Globulos Party Review for Nintendo DSi

System: DSi (DSiWare)	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Globz	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Globz	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: March 1, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Unfortunately, the sound isn't in as good of shape as the visuals. The game features only a smattering of music, and there is virtually no audio whatsoever accompanying the mini-games, aside from repetitive nature sounds that include birds cheeping and insects humming. The sound is definitely the most annoying part of the game, and even though I wasn't expecting some grandiose score to accompany it, I expected more than just nature sounds I can hear just by opening a window.

Globulos Party screenshot

It is important to note that Globulos Party is based on Globulos, which is a flash-based website that features several of the same mini-games. However, the DSi version's easier control scheme and multiplayer options set it apart substantially from the Globulos web portal. However, if you are more comfortable with your mouse, and don't really care about multiplayer options, then you may want to stick with the free online version, as it won't be worth your 500 points to upgrade.

When you browse the Nintendo DSi Shop channel, you are likely to see a lot of mini-game compilations. Most of these compilations include some sort of touch-based gimmick that is fun for awhile and then gets monotonous quickly. Globulos Party is one of those games.

At its heart, this title is nothing more than a compilation of 20 mini-games that use cutesy ball-shaped characters to play watered down versions of football, soccer, foursquare, and basketball. However, even though there is not much to this game, at 500 points, it is good for a few rounds on occasion, and the multiplayer options make it a worthwhile title if you love mini-games. If you have 500 points burning a hole in your virtual wallet, Globulos Party is a worthwhile investment. Just don't expect greatness or more than ten minutes of amusement at a time.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.5

Graphics
Pixel-based visuals are bright and fun, but not technically impressive.

3.9

Control
The stylus-based controls are easy to use and there is almost no learning curve.

1.9

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
There is almost no music, and sound effects consist of repetitive nature-like sounds that include buzzing flies and screeching birds. Not exactly the most entertaining of sounds.

3.0

Play Value
The game is entertaining for five or ten minutes at a time and works well as a timewaster. If it was any more than 500 points I would say don't bother, but for the money, the game is a good value.

3.0

Overall Rating - Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Globulos Party includes 20 games: Arena, Football (Soccer), Croquet, Tic-Tac, Darts, Funky Foot, Bomber, Rally, Volley, Sumo, Pinball, Pétanque (Curling), BomberKing, 4-Square, Snooker, Basket, DartsKing, Monster, Rugby (Football) and the Nintendo DSiWare version exclusive, Ice Hockey.

The games are playable on 50 different playing fields. On each of them the player has to beat three different AI levels (easy, medium, hard) to finish the game (more than 12 hours without losing once!).

The game features also unlimited fun with the three multiplayer modes: the DS Download Play, the DS Wireless Play and even a "two-player hotseat" mode on the same Nintendo DSi system.