Photo Dojo Review for Nintendo DSi

System: DSi	Review Rating Legend
Dev: SRD Co.	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Nintendo	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: May 10, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The single-player mode is essentially a horde-style mode where you can attack relentless enemies. The game doesn't have any in-game enemies, so you'll have to fight against other photo fighters that you have created, or against yourself. The single-player mode is definitely interesting for a little bit, but after fighting scores of enemies, it does get a little tedious, and it's a shame there isn't more to the solo mode of this lightweight title.

Photo Dojo screenshot

Fortunately, there is a two-player mode that allows you to fight against friends. However, what is different about this two-player mode is it uses a single DS console. You can't play wirelessly or online, and each player has to use their respective side of the DS. The D-pad /facebuttons can be used to move around, and the shoulder button is used to attack. It sounds a little complicated, but because the fighting system is so simple, the two-player mode works well.

Technically, this game is not all that impressive, but when you consider that all of the visuals in the game (minus the menus) are created by low-resolution cameras, it is forgivable. The sound in the game is also all user-generated, except for some light background music, which is generic but inoffensive. Much like the game itself, the visuals and the sound will only be as good as you make them, so make sure to follow the camera instructions precisely and record clear sounds.

Photo Dojo is a simple game with an easy gimmick. Taking this game as a serious fighter, you'll probably be disappointed. However, if you embrace the photo gimmick, you'll have some fun with this title, and if you bring it to parties, this game is likely to be quite a hit. And the best part? Until June 11th, this title is completely free to download. After that, it will be 200 points, so make sure you check it out soon!

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.6

Graphics
Photo-based graphics are implemented well, even if the photos are not particularly high-quality.

3.2

Control
Control is very simplistic and takes only a few minutes to learn. Two-player mode controls work well.

3.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Background music is generic, but the voice over is as good as you make it.

2.8

Play Value
There's not much to it, and you'll probably only enjoy this title for an hour or two. Still, for a currently free download (or even for 200 points), it's a great value and a lot of fun at parties.

3.3

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

Game Features:

Welcome to Photo Dojo, where you create a dojo filled with ruthless (or humorous) fighting machines using images of you and your friends. Use the Nintendo DSi system's built-in camera to take pictures of yourself and your friends in various poses, then use the built-in microphone to record sound effects and dialogue to give your warrior a voice.

Choose one of the four available fighting styles, name your character and you're done. Better yet, repeat the simple, step-by-step process and create a lineup of up to eight fighters. Complete your game setup by customizing backgrounds and choosing from three awesome soundtracks, then prepare for battle.

Two players can share one Nintendo DSi™ system to face off against each other in a one-on-one grudge match, while single-player mode offers the chance to pick your favorite fighter and take on relentless opponents of your own creation.

If you're ready for some seriously offbeat kung fu action, Photo Dojo's unique twist on the side-scrolling beat-'em-up genre lets you use your imagination to set the stage for a fun-filled fight to the finish.