Curse of the Expectations (Lufia DS review)

Often times when something is remade it feels like a cheap cash in; simply nothing more than a way to make a quick buck and be done with it. Using a popular brand name to sell an otherwise inferior product. Then there are times such as when Neverland remakes Lufia II for the DS in the form of Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals. While not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, Curse of the Sinistrals at least feels as though some love and effort was put into the project to present a brand new product that keeps the spirit of the original intact.





While they simply could have given the game 3D graphics and slapped the name “Lufia” on the box and been done with it, Neverland instead attempted to present the original story of the game in a new fashion. In fact, “inspired by” Lufia II would be a more apt description of the title. The plot for the most part has been largely left untouched, a few noteworthy tracks from the original game including the beautiful world map music have been retained and the same familiar characters return as well, despite each of them receiving a more updated, contemporary design. Evil beings known as the Sinistrals, hell bent on destroying the world are challenged by a lone hunter named Maxim, who quickly gets destroyed but is later saved by a mysterious woman named Iris who announces him as a chosen one to defeat Gades and save the world. While not the most complicated story ever, the plot is driven by likeable characters such as Lexis the eccentric scientist, Tia the kind, somewhat jealous close friend of Maxim and Selan, a somewhat silent female warrior. There are other characters and personalities you’ll meet along the way and the game interjects enough light heartedness and humor which breathes enough personality and life into what could have been a very stale, clichéd story.

Characters have been given a fresh, new look to supplement the game.

For starters, whereas the original was a traditional turn based RPG, this one is more of an Action game with RPG elements and puzzle solving. Think a cross between Kingdom Hearts and Legend of Zelda and you’ve just about got it. Many of the areas have been trimmed down and the world map has been wiped from existence; instead you just select each area from a menu (The old world map music mercifully was thankfully kept however.) and travel between areas that way. While areas have been condensed in this title new puzzles are made available for you to solve and they are every bit as challenging as the ones from the original game. Like the original game your party will grow to up to six playable characters who not only have a unique combat style, but each has a special ability they must use to solve the various puzzles. Using each character in conjunction with one another, playing to strengths and weaknesses is the key to advancement.

No world map this time. Just press a button and you're there. But the music is still there.

Great Scott, Marty! That guy looks just like me!

But like in an RPG, characters gain levels and experience and can be strengthened through the use of Mystic Stones. Mystic Stones work much like the license board in Final Fantasy XII, placing different shaped blocks on a certain portion of a large grid with space for each character to occupy that will unlock various stat boosts and elemental resistances. While stones can be placed from just about anywhere as long as they connect to one another, it would be more beneficial to actually pay attention to the different type of stones being used to upgrade characters. Upon first glance character differences may seem simply cosmetic or personal preference, but after a few hours you’ll quickly start to realize how each character differs and play as them accordingly, as some characters are better suited for particular enemies than most others. While this game could have easily fell into the trap of “mash the Y button” all day; and for awhile, it does, by the time you get to your first battle with Gades you’ll quickly realize how to utilize knock downs and air combos to attack the opponent and get free hits unopposed. You’ll learn the merits of rolling out of the way and dodging and when to move in for the kill and unleash your special moves, carefully managing your IP meter so you don’t run out. Well, unless you like the Game Over screen that is.

Boss battles are fun and challenging and make use of both screens.

Then again if all of that sounds too challenging for you, the game does show mercy. If you don’t feel like spending the time to properly place your Mystic Stones or do the dreaded “grind for money and equipment” that takes place in most RPGs, the game allows you to restart 5 levels higher than you were when you died. While there is no real penalty for this, it does significantly remove most of the challenge of the game and simple button mashing will be all that is required to see it to the end. Still, not a bad option for casual players and those wanting to enjoy the story.



All in all Curse of the Sinistrals is a fairly competent reboot of the game despite it’s shortcomings. No, it isn’t perfect. The voice-overs are spotty. Many areas are too small, some expansion would have been preferred. Some animations are a bit lousy, particularly ones where you’re knocked off of your feet; camera angles cannot be adjusted making for a few hard to place jumps and while you can dodge, you cannot block, which can lead to some truly frustrating battles as dodging doesn’t seem to work quite as well as it should. All the same, with an open mind any fan of the original will have plenty to like about this updated version as well as anyone who is new to the series and just wants to play a fun Action RPG on the go. This game is best suited for those who enjoy fast paced combat and puzzle solving. If a more traditional RPG game with exploration and hours of character building is more what you’re looking for from your DS, seek it elsewhere. Stick with Dragon Quest IX or Shin Megami Tensei Strange Journey for your fix.

Thumbs in the middle.