A pseudo-game that would have been better as a DSiWare title. http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=19101 Treasure World isn't really a game; it's actually just a neat concept wrapped in a DS cartridge. It makes use of the wireless capabilities of the DS system to see various WiFi hotspots (SSIDs) as players approach them in the real world. Each hotspot gives players stardust (which is used to complete the game), gear to customize your on-screen avatar, or an actual treasure piece. Each piece of treasure makes its own sound and represents some real-world object. Players can arrange these pieces in their play area and create a song, ala Mario Paint.
There isn't much more to Treasure World other than collecting treasure, customizing your character, and making music. There is an odd addictiveness to setting your DS to search, closing the lid, driving or walking around neighborhoods to see how many times it rings, and then finding your new treasure.
It's pretty clear that this game is targeted at children, and will likely appeal to the same crowd who enjoy web portals like NeoPets. Treasure World also has its own web portal with which players can sync their DS game's profile. From here, players can see their in-game organization of treasure, as well as all treasures in their inventory, their avatar, and even songs they have created in playable form. Players can also add friends and trade treasures with them.
The game's biggest drawback is its presentation. All of the in-game functions are represented by small nested icons. Players will need to memorize what each icon represents after figuring it out via trial and error. Given the demographic this seems unfortunate, as most children will likely be confused as to how they actually navigate the game.
As stated, Treasure World isn't much of a game. It undeniably would've worked better as a DSiWare title, since its portability would mean players could always have it in tow. Because there is little to do, and the main draw of the game is locating new hotspots to earn new treasure, having the game with you at all times and available from the DSi menu would've made much more sense.
Treasure World is an interesting experiment that is successful in what it sets out to accomplish. However, for most players the content is too thin to be enjoyable. On the other hand, young children will probably be drawn to most of the game's features, and will likely be excited about finding new hotspots on local trips with their parents.
Pros:
Collecting treasure can be addictive Visually appealing Cons: Menus are hard to navigate Content is sparse Graphics: 9.0 Most of the in-game world and characters look fantastic. However, the treasures are low-resolution sprites that don't look great in such a polished-looking world.
Sound: 6.0 With the inclusion of a song creator, the game's most memorable music will be the tracks you create yourself. The background music and sounds are nothing memorable; however, the game's best sound is the little ding it makes when it has found new treasure (a.k.a. a new WiFi Spot). I'm not sure what it is, but every time I hear it I just want to drive some more and find new treasure!
Control: 7.0 Placing items and moving around your avatar is easy enough, but most of the game's menus are impossible to navigate properly without trial-and-error and some memorization.
Gameplay: 5.0 This game is not really driven by conventional gameplay concepts. Players will only customize their avatar and make songs with treasure placement.
Lastability: 5.0
Treasure World will only output as much as you input. If you take the time to keep finding new wireless points, you'll have that much more to play with when you get home and uncover your treasure. The portal which is linked to the game experience will extend gameplay if players have other friends who are also enjoying the game. Given the thin content of the game, it's likely that most players will tire quickly of its features.
Final: 6.0
Treasure World is a fun experiment that might be too simplistic for its own good. Had some of the treasure collection mechanics been worked into a more conventional game, or into something like Animal Crossing, players would have far more to enjoy. As it stands, the game feels like something that should've been released on DSiWare due to its ease of use and limited scope.
Topic: REVIEWS: Treasure World (Read 3856 times)
