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How Metascores Are Calculated
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1 vs. 100
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Electroplankton is a "touchable media art" game that presents the player with "soothing music" and graphics on the DS's two screens. The game features 10 "digital planktons" that respond to players when they touch the screen or use the microphone. Planktons react by making gestures and sounds of their own. The game takes further advantage of the DS's microphone by recording and playing back sounds and voices as tunes.
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
Nintendophiles
If you have a DS, find a way to procure this game. You will find yourself mesmerized in a way that is profound, delightful and extremely satisfying. [JPN Import]
 100
Just Adventure
The ultimate DS show-off title. It looks great, it sounds great, it has near-infinite appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike. As such, it's a great reason to buy Nintendo's finest handheld to date and if it ever gets a EU or US release will no doubt be the next craze after Nintendog fever takes hold.
90
Gamestyle
It's innovate, it's fun and it shows real determination from Nintendo to show exactly what makes the DS stand out from the rest, and for that reason alone you should show your support. DS game of the year? No doubt. Electroplankton is simply an essential DS title.
90
Cheat Code Central
It's a freestyle experience that allows one to unlock his or her creativity without fear of judgement. It can be totally engrossing and incredibly relaxing.
86
My Gamer
This is probably the game that should come bundled with the DS, but if you have an ounce of creativity, you owe it to yourself to order Electroplankton.
85
Deeko
Electroplankton is not a game in any sense of the word. It is art, plain and simple.
85
Nintendo Power
The only flaw is that once you've played a little Electroplankton, you'll want more. Ten kinds of musical creatures, especially such little masterpieces, can stimulate you for only so long. [Feb 2006, p.99]
84
Nintendojo
If you find yourself even slightly interested, do yourself a favor and give Electroplankton a chance. It is not an experience you'll likely ever come across again. [JPN Import]
83
The Onion (A.V. Club)
Like those children's books that make noise or the shiny gum wrapper you can't stop folding and unfolding, Electroplankton is strangely addictive and impossible to keep your hands off once you've started playing.
82
GameBrink
It doesn't take any time to learn how to play. You can spend a lot of time playing with each species, but it's easy to burn out on the game if you play it constantly right after you buy it.
80
GamePro
It comes as a nice surprise to encounter a DS game brimming with originality and imagination.
80
Edge Magazine
This stands as software that will give back to the user as much as they are willing to put in. Without goals, with nothing there to ‘win’, Electroplankton is its own reward. [June 2005, p.93]
80
Modojo
Toshio Iwai has captured this very special desire, our need to express ourselves... Silky smooth to the touch, Electroplankton tantalizes the senses. [JPN Import]
80
GameCube Europe
Electroplankton’s value is very difficult to quantify, and on its own terms succeeds in what it set out to achieve- a ‘touchable media art’ piece of software (creator Toshio Iwai’s words) and in that context it is difficult to find fault with it.
80
PALGN
It's too much of a great piece of software to pass by undetected. So for those interested, import if need be, but do not miss out.
80
Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
With a beautifully simple interface and very loveable creatures, Electroplankton won't fail to put a smile on your face - and isn't that what really counts? [GamesMaster]
80
Gamers Europe
Others, and I include myself in this group, will love it for being new, unique, different, and just a wholly enjoyable experience that offers something original every time you come back to it.
80
Yahoo! Games
We've seen non-games like this before; the Dreamcast's "Seaman" comes to mind. Typically, they're fleeting novelties that burn out quickly. Electroplankton feels different, simply because it offers too much choice and unexpected surprises.
80
1UP
An incredibly subjective experience, and it certainly won't be to everyone's liking. Yet at its best, the game turns Nintendo's DS into an odd spin on the iPod -- an intimate, portable, personal musical experience that shifts and changes each time you touch the screen.
80
eToychest
As brilliant and unique as Electroplankton is, there just isn't enough here to keep most players – myself included – entertained for more than a few minutes before moving on.
80
GameBiz
This is exactly the kind of thing that the DS was created for. Excellent, unique, fun, you'll never have so much fun with fish (unless you want to play Seaman on the Dreamcast). [JPN Import]
80
N-Insanity
Electroplankton is also one of those games for people looking for a change in game design or a form of innovation.
80
Thunderbolt
I’m not talking about overcomplicated leveling systems, highly technical handling, hardware connectivity, or any of that other crap that’s being pushed on us. We already have everything we need: Our ears, creativity and sense of rhythm. Case in point: Electroplankton.
79
BonusStage
As much as I love and appreciate all that is unique and wonderful about Electroplankton, there simply isn’t enough lasting appeal provided here in order for me to muster up the must-buy recommendation I really do want to give this title.
79
Da Gameboyz
I also think that the omission of a save feature also a big disappointment considering what kind of work can go into making music.
78
Pelit (Finland)
Mesmerise, hypnotise, electroplanktonise. It is beautiful and captures your heart, but only for a half an hour. [Mar 2006]
75
GameCritics
Videogames this ain't. Art it might be. But what is it? Electroplankton is. And that's all it sets out to be.
75
GameZone
Electroplankton isn’t an acquired tasted. Come to think of it I’m not sure there’s a gamer out there that this was designed for.
73
GameSpot
Electroplankton is an interesting experiment in both music and game design, but its reliance on the novelty of something different limits its lasting value.
71
Gamer 2.0
But beyond the blurring of the lines and the unceasing debate, one thing is for certain; Electroplankton is unquestionably art.
70
Game Informer
Unfortunately, most of the forms are just too random and arbitrary to be really compelling. [Feb 2006, p.113]
70
WHAM! Gaming
This is a one-of-a-kind title that could only be done on the Nintendo DS, but this melange of musical marine life won't be everyone's cup of sea water.
70
IGN
But without the helping hand of the developer to offer some set goal or accomplishment, it ends up a smidge too shallow and empty to really be something as fulfilling as a final Nintendo DS product.
70
GameSpy
Unfortunately, unless you're extremely into music making, your fun will run out before too long. The inability to save anything really hurts as well.
70
GamerFeed
This is a game that's been created for the weirdos of the world interested in a game like no other.
70
Siliconera
Electroplankton doesn't provide thrills as much as it stimulates creativity. One major disappointment is that while Electroplankton does promote art, it doesn't allow you to save anything. [JPN Import]
70
Maxim Online
And while it's more of a tech demo than a test of reflexes, after a long day of crime and combat, it's just what your overworked thumbs need.
70
NGamer UK
It's too superficial to be more than a curiosity and not versatile enough to have real mileage, but it has a magical quality that'll put a smile on the faces of all who touch it. [Aug 2006, p.64]
65
Digital Entertainment News
This is not a game, but it's also not the audiovisual tool Nintendo would like you to think it is. It's a toy, and it won't hold your attention for too long.
60
Times Online
This gentle time-waster is a relaxing antidote to intense shoot ’em ups.
60
Computer Games Magazine
What you see--or more specifically, what you hear--is exactly what you get. [Apr 2006, p.91]
58
GameShark
The concept of the game if really neat, but when it is put into play, it disappoints. It ends up feeling like it is a side game to a larger game, like a little bonus unlockable.
57
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Electro-plankton might have been more engaging if it gave you goals, such as coming up with a certain number of notes in a given amount of time or having to replicate songs and riff on them. It should, at the very least, have allowed you to save your work; instead, your musical creations are fleeting and forgettable.
50
Detroit Free Press
Me, I like Electroplankton, if simply because it took some guts to make it. I just wish there was more to do than peer at the screen and say, "Like wow, man. Heavy."
50
AceGamez
This one is unfortunately destined to drown in the pool of DS tech-demos and toys, as a great idea that never reached its potential.
42
Game Revolution
Despite its innovation, charm and style, the glaring functionality omissions render it impotent. You turn it on, draw out some cool sounds for a couple minutes, and then shut it off wondering why you can't save anything.
33
Gaming Age
I’m all for original games that tap the creative juices of its players. I even like music games. Unfortunately, Electroplankton serves up 30 minutes of decent fun, but then the party’s over. There simply isn’t enough to do, not enough options to explore, and the experience is cut short way too fast.
33
netjak
To conclude, there's no game here, limited staying power, and no real incentive for you to buy this game. In fact, it looks, feels, sounds, and plays like something a programming major might make in Flash. My recommendation: Trick your buddy into buying the game and borrow it once.
10
Stuff
Pretentious bullsh.t. Playing with tiny, microscopic things. Paying $35 for a game that's suckier than the free games that came with your cellphone.
DJ T gave it a4: Harry N. gave it a10: HoffaH gave it an8: John B. gave it a10: J Max gave it a10: monkeyman l gave it a1: Tony G. gave it a0: |
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