Pop Island: Paperfield Review for Nintendo DS

System: DS (DSiWare)	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Odenis Studio	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Odenis Studio	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: July 12, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-8	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Still, if you do pour the time into unlocking all of the game's content (most players should have everything unlocked in 2-3 hours), you'll be pleasantly surprised at the replayability of this title. For 200 points, you get eight vehicles, three tracks, and two different modes. Although the modes are quite similar (one is straight-up capture the flag and the other is a race for flags), returning to this game feels natural. Pop Island: Paperfield is a great choice for someone who likes to play games in quick bursts. I never found the gameplay dull, and even if you do decide to play with the A.I., there are four different difficulty levels (ranging from "Easy" to "Crazy"), each with their own unique challenges.

Pop Island: Paperfield screenshot

Pop Island: Paperfield features some pretty basic environments, but the game is stylized in a way that makes it feel unique among other kart-based racers. Your vehicle has basic looks but is giant-sized in the environments. You can easily hop over mountains, volcanoes, and other objects in the environment, and the whole thing almost looks like a board game. Another plus here is that the game's framerate is very quick, so you never have to worry about going too fast.

Although the visuals are good, the audio here is great. Pop Island: Paperfield is the only DSiWare title that I have come across that uses the DSi's stereo speakers to create a surround sound effect. While the game's music is a little generic, the way it comes at you from the speakers (coupled with the sound effects, which also come from different sides depending on the action) is a neat feature, and one that makes this title all the more memorable.

Pop Island: Paperfield is a title that surprised me. It feels like a complete game, and for only 200 points it is a steal. With a unique premise, cute visual style, and a killer multiplayer mode that functions with all DS handhelds, Pop Island: Paperfield is a great game for those who want a light, fun experience that they can share with friends.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.6

Graphics
The visuals are very colorful and cheery with lightning-fast animation.

3.9

Control
The simple controls use the D-pad to steer and two of the face buttons to jump and fire your weapon.

4.1

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The stereo sound scheme is used to great effect here.

4.4

Play Value
The single-player modes are fun, but the local multiplayer download play clinches the deal.

4.1

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

Game Features:

Join your team and race, surf, or fly on three new islands. Get a maximum of flags to win in the "Race for flags" or "Capture the flag" modes.

With the new "Magic Shooters" team, take control of eight land, sea, and air vehicles (including tanks, hovercrafts, and planes) or animals (surfing penguins, eagles, and black cats).

An impressive graphics engine runs fast and smooth at 60 frames per second. In Solo Mode, rack up points and unlock new playable vehicles and maps. Use DS Download Play to share Pop Island: Paperfield and compete joyfully with up to seven friends.

If you own Pop Island on your Nintendo DSi system, you can get three new maps and four vehicles, including a helicopter and a submarine.