Fun single-player, even better multi-player.
The story is cute, and while it doesn't have much dialog (albeit any real dialog), it just makes sense from the beginning and pushes you through it almost seamlessly. There were some "WTF" moments, especially with the Aliens. I didn't understand them and how they fit into this world, but then I read about it and understood perfectly.
The game play is just downright fun and addictive. I really enjoy the button scheme to this game. I thought it was incredibly easy to learn and use and really made the game [i]that[/i] much better to play. I thoroughly enjoy the leveling system, and find it highly easy to use and understand. My kids even understood it without any guidance at 6 and 8. It's just simple symbols and what they do. The combat, while simple, is entirely strategic at times. And I love how it evolves into a brilliant show of magic and sword swinging. Just plain fun.
The unlockables in the game are incredible. I was so excited when I unlocked my first character because it added some depth to the game, and funny enough, it was during the first fights that I said "man, it would be cool to be that char". Again, I had no idea and my surprise was so unexpected and cool. What a great way to add longevity to this game.
One of the downsides to this style of art is that things are in the way if not done correctly. As an example, with 2-4 people on the screen at a time, you get confused as to where your character is on the screen. Most of the time he is just behind something, but finding out where can be frustrating at times, especially when fighting bosses. A lot of clutter on the screens can lead to confusion, but maybe that is part of the design and charm!?
I thought the levels in the game were diverse and fun. I loved the different environments, and I consider each of them to be their own character in and of themselves. I loved going through the castles, through the deserts, through the rivers, through the ice, and through the lava. Just a great diverse field to play in, with awesome bosses.
The multi-player is a lot of fun, groups of higher levels can drag level 1's through the end boss if they so choose, and interaction with most people that play has been good so far. No one seems to be lazy or stupid, and most of the battles are over quite quickly. It is hard to find groups sometimes, but I typically then just play by myself and wait until later.
Arenas are competitive. Some really good people play this game, and I have yet to master it enough to be consistent in it. I love the fact that level 1's can beat level 99's if played correctly as well. It's just a great time consumer if you can actually find an arena fight when you want. I typically see multi-player pick up later in the day toward late night EST.
Insane Mode is just what it says. It's the adult version of this game. It is INCREDIBLY hard solo.
All in all, this is one hell of a game that I couldn't recommend more to people that love this genre or just want a good, cheap, fun romp through some crazy worlds and bosses. Oh, and who doesn't like kissing princesses!?