'Classic gets touchy'
 Developer: Sumo Handheld
Publisher: Konami
Multiplayer: 1-4 (local or DS Wi-Fi)
Official Site
Category: : Sports
Platform: Nintendo DS
Might look like: Track & Field
Date posted: 30 September 2008
Written By: Ian
We also test other games on
"PlayDevil.com Game Machine"
Longest Sports Title Game Name Ever!
"Track and Field" is considered a classic, and has been re-released more times than we could care to count. But this new version is a new imagining, featuring new characters, classic Konami faces, and more events than ever before, whilst offering the same style of button-mashing gameplay!
Does the game ring home the gold, or is it a false start?
Gameplay
You can play NITAF in two different ways, as the game features traditional button mashing, or, new, stylus based mashing!
Either way, the same flaw in the original stands true- you will feel the burn after only a few events, as even on easy, the game requires quick pressings! The fact you get the choice is impressive though.
The game also scores bonuses for the sheer number of events (over 20). Whilst some of them are pretty similar in how they play, its still not a bad number for a sports title. The only thing is, as ever with such games is that you can get through them pretty quick anyway.
  
Graphics & Sound
The graphics in the game are generally in 3D. The menus are pretty simple but do the job, but the character models aren't that impressive and seem to lack both polygons and, as a result, personality on the field.
This can also be said for the 'famous' faces, which, in fairness, with the exception of Solid Snake aren't really that famous anymore. The sports arena looks ok too, but hardly excites. Everything runs at a good framerate however.
The game is also nothing special when it comes to sound. You get the usual crowd cheers, starting gun etc, but as per the majority of DS games, I'd rather have the sound down/off and some of my own music on in the background.
Multiplayer
NITAF has some of the best multiplayer options available on the DS.
  
Not only can you play online with up to 4 other people wirelessly and over the internet, but you can also see leaderboards for specific events and compete against these. It's really impressive and works really well.
Conclusion
"New International Track And Field" for the DS is a great re-imagining of a classic Konami franchise. It's got great gameplay, and a choice of how you play, and loads of events. It's also got probably the best multiplayer options available on the DS thanks to the leaderboards.
However, the game is let down by the lacklustre characters, and just average graphics and sound.
Also, as with any button mashing game, prepare for some pain!
-Ian
Pros:
+ Can play with stylus or traditional mashing
+ Loads of events
+ Cracking online!
Cons:
- Hurts!
- Konami character list not as good as other companies
- New characters have little personality
 
 
Up
Previous Page
If you want to review your favorite game, or if you work with a computer game company and want your products reviewed, mail info@playdevil.com.
All contributions are welcome.
Join Video Game Network Exchange
Any problems and/or suggestions are always appreciated on
webmaster@playdevil.com
Nothing of this entire Site, animation & logo's included, may be reproduced, stored, saved, transmitted, in any form or means, electronic, written or otherwise without the prior permission of PlayDevil.
Other Logos & Names are Copyrighted Material of its respectful owners.
All Rights Reserved. PlayDevil Productions © 199/8-199/9-200/0-200/1-200/2-200/3-200/4-200/5-200/6-200/7-200/8
"rip your own stuff"
|
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)