Developer/Publisher: Codemasters
Genre: RPG
Price: 29.99, available in June 2010
Acquired: Review Copy Provided
Verdict: Interesting at the outset, but cools quickly. Not much replay here.
Pros: Great use of the multiple DS control schemes
Cons: Bit of a retread of previous “gotta catch ‘em all” games
The realm of Dragonology, as presented on the Nintendo DS, seems to be a fusion of the worlds of Harry Potter and Indiana Jones. On the one hand, you have the fantastical aspect of tracking and training dragons. But the setting is painted with airships and adventures in far flung jungles. It’s an interesting mix that draws the neophyte Dragonologist into its little world.
Much like the Pokémon games, when you first start your adventure, you choose to play a boy or a girl Dragonology apprentice. Right off the bat, you are introduced to the world of Dragonology by your mentor. As he shows you around the Castle Drake compound, you learn how to purchase needed gear, how to mix spells, and where to receive your next assignment.
The resident shopkeeper will sell you everything you need; from bait and whistles to call the dragons in, to cages in order to bring them safely home. He’s also more than willing to purchase excess dragon claws and scales that you find on your adventure. But don’t sell all of those extras, you may need them. On several missions you’ll also need to visit the resident apothecary. Here you’ll mix up potions to entice the dragons or to preserve and protect you in some way. In order to mix up these crucial crucibles, you’ll need things like dragon dust and teeth which are collected while on your adventures.
Speaking of adventures, you set out around the world from the Castle Drake dirigible hangar. Remember that great scene where the intrepid Doctor Jones set off on the Hindenburg ? Well, it seems that all of the fashionable explorers travel by air. When you arrive at the hangar you’ll go inside and find a posting board where you can see the latest missions. It will tell you what’s required, what type of dragon you’re after, and give you the opportunity to get under way.
There are certain aspects of the game which are done very well, namely the complete use of the Nintendo DS features. Several aspects of the gameplay engage the stylus quite nicely. This is also one of those rare games that makes good use of the built-in DS microphone. The action typically happens on the top screen with the interaction occurring down below. The cut scenes fill both screens momentarily, especially when you stumble upon your latest find.
Once you’ve reached the field, you’ll need to navigate around a mapped area. In your travels you will investigate various items that will lead you closer to the elusive prey. As I said, the game makes a good use of both the touch screen and microphone as you examine your surroundings. One tool that is used regularly is the magnifying glass. You may need to investigate items on the ground such as a bone or a tooth. These will be covered with leaves or snow flakes or bugs. In order to get a good look at the specimen, you’ll need to flick the extra items away with your stylus. Other tasks include making molds of tracks and blowing on them to get the plaster to dry quickly.
Of course, tracking dragons in their natural habitat isn’t just about inspecting feathers and sniffing at dung samples. You’ll also need to be aware of the hazards found in the field. Stealth must be employed to sneak by, and in some cases, hide from, jungle cats. You’ll also need to be aware of the native plants; many of them can slow you down or confuse you. Remember that time is of the essence! Once you’ve landed you’ll need to gather your evidence, avoid setbacks, and bring back that beastie.
When you finally go head to head with the dragon, you’ll need to complete some sort of challenge. You may have to speak with a dragon by playing a rhythm game. If you have lured your prey into a cage, you’ll need to set the lock before time expires. These mini games are a bit more challenging than simply tracking down the dragons you’ve been sent to investigate.
Back at Castle Drake you’ll get to know the stable of dragons even better. You’ll feed them and play hide and seek. Naturally, you’ll also get to fly with them. This can be accomplished with either the D-pad or by using the stylus. Each method has its own challenges.
The Dragonology DS game is based on the book by the same name. The dead tree edition of Dragonology purports to be a dragon study field guide written in the early 20th century. I’ve never read the book, but it seems to get shining reviews over on Amazon. No doubt, fans of the franchise will likely hustle out and grab a copy of the game as have Potter fans before them. The Wizardology game is also due to drop this June alongside its whimsical twin.
At the beginning of this game review, I referenced the Pokémon franchise. And the sad fact of the matter is that I can’t help but think of this as a watered down version of Pokémon. You’re a youngster coming up through the ranks. You gotta catch ‘em all. Plus, you’ve got an inventory of tools to help you achieve certain goals in the game.
As I played through the game and wrote this review, I had to wonder who the target demographic is for Dragonology. My seven year old hovered over my shoulder for twenty minutes to see what the deal was with this familiar-feeling game. When I got up for a drink, he snatched up my DS and played with it for about ten minutes. But before I had finished my refreshing beverage, he had gone back to playing Spectrobes: Beyond the Portal. Sadly, I, too, found the game to fall a bit flat for such a fantastical topic. Fans of the series may really enjoy stalking, snaring, and training their dragon. But the vast majority of the gaming public is likely to tire of Dragonology faster than you can say Little Jackie Paper.
Popularity: unranked [?]
