Art Style: Aquia DS Review

Art Style: Aquia is almost the perfect example of don't judge a book by its cover. The game instantly conjures up thoughts of Electroplanktonwith its cool blue style and intriguing title. Unfortunately, it's just a standard puzzle game.

The goal is to match similarly colored blocks along a tower that stretches across both DSi screens. It's a simple concept, but unlike Bird & Beans, it's a boring one.

The tension is supposed to come from clearing blocks as quickly as possible to help your diver (located on the right of the screen) to the bottom of the ocean floor. If you don't clear blocks quickly, darkness will creep downwards, and if both screens turn dark, it's game over for you and your diver.

Unfortunately, the path to getting your diver to their goal doesn't hold much intrigue. The game seems to rely on a match three gimmick that may have been great if it were released on Game Boy Color when its only competition was Columns. But now, with games like Lumines and Bejeweled, Art Style: Aquia feels dated.

So the hope is, after you reach the bottom of the seabed, you'll be treated to some artistic visuals. That also disappoints. Every time you clear a new level, you see the same monotone background with different creature variations. Nintendo even included an aquarium mode if you just wanted to sit and chill to the art. But without any interactivity, the art and style just isn't there.

If you have some Nintendo points burning a hole in your wallet, this wouldn't be a complete waste of $5, but other DSi games offer a greater value. When it's all said and done, the most Art Style: Aquia has an interesting title and not much else.