Line Rider 2: Unbound Review for the Nintendo DS (NDS)

System: Wii, PC, DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: inXile Entertainment	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Genius Products	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Sep. 16, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The physics engine plays a big role in this game, as much of the fun revolves around how your rider reacts to the paths that you create. At many times, it felt quite good, but at other times, the physics engine inexplicably failed. For example, crashes are quite satisfying and it's really fun to see your sledder fly off a ramp and then stick the landing further on. But on the other hand, I had a few scenarios where my rider completely flew through a line. It's a glitch, obviously, but with such an obvious emphasis on making the physics engine work realistically, it's surprising that a bug like this got through into the final retail version of the game.

Line Rider 2: Unbound screenshot

The story mode is not particularly impressive, but what the game really does well is the level editor. It's surprisingly deep and is also fairly accessible; once you really get a handle of the game's mechanics, you'll find that you'll be able to make some pretty solid levels. You've got to test your levels to prove they're possible, but once you do so, you're able to upload your levels and they'll be available for download for anybody who has the game. Downloading other user-created content is also great, and if you really get hooked on this game, the downloadable content essentially ensures that you'll be getting your money's worth with Line Rider 2.

In the end, it boils down to whether or not you enjoyed the first Line Rider. If you found yourself really addicted, Line Rider 2: Unbound might be worth a look. But, if you're like me and checked it out, then promptly found it shallow and not particularly exciting, you may want to take a pass. It's not a bad game; there are some good ideas here, and once you get a handle on the creation mechanics, then it's a fairly satisfying game. Still, the inconsistencies in difficulty and almost unfairly-steep learning curve are tough to overlook. The community features are impressive, and if that really appeals to you, then I guess checking out Line Rider 2 is probably worth it.

By Joseph Catalanotto
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.3

Graphics
2D visuals that aren't particularly pretty, but they get the job done.

2.5

Control
The stylus works well sometimes, but there are several issues while manipulating lines.

2.9

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
A notch above mediocre, but the music in general is all too forgettable.

3.0

Play Value
If you can get into the brand of gameplay that Unbound offers, there's a lot of value to be had. The problem is learning to appreciate that gameplay.

2.8

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

Game Features:

Bosh Vs. Chaz face off in story mode to get the best sled and Bailey's love with over 40 mind-bending puzzle tracks.

Design your own twisted puzzles for the world to solve with puzzle creation mode.

Freestlye mode is the classic way to create your own masterpieces with cool tricks and sound effects.

Easy track uploading & sharing: post your best tracks and challenge the Line Rider community to solve your puzzles.

12 new line types, multiple line riders, tons of sound and particle effects, and unlockable rewards.