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Setup & Timing
Getting around the game is pretty easy. "Mini Games" would have been more informative than "Party Play" is, but it works when using context clues. The opening credits could be a little shorter. Download time is alright.
Menus & Navigation
The menus are programmed with the options inside horizontal bars. This provides excellent buffer space, so there's no accidentally tapping the wrong selection. The bars could stand to be a little bigger, but the game's menu system is pretty forgiving.
Ease Of Use / Play Control
The play control is really dependant on the game. Some games work better than others. Whack-A-Wombat's controls are excellent, without flaws. Donkey Derby's controlls on the other hand are far too sensitive and have a lack of balance in left to right "roll" placement. Overall, though, the controls work find and pretty much as expected.
Category Score: 11.5 / 15
Content
Like the play control, the graphics vary from game to game, with some being better than others. Sound is univerally good - NOT great - with sound effects for the seven games and they set the mood well. As for features, there aren't many settings choices. Players can't choose the end conditions (time, points, number of shots, etc.).
Overall Fun
Thrillville: Off The Rails sticks to mini games for its Single-Card Download offerings. For any title, this can be either a good or a bad thing depending on the strengths of the mini games (there are titles where mini games end up bettwer than the main game). When there are several mini games, there's usually a mix of good and bad. Here's a quick one-line review for each of the seven mini games...
- Air Hockey: A faithful recreation that works well.
- Donkey Derby: The controls are far too sensitive for aiming left and run, but fun and frantic.
- Frantic Fishing: A lot of pick-up-and-drag. The fish often overlap and mistakes are more likely when rushing.
- Putt-A-Hole: Basic hole-in-one putting game (nothing special).
- Sparkle Pop: Dart throwing; aiming at balloons with animals in them?
- Thrill Hoopz: Good controls, good shooting, good variation.
- Whack-A-Wombat: Flawless controls; quick and clean.
... The mix is average and I'd say that four of the seven are good to go. The other three are alright -- with patience, if you spend the time. For all the complaints I've read about the main game (which isn't reviewed on this site), the mini games are average, but not below, with some of them being excellent. My recommendation: if you're looking for a variety of multiplayer fun in one spot, give this title a try. After renting it (as long as you're not seeking a real deep experience), you may just decide to pick it up.
Change "Party Play" to "Mini Games" on the main menu.
Touch up the sensitivity of the throws/rolls in Donkey Derby.
Allow players to select the maximum time, points, or number of turns (depending on the game).
Category Score: 11.5 / 15
Overall Single-Card Download Rating: 63 / 100 (a.k.a. 31.5/50)
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