Castle Clout 3D (Nintendo 3DS) Review

Most people are aware of Angry Birds - it was a mobile game phenomenon. Thanks to this, upon starting the game it is impossible not to draw comparisons between the two. When compared, the first thing that jumps out is the pacing, since everything seems to move slowly, whether aiming the war machine or moving the camera, it all just feels sluggish.

The premise is fundamentally the same as Angry Birds, with missiles being thrown at an enemy fortification in an attempt to try and destroy it, along with any enemies within. This starts with a standard Trebuchet, raining boulders on the enemy castle, and, as the game progresses, a Ballista and different types of ammunition are unlocked, which must be matched against varying castle materials, adding a little more complexity to the levels.

On top of this, there is additional depth added later with 'Friendlies' in the enemy castle to avoid and shields that can stop certain attacks, which in theory all sounds interesting, but unfortunately the underlying mechanics ruin any promise it may offer.

There are five levels to play across, with numerous stages within each, although it's difficult to get through. Completion of these levels unlocks 'Castle Pieces' that can then be used in the "Castle Creator" mode where levels with custom defences can be created for the mere reason of enjoying destroying it afterwards.

Finally, there is a multiplayer mode in the form of the Hot Seat. This looks, at first, like a cross between the Angry Birds and Worms series, and it shows a lot of potential with that, but again just doesn't live up to it. The mode allows up to four-player battles - AI or player - to try to destroy the opposite castle. It is a good premise but, as with every part of this game, the underlying gameplay mechanics ruin what could be great.