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Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A.
Home : Games : Reviews : Nintendo DS : Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A.

A game for the fans of the show and nothing more.

Fall of X.A.N.A. is a game that embraces the fans while leaving the outsiders in the cold. Without any previous knowledge of the Lyoko warrior’s exploits, players will have a hard time following the plot and without the plot there really is nothing else to enjoy about the game. Gameplay, while solid, doesn’t present much more than grinding and the look of the game fails to live up to the wild 3D setting of the show.

Taking place during the final season of the animated show, Fall of X.A.N.A. has the Lyoko warriors fighting to save their friend William from control of the Xana virus. Unfortunately, without prior knowledge of who William (or anyone else) is, players will find themselves with no motivation to save William or even continue with the game since it fails to explain anything to someone who isn’t a fan of the series. A minor part of the game takes place at the Kadic Junior High School where players can talk with NPCs, but doing so really serves no purpose since there is nothing important revealed.

The majority of the game is played out in the “digital sea”, which is the virtual realm where our heroes fight monsters. The problem with the digital sea in Fall of X.A.N.A. is that it is represented as a very flat place with nothing more to do than open various gates and fight static enemies that rush you on sight. Not to mention that it is display as an isometric 2D field with super-deformed characters, unlike the 3D, CG rendered planes of the show.

Battles in the game are the only source of comfort newcomers have. It’s the basic turn-based formula with the basic options to attack, special attack, items, etc. It works well and makes any fan of turn-based grinding feel right at home. Fighting is even brought into 3D and while not the most beautiful rendered, they at least fit more with the source material than the exploration. Players can even take their hard worked team and pit them against a friend via Wi-Fi.

Highs
Solid gameplay.

Lows
Uninviting to newcomers; doesn’t do the show justice in terms of art.

Final Verdict
Fall of X.A.N.A. has a lot of problems that only fans of the series will be able to overcome. The artwork really doesn’t reflect what I can only guess makes the show so interesting and the way the story is told isn’t going to bring in any new fans at all. Coupled with a rather dull “digital sea” and a $29.99 price point and it’s hard to justify buying this game for anyone else than the biggest fan of the series.

45%

Jul 13, 2008

Review by Kris Rosado.