![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4Bv2WbwSIk/T2u11YTDxdI/AAAAAAAACk0/dS7gAM83s3Q/s640/sumioni-demon.png)
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--9YbvSF8u6o/T2u12GTniVI/AAAAAAAACk8/6OEh3xV7cPw/s640/sumioni5.jpg)
I have to start by saying I love the art style in Sumioni, in which I can only assume is how the title of the game came about, as the classical Japanese art style used is called "sumi-e", which also reminded me of Okami, another title with a great art style but was also enjoyable. I came for the art and stayed for the damn 3 star rating system that gets me every time. Also, the performance in level completion rewards you with one of multiple endings and additional levels. I was apprehensive at first about controls consisting of both touch screens and controller in a fast paced action title, but one playthrough in you grasp a technique that works and improves the story through skill. I did like that you have the opportunity to summon companions for when the obscure "bosses" have the upper hand.
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CW0WhrV0TGU/T2u106gC9jI/AAAAAAAACks/bEzJH4dSzow/s640/642456_20110914_screen003.jpg)
However at times, it seems like what this title has in potential is also what holds it back at times. I felt the developers didn't know who they were targeting, the action platformer fans or casual gamers, as the levels can be completed in a matter of minutes and took me a half hour to complete my first playthrough. Though it is very short, it immediately had me playing again and again, sometimes gathering more health and ink or uncharted levels for a better ending. Also, where this title excels in art style, it also lacks in variety of enemies, moves, and companions.
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTzkKAd2Gcc/T2u10Cl1dAI/AAAAAAAACkc/oKk8IO7NJH4/s640/642456_20110914_screen001.jpg)
So where do I stand on this? Easy, it would be less enjoyable at full price and this could be why it is a download only title with a forgiving price of $19.99. It is also the type of game you can play when limited on time with the short levels. I just always want more variety with each time I play, but that hasn't stopped me from putting it down.
No comments:
Post a Comment