Film critics were quick to proclaim that director M. Night Shyamalan had finally been deprived of his last skill, when they first saw this summer’s live-action film, The Last Airbender, a big-screen film based on on Nickelodeon. immensely popular television show.
Opinions that were completely ignored by the cinema that was made public, and the film was quickly revealed as one of the biggest box office successes of this year. A fact that must have given publisher THQ a reason to breathe a sigh of relief, as the company had game adaptations ready for release alongside the film, including one for Nintendo DS.
Something similar to the movies
The Last Airbender game promises to allow fans to relive the movie, and while many movie critics would be embarrassed just thinking about it; the DS title does a decent job and quite nicely transfers the film’s manuscript to Nintendo’s handheld. The overall story arc is faithfully captured and the film’s emotional tone is deftly conveyed through beautifully hand-drawn, albeit somewhat toned down, cut scenes better suited to younger viewers.
If it is not broke, do not fix it
Developer Halfbrick Studios has created a title firmly placed in the action adventure segment. The game draws heavily on classics like Zelda, though it doesn’t quite live up to the lofty qualities of its design templates. But you’ll enjoy a balanced and well-executed combination of combat, exploration, and puzzle solving, as you take on the roles of child avatar Aang and his nemesis, Prince Zuko, in THQ’s surprisingly generous title for the Nintendo DS.
That’s ‘Airbender’, not ‘Wind Waker’ to you!
Aang’s skill as a wind-bearer is used to introduce players to many well-constructed puzzles, requiring quick fingers and thoughtfulness, peppered with more proven tasks of “moving box from A to B”. There are many labyrinthine agility courses to conquer, but the game elegantly targets a younger crowd through a combination of grip and subtle guidance. The game offers a host of non-grueling, but still entertaining combat, in which players can take on sword-wielding Fire Nation guards and wizards.
Control runs almost entirely via the touchscreen, another inspiration from the DS Zelda titles. The game is very well handled, and controlling Aang, as he takes to the skies using his trusty kite, is surprisingly simple using just the DS stylus.
Does it bend?
You should expect to be able to squeeze in about 6-7 hours of playtime from The Last Airbender, and the game keeps things fresh and interesting at all times, even with a capped set of building blocks.
The Last Airbender makes good use of the DS hardware, with some good character work and a very well created and varied setting. Tedious slowdowns get a bit of a hitch from time to time, especially during combat. The sound effects are functional, while the music is well composed but with uneven sound quality.
Managerial bonus – Bend
The Last Airbender is a perfect fit for movie fans and younger gamers, due to its solid craftsmanship, entertaining and accessible gameplay. Mature gamers may want to consider this twice as the title is almost too easy, but parents looking for their kid’s next Nintendo DS game should take a look at The Last Airbender.
Verdict: Get it! (Verdict list: ‘Get it’, ‘Rent’ or ‘Never mind’)
