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Fret Nice Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

Fret Nice Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

Fret Frenzy

Super Mario Bros. might have been the first significant and memorable platforming side-scroller, but that doesn’t mean someone can’t break the rules! Tecmo has brought a new platforming adventure to the PlayStation Network, and who knows? They might even bring it to Xbox LIVE later on – at least, that’s the plan. In the meantime, if you own a PS3, you might want to take a look at this one. Why? Because it can be fun and it’s quite unique! Unlike standard platformers, this game can be controlled with one of those guitar peripherals you might have collecting dust in the closet.

Fret Nice screenshot

Sure, we’ve seen our share of indie games in the past couple of years, and at some point, one has to learn to distinguish between good indie titles and those that are better left for the über-alternative gamers. However, this was an ambitious project, and the fact that the game is controlled with the guitar makes it special. Of course, as you know, not everything with unconventional controls is going to boast great results, but it’s at least a good try.

If you look at Fret Nice, you’ll be surprised by the distinctive art style. It features both artsy-crafty and lifelike textures at the same time, in addition to flat, cutout shapes that are put together to form fun and exciting platforming environments – the perfect scenario for this rock-a-billy adventure. The amount and variety of levels will take you to plenty of scenarios worth exploring. The characters, with grungy hair, tight jeans, and fancy boots, will make you giggle, and the fuzzy, bouncy, frowzy enemies are to die for… literally. Think South Park meets LocoRoco and LittleBigPlanet and you’ve got Fret Nice: a cool-looking game indeed.

Sticking to the standards of a traditional platformer, Fret Nice is a side-scrolling adventure that involves lots of running, jumping, rope climbing, and enemy-smacking. Springs will launch you in the air, floating, moving platforms will take you from one side to the next, and switches will open up gates and give you access to new paths. The controls, far from traditional, want you to hang the guitar on your shoulders and hit the yellow fret button to go to the right and green to go to the left. Wanna jump? No problem! Just tilt the guitar as if calling for star power, and your little rock-and-roller will make the leap.

Fret Nice screenshot

Dealing with foes is also quite distinct; you have to strum different color notes depending upon the enemies’ facial features. Three eyes? Three strums of the same color. Two antennae, one eye, and a mouth? Two same-color strums, and then two more of different colors. While button-mashing might do the trick in earlier levels, it’s always best to stay focused and avoid missing notes, as that’ll result in a higher score and shorter level completion time, plus you don’t want the enemies to go away while you’re at it. At the end of the levels, you’ll be awarded medals for clearing the stage, timing, enemy kills, and score. If you don’t receive enough medals, you’ll have to get back to work on the current levels, as the following ones won’t be unlocked yet.

Fret Nice also includes plenty of secret areas, hidden characters and tips, bonus stages, boss battles that make you use the skills you have learnt, and even a store where you can buy new clothing and accessories to customize your character at the end of each set of levels, in addition to other items to help you advance through the adventure. As you progress, new platforming features are added, with vehicle-powered levels and all.

Fret Nice screenshot

The unique control scheme might seem like a nice break from the typical control style. However, the novelty wears off fast, and in fact, it might wear you out too! Having to tilt the guitar every few seconds is very tiring and, if you’re not careful, it will make you sore. The developers have thought of that, and you can override the tilt via menu options or just use a standard PS3 controller to beat the game. Phew! This will take some weight off your shoulders! My guess is most players will turn away from the game’s intended controller and the developers will have to live with it. It’s a good thing that they compromised, as it gives the game an extra chance to be successful.

Fret Nice screenshot

Whether you use the guitar or the Sixaxis controller, you’ll notice that oftentimes, when you think you’re strumming notes to defeat the enemies, you won’t hear any guitar riffs. That’s because you need to be near the enemy; then, a thin blue line will connect you, and that’s when you’re supposed to rock ‘n roll. At first I thought my guitar was broken, and then I realized you have to keep your cool and do it at the right time, when you’re actually connected. Even still, the guitar riff controls seemed questionable, which was somewhat of a disappointment. Luckily, things are more accurate with the Sixaxis, so that should be everyone’s controller of choice from the start if you want to actually enjoy the game.

As it should always be with music-centric games, Fret Nice offers an amusing soundtrack full of funky sounds, guitar riffs, and other acoustic combinations. These original tunes help to complement the unique levels found in the game, often encompassing the numerous back-and-forths, jumps, enemy encounters, climbing, vehicle scenes, etc. It’s probably the best part about the game, though the visuals are definitely the most appealing of the whole package.

Though Fret Nice is not ideal and it’s far from perfect, you should keep in mind the gameplay is actually fun when played with the PS3 controller, the presentation is cool and original, and the music will just get you going. Plus, if your friend is hanging out, you can also have fun together with the local co-op, unlocking trophies, opening up new levels, and so forth. I say let’s leave the plastic guitar for the games for which it was made, grab your Sixaxis, and take this game for a spin! At $14.99, it’s not a very cheap PSN option, but it’s entertaining and will last you a while.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 4.3 Graphics
Fret Nice features original visuals, with cutout shapes, lifelike textures, and funny characters. Think South Park meets LocoRoco. 2.9 Control
Guitar controls cause pain and are inaccurate. Sixaxis alternative is the way to go, and even though it’s not perfect, it gets the job done. 4.0 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the game, with original tunes, funky gameplay-activated sounds, and guitar riffs. 3.7 Play Value
If you enjoy platformers and want to go on the cheap, this is a game packed-full of original levels and fun gameplay. Plus, it offers co-op. 3.3 Overall Rating – Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Rock on and harmonize the unity between music and 2D platformer! As you control your character through the artful stages, you play the game as if it was a jammin’ rock song.
  • Blast your enemies with riff combos and create your own soundtracks with each “strum” of a chord. You will have an ever-changing experience each time a stage is repeated.

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