That's right - Taito has finally revived one of their most famous franchises (during the late 80s/early 90s, at least!), and it's coming to everyone's favorite dual-screen handheld.

This will be the first new Elevator Action game since....well, since 1994 and Elevation Action 2/Returns. Since then, the only other non-port versions have been a slightly enhanced version for Gameboy Color (altered and released in the US as Dexter's Laboratory: Robot Rampage), and an "old and new" version for GBA (with the new version being quite enjoyable, but rather underdeveloped).

Graphically, it looks to be sticking to detailed and flowing 2D, rather in the form of EA2/R, although everything so far indicates a less violent and gritty theme (still miles away from the cutesy SD world of Old & New). There also looks to be still cutscenes in the style of Elevator Action EX, with some commendable character art (might there actually be a story this time around?).

Gameplay thus far has been indicated as being a compromise between the careful stealth of EA and the FPS-worthy firefights of EA2/R. The player will once again take the role of one of several operatives (who apparently have different abilities other than speed/starting life this time!) and attempt to infiltrate a series of high-security buildings, stealing top-secret documents and evading/defeating the roaming security. Perhaps in defiance to proponents of the "less is more" theory of game design, Taito is saying there will be a LOT more stuff than in previous games - more enemies, more weapons, more building varieties, and just generally more awesomeness.

One interesting new twist is the addition of new objectives. EA2/R swapped out secret documents and swapped in bombs, but they basically boiled down to the same "go to the red doors" gameplay. This time around, there will be at least two additional objectives in some stages: destruction and hostage extraction. The former is as predictable as it sounds (find and destroy something), while the latter sounds more interesting (and more of a hurdle for Taito to overcome).

Other than that, the basic gameplay looks to remain the same, with all new features made to accent the original. Several new dodge/attack moves will be added to facilitate players who want to be extra stealthy/aggressive, and special point bonuses will be given for certain optional goals: all security eliminated, never spotted by an enemy, no weapons fired, etcetra (remind anyone of Rise of the Triad?)

A few of the ways that the DS' special features will be used have also been announced. Firstly, the upper screen will display a portion of the building map, which may change as the level develops (Taito's example: gas tank explosion blowing the middle of a floor open). Enemies and objectives will not normally be visible on this map, except for when they are in the player's line of sight (on the same floor)....or when the player places one of the new gadgets, a mini-camera which wll display everything that happens on a floor, even when the player moves on.

Critics of touch-screen puzzles might be upset - it looks like there will be several in the game, in the form of keypads, special locks and security consoles. Hopefully Taito will keep these brief and painless.

The best use of the DS' features so far is probably the microphone - before starting, the player will set the system to remember several voice commands, which will match up with those available in the game (via context sensitive button presses). Then, when leading hostages around, you can simply talk into the DS to instruct them in what to do ("stay", "follow", "hide", etc). There's a hint from Taito that being too loud might draw attention to you, though...

On a happier note....since Elevator Action levels generally revolve around "stock" elements being cleverly used, Taito is considering a map editor for torturing friends with. I'm not sure if they'll be able to fit it all in, though - maybe as a GBA expansion cart?

Some people might think this game would be better off suited to the PSP and it's widescreen. It's certainly true that Sony's handheld has definitely proven it can handle both 2D (Exit) and 3D (Megaman) sidescrollers very well. However, Taito has indicated that the dual screen format will be both useful and natural within the classic EA gameplay.

But it seems the largest factor for developing for DS is also the most froth-worthy thing Taito is cooking up: deep and satisfying multiplayer game modes.

Previously, Elevator Action multiplayer came in two flavors: two-player co-op in EA2/R and a two player "race" ("who can finish faster?") in Old & New. Taito promises that both will return for this next entry in the series (with the possibility of a unique co-op campaign!), but they are putting a heavy emphasis on the three new modes: One Spy, Team Spy, and Free for All.

Free for All is just as it sounds - standard deathmatch, with points awarded for special kills (as in EA2/R), and no alliances.

One Spy takes a cue from Splinter Cell and features a single spy trying to steal documents/rescue hostages/whatever from a building occupied by the rest of the players, who can choose various equipment layouts and attempt to stop the spy (who has better equipment, of course).

Team Spy will actually come in two flavors.....the first is merely a two-team variation of One Spy, while the second features two groups of spies going at each other's throats over objectives, "Team Fortress"-style. I know this is where I'll be spending most of my time (no matter how quickly it turns out I can't possibly develop the skills to be a competent player).

Of course, the usual DS niceties will be involved - friends lists, wireless play and all that. No word on single-cart play, although I suppose that's rather to be expected.

(The thought of a game that mixes the cunning multiplayer of Splinter Cell and the outright 2D carnage of The Outfoxies is, needless to say, making me very aroused.)

Now, only one stumbling point remains - what groan-worthy "DS" subtitle will Taito give the game? "Devilish Spies"? "Documents and Subterfuge"? "Defeat Security"?

(c'mon, you know they're gonna do it)

Whatever they choose, Elevator Action DS looks like it's shaping up to be a worthy follow-up to the two arcade classics which milked quarters over a decade ago. I'm just crossing my fingers for a US release (sans Cartoon Network license). And you should be too.




































(this is not a real game)