Reviewed: June 16, 2011
Reviewed by: Grant Chen

Publisher
D3 Publisher

Developer
ART co.

Released: May 10, 2011
Genre: Shooter
Players: 1

3
7
6
3
3.0

Supported Features:

  • Memory Save

    		•  Dream Trigger 3D is probably one of the most visually stunning games for the Nintendo 3DS to date, but how does it play? Not like any game you’ve played before, I can tell you that much. While I can’t say I would recommend this game, I’d like to start this review off on a positive note. First of all, Dream Trigger 3D is one of the better-looking titles for the 3DS, and it uses the 3D very well. The premise of the game is that you control an object that flies around an area, and you’re trying to destroy enemies. If this sounds very abstract, that’s because it is. The object starts off as a butterfly, but changes every level. Though initially jarring, it is a nice way to explore a wide visual variety and play to the game’s strengths.

    There is a catch, though. The enemies you have to fight are invisible. In order to make them appear, you have to use the touch screen to place blocks on a grid that corresponds with the upper screen, where the action takes place. Periodically, a line moves from left to right, touching these blocks you place. When a block is touched by the line, it bursts, and any enemy in the sonar radius is temporarily revealed on the upper screen, where you can now destroy them by holding down the attack button and ramming into them. You also have two resources to watch out for. The first is the blocks you place down. You can only place a limited number of these. The second is your attack energy. Attack energy is refilled by revealing enemies with the sonar, while the number of blocks you place down are refilled periodically over time.

    I admit this sounds extremely confusing, and wrapping your head around it does take some getting used to. Initially, you’ll be frustrated and then you’ll get better at it. Eventually, you’ll finally internalize how the game is actually played, and that’s where the fun ends. Part of the fun of a game is being exposed to new situations and learning how to deal with them. In Dream Trigger 3D, the fun is learning how to play the game and how to get better at it. Once you understand how the game works, you’re looking at 55 levels of visually distinct and beautiful levels that all play exactly the same.

    I wouldn’t recommend buying Dream Trigger 3D as anything but a conversation piece. It’s certainly lovely, but it’s not going to hold your attention, and certainly not worth getting at full price. If you see this game in a bargain bin (and I’m certain that in a few months, you will), it might be worth grabbing for $5 or $10, but don’t expect anything deeper than eye candy. For a game that puts stress on the dimension of depth, it’s remarkably shallow.