Insecticide DS Review: Why Do You Build Me Up, Baby, Just to Let Me Down?

GeekSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:00:12 -0700

I was so excited to get my copy of Insecticide DS that I waited a whole day after getting it to start playing so I'd have time to take it all in. How could you not get excited about a cool, film noir-ish game about bugs?! Yes, bugs. The idea was awesome: In a postapocalyptic world, bugs are the dominant species. Thankfully, they evolved to set up a society much like our own with law, order, and, of course, crime.

You play as detective Chrys Liszt, trying to solve a murder at the Nectarola (ie: soda) plant in the capital city of Troi. The game takes on two different types of game play: adventure, where you are out in the field chasing down suspects, and then put in your time solving puzzles during your investigation work. By the sounds of things, I would have been more than content getting some action firing my bug weapons, but still using my bug brain by putting the pieces of the crime together. Unfortunately, this is not how things went down. Dun-Dun-DUN . . . To see what I mean, read more.

Insecticide had me from day one with the look and sounds of the game. I was imagining smooth action scenes and intense interrogations while solving the murder. But what I got was some really rough fighting sequences that had me frustrated from the get go, and even more frustration with the puzzles.

While closing in on a suspect, Chrys is supposed to chase him around the rooftops of the city, using her many weapons. However, Chrys can't seem to fire her weapons quickly enough, and certainly can't turn around very fast to see what the heck is shooting her from behind. But seeing is a different story. Remember, the game has a dark film noir feel to it, and dark it is. Literally.

Besides the action scenes being a bit rough, I thought Insecticide would be redeemed through its adventure puzzle scenes. But still, I was left less than satisfied by its confusing layout. At times, you are left to guess what you need to do next, and with little hints, I was struggling with one puzzle for way longer than I had hoped, which left me frustrated and ready to toss the game aside. Although, it's during the investigations that you get to interact with other characters in the game, which is pretty fun.

I can't totally knock Insecticide, though. Since I really love the concept, as well as the jazzy, sort of sci-fi vibe it had going on, it just didn't hold up to my expectations. However, I'm sure the PC version would have been a ton better with a higher resolution screen and more control with the keyboard and mouse. I would probably recommend renting, but not buying the DS version, and it's likely that the PC version would be the better choice overall. Insecticide for the DS is out now.

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Get Your Game On: March Releases

GeekSugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:30:52 -0800

Can you smell that? Not only is Spring in the air, but I'm getting a slight whiff of Super Smash Bros Brawl! Release day is finally drawing near, and although it's not the only game that I'm looking forward to, it's definitely at the top of my "must buy" list this month. Bonus for me, my local Gamestop is hosting an in-store Brawl showdown (with some pretty sweet prizes), to help count down the minutes until midnight when we can take our own copies home!
But there are other games out there for me to get excited about as well. I'm also looking forward to some bugs, some space men and a few ghosts to fill my gaming quota. Check out a few more of my choice selections – while I warm up my Brawling thumbs – when you read more

**New Video Game Releases (March 2008)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Super Smash Bros. Brawl! - We've all been waiting a looong time for this one! Finally hitting the shelves this month, SSBB should be "the" game to own this Spring.	Nintendo Wii, $50	Coming March 9
Insecticide - On an Earth overrun with pesticides, bugs have become the intelligent species. You play as Detective Chrys Liszt, solving crimes in the city of Troi in this film noir action adventure game.	Nintendo DS, $30	Available March 11
Summer Sports: Paradise Island - I have been looking forward to this game for awhile, especially since the weather is still cold. So I can pretend to be on a warm beach playing volleyball, mini golf, horseshoes, and basketball. Like a virtual vacation. Ahhhh!	Nintendo Wii , $40	Get it March 27
Rocketmen: Axis of Evil - This space age shooter has you taking down enemy aliens, of course. Shoot 'em up using one of the many weapons at your disposal.	Xbox 360 Live Marketplace, 800 points	Out now. Get it only on Xbox Live Marketplace
The Lost Crown: Ghost Hunting Adventure - You travel to a forgotten town to uncover the myth of the Saxon Crown. Use ghost hunting devices to coax the dead to guide you through the mystery. If the trailer doesn't creep you out, I'm sure the game will!	PC, $30	Out now. Get it online.
Army of Two - You and a pal rely on each other as you navigate super high-risk military missions in this third person shooter. Plus, you can compete against other "army of twos" online to earn guns and armor.	Xbox 360, Playstation 3, $60	Out now. Order it online.