2nd Op By

Mike Bracken 7.0 RATING

I find myself agreeing with Brad on almost all counts when it comes to Dual Hearts. This is an underrated game that got overshadowed by a lot of 'high hype' titles last year, which is disappointing because it's a title that had a lot to offer to gamers looking for something a little different.

The concept of a "dreamworld" hasn't been used so effectively since the original Alundra game on the PlayStation. The physical world of Sonno Island (where our heroes spend the entirety of their adventure) is a small place comprised of a scant number of locations. However, by adding dreamworlds to the mix, the game seems much larger-and much more diverse—than most gamers would imagine. Factor that in with the hybridized gameplay mechanics (the title merges adventure game aesthetics with traditional action role-playing game elements and tosses in a healthy pinch of platforming as well) and you wind up with a title that isn't quite like anything else on the market.

This isn't to say the game is particularly innovative—because as Brad points out, it's not. The elements that Dual Hearts appropriates as its own are all borrowed from other games. However, the way it melds all these things into a cohesive whole is really what makes the game shine.

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't second Brad's sentiments on the game's art design. While Dual Hearts won't be winning any awards for its graphical brilliance, the game's visuals tend to fit the mood nicely. The little girl's dreamworld (with the pop-up storybook design) is particularly inspired and arguably one of the coolest level ideas I've seen in a game in quite some time.

Unfortunately, most gamers missed out on this under appreciated title—which is a shame, since it's pretty scarce these days. However, those looking for something a little lighter and different should certainly give Dual Hearts a look. It's not a blockbuster AAA title, but it certainly delivers an entertaining gaming experience.

Public Opinion

Dale Weir 7.0 Rating

Dual Hearts could be called Legend Of Zelda Lite because it does so many things that we saw for the first time in Ocarina Of Time. That's not a knock on the game at all. In fact, that is quite a compliment since so many other games have tried and failed to do just that. But in all fairness to Matrix Software, it didn't seem to be trying to create a landmark title, just something that was a little off-beat but fun to play.

And that is what Dual Hearts is for the most part. It's amazing what a convincing place the dreamworlds can be. And to add to the chorus, I must give Matrix Software credit for the dreamworld of the young girl. I haven't seen such successful execution of this concept since Nintendo's Yoshi's Island for the Super NES. The story itself varies from saccharine sweet to not-so saccharine sweet, but it is well-told and doesn't adopt too many of the silly RPG pathos that have long since worn thin. The characters are a fun if not particularly interesting band of oddballs.

I do find it strange that none of the reviewers were as put off by at least some of the gameplay. The puzzle solving—if you call pushing around blocks puzzle solving—got to be a huge distraction for me as it came off as little more than pointless busywork to prolong the gameplay. In fact, at times Dual Hearts can feel like a series of puzzles broken up by dialogue and item collecting.

No, Dual Hearts is hardly revolutionary nor is a perfect in any way, but with all of the adventure and Action-RPG titles out there trying to recreate the success of Legend Of Zelda and others in the genre, it is refreshing to see a developer from out of nowhere come so close while bringing its own flavor to the table.

Reader Second Opinions