System: DS
Dev: Kojima
Pub: Konami
Release: Feb. 2007
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
Review by Cole Smith

---

Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

With more of a focus on action, the game forgoes the more in-depth puzzle solving aspects. It also doesn't get "cute" with the touch control system. Puzzles are reduced to locating keys and throwing switches. There's also less backtracking, which helps maintain a steady pace not unlike Castlevania. Fortunately the game is huge, so it doesn't have to resort to such inane busy work to pad it. There's always a new environment ahead filled with different enemies and booby traps.

These dungeon crawls are a great source of goodies which you can use to buy, sell, trade, and upgrade previous weapons and skills when you return to the surface.

Each character has unique abilities to coincide with his weapon of choice. Each of them will drain their renewable energy with each attack. But due to the nature of the game and its day/night cycle, the characters will only be able to "shine" during their corresponding shift. Aaron can really only be used during the day as he needs the sun to power his solar gun. He's also not very effective in dungeons since there is no direct sunlight, except for the odd skylight where he can feed off stray sunbeams. Lucien is probably the best overall character because he can use his sword in virtually any situation. Both characters can be sustained by power-ups, potions, and special armor, but when they run dry the only way they can recharge is to rest during their shift. You have to balance their powers and preserve their energy so that one can take over while the other one recharges.

The production values are amazing. The graphics are impressive and even though the dungeon crawls display an isometric perspective, there are plenty of 3D renderings that really bring this game to life. The cutscenes are fully animated and fully voiced. The story is well written and really fleshes out the characters so that you understand their motivations. Most of the story is revealed through text but there are enough voiceovers to further define the characters. The music couldn't be better. It's fully orchestrated and fits the scenes perfectly, but what's more, it sounds great even without headphones.

Utilizing the DS' touch system capabilities, you will use the stylus to pilot your spacecraft in a space shooter-style battle. After defeating a dungeon boss, you have to take them above the Parasol and blast them with radiation to finish them off. The stylus is used to direct your craft and also to target the enemy. It requires some practice, but it's a great addition to the gameplay. Aside from the aforementioned elements such as combat, puzzle-solving, and space shooting you can also expect elements such as stealth, collecting, RPG, and a four-player dual mode. It all combines to make a very exciting experience that any DS enthusiast should not be without.

By Cole Smith
CCC Senior Writer

Features:

Another vampire menace in need of vanquishing. That's where you come in. By Ryan Schultz

When the Konami produced Boktai, a three-quarter-view vampire romp hit, to the GBA a few years ago, it brought to the table some very interesting gameplay. Packaged in with the game was a sensor that would gauge the amount of sunlight that was in your vicinity. While the game may have brought some innovative structure to the table, there were too many limitations (cloudy days, night sky) keeping the game from becoming a big hit. So as Konami announces Lunar Knights, the spiritual successor to the Boktai series, for the DS, it’s coming as no surprise that some changes are in store for eager fans.

During the game’s introduction at E3 2006, we learned that Lunar Knights would follow the story of vampire-dueling buddies Lucian and Aaron. Their mission is to foil the vampire’s attempt to blot out the sky with a “digital” replacement. Not only does this digital sky act as a story element, but it’s also what drives the main gameplay mechanic. Because of the sun sensor found in Boktai for the GBA, game time was restricted to only during the day, and outside. Konami must have heard the groans from the fans, and graciously decided to include a more “indoors” friendly sun system.

The digital sky will play a huge factor in how you play through Lunar Knights. The weather, which is displayed on the top screen of the DS, will constantly be changing; from clear and sunny, to cloudy and rainy. This also affects the abilities of the two main characters. Lucian can harness the power of the moon, while Aaron can use the sun’s rays to unleash a powerful attack from his gun. However, the weather aspect goes even farther than just day/night cycles. Temperature, humidity, and even wind will all play a factor in Lunar Knights. For example, if there is high humidity plants will thrive and may provide stepping stones to previously blocked off areas. In very windy conditions, you can hang glide, and hot temperature will evaporate water, possibly unveiling a hidden entrance. It’s a very intriguing weather system that will hopefully provide for some memorable gaming moments.

While Boktai focused more on a Metal Gear Solid style sneak and shoot (this is a Kojima game by the way), Lunar Knights emphasizes more on combat. Lucian excels in close up attacks, which result in some pretty devastating combos, and Aaron takes a more distant approach by blasting enemies with his gun from long range. With the ever changing weather conditions, you’ll be switching back and forth between the two vampire hunters, making sure you have the right one for the current conditions.

Aside from the combat focus, the other major gameplay element comes in the form of fully 3-D spaceship battles. Once you dispatch of a head vampire, his coffin rockets up into outer space, prompting you to follow suit. The action takes place on the bottom screen where you can control the ship with the stylus and tapping on which enemy ships you want to take out. Destroy the head vampire’s ship and you can move on to the next area.

Lunar Knights is shaping up to be quite the worthy successor to the Boktai series. With a much improved day/night function and the emphasis on combat, Knights should appease those waiting for this anticipated sequel set to ship for the DS sometime this winter.

Features: