Topic: ThunderCats Impressions

[Halbred]

Cats hate lizards.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/30639

Here's something I didn't expect: a Thundercats game on the DS based on the recently revived cartoon. It's a simplistic arcade-style brawler that's fun and kind of strategic. I came away impressed given what the game is. You play as Lion-O (of course) as he battles through hoards of Mumm-Ra's lizard warriors. The demo was short but fun. I'm not sure how long the affair would realistically last, but hey.

As Lion-O carves his way through the reptilian army, he builds up a blue meter which, when full, allows our feline hero to unleash a devastating horizontal laser beam. If you collect a Thundercat symbol (randomly dropped by enemies), you can call Captain Tygrus to provide a screen-filling attack that does massive damage to enemy troops.

The game is a lot like arcade brawlers in that you move forward and kill enemies until an arrow points you to the right, at which time you fight even more enemies. Strategy comes from dodging attacks (by jumping or sliding), picking off specific enemies, and getting into the right position to use your special attack. I eventually faced a large lacertid general who appeared for a little while (for me to attack) before jumping off-screen and calling in reinforcements. Basically another kill room. Once he dropped, the stage ended, my score was tallied, and the demo faded to black.

I couldn't hear the game because of a persistent, obnoxious Thundercats DVD ad playing directly above the DS (I felt sorry for the rep). The graphics are clean and colorful but lack definition. I basically had my fill of the game by the end of the demo, although I wonder if more Thundercats (specifically Cheetara) will be playable in other areas. We'll find out this fall when the game comes out.