There are also other problems that ought not be on DS but nevertheless are. Unfortunately, though, DS’s liabilities also show through: the graphics look low-res, even for a DS game, and the CG cutscenes are so badly compressed that they are a distraction.
Aside from the obvious benefit of portability, the touch screen is put to use moderately, whether in touch-based minigames or the touch-based menu. This DS version of the game (it’s also available on Wii) has strengths and drawbacks. In total, the game isn’t good for much more than 6-8 hours of play. Around the fringes are the usual assortment of unlockable costumes and other extras whose value will depend entirely on one’s devotion to those meddling kids and that dog. Getting to these locations entails generous portions of platforming, puzzle-solving, questing, and combat. The player must meet objectives, find clues, and ultimately finger the correct suspect. The big five - Fred, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and, of course, Scooby - are all playable, and each brings some different ability, whether it’s Velma’s technical skills or Scooby’s ability to get into small places.Īs with earlier Scooby games, gameplay traverses a few mysteries, each with its own set of suspects and clues. Players can switch between the two main characters on the fly, while a trip to the menu allows players to swap out the two main characters with other characters. Instead of bits and other LEGO pieces, players collect Scooby Snacks and Scooby medallions. Players run around completing objectives with a party of two characters from the iconic cartoon franchise. Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Swamp for DS is essentially LEGO Scooby without the LEGOs. This DS title, too, works the formula to some effect, although the real fun seems to remain on the console rather than the handheld. Games has produced a handful of LEGO-esque titles in the last couple of years, most of them pretty fun.
The LEGO series of games have not been as imitated as those games, but their uniquely particular brand of kid-friendly action adventure does seem to have one devoted apostle: Scooby-Doo. Time and time again specific games have managed to inspire an entire genre, whether it was StarCraft opening the RTS floodgates or Grand Theft Auto III creating the “sandbox” concept. Imitation, so it is said, is the sincerest form of flattery.