Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Scooby-Doo!: Unmasked offers a classic 2.5D action-adventure experience, blending platforming, puzzle-solving, and light combat. Players guide Scooby and Shaggy through a series of themed levels—from a creaky Haunted Mansion to a bustling Circus—while collecting Scooby Snacks to maintain health. The controls feel accessible and responsive, with motion along predetermined paths ensuring straightforward navigation through each environment.

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Central to the gameplay loop is the collection of “mubber,” the mysterious substance used by MFM to animate their sinister robots. As you defeat animatronic enemies, you gather mubber that unlocks four distinct costumes, each granting a unique ability. Whether it’s Scooby’s “Super Growl” or Shaggy’s “Mega Scoop,” these costume powers add variety to exploration and open up hidden areas, encouraging replay of earlier stages to discover every secret.

Puzzles and boss “chases” replace standard boss fights, injecting humor and series-appropriate antics into key moments. After gathering clues in a level, you bring them to Velma’s touch-screen interface to decipher codes, then deliver trap components to Fred. The culmination is a fast-paced Scooby & Shaggy pursuit that captures the culprit in true Mystery Inc. style. These sequences are a refreshing departure from beaten-up final bosses and stay faithful to the show’s tone.

Graphics

The Nintendo DS’s dual-screen setup is used effectively, with the top screen displaying your characters in a vibrant 3D-rendered environment and the bottom touch screen for clue deciphering and map navigation. The art style leans heavily on the familiar cartoon aesthetic, with bright, saturated colors that evoke the feel of the TV series. Character models are instantly recognizable, and each animatronic villain sports uniquely creepy designs.

Environments range from dimly lit catacombs to neon-lit amusement park rides, each boasting distinct visual personalities. While the DS’s hardware limits polygon counts and texture resolution, the developers cleverly mask these constraints with stylized shading and clever camera angles. On occasion you might notice slowdown in more crowded areas, but it rarely hinders gameplay or immersion.

Animations are smooth for standard movements—running, jumping, and costume abilities—but some transitions (especially during chase sequences) can feel a bit stiff. Nonetheless, effects like sparkles when collecting mubber or the winking of a clue icon make for polished touches that keep the presentation lively and kid-friendly.

Story

The narrative kicks off with Mystery Inc. arriving at Monstrous Fright and Magic (MFM) to visit Fred’s cousin Jed, only to discover that Jed—and the secret mubber formula—have vanished. This inciting incident sets the tone for a lighthearted whodunit, complete with red herrings and masked villains. Fans of the show will appreciate the homage to classic episodes, where the gang splits up, gathers clues, and outwits a faux-monster in the end.

Each level serves as a mini mystery in itself, with thematic ties to the environment: creepy artifacts in the Museum, fiendish carnival games in the Amusement Park, and hidden passageways in the Sewers. Velma’s role in clue analysis feels true to form, and Fred’s trap-building interludes immortalize his “mastermind” reputation. Dialogue is minimal but effective, and text boxes capture the characters’ personalities without overwhelming younger players.

The final unmasking of the culprit delivers the expected payoff, revealing not only who stole the formula but why MFM’s own creations ran amok. Although the plot doesn’t break new ground, it maintains a brisk pace and ties together all gameplay elements, ensuring each environment feels purposeful. Seasonal Scooby-Doo fans will feel right at home with this straightforward yet charming storyline.

Overall Experience

Scooby-Doo!: Unmasked is a solid pickup for younger players or nostalgic adults seeking a family-friendly adventure on the DS. Its blend of platforming, simple puzzles, and chase sequences keeps the action fresh, while costume-based abilities reward exploration and replay. The difficulty curve is gentle, making it accessible to newcomers without feeling trivial for more experienced gamers.

Replay value hinges on collecting every mubber fragment and uncovering all secret areas, as well as perfecting chase sequences to capture villains before they escape. Though the game’s length is modest, clocking in around six to eight hours for a full playthrough, it feels appropriately paced for handheld sessions and delivers a complete mystery-solving package.

Minor drawbacks include occasional frame drops and somewhat repetitive enemy encounters, but these issues rarely detract from the overall enjoyment. With its bright visuals, faithful character portrayals, and series-appropriate humor, Scooby-Doo!: Unmasked stands out as one of the more engaging licensed titles on the DS, making it a fine choice for families and fans of lighthearted adventure games alike.

Retro Replay Score

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