Scooby-Doo! Unmasked for Nintendo DS may evoke nostalgic memories for fans of the classic cartoon series, but unfortunately falls short of delivering a truly engaging retro gaming experience. As an action adventure platform game, players take on the role of Scooby-Doo and join forces with the familiar teenage sleuths from Mystery Inc. to unravel the mystery of Fred's missing cousin, Jed.
The game's premise is intriguing, with players discovering that Jed's animatronics have gone rogue, causing chaos and casting suspicion on Jed as the prime suspect. It is up to players to navigate through three sprawling worlds, each filled with multiple levels, mini-games, and climactic boss battles, in order to put a stop to the creepy costumed characters, unmask the truth, and prove Jed's innocence.
One aspect that attempts to capture the essence of the classic Scooby-Doo! cartoons is the incorporation of familiar voices from the animated series. Players will recognize the unmistakable voice of Adam West, famous for his role as Batman in the original television series, as the game's main villain, Winslow Stanton. Additionally, authentic Scooby-Doo! cartoon voice actors contribute their talents to enhance the overall authenticity of the game.
While Scooby-Doo! Unmasked may succeed in capturing the essence of the beloved cartoon's voice acting, it falls short in terms of gameplay. The controls can feel clunky and unresponsive at times, making it difficult to execute precise movements or attacks. This can lead to frustrating moments and detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
Furthermore, the graphics and visuals do little to evoke a sense of nostalgia or pay homage to classic games of the past. The lack of attention to detail in the design aesthetic feels uninspired and fails to capture the vibrant and colorful world of the Scooby-Doo! cartoons.
Despite its flaws, Scooby-Doo! Unmasked for Nintendo DS does offer some redeeming qualities. The incorporation of effects from the original cartoons, such as canned laughter and classic catchphrases, adds a touch of nostalgia for fans of the series. Additionally, the ability for Scooby to don various costumes, including Kung Fu, bat, and archer outfits, adds a layer of variety to the gameplay and allows for different abilities and attacks.
In conclusion, Scooby-Doo! Unmasked for Nintendo DS may appeal to dedicated fans of the cartoon series looking to relive some fond memories. However, for retro gaming enthusiasts seeking a truly engaging and visually captivating experience reminiscent of classic games, this title may not meet their expectations. With clunky controls, uninspired graphics, and a lack of attention to detail, Scooby-Doo! Unmasked falls short in delivering a truly memorable retro gaming adventure.
