By Peeps
Time to get out the digging tools and discuss Fossil Fighters. Fossil Fighters is a Nintendo DS exclusive that is fun for dinosaur fanatics of all ages. The story is very straightforward with sidetracking allowed for maximum exploration. There is a co-op option, as well as the option (after some events) to send fossils to other players. The game itself is aimed at younger players so it has simple writing, a light plot, and kid friendly adventuring. The music is light and upbeat to keep with the theme of the game.
The graphics tend to have hit and miss aspects. The exploring graphics seem blocky, but the battle graphics and dinosaur designs are fairly well done. The dinosaurs have their own unique cries, but most are just slight variations on one another. There is quite a bit of variety in the general dinosaur types and builds, but a fair chunk of them are pallet swaps. The fossil cleaning is easy to learn, but some fossils require precise use of the cleaning system for success. The controls are simple to pick up and learn. The battle system is easy to learn and has few deep details.
The battle system is turn based with some strategy game elements. There are elements to use, as well as some support moves for various stat changes; the system does not seem to reward usage too often. The overall game length is pretty good considering the target age.
Overall, Fossil Fighters is worth checking out if you liked the old sand excavation kits, or want a simple, solid turn based game for a younger gamer.
