Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest [DS]

Sorry, scurvy dogs. Unlike the summer blockbuster on which it's loosely based, the DS-exclusive edition of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest isn't what we'd call exceptional. Nor does the cartridge -- which reserves the system's lower display for weapon status readouts and mini-game usage -- make much use of the machine's touch-sensitive capabilities. Still, it does draw upon the portable's processing power and a wide range of weaponry to craft a satisfying, if all-too straightforward adventure filmgoers will appreciate.

Three playable characters headline the outing: Notorious corsair Captain Jack Sparrow and erstwhile lovebirds Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann. While every hero handles slightly different (e.g. Swann moves faster than Sparrow, and kills enemies quicker with axes vs. hammers), all respond reasonably well. Not to mention, that is, feature signature moves such as volleys of pistol shots or dual sword-swinging maneuvers. Taking control of each, you'll fight your way through prisons, caverns, towns, jungles and fortresses one kick or cutlass swipe at a time. Your ultimate goal: Outwit the evil Davy Jones, to whom Sparrow has sworn a seemingly unbreakable blood debt.

A side-scrolling 3D beat 'em up, the outing works surprisingly well on its chosen platform. Graphical difficulties aside (visuals are blurry, and fixed camera angles don't do viewers any favors), it's quite an impressive technical feet.

Still, actual play is a letdown. Moving between alleyways and tropical isles, you'll endlessly hack away at zombies, natives, vultures, villagers, and guards, each a carbon copy of the next. Sadly, such brain-dead enemies prove little challenge, overwhelming through sheer numbers, not ingenuity.

Mini-bosses and end-level guardians do break up the monotony somewhat. But the setup is largely as follows: Enter new locale. Suffer through repetitive screams, sound bytes. Kill all opponents. Watch gate/portcullis/barrier disappear or unlock. Proceed. Repeat ad infinitum.

Livening the festivities though are simple puzzles, catchy coffee break-style amusements, and a clever combat system. Alright, so maybe tripping switches in a set order and leaping over breakaway floors isn't all that amusing. Nevertheless, you'll enjoy bashing foes with maces, cleavers, skulls, parasols, torches, bottles, and any other object that comes to hand. Despite only being available for temporary usage before suddenly disappearing, a robust arsenal of collectible secondary weapons will entertain. Ditto for combos gained through steady advancement, such as spinning attacks, haymakers that stagger opponents, and powerful downward thrusts.

Wireless co-op play is included, plus three goofy mini-games (Boom Barge, Shoot the Monkey, and Walk the Plank) that see you aiming, firing, and sword-fighting by tapping on the touch-screen.

Hardcore gamers will consider the package simply a passing diversion. For fans of the movie, it's a welcome, but not all-consuming time-waster that lets them relive the swashbuckling tale while unlocking goodies like extra characters, costumes, and concept art. Dead Man's Chest is by no means a clunker, but it's hardly a hidden treasure trove, either.