Odallus: The Dark Call

It's fun and very simple, which isn't at all a knock against it. Odallus pays homage to and carries on the tradition of games such as Castlevania, Demon's Crest, and Ghosts 'n Goblins. That means you strike all enemies on-screen with a sword, upgrade your gear so you can endure and deal more damage, and get treated to lots of medieval scenery. What makes it so fun is its straightforwardness, but that also means there isn't much depth or nuance to the challenge. That, combined with the shortish length -- expect a skilled player to blow through in about four hours -- means it can feel a little one-note for its duration.

But in light of the more visually intense and hardware-demanding games out there, it's a nice change of pace. Kids may be a bit thrown at its crude look and feel, but it's adept at demonstrating the sort of strategizing and patience gamers must master if they'd like to progress. You'll run across bosses that can't be damaged unless you hit them in the right spot at the right point. There also are advantages that can only be reaped by not seeking a straight line through every level but rather testing the world around you and even going to places you think you shouldn't. Odallus takes a clever, modern spin on classic gameplay, but its length and depth will keep players from really enjoying this adventure.