Topic: Ketzal's Corridors Impressions

[MegaByte]

This portable ThruSpace sequel sports a Mesoamerican theme and new gameplay options.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/29492

Though you wouldn't think it by the name, Ketzal's Corridors is actually the sequel to ThruSpace, a WiiWare title where you had to rotate Tetris-like blocks in 3D space to fit them through a series of walls with holes (much like the game show Hole in the Wall).

The biggest visual change is rather than simplistic blocks, the game sports an Aztec theme. The blocks are full of engravings, and each block is represented by a different Aztec ruler. It's definitely more exciting to look at than the original, and the nature of the gameplay (traveling forward in 3D space) is a perfect match for the 3DS.

While the main objective is to send your block through consecutive walls within a given time period, you can also collect hearts that are found within the holes. Additionally, there may be several ways to fit your block through the hole in a wall. If you're fast enough to move into these different orientations before finally sending your block through the wall, you'll earn bonus points (at the risk of taking too long and crashing).

Ketzal's Corridors features a map with various stages that are unlocked once other key stages are cleared and/or a number of hearts that you've obtained. The stages vary in the complexity of the shape that you have to manipulate, starting from a flat 3-cube L-shaped piece and moving into more complicated three-dimensional shapes. Later stages introduce new hazards such as columns that block your way or tunnels that twist. Each stage also keeps track of your best time, and medals are awarded for good times.

There are a pair of two-player modes. One is a standard competitive two-player race across local wireless. The other mode is pretty interesting in that it actually only requires a single 3DS and uses a split screen view. One player uses the D-pad while the other takes control of the buttons. In this version, players don't have to worry about moving their shapes, just their orientations. Players must rotate the shapes to match a given sequence of orientations as fast as possible.

Ketzal's Corridors appears more fleshed out than its predecessor and is a welcome addition to eShop. The game is perfectly suited to use the stereoscopic features of the 3DS and its simple but challenging gameplay yields another compelling downloadable title for the portable. Check out some video below.