is a decent score. If you are able to find a copy on the cheap this is definitely one to add to your collection. Fans who appreciate game history and remakes of classic titles will be drawn to this title.

Samurai Warriors Chronicles

With all of the Warriors games released on handhelds, there has yet to be one that actually plays as well as a console version. That is until Samurai Warriors Chronicles on Nintendo 3DS. The basic premise of the game still remains in that you button mash your way through hoards of enemies all while trying to achieve the victory objective outlined at the beginning of the level (usually killing a commanding general).

There are a couple of interesting twists to this game that combine elements of the main series warriors games, Empires versions, and some new twists that could only be available on a touchscreen platform. Unlike the earlier versions of Samurai Warriors and even Dynasty Warriors released on the PSP, there is no more choosing points from a map and fighting small pockets of enemies returning to the map and repeating the process. Players can now roam the entire map freely just as the console versions of the games. The main characters of the game are nameless male and female warriors who progress through the feudal period of Japan unveiling the stories of the historical figures that the series is so noted for. After players complete levels, they can return and use the main characters from the Samurai Warriors 3 game in Nintendo Wii.

A new element that has been added into this game is the ability to bring 3 additional generals into battle with you and change mid-level by using the touchscreen. This feature adds a level of complexity to the game as some stages require that you keep certain party members alive (including your main character) even though they tend to rush into dangerous situations with low health.

The graphics on this game are stunning and much better than you would typically expect to see on a Nintendo handheld. Compared to systems like the PSP and Vita, Nintendo handhelds have tended to present grainier and jagged images, making image quality rich games such as this much less appealing. While I was sceptical, I am glad to see that I was wrong and the image quality delivered. The soundtrack for this title was exactly like any other Samurai or Dynasty Warriors game.

Overall, this game is well worth checking out for those who have a Nintendo 3DS. The same great enjoyment from the console platforms is replicated in this release of Samurai Warriors.

Metal Torrent

Metal Torrent is a space shooter that is available on the Nintendo eShop. This title is DSi Ware that can be played on either the Nintendo DSi or 3DS handheld platforms. The gameplay for this title is relatively straightforward. Players have an option between two different spacecraft, one with a spreader gun and the other with a more powerful concentrated firing range. The premise of the game is weave and dodge your way through 8 stages all while trying to shoot down as many enemy ships as possible.  The controls are very limited in that you move with the d-pad (or joystick on 3DS) while shooting your main weapon with B or X and special weapon with A or Y.

This game is a quick play, lasting around 15 minutes, with little challenge. Considering that enemy fire very rarely hits you while piloting, it almost feels like a free play mode. Compared to other rival plane shooters such as Raiden Fighters or Sonic Wings, this title isn't a great challenge. While it is entertaining and an interesting way to pass some time, this won't be a title that you rush home for. This title can be purchased using coins from Club Nintendo until the end of April, more or less making it free.