The Hardy Boys: Treasure on the Tracks – NDS – Review

This is the
debut of the Hardy Boys on the DS, and overall, it’s a good first outing. The
game is an adventure game, with inventory items, dialogue and lots of puzzles.
Encasing these elements is a romantic train ride that harkens back to the time
around the first World War.

Joe and Frank
are invited to ride the Royal Express, a train that traces the route the Romanov
family planned to take all those years ago, from Paris, France to St.
Petersburg, Russia. The train is actually a mystery train excursion, wherein the
passengers are contestants vying to solve a mystery. Legend tells that the Romanovs hid much of their valuables before being assassinated during the
revolution, but no one has ever been able to discover the whereabouts of this
treasure.

In order to
start their journey, Joe and Frank first have to find scattered pieces of the
invitation that will allow them to enter the museum in Paris. After solving a
few puzzles in the museum, they can then use their ticket at the train station
and board the train.

The game is a
classic adventure game, although designed a little differently because of being
a DS game, rather than a PC game. There are only a few characters on the train,
so there isn’t a whole lot of clue gathering through conversation. The majority
of the time players will be gathering clues by searching the different
locations, and solving a variety of puzzles. Players will play as both Joe and
Frank, and also their friend Samantha Quick. Each character is unique in style
and personality, but for gaming purposes switching back and forth doesn’t change
a whole lot, as the game is played in first-person perspective.

When a hot spot
is clicked, an icon will appear signifying the type of action that can occur.
Items can either be examined more closely, or they can be placed in inventory.
Puzzles may also be triggered. The puzzles are different styles of puzzles, such
as logical thinking, jigsaw puzzles, task-completing types, and some timed
puzzles. These puzzles are mostly fun, and offer a good variety to keep
interest. Many can be replayed.

While the
puzzles are fun, the best aspect of the game is the wonderful old-world ambience
of the train ride. For a portable game, it is amazing how detailed the graphics
are! The train is beautifully drawn and embodies the spirit of the Orient
Express. I especially loved the paintings in the different compartments. There
are short cut scenes when the story is advanced, which are drawn very nicely, as
well.

The interface is
less enjoyable, at least for movement purposes. Arrow icons are used on each
screen to show players which direction to navigate, but they are difficult to
trigger. A stylus is used to find them, but this method is awkward. Many times
players will spend some time searching for the hidden directional icon. Also,
the menu is accessed by the stylus. Having a choice of using button controls
for the menu options would have been nice.

One good feature
of the interface is the large amount of detail about the case in progress, in
the form of journals, task lists, a log of written clues, and even an area for
writing notes about the case. It is easy to keep up with the job at hand.

The Hardy Boys
Treasure on the Tracks is a pleasant excursion on the DS. I really did not
expect much from the game, as often handheld games based on popular characters
from children’s media are poorly made. However, this is not the case with
Treasure on the Tracks. The game is well-designed and engaging, and it is
obvious that much care has been taken with the details of the game. The graphics
do an outstanding job of conveying the historical era of the European continent
in the early 20th century, and the large amount of historical data in the form
of newspapers and other items adds to the effect. The puzzles are interesting
and varied, and they are logically integrated in the story.

A fun and light
adventure that most ages will enjoy. Here’s looking forward to more Hardy Boys
on the DS.

Gameplay:

7.5
The combination of
interesting and varied puzzles with an intriguing story dramatized by detailed
graphics makes for a nice adventure. The gameplay is leisurely and players will
never be stuck, as there is a lot of help to be found in the journals and task
lists. Players are also free to explore and are not stuck in one place if unable
to solve a puzzle.

Graphics:
8.5
The graphics are some of the best I’ve seen on the DS! Wonderful detail and
colors, befitting the theme.

Sound:
7.0
The music is decent, but nothing to get excited about.

Difficulty:
Medium
The puzzles range in from easy to a medium level of difficulty, but there is
nothing very hard in this game. There is too many hints and clues in the menus
for players to be stuck for very long anywhere.

Concept: 7.0
There isn’t
anything really new, but the execution is good.

Overall: 7.5
The Hardy Boys
are having a good time on the Royal Express, and so will any player who picks up
this game. History buffs will especially appreciate all the little details on
the train and the surrounding locations of Europe. A nice portable experience
with two well-known young sleuths, Joe and Frank Hardy.