Sprung
Game by UbiSoft
Reviewed by Harold "Hbomb" Price
Size: 128Megabits
Save: Battery, One slot
Released: 2004
Works with: Nintendo DS
Quick Opinion: Rent.

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Opening Snide Remarks: This game was a bargain pickup ($20). Reading about
"Sprung" in Nintendo Power piqued my interest. I could not resist buying this
game to see what it was like. Since I bought the game, I have written this
review to tell you about it.

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Gameplay Descripion: Gameplay? What gameplay. The game is entirely
menu-driven. Seriously, there was a slight challenge in figuring out what to
say or when to use an item. I had to play through a few scenes several times
before I got through them. This is a conversational game like the ones that
come out in Japan.

Liked: I liked the story. (guy or girl comes to ski resort with friends.)

Hated: Too short, some story elements did not make much sense.



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Graphics Description: The game employs a comic book style of artwork for
the characters and the backgrounds. Nothing extremely exciting, and there
is virtually no animation in this game.

Liked: The character and background art is good. The art gallery is
excellent. The unlockable pencil drawings give it a good behind-the-scenes
feel.

Hated: Lacked animation.



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Sound/Music Description: The music pretty neutral. I had no strong feelings
either way. 
You will not be humming along or pulling your hair out over it.
There is no voice acting for the dialogue in this game.

Liked: The music was decent but not great.

Hated: Lack of voice acting. Even a few sound clips would've helped.



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Play Control/Game Design: The menu-based system was simple enough. Just
select an option and go.

Liked: Simplicity.

Hated: Lack of an undo option.

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Improve: Longer storylines, more in-scene checkpoints, more playable
characters. Maybe even additional unlockable storylines after beating the
game.

RIYL: Well, I've never really played anything like it. Maybe "Phoenix
Wright: Ace Attorney"? (Editor's Note: Or some of the conversation games at
NewGrounds. Look it up with Yahoo. Also, Wild Tangent's Mojo Master game is
in a similar vein as this game.)

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Final Words: The biggest problem I had with "Sprung" was that it was short.
It only took me a week to play through both Brett's and Becky's storylines.
It might make a good rental or bargain purchase.



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Score

Gameplay: 2.5 stars
Graphics: 3 stars
Sound/Music: 2.5 stars
Play Control/Game Design: 3 stars
Personal Opinion: 3 stars
Total: 14
Final Score: 56%

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Currently Known Codes: Nope.