Exit DS (Nintendo DS) Review

Wrong. Well, sort of. Exits DS is a bit of a tricky title to pin down. For one, its unashamedly stylish and cool, but its also a bit of a clunky bugger that will only really appeal to a very niche market. Needless to say, we've come away from this title with slightly mixed emotions. We want to love it, we really do, but something is holding us back.

You control Mr. Esc, the hero of the game. In this strange cel-shaded uber-stylised world you are given the simple task of saving people from mortal danger. You guide Mr. Esc through building upon building, saving shrieking idiots and guiding them to safety. What's nice about all this ludicrous simplicity is it makes the game instantly accessible and very easy to just pick up and play.

With over 100 levels and Wi-Fi leaderboards also available, there is certainly plenty to see and do in Exit DS and we have to admit becoming ever so slightly addicted to this title to start off with. But alas, the honeymoon did come to an end and with time frustrations started to crop up. In trying to DS-ify itself, Exit has committed a cardinal sin, the gameplay is clunky, awkward and at times quite unresponsive. You might not notice it to start with, but as time goes on and the levels start to get seriously ruddy hard, it starts to have an impact. By moving Mr. Esc by means of taps on the screen, you are always going to be slightly inaccurate and all too often he'll go plummeting to his death. Disobedience is costly.

So whilst the controls hold the game back, the levels themselves are numerous and at times hugely challenging. There's no doubt you're getting good pluck for your buck here. But will you last the whole game? We really struggled after a while, finding that quick ten minute sessions were all we could stand. Why? The sound...is just...hideously irritating. The damned civilians relentlessly cry 'help' and suchlike which will, after about five seconds, begin to make you murderous with rage.

In order to move around the levels you have to use keys, axes, switches, ropes, ladders and all manner of other clever trickery. There's no doubt the puzzles are unique and challenging, but at times they are just a bit too devious. As we've said, this game is best enjoyed in small doses, but as the levels get harder, they require more and more of your time. Add to this the need for precise controls as the game gets harder and you'll be seeing an awful lot of Mr. Esc squished into the floor as he courageously and stupidly runs off another edge. Idiot.

Exit DS really excels in the looks department. Put simply, this game is shexy. All the levels are nicely designed, the whole feel of the game is really unique and striking and the music (when not drowned out by cries of help from assorted idiots) is pretty solid too. So in terms of presentation we really can't fault it. Just look at the screens if you don't believe us.