A Well Engineered Killing Machine: Lock’s Quest for the DS
Uh, oh! Ryan’s hometown is under attack.
As any RPG player knows, enemy forces can never truly be defeated. When an exiled antagonist is thought to have been vanquished in a game’s introduction, you can safely bet they will return for some sweet vengeance. While Lock’s Quest plot may not be revolutionary, it’s integration of defense-tower gameplay, along with resource management, and light RPG elements certainly are. Typically, when a game tries to bring too many dissimilar ingredients together, the title feels needlessly convoluted. Astoundingly, that is not the case here- Lock’s Quest synergistically combines these elements into a compelling, must-have, DS title.
Developers 5th Cell, have employed an isometric view to show the battle proceedings, while seamlessly incorporating 2D art for character dialogue, maps and tactical screens. Although main character, Lock, looks like a bland amalgam of Natuto and Jak, he is still drawn with enough detail to articulate personality. Enemy characters are drawn with enough frames of animation to make them attention grabbing- we love the implied force of the Axeman’s swing.
The main section of the game revolves around a two stage battle sequence recalling the antiquated arcade title, Rampart. Players begin the first battle phase by constructing various structures in a calculated effort to slow the marauding armies. Using the stylus, players will build defensive and offensive measures using money collected by fallen enemies. Construction is both intuitive and responsive; gamers first pick from a menu of wall, turrets, traps, and helper bots. Then, they can select the type of unit to build before placing it on the battlefield.
Additionally, players can use the ‘L’ button to rotate the shape. Enemies are smart enough to avoid pathways filled with defensive measures, so the successful gamer will want to create a carefully balanced environment.
Killing is as easy as 1-2-3 in this game. Later, it’s as easy as 4-5-1-3-2.
After the building phase is completed, the battle begins. Players can drag the stylus to move Lock, or more instinctively, click on area of the map, where they would like to send him. While Lock may temporarily get stuck in congested intersections, for the most part the path finding A.I. is acceptable. The D-pad is used only for camera control; we wish the game had an option for player movement. Unlike most Defense-Tower games, where the player is relatively inactive during enemy attacks, in Lock’s Quest the player can engage in combat. Once the player touches an enemy, a scrambled numerical pattern is displayed on the bottom of the screen. Players simple tap the icons in order for a powerful attack. Additionally, players can repair damaged walls and turrets by approaching them, and giving a repair order. Later, in the game the player has the flexibility to focus on battlefield strategy by employing friendlier soldiers, or concentrate on direct action.
The game rarely falters- some might take issue with the repetitious gameplay, but we feel there are enough new devices to keep players interest. However, the small minigame that accompanies the acquirement of a new inventions seems pointless. Players have an unlimited amount of time to replicate a construction using four parts. The play window is small, and the mode is needless fussy. Moreover, the sole point of the mode seems to be to draw attention to a new contraption. Let me get back to the killin’.
Overall, Lock’s Quest in a wonderful addition to the DS library, and stands as the best example of a RTS game for the system. With three levels of difficultly, the game should appeal to a wide audience; we seldom got frustrated on the middle difficulty. Anyone looking for a unique, engaging title should engineer a way to pick this cartridge up.
Final Score: A-
Sound like a great game. Completely off my radar.
Nice looking screenshots. Too bad my DS can only hold a 15 minute charge these days, otherwise I’d get it.
They need to make a 2d DTD game for the ds. I’d pay for that!!!!!!!!!
Wow, never heard of it. Looks cool. Is it Japanese or American made?
Saw this yesterday at EB Games, but I opted to pick up some Phoenix Wright games and the Metal Gear Solid Essentials. Might have to go back for this soon…
I haven’t heard of it yet, but it looks worthy enough for me to have another look at it.
Is this out? How come they didn’t put out an publicity for it?
Great review, I regret not buying this earlier when I saw it.
I love me those Tower defense games. Now I read your view, I guess Rampart was the first. Never made than connection.
Great score for the game.
You guys are right, he looks like Naruto Uzumaki on the small screen, and the portrait makes him look like Jak, especially with the googles.
I’d pay $20 for it. How much is it going for?
Is there a button to switch screens?
Interesting game, never heard of it before. Thanks for the article, helped explain a lot.
Well written and concise review. Good job!
Great graphics. i have always liked that 3/4 view. It reminds me of genesis/snes days.
This looks like quite a fun game, actually. I rather like the 2/3rd camera view as well.
I was looking for a new DS game to take an a 6 hour plane ride. This may be it.
Dont think this is out in the UK yet, I haven’t seen it in any of the shops.
Sounds like a fun little game.
Hrmm looks decent.
How many enemies are on-screen at once. The DS probably can’t handle too many.
I was looking forward to it and it certainly looks like it’s delivered admirably.
How long does it take to complete? I’d like to know that.
awesome looking game
no interest in a light RPG, gimme the real deal.
Good review! I love these kinds of games that blend strategy and rpg together.
From the screenshots I’ve seen it looks like the battles get hectic with tons of enemies on screen.
Looks interesting..I’m not huge into the megamicromanagement stuff like Civ PC, but I like the ‘entry level’ ones like HoMM.
Awesome review, I’d try it.
Hmm looks like a pretty cool game, never heard it before either
Seems interesting if they pulled it off right.
With all the great games on the DS, this one just sneaked by. A must have for my girlfriend, especially since her b-day is coming up.
As a fan of Pixeljunk Monsters, I have to get this.
I haven’t played too much of this one yet but I’m digging it so far. It started out a bit easy but it seems to be getting harder. I love me some tower defense so I was looking forward to this one!
BTW, this is Tide.
I think Tide is Desert’s alias. j/k
Sound like a great game.
I really want to play this game. It looks great, in the opinion of one who doesn’t particularly care for RPG’s.
Got quite a few enemies on there at once…you’d be surprised at what 5th cell was able to accomplish.
This looks pretty good, I had heard about it a lil while ago but this review makes it sound like a pickup to me.
Not bad graphics, I just hope it plays as good as it looks. Oh, nice review too.
Sounds like a groovy game! A mix of fun… 😉
This game came out of left field.
This looks like a pretty good game. I am not usually a fan of RTS but recently have found a couple that I do enjoy and it would be nice to try this one too.
There is a cool flash game here: http://www.locksquest.com/us/game/ It definitely looks pretty interesting. Not a bad score!
Cool little game, BrainWrap.
I could probably go for a game like this.
Most likely will give it a try once I finish the small backlog of DS games I have, I got DQIV, FFIV, FFTA2, and soon KSSU too.
I was considering this game, and now I feel like I should definitely get it – looks like fun! 😀
Great review. You guys should sumbit your stuff to megacritic and gamerankings.com
Great game. Been playing it for three days. Some parts get a bid hard on the normal setting, tho.
It was off my radar, but looks fun.
Great review. I’d like to see more DS games covered.
Nice review. I was just checking out this video on the Nintendo Channel and this really intrigued me.
Keep up the good work!
More DS reviews, plz!!!
Huh? So what kind of game is this. I mean genre.
It’s a tower defense game. There’s action, but without a underlying strategy, you’re screwed.
While technically, it is Real Time Strategy (RTS), that term occasionally means C&C clone to most people.
Saw the review of GAF. Nice writing guys!
Great review!!
After reading this, I actually want to give this game a shot.
I’ve heard of this game and I did play Drawn to Life and pretty enjoyed it. I keep hearing good reviews so I might pick this up.
I recently started playing this game and was surprised at how good it is. The review is spot on and this is a underrated gem.
Heard of it, looking forward to giving it a spin.
I love RTS games and have been itching for a great one to take advantage of the DS, this one doesn’t look bad at all and I’d be interested in playing it myself.
Well you’ve sold me.
Wow. Nice review. It will be mine … if I can find it for cheap.
wow nice review. i’ll probly pick this one up…unless i win it 😀
Nice review. I may pick this game up once it starts dropping in price.
The game looks really interesting. I’ve always been a fan of those “Defend Your Castle” type of games, so seeing one so fleshed out has got me really excited!
Good review I may have to pick this up if I don’t win it here.
Great review. I’ve been craving this kind of game, on the go.
Wow. I never heard of this one. Teh screenshots look great. I will have to get this.
An RTS for the DS? Also, I swear there’s a flash game on the internet called Lock’s Quest. Maybe its for marketing. But back to the game, nice review, seems like something I would definitely want to play by mooching off my friend.
Hopefully the pathfinding is good. Bad AI ruined Lost Magic for me.
This game looks utterly fantastic.
Nice Review, I plan to get this game. This is probably the best review thus far that I have read. Really covers the game well. Thanks for the informative review.
Great review. Thanks
Loved the review, I played the flash game they have on the site which resembles a gimped version of the full game it seems and it was good fun.
I’m glad someone mentioned the “gimped” version of the game online it really cemented my thoughts on this game. I’m glad its not just another rpg for the ds but rather a new type of rpg for the ds. Which will have me purchasing it, now if only I could find a copy. All the stores nearby seem sold out.
Great review, one of the designers posted a link on Gaf.
The evolution of the tower defense-style games.
Oh god. I can’t wait for this!
My son loves these kind of games – looks like I might see if I can get a copy for him