Video Games > [DS game] Reviews, hints, tips • Code Lyoko

Everything begins in Jeremy's room, where you play as Ulrich. The genius has created a video game with the whole gang in it! He explains to you how to play and asks you to find a backup disc for him. After giving it to him you arrive at the factory to head to Lyoko and learn how to fight: attacks, combos, etc...
This is how all the action of the game takes place, split into chapters. Easy to understand, it's rather hard to put it down once you've picked it up!
As was announced, the story follows the continuity of the cartoon, with parts in the real world and parts on Lyoko, which allows for an alternation between 2D and 3D graphics, and RPG gameplay and action/adventure.

The graphics

Ulrich and Jeremy in 2D in the real world; Ulrich in 3D on Lyoko. The graphics were highly criticised...but they've finally done it! Indeed, the 2D part is sublime and it's a real pleasure to play. On Lyoko, it's fairly accurate despite some errors (for example, Odd throws grenades instead of laser arrows...).
The 3D is unfortunately not as nice, but that doesn't stop it from being fun to play. On Lyoko, we would have preferred it if the image bared a little more resemblance to the cartoon.

The gameplay

Nice gameplay, with numerous interactions with the environment! The use of the touch screen is superb! The DS's capabilities are used well, from the touch screen to the microphone.
What's more, the choice of moving using the touch screen or the D-pad is ingeniously adapted to certain scenes; the buttons are mapped out so that almost every button has a unique function.
The environment is very varied and dynamic, and we find that in all sorts of places we find ourselves in, there are numerous possible interactions (take an object, look, talk...).
On Lyoko, we find our heroes' main powers as well as their attacks, however we do notice a lack of fighting spirit in some of XANA's monsters from time to time, quickly forgotten due to the difficulty of certain fights!
Finally, the Code Lyoko music and sound effects, nicely adapted into DS formal, really draw you into the scene!

Bonuses and cutscenes

A cutscene...nothing better for plunging us into the series universe! The presence of cutscenes all throughout the game is a novel idea! It was a good idea to incorporate them in certain sequences (the transfer, for example) and they don't get as old as they do in some other games. Of course, you will eventually want to skip the opening to get to the game faster, but some cutscenes can be watched again and again! We can also talk about bonus content, codes to register on the official site to get exclusives and many more new things!

By SuperD and Phoenix