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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
id Software has crafted an entirely new version of Orcs & Elves that utilizes the Nintendo DS unique technology platform. Orcs & Elves features higher graphical fidelity, more levels, items and monsters as players explore a massive Dwarven kingdom riddled with ancient treasures and fierce enemies. The game features hybrid gameplay, combining the best of first-person action and fast-paced tactical RPG gameplay. [Electronic Arts]
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... 84
n-Revolution Magazine UK
A superb blend of dungeon exploration and turn-based battle. It feels old-fashioned, but in a good way. [Issue#18, p.83]
83
GameShark
If you're a fan of old school, simple role-playing and haven't had the pleasure of playing the mobile version, then Orcs & Elves is a grand diversion that won't leave you feeling like someone stole $30 from your wallet.
 81
Worth Playing
It is my sincere wish that the backstory gets fleshed out a bit more; we know very little about the wand and the reasons that the evil has attacked the dwarves, much less the unanswered questions revolving around Gaya. For a port of a mobile phone game, Orcs and Elves is a good title indeed.
80
Digital Entertainment News
It’s a Doom RPG from cell phones with a fantasy theme ported to the DS. Odd? Sure, but it’s a good, unique dungeon crawler that’s surprisingly addictive in spite of its somewhat simplistic nature. If you’re a fan of the genre (or simply curious), it’s certainly worth your while to try it out.
80
GamePro
One of the biggest surprises in Orcs and Elves is the clever game design, which keeps the game engaging and fresh.
80
IGN
Even with its limitations, Orcs & Elves’ fast-paced, turn-based style is a refreshing change of pace from the evolved role-playing game design, and deserves a playthrough even if you love the epic presentation of those other RPGs.
80
GameDaily
Its story makes us sleepy, but the hack-and-slash fighting has us hooked. Highly recommended.
80
GameTap
Happily, the gameplay avoids the trap of many dungeon-set games, which is that combat becomes repetitive and not very challenging.
80
Pocket Gamer UK
It doesn't really add a great deal to the original mobile phone release but Orcs & Elves DS remains an extremely polished and playable adventure that is well worth splashing your Dwarven gold on.
80
Games Radar
The dungeons are well-designed, the action is well-balanced and fun, and even the characters are likeable. This is a must-have for any action-RPG fan or anyone looking for something different on the DS.
80
Zentendo
Although dungeon crawlers can be irksome, the save function is a saving grace with Orcs & Elves as it makes playing the game much more fun.
80
DarkStation
There is no doubt that fans of id Software are probably going to be a bit disappointed with the fact that there really wasn't anything that stands out about this game. However fans of the older RPG's are going to sit back and really enjoy this game, not only for its old school mechanics but also its overall experience.
79
GameTrailers
If anything, Orcs and Elves will remind you of the old school classic PC RPGs like Lands of Lore and Eye of the Beholder--which is to say that there’s not a lot of originality here. But given the restrictions, id’s first DS game is a success.
78
Pelit (Finland)
Suffers from the maddenigly generic fantasy setting and the redundancy of some features, but comes through with addictive dungeon scavenging and suitable gameplay for a portable device. [Jan 2008]
77
Gamers' Temple
If you're looking for some fun role-playing light gameplay, then Orcs & Elves is for you.
75
1UP
I remember feeling concerned that the game was flying by way too fast, and it wasn't until I actually looked down at the total time played that it hit me that this thing isn't short: I was just enjoying it so much that I didn't notice.
75
RPG Fan
The problem with the DS incarnation of Orcs & Elves is that it doesn't give enough incentive to buy it over, say, a $5 download for your cell phone.
74
Nintendojo
For a new intellectual property, it surprisingly falls back on the basics and brings nothing new to the table.
70
Games Master UK
It's not big, clever or original. But it does feel like a blast from the past. [Jan 2008, p.76]
70
GameSpot
Orcs & Elves' simplicity doesn't do much to hide its roots as a mobile phone game, but it's also what makes this dungeon crawler accessible, fast, and fun.
70
GameZone
Orcs & Elves is a well-balanced RPG that plays well on the DS but doesn’t offer anything new or exciting we haven’t already played.
70
VideoGamer
Orcs & Elves is no revolution. It's Western role-playing the way it used to be - hidden passages, mountains of gold, dead dwarves and a temperamental dragon. It's perfect fodder for the geek in you, and a half-an-hour train ride, but don't expect it to rock your world.
70
Boomtown
A budget game being sold at an inflated price, likely to fans of the genre only. But I’m still really looking forward to Orcs & Elves II on the DS.
70
GameSpy
Its simple elements are well-blended in an adventure that only lasts about eight hours but still manages to fill its time with great fighting, fun puzzles and a general nostalgic atmosphere.
68
Game Informer
There is a reason many of the RPG game mechanics this game uses are no longer found in other RPGs – they suck. You may be better off making up your own fantasy game with RPG Maker.
60
EuroGamer
Where Orcs & Elves leaves me is wanting a decent, full-length dungeon-crawling RPG for the DS. What it gives me is the first five or six hours of one that was already beginning to feel a bit repetitive. Nothing's inherently bad about it (apart from the attempt at touch-screen movement controls), but it's rarely unapparent that this belongs on your portable telephone.
60
Cheat Code Central
Orcs & Elves is a simple dungeon crawler that harkens back to the FPS PC games of old. The graphics, combat, and puzzle elements are crude and uninventive. The game isn't awful, but it isn't very fun either.
60
PTGamers
The length of the game isn’t above four hours, making the investment redundant. All we have left is an interesting atmosphere and an homage to the classic first-person RPGs.
60
Play Magazine
It is possible to dress up a cell phone game and make her the belle of the ball on the Nintendo DS. Unfortunately, ID has not done this with Orcs & Elves. [Jan 2008, p.64]
51
Gamer 2.0
At a measly 5 hours, Orcs & Elves is a short game that is meant to be beaten through brief sittings on the commute to work, school, or back home. But at its core, this isn't a game that's actually worth anybody's money.
50
Total Video Games
An intriguing game on mobile phones makes a reasonable translation to the Nintendo DS, but it's hard to look past the fact that Orcs & Elves feels dated and overly simplistic. If anything Orcs & Elves makes us hope that nobody will contemplate bringing mobile phone games to the Nintendo DS ever again.
50
Nintendo Power
The game is short at about five or six hours, though I suppose it doesn't matter when you tire of the proceedings after 15 minutes. [Holiday 2007, p.82]
50
Deeko
LOTS of different items and potions to help on your quest.
44
NGamer UK
At best it's a formulaic RPG, but mostly it's a one-way journey to dullsville. [Feb 2008, p.70]
40
Edge Magazine
Playing it instils a completely neutral response, as though it were no more than a means of absorbing time. [Jan 2008, p.91]
40
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
With its basic use of the touch screen, this DS version was made much like its mobile counterpart. And that shows on the lack of freedom of movement and simplistic visuals. Even the strategic elements aren’t enough to rescue it from mediocrity. [Jan 2008]
Jonas S. gave it an8: Tim S. gave it a9: Ethan R. gave it a9: Eric R. gave it a10: John M. gave it a6: Nunya B. gave it a10: Alice G. gave it a9: |
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