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Setup & Timing
The opening credits aren't bad. The Download time is a little long. The game provides no introduction, no on-screen button map, and the in-game tutorial is only accessible for 90 seconds at a time before getting kicked out and having to reenter (and that's during the game!) (-3). The menu location couldn't be better ("DS Download Play" is on the main menu) (+0.5).
Menus & Navigation
The menus are programmed with excellent touch detection. What you tap is what you get. Unfortunately, the menu options are a little small.
Ease Of Use / Play Control
The biggest flaws in Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command lie in the touch control scheme. Yes, there's a button control scheme, but the touch control scheme (especially for familiar DS players) can be more natural. Want your highlighted unit to walk over next to another unit? If you accidentally tap on the other unit, it'll become highlighted, and you'll have to go back, highlight the original unit, and try again. The other problem here is that there is not any provided information on what everything does without spending long periods of time in the menu system while in the middle of the game.
Content
For what it is, the graphics are an excellent 3D Bird's Eye View. While everyting is a bit pixelated, it won't kill the experience. The music is almost take-it-or-leave-it, but the sound effects cvan be helpful. The options are very limited, but the game shows where other features would be active in multi-card (attempting to sell the game is a part of Single-Card Download's nature).
Overall Fun
OK, I'm going to start out by saying that Warhammer 40,000 (the real, physical miniatures game) is an excellent, time tested game. Many of the video game adaptations are also well done. This particular video game adaptation has some issues, and several of them are based on "creative decisions" (or lack thereof). A Hint Book snuck into the package, killed the Instruction Manual, and stole it's cover. Why?!? The only in-game instructions must be accessed IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME DURING THE PLAYER'S TURNS, WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO PAUSE and you must RE-ENTER THE TUTORIALS EVERY 90 SECONDS (turn changes). I count all of those as "stupid decisions" by... well... somebody. Touch control issues can be "bypassed" and will hopfully be fixed before a sequel. Despite the issues with the game, I'd definitely be up for a sequel, just on the strength of the real-world Warhammer game and the other video game adaptations, but I'd REALLY hope these issues will be fixed first. Believe it or not, I will continue to play this game. Once you get used to it, it's a fun time. The problem is getting used to it in the first place.
Display a button map or provide an introduction that explains how the game works to the guest.
Provide an INSTRUCTION Manual (not a HINT Manual).
Increase the size of the menu options, add borders, or increase buffer space between options.
Repair the issues with the touch control scheme.
Display action acknowledgements ("Unit has crouched.") for all actions on the screen (small).
Category Score: 10.5 / 15
Overall Single-Card Download Rating: 63 / 100 (a.k.a. 31.5/50)
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