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Spotto! Review


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On 04/16/2010 at 09:00 AM by Lukasz Balicki

A simple yet charming puzzle game.
RECOMMENDATION:

At only $2 this puzzle game is an excellent purchase from the DSi Shop for puzzle enthusiasts.

One of the most prevalent genres on DSiWare is the puzzle genre. Thankfully, not many titles that belong to this genre feel like are duplicates. Spotto!, the latest DSiWare game from Nintendo and Intelligent Systems, is a prime example of a unique puzzle title that is full of charm and small touches that will make it endearing to gamers, especially at just $2.

Players assume the role of Spotto, a creature with a mission to save Chikkie Wowwow (the president's daughter) from the evil ghosts that have captured her. In order to succeed players must successfully make their way through 50 levels filled with ghosts and other obstacles, such as floating furniture and floating toilets. The art style of the levels is very reminiscent of Yoshi's Island, and is filled with fantastic little touches including Spotto's humorous facial expressions.

To complete a stage, players must throw bombs within the mouths of ghosts. While there’s no time limit, players are limited to five bombs in each level. If players successfully land a bomb in a ghost's mouth, it explodes and returns to their stock.

Spotto!’s fantastic controls were one of my favorite aspects of the game. Being so intuitive, it made the game extremely enjoyable to play. For example, when players are aiming to throw a bomb, all they must do is spin an on-screen dial with their stylus and press the toss button in order to throw the bomb when they are satisfied with the trajectory.

Though easy to control, players must still assume the trajectory of the bomb beyond the guidelines. This is the essence of the gameplay, and as the game progresses it becomes more difficult to guess where the bomb will land due to various obstacles throughout the levels. While I found that some levels provide a decent amount of challenge, the game is never punishingly difficult.

My main issue with Spotto! is the lack of replay value. Other than the Challenge mode in which players will attempt to conquer all 50 levels with only ten bombs, there is little reason for players to return.

In all, Spotto! is a fantastic little puzzle title that would make a great addition to any gamer's DSi. Even though the replay value is limited, the game is very addictive without a dull moment from start to finish.

Review Policy

In our reviews, we'll try not to bore you with minutiae of a game. Instead, we'll outline what makes the game good or bad, and focus on telling you whether or not it is worth your time as opposed to what button makes you jump.

We use a five-star rating system with intervals of .5. Below is an outline of what each score generally means:


All games that receive this score are standout games in their genre. All players should seek a way to play this game. While the score doesn't equate to perfection, it's the best any game could conceivably do.


These are above-average games that most players should consider purchasing. Nearly everyone will enjoy the game and given the proper audience, some may even love these games.


This is our middle-of-the-road ranking. Titles that receive three stars may not make a strong impression on the reviewer in either direction. These games may have some faults and some strong points but they average out to be a modest title that is at least worthy of rental for most.


Games that are awarded two stars are below average titles. Good ideas may be present, but execution is poor and many issues hinder the experience.


Though functional, a game that receives this score has major issues. There are little to no redeeming qualities and should be avoided by nearly all players.


A game that gets this score is fundamentally broken and should be avoided by everyone.


 

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