Quick history lesson: Chronos Twins began life as a Game Boy Advance title that was later ported over to the DS. While the game saw release in the UK, it was unable to land a North American publisher – poor UK sales didn't help matters. The game was released on WiiWare and now, only one week later, the DS version is out on DSiWare. And while both downloadable versions are basically the same, this DSiWare release seems to fit the game's dual-screen mechanics far better and just feels like a higher quality production overall.
When it comes to gameplay mechanics, there are few other games quite like Chronos Twins. Instead of controlling one character, you control two. Actually, it's the same character, but in both the past and present times. The game uses both screens so that you can monitor and manipulate both versions of your character at the same time. While they move in sync with one another -- at least until you split off and control only one -- both characters do fire independently. You have one button to make your past character fire and one for your present character. Many areas require nothing more than some slick platforming and shooting skills, whereas others require you to slide and solve tricky puzzles.
You'll find yourself shooting away at various items and enemies, and you'll be given upgrades to your main weapon and assorted power-ups that will come in handy when it comes to some of the trickier hindrances the game tosses your way. Of course running, jumping, and sliding aren't the only moves at your disposal; at times you'll have to push items around in order to reach some of the trickier spots in certain levels. And if that wasn't enough, you'll have quite a number of boss fights to take on to further add challenge to the overall experience. It's this careful balance that keeps the game interesting and saves it from repetition.
While the game itself presents some fairly tricky gameplay twists, the majority of the challenge comes from having to keep your eyes on both the top and bottom screens simultaneously. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but part of what makes the game so much fun to play is figuring out how to be in two places at the same time and how to navigate the many little differences you'll encounter throughout each level. The game does a nice job of offering up a very smooth and responsive control scheme, but it's going to take some practice in order to reach the end. Chronos Twins should take you several hours to play through, and expect the challenge to continually ramp up.
The visuals in Chronos Twins are strikingly vivid and colorful and show a surprising degree of detail. Unlike the WiiWare version that used 3D elements to draw the game's surroundings, this DSiWare release makes use of stylized 2D visuals and some smooth and detailed parallax scrolling. Even the characters and bosses are all extremely well-drawn and animated. It's clear that this type of visual experience was made for the DS system's 2D capabilities and it really shines in the finished product.
There's plenty of upbeat music to carry the intensity of the game, and in all honesty, there's really not a bad track in the bunch. Even the sound effects show a lot of clarity. If you want to really experience the audio experience in all of its glory, plug in some headphones for a real treat.
Conclusion
While unfortunate that a lot of gamers missed out on the original GBA Chronos Twins, not to mention the fact that the DS version was only released in Europe, this DSiWare edition more than makes up for the wait. Not only does the game bring an interesting and unique gameplay mechanic to the table, it also manages to surround it with smooth controls and a lot of personality. The game might be a tad on the short side, but you're definitely in for a fun ride while it lasts. And at only 500 Nintendo points you're not only getting the better version of the game, but you're getting it at half the price. If you're up for something a little unique and different, this is definitely a game you'll want to check out.
Comments 45
Deja vu? Was this on Wiiware?
Commenting before reading FTW.
How observant, lzzy-poo.
Damn, too many reasons to buy a DSi.
@Panda: You expect me to scroll down the main page to find my answer? Laziness FTW
Anyway, this looks like a game I might buy on DSiware
I think I will be picking this and Dark Void zero up since I've been looking for some fun pick up and play DS games.
@lz: Your question is answered in the very first paragraph. We hope you at least get through that to comment properly.
@Panda: You mean I actually have to read the review before commenting? That's stupid
Being serious, I simply overlooked that part
I feel bad for people that shelled out $10 a week earlier on WiiWare. WTF?
Not everyone has a North American DSi though...
While I've been quite happy with DSiWare all along (being a huge puzzle-game fan), it does look as if the service has started to directly address fan complaints regarding the lack of platformers, arcade titles, etc.
Well, you have to see what you want. A portable version with GBA visuals, or a 480p remake version with remade graphics to use with your console.
I can't decide yet which version I want, but I will definitely end up purchasing this game.
As a purchaser of the WiiWare version, I can say it was okay to pick either version. The DS version might lead to problems paying attention to both sides of the game, whereas the WW version is easier, on one screen total. It really depends on where you want to play it, too. I don't own a DSi, so I chose the Wii version.
I'm still not sure if I want to buy this since I'm loving Starship Defense and DV0. If nothing good comes out on Monday, I guess I'll buy this.....
Both versions of the game are good, I just felt the dual-screen format of the DS better fit the game's mechanics. As was mentioned above, some feel having the split-screen of the WiiWare version easier to navigate. It's a matter of tastes I guess.
@2, 4
MeFTW!
seems like its worth checking out for only 500 points, is there any replay value for this game?
Well it's one you'll want to go back and play again, but the fun is the puzzle-like pace of the game's many levels. Some of them are downright tricky to get through. Well worth it for 500 Points, IMO. Fun little game.
Hm. I might actually pick this up. I've been curious about the title, and it does seem like it is a much better fit for the DSi.
Looks quite cool.
Think I'll go for the dsiware one.
I downloaded the DSi version today and I too prefer it over the WiiWare version. It is a little hectic at first when you are trying to manage what is happening on both screens but you become adjusted to it pretty quickly. I liked the 3D visual effects that they added to the WiiWare version but the graphics on the DSi version are more polished and detailed. This game is a perfect fit on the DSi. The music and sound effects are really nice and the controls work great too. If you haven't downloaded this game onto your Wii yet and you are considering getting it then the DSi version is definitely your best bet.
I noticed you copy and pasted some sentences from the wiiware review. (Nothing wrong about that trivia)
I disagree with the score, Dsiware version compared to the Wiiware version got the same score yet you claim "Double the fun, half the price." By that logic this should haved scored a 9 or 10.
You need to check back on the Chronos Twins DX WiiWare review. The tagline was "Double the fun" so I merely carried over the tagline, since this is basically the same game anyway, and added in the "half the price" bit since the DSiWare release is in fact, half the price.
Oh I overlooked the tagline in the wiiware review. I was thinking "Double the fun" part was targeting the wiiware game.
Gasp There was a Wiiware version too? Nah, JK
The 500 point price is more tempting than the 1000 point price
Is it me, or this game looks alot like Reflexion for dsiware?
@Anfeli: It's not just you; I only JUST heard of that game in Nintendo Power last night, and the first thing that popped into my head was "that sounds pretty similar to Chronos Twins!"
Looks to me like this DSiWare version is the right version to get. I LOVE 2D effects instead of 3D, and the lower cost and portability (fooling myself into thinking I'll ever actually go anywhere with it) make it full of WIN! Not that I can afford even THIS version right now (my near-future unaffordable splurge is going to be Ace Attorney Investigations, before it inevitably gets discontinued and impossible to find in two months), but it's the version I'll get if given a chance.
I'ma get this later today. I ALMOST bought the one for WW on Sunday but decide to wait until Monday to make sure nothing better came out.
I'm sure glad I did. phew
Ill be getting this one too. Man..... TWO DSIWare great releases in the SAME week. Way to go Nintendo. Its about time.
I remember wanting this since I first heard of it as an upcoming GBA game. I'm gonna have to download it tonight.
Am I going crazy or did the game Robot Rescue come to dsiware NA and then leave? Great review Corbie, you noted a lot of good things about the game, but what are the cons?
I just saw a youtube review and the person said this is really hard, is that true?
Getting this today! I'm with piguy101 though, what are the cons? This seems alot like Mighty Flip Champs to me in some ways and I already own that. Which is better?
@piguy 101
Yes its a tough game for sure, but it does save your progress each level and it has many checkpoints. Its a great game and very challenging at times. It does not feel like a short game because later levels are pretty tough, but with practice and trial and error eventually you will make it past each one. So far the bosses are pretty manageable.
Ok, thanks I might get this.
Aggghhh! It's so hard to look at both screens
looks like dark void, anything like it, though?
I`ll also make a try on this. 500 np should be OK for this one.
I got it and it can be really annoying to look at both screens! I respect their idea, but I would honestly rather have the majority of the levels be on 1 screen. As a bonus it would be fine to play on 2...
This game is HELLLLLL CHEAP!
Great game, unfortunately the amount of health/lives you have is brutally unforgiving. Like "Demon's Souls" unforgiving. You pretty much have to do the entire level (from after the previous boss to up to the level boss) in one shot. It becomes very annoying when through the first two checkpoints is very trivial and you've done it 100 times, yet you are stuck on one jump in the third part (Talking about area 1-3 btw, after the secod checkpoint) but have to go through 10-15 minutes of level just to try the jump again, one maybe two times before probably dying again and having to do the entire level again.
i'm really curious about this game.I read that you can do two missions at once.Mmmmmm wierd but pretty nice though
This game looks hard,witch is good because I'm a HARDCORE GAMER!!!
Is this DSi game exactly the same as the DS release (the physical cart) in Europe? Do any of the DS versions (not Wii) have any differences?
@Steviis_Father
I'd also like to know that...
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