Previews

Time for another Yu-Gi-Oh! battle

Debut on DS sees the introduction of touchscreen, wi-fi as well as the mysterious Game Time

Time for another <i>Yu-Gi-Oh!</i> battle

When it comes to long-running games series, there’s always another twist or turn that can be added in order to pile sequel upon sequel. But the opportunity to bring Yu-Gi-Oh! to a new console - Nintendo’s DS - means Yu-Gi-Oh! Nightmare Troubadour isn’t just another tie-in relying on a new animated series or invented backstory. This time, thanks to touchscreen, stylus and wi-fi, there are actually new types of game to be played.

First up is the touchscreen, which you use to make your way through a city map, tracking down opponents for your Yu-Gi-Oh! duels. When you start a duel the top screen shows the 3D arena where your monsters will battle, while the touchscreen neatly becomes the place where you organise your strategy by placing your cards on the playing field.

Then there’s the wi-fi. Of course you’ll be able to duel against your mates, and yes, trading over 1,000 of the newest Yu-Gi-Oh! cards is a given. More interesting, though, is the special Friendship option. Konami’s not really explained exactly how it works, but if you register your friend as a duel colleague, when you’re playing the single player mode the game will launch sudden in-game events, presumably that enable you to play co-operatively (if in wi-fi range) as well as get special cards.

Finally, the game uses the DS’ internal clock to power Yu-Gi-Oh!’s Game Time. This means if you play in the morning you get to fight easier opponents, while the most difficult pop up in the evening. Other special events will also be time-based. It all sounds very mysterious - and of course, we’d never dream of changing the time on our DS to fool the game - ever!

Jon Jordan
Jon Jordan
A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon can turn his hand to anything except hand turning. He is editor-at-large at PG.biz which means he can arrive anywhere in the world, acting like a slightly confused uncle looking for the way out. He likes letters, cameras, imaginary numbers and legumes.