The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road for the Nintendo DS attempts to bring the beloved tale of Dorothy and her journey through the Land of Oz to the realm of RPG gaming. With its unique perspective on what happens after reaching the end of the Yellow Brick Road, the game aims to turn Dorothy and her loyal dog Toto into classic RPG heroes. However, despite its promising premise, the execution leaves much to be desired.
The game starts off with a tornado whisking Dorothy and Toto away from their Kansas farm, landing them in an unfamiliar countryside. Here, Dorothy discovers that the only way back home is to follow a mysterious voice leading her to the end of the Yellow Brick Road. Along the way, she meets a variety of characters who decide to join her on her quest, including the Scarecrow, Lion, and Tin Man. Together, they embark on an enchanting voyage filled with obstacles and challenges. Their ultimate goal is to defeat the four evil witches that have taken over the magical land.
Unfortunately, the gameplay falls flat, lacking the depth and excitement that classic RPGs are known for. The battles are monotonous, with repetitive turn-based combat that fails to engage the player. The controls, while functional, feel clunky and unresponsive at times, hindering the overall experience. The game's visuals, while charming in their own right, lack the polish and detail that modern RPGs offer.
Where the game does succeed is in capturing the nostalgic feel of the original Wizard of Oz story. The characters and locations are faithfully depicted, staying true to the essence of the beloved tale. The music also adds to the whimsical atmosphere, evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans of classic games.
Overall, The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road for Nintendo DS falls short of expectations. While it showcases some aspects reminiscent of classic games and successfully captures the charm of the original story, the lackluster gameplay and technical issues prevent it from being a truly memorable experience. Retro gaming enthusiasts may find some enjoyment in revisiting Oz, but for most players, there are better RPGs available on the Nintendo DS.
