Sprung: A Game Where Everyone Scores
From UBI Soft
Sprung has you meeting, flirting and hooking up as you engage in a risque, daring adventure with sexy singles at Snowbird Mountain, a hip ski resort in Colorado. Be naughty or nice, as you have the freedom to say and try what you wish on one of two adventure paths -- one as a guy, one as a girl. Complete the game's 50 dating missions and deal with the drama queens and kings who you'll have to come to understand in order to woo. Colleen McGuinnes of TV's North Shore scripted the stimulating storylines and sexy characters for the game.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #9917 in Video Games
- Brand: UBI Soft
- Model: 8888162230
- Published on: 2004-12
- Released on: 2004-12-21
- ESRB Rating: Teen
- Platform: Nintendo DS
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: .75" h x 5.50" w x 5.00" l, .25 pounds
Not bad for its genre
Just so you all know, this game is what most people would label as a "Dating Sim." You likely have never played one before, because to date, the overwhelming majority of these types of games have been limited to release in Japan, where they are incredibly popular. 'Sprung' is a little different in that it is not made in Japan, and caters to a more western crowd. The reason we have not seen these types of games over here is mostly due to the reasons seen in the reviews above. Simply put, most Americans have a hard time playing a game where you don't blow things up or kill people.
This type of game strays from the norm, and actually does a fairly good job for what it is. It gets major kudos for allowing players to play as both sexes, which is typically not possible in most dating sim games. This way, it's good for a girl or a guy to play, or if youre feeling adventurous, go ahead and play the other sex and see how different tactics can be.
Some things to note, however. While this game is technically rated teen, they must have pulled some strings to get that rating. While there is nothing terribly explicit, the innuendo is heavy and strong. Also, there are some things in the game that imply don't make a lot of sense, like when someone not only gives you a dead fish, but you get it back later in the game.. While there are a fair bit of over the top wacky parts tot his game, there are plenty of realisitcally handled responses and situations for your character to experience.
Overall, I would say it's a nice entry of a dating sim into the American and European market. If you've been lookign to play a 'dating sim' and can't read Japanese, then give it a shot. It's not terribly long, but there are two storylines (one for each gender), and it looks like there are different paths to take within those storylines. However, it may be a bit pricey for some at $29.99.
An okay game
I did enjoy this game enough to solve it with both a male and a female. It is quite fun to try to use items on different people to see what will happen, like spraying them with mace. It is also interesting to see peoples' reactions when you say something shocking to them. My main complaint with this game is that although each question has multiple answers to choose from, you still aren't really making a choice. If you say the wrong thing you have to start the scene all over again. There were times I had to repeat a scene ten times or more, and that got tedious very quickly. The game does say there is more than one ending, but for the most part, you are not really choosing the outcome. I had thought the game would be more open-ended. Overall, it was interesting enough to play, but not exactly what I expected.
Great game
This game is a really good take on the non-H(japenese non sexual)date-sim.
SOUND
First Off i give the sound a 3 out of 5. The quality is great but the sound track is a bit lacking. im not saying it sucks but it could have been better. regardless the music fits the locations of the game and Elliots Loft is by far the best song in the game.
GRAPHICS
I'd give the graphics 4 out of 5. As i say its not 3-d graphics that make a game. The graphics are pretty much drawings in different poses.Meaning there are drawings for every emotion, for instance if your person just got turned down there head will go from a devious smile to a frown and a drooped head. If youve ever seen space ghost coast to coast these graphics make sense.
GAMEPLAY
I give the gameplay a 4 out of 5. If all you want is fast paced action this game isnt for you. This a text baased game meaning every thing you say or do determines if you succeed in your "Mission" For example in the game your trying to hook up with the hunk of the mountain. You could A)pick answers that make you look like a whore.B) pick answers that make you seem desperate.C)pick answers that make you look like a friend or D)Mix and match answers from all of them to make you seem perfect. Obviously d is what youd pick because an example of your answers influence is if suck with A, youd end up making out and never hearing from him again. Overall though if you want good fun to pass the time this game is a good choce.
CONTROLS
the controls get a 5 out of 5. Though it eally doesnt make use of the touch screen the controls are simple. You can use the stylus to pick your answer but frankly i gave that up after about 30 minutes. I found it much easier to just use the d-pad and press A to select answers. The controls are incredibly simple overall.
REPLAY VALUE
Replay is a 4 out of 5. Through out the game you recieve many items and are rewarded for every ten percent you get. You unlock a peice of artwork with the items plus the artwork from your missions. There are also two story lines. there is the Brett storyline where overall you try to hook up with your childhood love, Becky. And there is also the becky storyline where you try to hook-up with brett. The replay value is high because of the varing choices and oppertunities it brings up.
OVERALL
I give Sprung a 4 ot of 5 which is great. It is really good compared to the H(porn) model games from japan of this genre. Its really nicely done while keeping the game "clean" overall its An INCREDIBLE take at the genre and well deserves a 4 out of 5. If you want more "clean" titles of this genre, play Phantom of Inferno for your DVD player
-the gundamgeek2k4
