Thrillville: Off the Rails [DS]

LucasArts' Thrillville was a cute game that allowed you to run your own amusement park by blending sim-style gameplay with a plethora of mini-games. The combination seems to have worked, as the game was very popular. Unfortunately, if you wanted to experience the original Thrillville on the go, you needed to own a PSP. This new sequel, however, is also making an appearance on Nintendo's portable system.''

Instead of being simply a port of the console versions of the game, the DS edition of Off the Rails has been specially designed for the system. The first difference that you'll notice is the game's graphical style. Although the park is fully 3D, the action is always viewed from an isometric angle. All the characters have an anime-inspired "super-deformed" look to them, making the whole game seem a lot cuter than its console big brother.''

When the game begins, you find yourself in charge of your own amusement park. As you progress, you'll eventually take control of six different parks. The goal is to make them as successful as possible by attracting customers. This is done through a combination of proper management decisions and excellent mini-game skills. Within each park, you'll be faced with a variety of missions. These missions typically have you performing some sort of managerial duty or they introduce plot elements to further the story. There are mysterious forces attempting to sabotage your parks, you see.''

As you complete missions, you'll unlock new items that can be used to improve your park or decorate your headquarters. One of the more important prizes is special parts for your custom rollercoasters. By incorporating these extravagant segments into the rides, you can create a more exciting experience for your park guests. When building a coaster, the game makes use of the DS's touch screen by having you trace the coaster design off of a set of blueprints.''

Not surprisingly, the touch screen is also used in the mini-games. There are about ten difference mini-games, each one inspired by real-life carnival attractions. Old favorites like skee-ball, the basketball toss, mini golf, whack-a-mole, air hockey, balloon darts and more get a DS makeover. The mini-games are also multiplayer-compatible, and the game supports single-cart play.''

''For old-school LucasArts fans, the most exciting news about this version of the game will be the unlockable characters. Sure, you can unlock adorable, chibi versions of Darth Vader and Princess Leia, but the real treat is the reappearance of a couple of characters from the company's classic adventure games. Play well enough, and you'll get the opportunity to control Manny Calavera, the main character from Grim Fandango, and LeChuck, the evil zombie-ghost-pirate from the Monkey Island series. Sadly, neither the green nor purple tentacle appear to be in the game.''

With its cutesy graphics and simplified management options, the DS version of Off the Rails appears to be aimed at a younger audience than the "fun for all ages" console version. Still, it could be great for short bursts of gameplay, which is really what portable gaming is about. When the game is released in a few weeks, we'll be able to dive deeper into it and discover how much fun is in this park.

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