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Double Sequence: The Q-Virus Invasion Review for the Nintendo DS (NDS)

Double Sequence: The Q-Virus Invasion Review for the Nintendo DS (NDS)

Finding the Cure

It’s never easy to come up with a new innovative puzzle game, but thanks to the Nintendo DS, just about anyone will try their hand at it these days. From Picross to Neves, it seems that anyone will givea puzzle game a try. To prove my point, I give you Double Sequence. Double Sequence: The Q-Virus Invasion has turned out to be a Virus where the most logical cure is destruction.

Double Sequence: The Q-Virus Invasion screenshot

Most comparable to Mateos, Double Sequence is not nearly as good a game. Your objective is to “crack” the DNA code of the Q-Virus. To do this, you must move and match the colored tiles on the screen. Colored tiles occupy both screens and are to be shifted for opposite colors on opposite screens. Sound simple enough? It is desperately so. You begin with a single line and work your way up to more complex blocks. The tiles are shifted horizontally, and when you have a match, they fly vertically across the screen. If you don’t fall asleep from the lack of anything exciting, you’ll eventually win.

In order to win a level, you must scroll left or right until the correct color tile is parallel to the one(s) you wish to move. To move the parallel tile, adjacent tiles must by the same color of the tile(s) you wish to swap with. If any of these factors are less than substantial, the tile(s) will not move. While playing Double Sequence, I noticed similarities in tile movement and counting sheep. When the store associate woke me up, I found it was time to leave.

Double Sequence: The Q-Virus Invasion screenshot

One interesting factor of Double Sequence is leveling up. By interesting I, of course, mean annoying. When the level is won, you must go back to the menu and search for the next level. It’s like a game within a game, only pointless and boring. Once the sequence of tiles is complete and matching, Boom, (literally) and you’ve beaten the level. Have fun navigating to the next.

Double Sequence: The Q-Virus Invasion screenshot

This game is far less than visually stunning; it is more like color has been added to Pong. Fortunately, Double Sequence is accompanied by some European Electronica music to keep you awake rather than the tradition Pong sounds. There are some other screens you will have to view while navigating between rounds. On those screens, you can read about the fascinating new virus that can destroy colonies in a matter of minutes and ultimately the planet. It’s up to you to prevent this from happening; you’re civilization’s last hope. Good luck.

Double Sequence: The Q-Virus Invasion screenshot

You may find similarities in Double Sequence and the Rubik’s Cube. Rather, it seems the Rubik’s Cube itself may have inspired this games design. For most of us, if we see a Rubik’s cube sitting around, we may walk over to it and pick it up. Maybe even turn it a few times; ok we’re done now, put it back. If you’re like me, I’ve described your interaction with the Rubik’s Cube as well as this game. Though this game lacks the Cube’s level of difficulty, it does not lack the dullness of the Cube. I must mention, however, that if you are perplexed and intrigued by the Rubik’s Cube, perhaps this is indeed the game for you.

Trying to bring a new aspect to puzzle games is dangerous territory. You make a mark and expect to hit it on all levels. I can’t see that this mark was intentionally hit for any reason. Double Sequence: The Q-Virus Invasion lacks a multitude of components. This game is the type you play out of sheer boredom and last resort. With so many puzzle games on the Nintendo DS, Double Sequence will not be able to stand out.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 0.5 Graphics
I’m giving credit for taking an old school design (Pong) and trying to run with it. 3.0 Control
As always, the Nintendo DS proves that the stylus is mightier than the pen and can conquer any game. 3.0 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Music fitting for any puzzle game. 0.5

Play Value
If for some reason I lost every other game for every other system and couldn’t find a deck of cards, a board game, T.V., computer, or the Rubik’s Cube, and I had this game and the DS handy, I might play it again.

1.4 Overall Rating – Avoid
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Array of puzzling levels.
  • Vibrant colors.
  • A new alternative for other puzzlers.

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