Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mission Runway places you in the shoes of one of ten finalists vying for the title of top model. From the moment you move into the stylish model loft, the game encourages you to plan each day carefully. A PDA-style tool lets you schedule your week, balancing one-on-one coaching sessions, downtime with fellow contestants and the four core disciplines you must master: Make-Up, Fashion, Photo Shooting and Catwalk.

Each discipline is presented as a distinct mini-game that leans heavily on the Nintendo DS’s touchscreen. In the Make-Up challenge, you delicately apply brushes and palettes with stylus swipes, while the Fashion segment has you sketching outfit accents to match runway prompts. Photo Shooting tasks you with redrawing symbols on the lower screen as your character poses on the top display, testing your speed and precision under pressure.

The Catwalk mini-game builds on the same redraw mechanic but adds two “footprint” shapes to represent your model’s stride and pose transitions. Over five busy days you polish your scores, then present your combined results to a stern jury. Finally, a rapid-fire Q&A tests your knowledge of the modeling world. Overall, Mission Runway’s gameplay is approachable and varied, though repetition can set in once you’ve memorized the four core patterns.

Graphics

Graphically, Mission Runway embraces a bright, stylized art style that suits the DS hardware. Character models are rendered in low-polygon 3D with clean lines, and while animations can feel a bit stiff, they capture each model’s poise and personality. The model loft itself is colorful and easy to navigate, with distinct rooms for photography, a communal lounge and the coach’s office.

The dual-screen presentation remains uncluttered throughout. The top screen showcases your avatar strutting or posing in detailed environments, while the bottom touch display presents crisp, high-contrast icons and tutorial prompts. During mini-games, the symbol outlines are clear even on the DS’s modest resolution, and the game’s pastel palette underscores the fashion theme without overwhelming your eyes.

Menus and HUD elements lean on a magazine-inspired typography, reinforcing the glossy world of high fashion. Occasional texture pop-ins are inevitable on the DS, but loading times stay minimal. For a budget licensed title, Mission Runway delivers a polished, cohesive look that will appeal to younger audiences and fans of the TV show alike.

Story

Mission Runway’s narrative is straightforward: you’re one of ten contestants hoping to win the next season of Germany’s Next Topmodel. The story unfolds primarily through short cutscenes and dialogue exchanges in the loft, where you bond—or clash—with fellow finalists. Your coach provides tips and pep talks, injecting just enough drama to keep you invested in your avatar’s rise to stardom.

While the overarching plot doesn’t feature branching outcomes, the weekly structure gives a satisfying sense of progression. Each Friday culminates in a live‐jury evaluation, complete with wardrobe reveals and on-the-spot trivia questions that reinforce the show’s quiz-style segments. These moments of tension and celebration mirror the reality series effectively.

Character development is light but memorable: from a rival who’s all business to a supportive roommate who offers in-game hints, each contestant has a recognizable personality. The linear storytelling means you’ll see the same events each playthrough, but it remains engaging enough for one solid campaign, especially if you enjoy the behind-the-scenes peek at model life.

Overall Experience

Mission Runway is a welcoming entry point for fashion and simulation fans on the Nintendo DS. Its blend of scheduling strategy and quick stylus-based mini-games strikes a comfortable balance between management and action. Younger players and reality show enthusiasts will appreciate the familiar format, while casual gamers will find the short daily tasks easy to pick up and play in bite-sized sessions.

Replay value comes from improving mini-game scores, unlocking extra outfits and mastering the jury’s trivia under the 30-second clock. However, those seeking deep customization, branching narratives or hardcore challenge may find the game a bit limited. The focus here is on accessible fun and the thrill of a weekly photo shoot, rather than a sprawling adventure.

In summary, Mission Runway delivers a polished, well-paced simulation that captures the spirit of its television counterpart. With its intuitive controls, stylish presentation and casual competitive edge, it’s a solid recommendation for DS owners looking for a lighthearted modeling experience. Fans of Germany’s Next Topmodel will feel right at home, and newcomers may discover an unexpectedly addictive rhythm to life in the fashion fast lane.

Retro Replay Score

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