Originally released in early 2006 for the PSP, Exit has already seen a sequel and release on XBOX Live Arcade before finally landing on the Nintendo DS. Looking at the box or any of the screens online will have you thinking this is an action-platform game, but in reality it is a puzzle game that plays out in real-time as a 2D platformer. Confused? Don’t worry – I’ll clear everything up, including whether or not this game is still worth buying nearly three years after the initial release.
The goal of Exit is pretty simple: you play as Mr Esc, an ‘escapologist’ who is fast moving and quick-witted and able to escape just about any situation. He takes great pleasure in helping people escape from burning buildings or other harrowing situations. To do this you need to guide the people (and dogs) through a large array of hazards including jumps, ladders, tunnels, and so on. To do this you need to show them the way – and they will follow you to the best of their ability.
That is another excellent thing: the various characters each have differing abilities: some move faster or can crawl through tight spaces, others are strong and can help move obstacles. Working with all of these differences is critical to completing each level.
I know I won’t surprise anyone with this, but the DS version of Exit looks and sounds noticeably worse than the PSP version. Before you derisively say ‘no duh’ (OK, too much time with my ‘tween’ kids and their friends over the holidays!), to me the goal of a DS version should be to integrate the graphics and gameplay in such a way that you don’t ever notice them. A great example is Tom Clancy’s End War: the PSP definitely had better graphics, but the DS used the touch screen and stylus control to such an advantage that I never noticed. With Exit, if you have played any of the other versions you WILL notice.
One thing that is quite noticeable is that you see considerably less of the screen, but this is addressed by having the top screen used as an area map. Also, the control differences directly impact gameplay: the PSP required you to play the game more like a precision platformer, but the DS uses the touch-screen and a more indirect system of control that allows you to spend more time failing because you didn’t complete the challenge rather than failing because you missed a jump.
There are more than 100 puzzles, many of which take ten minutes or more to complete (much longer if you have to retry them as often as I do), making this a tremendous value for the money. However, since the DS version of Exit brings nothing new to the game, it is recommended only if you have missed this game (and its’ sequel) on the PSP or XBLA. If you played the PSP version and got frustrated by the precision platforming required, this might provide a good second-chance at a fun action-packed puzzle game.
Pros:
+ Nice use of touchscreen
+ Challenging puzzles
+ Tons of gameplay
Cons:
– Frustrating amount of ‘die and retry’
– Graphics and sounds inferior to PSP version
Game Info:
Platform: DS
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Taito
Release Date: 11/04/08
Genre: Puzzle
ESRB Rating: E
Players: 1
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
Originally scheduled to ship on October 7th, action-puzzle game Exit DS now won’t be seeing the light of day until November 4th, TAITO Corporation just announced. Chances are you didn’t even know the game was due out next week to begin with, so this delay probably won’t come as much of a disappointment. However, if by chance the delay does leave you feeling a little blue, maybe these new screenshots will help cheer you up a bit.
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Square Enix’s lineup for next week’s E3 summit is now in and it’s loaded up with 11 games spanning the PS3, Xbox 360, PSP, DS and iPod (sorry, no love for the Wii). As it stands now, the lineup will include The Last Remnant (PS3, Xbox 360), Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes (iPod), Chrono Trigger (DS), Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (DS), Final Fantasy IV (DS), Star Ocean: First Departure (PSP), Star Ocean: Second Evolution (PSP), Infinite Undiscovery (Xbox 360), Star Ocean: The Last Hope (Xbox 360), Exit DS (DS), and The Legend of Kage 2 (DS).
That’s a lot of ports and remakes for the portables, but some intriguing original titles for the consoles. Best of both worlds, I’d say. Final Fantasy XIII, the next Kingdom Hearts titles, Dissidia: Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest IX are glaringly missing in action, as is the total lack of Wii games, but this is just an initial list. Surely there’ll be a few surprises in store, at least I hope so…
Below is a gallery covering Square Enix’s E3 lineup (one screen for each game), then post jump you’ll find the complete roster of game descriptions.
E3 2008 Lineup
(Square Enix)
Multiplatform:
THE LAST REMNANT
Platform: Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft/
PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system
Genre: RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: (Xbox 360) This Winter / (PLAYSTATION 3 system) TBA
The Last Remnant is a brand-new RPG crafted using the finest artistry and technology Square Enix has to offer. Set in a fantasy world, war-torn and scarred by years of conflict, gameplay revolves around mysterious artifacts – Remnants – that possess magic powers. Groundbreaking graphics only possible on Xbox 360 bring the intensity to a whole new level. The Last Remnant will only be available on Xbox 360 this winter.
The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/remnant/.
iPod:
SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes
Platforms: iPod nano with video, iPod classic and fifth generation iPod
Genre: Role-Playing
Now Available (NA, JP, EU)
Now at the iTunes Store in 22 countries around the world, SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes is a Role-Playing Game that transforms tracks on your iPod® into powerful “Tune Troopers” that you can control in battle! As the protagonist Ziggy, you will embark on an epic journey to rescue your brother from the clutches of the Mechanical Militia! Intriguing characters, an epic story and a tactics-based battle system combine for a rich RPG experience previously only available on home consoles.
The official website can be found at http://www.square-enix.co.jp/songsummoner/.
Nintendo DS:
CHRONO TRIGGER
Genre: RPG
ESRB Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: Holiday 2008
Remastered exclusively for Nintendo DS, CHRONO TRIGGER is a true classic that has set the benchmark for the RPG genre. This all-new edition of the game contains all the classic essence of the original release while introducing the portability, dual-screen presentation and Touch-Screen functionality of Nintendo DS, taking players back in time to re-experience the epic RPG that started it all.
The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ctds/.
DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen
Genre: RPG
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Ship Date: September 16, 2008
For the first time, a full-fledged DRAGON QUEST adventure arrives on Nintendo DS with DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen. Experience an adventure of epic proportions, presented through multiple character perspectives. While retaining the classic look and feel of the original release, this remake breathes new life into a much-loved entry in the DRAGON QUEST series with 3D graphics, dual screen presentation and newly animated monsters.
The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/zenithia/.
FINAL FANTASY IV
Genre: RPG
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Ship Date: July 22, 2008
The latest entry in the franchise that has shipped 85 million copies worldwide*, FINAL FANTASY IV for Nintendo DS features beautiful, fully 3D cutscenes with voiceovers, capturing the emotional drama that first touched the hearts of fans over fifteen years ago. The new ability system and added DS functionality introduce a fresh experience to both new and returning FINAL FANTASY IV fans. With a storyline that sets the stage for all subsequent FINAL FANTASY titles, FINAL FANTASY IV is a must-play for those looking to jump into the best-selling RPG franchise in the world.
*As of May 2008.
The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ff4/.
PSP system:
STAR OCEAN: First Departure
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: October 21, 2008
Space Date 346: The crew of a Terran Federation ship arrives on the planet Roak. With the help of a stalwart band of local heroes, the crew must work together to unravel a mystery and halt a galactic war. STAR OCEAN: First Departure marks the first time that the initial installment in the popular STAR OCEAN franchise is available in North America.
The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/starocean/.
STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: January 6, 2009
Space Date 366: A young Federation officer finds himself transported to a mystical planet, where he is suddenly anointed as the Hero of Light. He begins a journey to fulfill a prophecy and save a newfound race. STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution continues the STAR OCEAN saga!
The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/starocean/.
Xbox 360:
INFINITE UNDISCOVERY (Xbox 360 Exclusive)
Genre: RPG
ESRB: T (Teen)
Ship Date: September 2, 2008
Infinite Undiscovery is the newest fantasy role-playing console game from Square Enix, drawing gamers into a real-time world woven of countless threads where player choices spin untold discoveries. Players will be confronted with a variety of dramatic situational battles such as executing a daring escape while a gigantic ogre follows in hot pursuit, or waging battle amidst towering tidal waves. Dynamic environments change and respond in real time, creating an entirely new experience never before seen in the genre. The title is scheduled to release exclusively on Xbox 360 in September 2, 2008.
The official website can be found at http://infiniteundiscovery.com/.
STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: 2009
STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE is the long-awaited continuation of the celebrated science fiction and fantasy RPG series. Slated for release on Xbox 360 in 2009 and published by Square Enix, this prequel set during the aftermath of World War III combines sci-fi and fantasy elements spanning multiple planets and the vastness of space itself to recount the origins of the STAR OCEAN universe. Exhilarating combat expands upon the franchise’s famous real-time battle system, introducing the amazing graphics and visual effects only possible on Xbox 360.
The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/starocean/.
E3 2008 Lineup
(TAITO Corporation)
Nintendo DS:
EXIT DS
Genre: Action Puzzle
ESRB: E (Everyone)
Ship Date: October 7, 2008
The stylish and inventive action puzzle game comes to Nintendo DS! As professional escape artist Mr.Esc, players must maneuver through burning buildings and sinking ships as they dodge disaster and save survivors along the way. EXIT DS makes a smooth return to the portable scene with all-new Touch-Screen functionality and over 100 stages to solve.
The Legend of Kage 2
Genre: Action
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Ship Date: October 7, 2008
The hit arcade game is back! The thrilling ninja action of The Legend of Kage 2 takes over both Nintendo DS screens, fully utilizing the dual-screen presentation and scrolling to draw players into a dynamic world filled with exhilarating midair combat. With rich, elaborate stages and a compelling story that follows the tale of two protagonists, The Legend of Kage 2 breathes renewed excitement into the classic action adventure experience.
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