Blue Dragon Plus for Nintendo DS is a sequel to the original Xbox 360 title set one year after the events of its predecessor. The game brings back the familiar story of Shu and his companions, who control powerful phantom shadows, as they face new adversaries that arise from the aftermath of the first game.
At first glance, Blue Dragon Plus may appear to be a strategy game similar to Final Fantasy Tactics, with its charming hand-drawn heroes and monsters arranged on an isometric 3D stage. However, once the battles commence, the game shifts to real-time action, demanding quick thinking and planning from players. The fast-paced nature of the combat requires players to strategize on the fly, as enemies do not wait for turns.
The game's controls are simple and intuitive, relying entirely on the touch screen. Players can command their units to move, attack, heal, and interact with special areas on the map. Managing multiple units and keeping track of the battlefield can be overwhelming, but the game compensates for this by providing a generous number of healing items. Additionally, the game pauses to allow the story to unfold during progress through each map, providing a breather from the constant action.
Blue Dragon Plus offers a substantial thirty-hour quest, ensuring plenty of content for players to explore. One notable feature is the ability to control up to sixteen humans and Mecha Robos in real-time battles and shadow fights, adding depth to the gameplay experience.
While Blue Dragon Plus has its merits with its engaging story and unique combat mechanics, it falls short in certain areas. The visuals, while nostalgic with its hand-drawn art style, lack the polish and detail seen in other DS games. The soundtrack, although fitting with its retro vibe, can become repetitive and fails to leave a lasting impact.
Overall, Blue Dragon Plus for Nintendo DS caters to retro gaming enthusiasts with its nostalgic charm and strategic gameplay. While it may not reach the same heights as other classic titles, it still offers an enjoyable experience for those looking to indulge in a new chapter of the Blue Dragon saga.
