Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core of Giana Sisters DS is a classic side-scrolling platformer experience that feels both familiar and fresh. Players guide Giana through more than 80 handcrafted levels filled with enemies, pitfalls, and secret passages. The pacing is brisk: you’ll find yourself running, jumping, and stomping on creatures with pinpoint accuracy, and the learning curve is just steep enough to keep seasoned platforming veterans on their toes without overwhelming newcomers.

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One of the most delightful aspects of the DS version is how it leverages the system’s unique hardware. The bubble gum item, accessible via the touch screen, transforms Giana into a floating orb that you steer by blowing into the microphone—an inventive use of the DS’s capabilities that never feels gimmicky. Meanwhile, the world map screen lets you replay completed levels to hunt down hidden diamonds, enhancing replayability and encouraging exploration.

Enemy variety and level design work hand in hand to maintain a compelling challenge. Some stages require precise timing on moving platforms, while others introduce inventive puzzles around switches or destructible blocks. The inclusion of the original 1987 game as an unlockable bonus is a nice nod to series purists, providing a taste of the cult classic that once had to be pulled from shelves after Nintendo’s legal threats.

Graphics

Visually, Giana Sisters DS strikes a balance between retro charm and modern polish. The sprite work retains the adorable, cartoony style of the original, while enhanced resolution and smoother animations showcase the capabilities of the Nintendo DS. Backgrounds are richly detailed with lush forests, underground caverns, and candy-colored skies that bring each world to life.

The dual screens are used thoughtfully: while the action unfolds on the top display, the lower screen delivers a dynamic world map and touch-based controls without cluttering the main playfield. Transitions between levels and menus are snappy, and the occasional use of parallax scrolling adds depth to certain stages, giving a subtle nod to contemporary platformers without sacrificing the series’ old-school DNA.

Special effects—like sparkling diamonds, bubbling lava, and the bloom of bubbles when Giana activates her gum power—are clean and eye-catching. Though it may not push the DS hardware as far as some 3D titles, Giana Sisters DS offers a vibrant, cohesive aesthetic that stands out in a library dominated by ported arcade and puzzle games.

Story

Story takes a back seat in Giana Sisters DS, but what little narrative exists has a whimsical quality that suits the gameplay perfectly. Giana finds herself trapped in a bizarre dream world, where each region is littered with shattered diamonds she must reclaim. It’s a simple premise, but the sense of progression—from misty forest glades to imposing castle corridors—gives the game a satisfying journey arc.

The game occasionally peppers in dreamlike cutscenes that underscore Giana’s motivation: to rescue her missing sister, Maria, and return to the waking world. Although these sequences are brief and infrequent, they provide enough context to root your actions in a lighthearted fairytale atmosphere. There’s no overly dramatic dialogue or convoluted plot twists—just enough narrative sugar to keep you invested.

Unlocking the original 1987 Great Giana Sisters title also adds a meta-narrative layer, letting players experience the game that once stirred controversy for borrowing heavily from Mario’s design. It’s an intriguing historical footnote that gives the DS release extra depth, as you can contrast the pared-down, pixel-perfect original with the expansive, modern remake.

Overall Experience

Giana Sisters DS delivers a polished platforming romp that will satisfy both retro enthusiasts and newcomers to the series. The control scheme is tight and responsive, the level design strikes a fine balance between challenge and fairness, and the DS-specific mechanics—touch screen bubbles and microphone blowing—add novelty without feeling tacked on. If you’ve been craving a 2D platformer to play on the go, this is one of the best available on the handheld.

Replay value is high thanks to the world map’s level-select feature, the hunt for hidden diamonds, and the unlockable original game. Whether you’re aiming for 100% completion or just want to breeze through the main path, Giana Sisters DS caters to different playstyles. The memorable boss encounters and occasional time-trial stages further bolster the package, ensuring you’ll return to certain levels to improve your performance.

While the story may be minimal, the overall charm, responsive gameplay, and vibrant graphics combine to create an experience that feels both timeless and distinctly of its era. Giana Sisters DS is a must-have for anyone who enjoys classic platformers or appreciates the modern revival of a once-controversial cult hit. Its blend of nostalgia and innovation makes it a standout title in the DS catalog.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10