Goku Densetsu shuffles up some hybrid RPG DS action
Easy to learn, tough to master
Goku Densetsu is not a name that was dreamt up with the European market in mind, at least not for English speakers. Even though it has all of its vowels separated neatly by consonants, it just doesn't read straight off the page, requiring instead that the reader takes a moment to acquaint themselves with its alien paring of diphthongs.
The content of the title however may find it has less trouble connecting with an audience amongst the hordes of western RPG nuts that eastern developers have cultivated into a successful market sector over the last ten years.
Based on the popular anime Dragon Ball Z, Goku Densetsu matches RPG elements with card-based battles. There are 512 possible card combinations and eight different attacks available, which can be powered-up by playing different combos of cards.
The RPG elements come into play where characters are powered up based on experience; as the characters move through the game they gain access to new moves and become more formidable opponents.
There is a four-player wireless option promised as well as a game sharing mode, which should lend this title some lasting appeal after the single player quest has been bested.
Goku Densetsu sounds like it could be a smart match for the DS. If its card-based battles invite tactical play and forward planning, the coupling of the battling formula with some traditional RPG progression could make for an engrossing and fresh take on the licence.
Click 'Track It!' to be dealt the next hand of news on this left field RPG.