With all of the existing franchises on computer games, it is nice to see that the DS is still the frontrunner for original gaming. This time we are introduced to a trio of unlikely heroes the Teenage Zombies in their first DS outing "Invasion of the Alien Brain Thingys".
The story begins as the world has been overtaken by Big Brain and his Brain Thingys, the humans did not stand a chance and the Big Brain is celebrating his recent victory, however during the invasion three zombies have been disturbed and rise from their graves to find what can only be described as a zombie heaven, a world full of brains to eat. Ignoring the useless humans, the Teenage Zombies go on the trail to find the ultimate snack, Big Brain himself.
Teenage Zombies is a platform game/puzzle game. The use of each zombie and their particular skills is required to proceed through the game. Finnigan "Fins" Magee has a squid attached to his back, enabling him to use piping above his head to traverse obstacles, he is also able to use them for a tentacle attack and also eat items and vomit them as projectiles, Lori "Lefty" Lopez puts items onto her arm stump and can also jump really high and finally Zack "Halfpipe" Boyd, who has no legs and travels around on a skateboard is able to get into small spaces.
The use of each characters skill is well integrated into the levels, reminding me of games like Mario 2 on the NES and The Lost Vikings. Whereas these games look really dated by today’s standards, the look of Teenage Zombies is stunning for the small handheld. The comic book look not only suits the game, but fits perfectly with the style of humour. Selecting each zombie is very easy, with just a tap on the bottom screen to select which zombie you wish to play as, keeping the top screen solely available for the action.
The comic book look also allows the game to turn into an actual comic during cut scenes, turning your DS to the side like a book, the story will unveil itself.
As well as the main game there are a few mini games spread throughout including a zombie version of Dig Dug, a halfpipe game and also a build you own zombie when you collect certain body parts.
Teenage Zombie is an excellent game for the DS, it’s both unusual and fun, it also really shows what the DS is capable of, which is all that you can ask for really. Highly Recommended.
