by Michael Riley

Created on: January 23, 2009   Last Updated: October 04, 2011

I tested out Enkord's downloadable game, Totem Tribe, using their 30 minute trial. Although I don't play a lot of these games, I thought this one was just OK. I would say it was a 2 out 5, with 5 being the best. If my five year old daughter was playing it, and could actually read, I suppose she would like it.

Game Play:

The game starts out with a description of a "Tear from Heaven" that has descended and caused havoc on the Earth. I'm assuming this tear is a comet or something like that. At this point there is some dialogue about how a female chieftain, Takura, must set out to save her tribe. All of the directions, or objectives, are spelled out as you go. There are also rocks that display hints when you click them.

In order to start her quest, you are instructed to build some huts by hitting the build button. This in turn provides you with villagers. They are called "Units" but I'm not sure why. I would stick with something more fitting since Takura is a hot looking woman with a leopard skin wrap that obviously hangs in the jungle.

Now that you have some Units, you are instructed to do some exploring which requires Scouts. In order to get Scouts you have to build a scout lodge. Once the scouts are available, the Explore button shows up and you can now start moving about the island. The first island is pretty small and your objective is met quickly.

Moving to the next island introduces you to some fighting. Again, in order to get soldiers, you have to build a barracks. Once you have your soldiers available, the Attack button shows up in your available menu. In order to fight the enemies, you place the attack flag on the advancing enemies and your soldiers move to that area. The fighting is pretty simplistic and you have no involvement other than watching.

Moving on to other islands is pretty much the same. Send out scouts, attack enemies, build new structures as they become available, collect shells and stones. Nothing spectacular.

Sound:

The sound in the game is OK. It basically plays the same music over and over which isn't too annoying. Again, nothing spectacular.

Creativity;

I would say the creativity is lacking. There is really nothing special and most of the dialogue boxes are very simple. Some contain grammar and syntax errors which is distracting. The whole premise of the game is to move about some islands and collect things which in itself isn't very creative if you ask me. If there was a better story line and some better graphics provided I think it would help.

Innovation:

Even in my limited playing experience I would say that there is nothing special about the innovation here. I suppose creating a downloadable game such as this is innovative in itself but compared to others I would say it is mediocre at best.

Totem Tribe, by Enkord, is a very simple game that is not necessarily fun to play since it is pretty boring. It is definitely not addictive. I played it for the entire 30 minute trial but I don't know if I would have kept playing it anymore. I would not buy it.

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