Gamertell

Title: StillAliveDS version 1.0
Price: Free
System(s): DS
Release Date: May 30, 2008
Publisher (Developer): T4ils (T4ils)
ESRB Rating: N/A
Pros: Entertaining, easy to see and there’s a map editor
Cons: Requires a DS flashcart for play on the DS
Overall Score: One thumb up, one thumb sideways; 80/100; B-; *** out of 5

StillAliveDS is one of the best homebrew DS games you’ll find online. I’d even go so far as to say that it shames some commercial releases (ex. Myst DS). It may not be an perfect portable adaptation of Portal, but it is certainly an engaging puzzle game in its own right. T4ils has created an amazing homebrew game, and I can’t wait to see what improvements come in later versions.

The cake isn’t a lie.

StillAliveDS is inspired by Valve’s acclaimed first-person puzzle game Portal. Once again you’re armed with a gun capable of creating portals. While in Portal your mission was to get through tests and reach GLaDOS, the goal in Still Alive DS is to collect delicious, pink cakes.

So basically you go through levels, collecting cakes by making portals. It may sound simple, but many of the puzzles require strategic planning if players want to make it to the exit with all of the cakes.

A nearly perfect portable Portal.

StillAliveDS has quite a few things going for it. First of all, its free - which is always a good thing. Second, it has a map editor which allows players to create their own maps for the game. It also happens to look good as well. It is also quite humorous, as the computer will share snarky bits of wisdom on the top screen. Finally, it is just fun to play. Anyone can download and enjoy StillAliveDS.

There is one aspect of StillAliveDS that I want to single out - the control scheme. StillAliveDS features both control schemes for both right and left handed users. This impresses me because some commercial DS releases fail to accommodate users, and yet this homebrew title does. 

A definite download for Portal or puzzle fans.

I had the misfortune of missing out on Portal the first time around. I loved hearing about the game, and lamented the fact that I don’t really use my PC to play games or own any of the systems it appeared on. When I finally did get the chance to play it, my poor FPS skills guaranteed me a quick death. 

So I actually prefer StillAliveDS to Portal. Sure, it doesn’t have the same ambiance or snarky voice acting, but it is a great puzzle game that mimics the Portal experience in a different manner. Plus its free. 

Read [Dev-fr] Via [DS Fanboy] Site [StillAliveDS]

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