REVIEW: Mystery Dungeon: Shiren The Wanderer

Developer: SEGA| Publisher: SEGA | Format: DS

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher The ability in games to save at will, gain extra lives, pass by regular check points and generally depend on the ability to begin close to where you are should you die has long been a traditional feature of all games. Not so in Mystery Dungeon: Shiren The Wanderer where dieing during the game really does result in the end of the game. Death is greeted with a  return to square one, there is no second chance. You have to begin anew with no coin, skills reset and all your gear lost. Accepting this simple fact will either allow for a uniquely enjoyable gaming experience or have gamers shrugging their shoulders and looking for the latest brain game in it's place.

The game is quite simple to get to grips with. The main thrust of the story follows Shiren, a Ronin living in a monster filled Feudral Japan who must ascend a  rather imposing mountain and defeat the legendary golden Condor that makes the mountain it's home. While simple in theory the game is anything but.

Given the one attempt approach gamers can be forgiven for any trepidation. To counter this, gamers are able to stash weapons, spells and assorted other items in warehouses located across the map for later use. The continued attempts at the game mean that the world is constantly changing and evolving. Once harsh, treacherous areas can be made easier to pass while helping fellow travellers will often result in them tagging along or opening stores in a town where Shiren is always welcome.

One of the most often felt emotions while playing the game is crushing disappointment. There is nothing worse than crossing the world and then dieing due to a stupid miscalculation on your part. .  It's a harsh outcome but one which ultimately leads to a much more satisfying game. The range of ways to die is quite diverse stretching from being slain by an enemy to starvation to falling into a damned trap meaning that death is always entertaining.

The online capabilities are extremely well implemented. Shiren can call out for help as he lays dieing and if another gamer hears his plea, then they can attempt to rescue him. If they do so successfully then Shiren is revived and all his goods returned to him. At times waiting to be rescued can be a long lonely experience and gamers will often just take the hit and start again.

Given the difficulties, not many will warm to Mystery Dungeon: Shiren The Wanderer but for those that do they will discover one of the most rewarding DS experiences around. Highly fun, original and entertaining, gamers should really give this Ronin a chance.

Comments

[Zeouterlimits]

Yes, I heard about this on the 1up Show, sounds really cool, shall have to pick this up.

[dexFlet]

Looking at this in my local store the past while and keep picking something in its place. A lot of reviews seem to have been taking it apart due to the one attempt at completion each time and I think that they've failed to delve into the game in depth.

I've been converted by the review above and will certainly be picking it up in town tomorrow.

[nintendofreak]

Great little game. One of the few titles which has done something new. I've been recommending it to evaryone I know though most people seem to find it a bit too difficult to get into.