Style Savvy Review for Nintendo DS

System: DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: syn Sophia	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Nintendo	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Nov. 2, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The game features over 10,000 garments to purchase, and there is plenty of replay value for those who want to collect all of the game's different outfits. In addition to being able to unlock all these clothing items, your character is also able to visit hair and makeup salons to improve their own personal style. While this doesn't impact the gameplay too much, it still is a nice touch and is a great way to keep you immersed in the game.

Style Savvy screenshot

As far as the visuals are concerned, Style Savvy looks great. As a game that is focused on fashion and design, Style Savvy certainly needs to look good, and it definitely succeeds here. Each customer has a very detailed character model, complete with various body types, different facial features, and a rainbow of skin tones.

However, though the different characters all look great, what really shines here are the clothes. Style Savvy features 10,000 different pieces of clothing, and each is amazingly detailed and moves on the different models as you would expect them to. While pants are rigid and cling or hang based on the fit, dresses are more fluid and mold to the character's shape. The different clothes also sport some pretty neat designs, and I found myself working very hard to earn shopping days so I could unlock more of the game's many clothing items.

However, while the game looks good, I wish I could say the same of the sound. I really don't think much effort went into the sound production on Style Savvy and, unfortunately, it shows. The background music is essentially an endless loop of the same song, and there are no voiceovers. Sure, there's a sound effect here and there, but it really isn't anything to turn the sound up for. You are better off listening to some pop tunes to get some inspiration for your fashion boutique than listening to the dull soundtrack offered here.

Style Savvy is an excellent game for its niche audience. While there have been other fashion-based games for the Nintendo DS, Style Savvy hits all the right notes. With plenty of clothes, easily attainable story goals for youngsters (and plenty of advanced goals for older gamers), Style Savvy offers the total package for anyone with an interest in fashion. Just make sure that you coordinate your shoes and belt with your DS while playing!

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.9

Graphics
Character models look great, and there are plenty of colorful clothing designs to play around with.

3.0

Control
The point and click controls certainly don't offer much depth, but they are easy to use, especially for younger fashionistas.

2.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Theme music is very generic and can become grating after several hours of play.

3.8

Play Value
The gameplay isn't all that challenging or thought-provoking, but those with an eye for fashion will love buying and selling the game's 10,000 garments.

3.6

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

Game Features:

You can stock your store with items from 16 different in-game designer labels, each with its own distinct style and price point. Style Savvy includes more than 10,000 items and a range of customers with a variety of styles and personalities.

Every day customers who walk through the door of your shop tell you their shopping budget and the kind of clothing they want. If you make them look good, they'll be back - or they might even stick around and spend more.

Once you build up some cash, then it's time for you to go shopping to stock your store. You can expand your inventory or start getting ready for seasonal changes, which are timed to the calendar of the Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi system.

You can make a local wireless connection with up to three of your friends to host a fashion runway contest to see who has the best eye for fashion.

If two players have Style Savvy game cards, they can connect their Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi systems locally to visit each other's stores. Players who have broadband wireless Internet access can connect to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and walk around other players' stores and browse their best wares. Players can find their favorite coordinates, download them and wear them.

You can customize the look of your character with different head shapes, eyes and lips. Or you can modify your look by changing your hair color, getting a new hair style or adding makeup.