Chronos Twins

Genre: Action-Platformer

Players: 1

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Review:

Chronos Twins is an Action-Platformer released on the Nintendo DSi via the DSiWare service in 2010 and then grandfathered into the Nintendo 3DS eShop when that system was released. This game has players controlling a character who is moving through two worlds at once, one on the top screen, and one on the bottom screen. As such, players must multitask, ward off threats on both screens while taking advantage of platforms both screens provide.

This concept seems like such an obvious idea given the Nintendo DSi/Nintendo 3DS’s dual screens, it’s a wonder that more games haven’t tried it. I can see the design challenge this sort of gameplay could present – have too much going on on either screen and you could overload the player, and if the player is too focused on one screen they could be oblivious to danger on the other screen.

Chronos Twins handles both of these issues very well – the game is excellently paced, with the game being extremely measured in what threats it throws at you, and on which screen. In addition, a flashing warning indicator at the top of the bottom screen and the bottom of the top screen alerts players when the screen they may not be paying attention to has you facing danger.

While I respect how this game effortlessly handles these issues, it certainly isn’t perfect. The game’s central gimmick is done well, and used in varied ways, but it is really the only thing particularly interesting going on here. Without this gimmick, Chronos Twin would be a fairly bland Action-Platformer. In addition, while the game’s pacing is great for ensuring that players don’t bite off more than they can chew, the game design encourages that players move forward slowly and thoughtfully, which can make things move somewhat slowly. And to make things move even more slowly, many of the enemies you’ll be fighting are damage sponges.

When it comes to presentation, Chronos Twin uses a great retro-style pixel art look that seems reminiscent of the classic 16-bit era. However, what really gets the nostalgia going here is the game’s music and sound, which seem very reminiscent of the sort of sound you got in Sega Genesis games.

Overall, Chronos Twins is an example of taking a great idea and doing it very well. It may not do a whole lot outside of its clever use of the dual screens, but even if it’s a one-trick pony, it’s a good trick, and one that’s put to use in a variety of ways, and with an excellent presentation. For the low price of $5, this is absolutely a game you’ll want to pick up before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (tomorrow!).

tl;dr – Chronos Twins is an Action-Platformer where players must fight enemies and be aware of platforms on two worlds as they move their character on both screens. This game doesn’t do anything especially noteworthy outside of this concept, but it does this concept very well, and with a great retro-style presentation. With this game costing only $5, this is absolutely a game worth getting before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (tomorrow!).

Grade: B+

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