Death Jr.
Score: 85% ESRB: Teen Publisher: Konami Developer: Backbone Entertainment Media: UMD/1 Players: 1 Genre: Platformer (3D)/ Action/ Adventure
Graphics & Sound: Death Jr. is a nice surprise - a platforming action game that really delivers. Chalk it up largely to style, for this is a great looking game with lots of neat touches that help push it over just being run-of-the-mill. In the Good Looks department, there are great lighting effects on "DJ's" weapons and pick-ups. The weapon lighting is mostly a style thing, but for the pick-ups or objects that offer some interaction to be shown more prominently on screen is functional. For instance, when DJ swings from a hook, the next hook he can use starts to sparkle, letting you better direct the action. Environments are compact and look great, so they are easy to navigate and full of fun stuff. How much do I love a soundtrack that isn't just bleeps and blops, mindless techno/dance or licensed junk they're trying to push on us? Death Jr. has some great music crafted for each stage in the game, as well as sound effects that don't get annoying after the umpteenth time. The C4 Hamster weapon really should get annoying, but their little 'squeak' combined with them rushing out to blow up on some enemy never failed to amuse.
Gameplay: The premise of Death Jr. involves a school outing gone wrong, when DJ and his friends unleash some unspeakable evil that quickly turns its wrath on DJ's friends. Each friend is locked up, their souls split into puzzle pieces that DJ has to collect to free them. Reaping souls is a big piece of how DJ actually saves his friends' souls, so things come full circle. As DJ progresses through each stage, he uses his scythe and special weapons to defeat the bad guys. He will be able to collect new weapons and moves during the game, which adds to the enjoyment of playing later stages. New enemies arise, and DJ has to exercise his new powers to not only stop them, but navigate each area. Special pick-ups help DJ charge his attacks, and there is ammo in some areas for special weapons. The scythe is more than just a weapon in the game, which is very clever. Unless you count the butt-bounce as a combo weapon and platforming tool, I can't think of too many games where the main weapon was also used for major platforming... Thanks for not including a butt-bounce, by the way! I could not be more tired of that device. DJ can use the scythe to grab onto ledges and hook zip-lines, as well as latch onto hooks and swing from place to place. The scythe attack combos are varied, and there are several non-combat moves with the scythe, such as a twirling helicopter move and a bouncing swing that lifts DJ up to ledges or propels him over enemies. Every level and boss is really creative, not just by way of looks, but in design and placement of enemies. This is the kind of game you play where hours and hours just melt off the clock. Very easy to get into and easy to get hooked into. Scythed into, maybe?
Difficulty: One of the greatest things about Death Jr. is how easy you will find it to pick up and get going. The camera is sometimes a little strange, but manual control is possible. Also, there were times I got stuck under something or felt that enemies were getting cheap hits, but enjoyment far outweighed frustration.
Game Mechanics: Death Jr.'s controls are solid, its camera is respectable, and the ease-of-use is fantastic. What frustrated me more than anything was lack of any network play or Internet content. I found myself playing each level thinking how fun a deathmatch would be with someone else on their PSP, and some sort of cooperative two-player would have been incredible. The fact that PSP is so completely Web-enabled means that no developer should have any excuse for not including some downloadable content or specials accessible through the Web. If Wipeout Pure can do it, everyone else can, I think. Nothing in the way this game plays will offend, and you will find yourself getting sucked in as you quickly master the controls for DJ's scythe. Collected souls accumulate when you kill enemies, and getting near doors that collect reaped souls will automatically trigger a reaction. Things could not be more intuitive or friendly for the gamer. Death Jr. is a platformer done right, and helping DJ save his friends will keep you engrossed for many fun hours. Don't expect a lot of replay, unless you just want to collect special items you missed along the way. Even as a one-time trip, it's a great ride.
-Fridtjof, GameVortex Communications AKA Matt Paddock
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