a fun old school platformer
There is a simplicity to Giana Sisters that fits the DS perfectly. Old school, retro, 8-bit fun is here aplenty, and if you're into that sort of stuff, you might want to check this game out, even without its added (meaningless to some) pedigree of being a sequel to one of the most blatant (and successful) rip-offs in gaming history.
I remember the original C64 game with its rocking soundtrack by Chris Hülsbeck fondly, but it was never exacly a Mario-killer. What it did have, though, was a lengthy campaign full of weird enemies, powerups and plenty of challenge.
This sequel offers quite a lengthy campaign (plus all the levels of the original game as an added extra!!) as well. On the technical side, the DS sequel offers a cool remixed soundtrack, vibrant and colourful (if a bit repetitive and forgettable) graphics that paint a dreamy world, and a few added powerups that take advantage of the touch screen. The difficulty seems to be toned down a little bit, and the levels are definitely on the easy side, at least compared to the original game, but collecting all the red gems and beating all the extra levels offers a reasonable challenge even to advanced players. It plays much like Mario, but at a slower pace. The controls are perfectly adequate for the purposes of the game. The jumps feel responsive and the levels are paced so that you don't feel cheated by the challenge of the game.
There are some clear faults with the game, too, obviously.
The touch screen mechanics feel tacked on and unnecessary. Unlocking the hidden original levels is behind an unreasonable pain. The main quest can be beaten in a couple of days. And it may just be too simplistic for modern tastes. Others may simply find the Mario rip-off angle hard to shake off.
... But for others, those touched by a warm whiff of nostalgia, or those who just enjoy a cool old-school platformer, are warmly recommended to check this game out and be positively surprised.
It's just a fun, well-made game. It's in my top 5 of DS platformers. It shouldn't be, since it's just a derivative mario clone, but I had a damn fine time with it.