Lost In Blue 3 is the latest "what if we were stuck on a desert island" simulation for Nintendo DS from Konami, the third in the past two years. Unfortunately, it has two flaws working against it. First and most importantly, it fails to offer lots of new content from what we've seen in the previous two games. Secondly, what it does offer completely frustrates, taking micromanagement to new lows. As a result, you're likely to lose your temper, patience and worst of all, interest.

In the game, you find yourself on a deserted island shortly following the questionable sinking of a cruise ship. Konami had a terrific opportunity to do something different here, to go with an alternate "solve the mystery" storyline instead of focusing on the basics of survival. Sadly, that ship has sailed, leaving us to do most of the same boring stuff we've done in the past two games.

Why are we doing musical numbers with a dolphin instead of eating him?

This includes island exploration. It's not that bad at first, but after about the first hour in, you'll find that it grows extremely frustrating. Having to backtrack for certain items such as food and important tools is one thing, but having to track them down with barely any hints is even worse. There are a few eventful mini-games worth checking out, including an entertaining fish-spearing game and cooking sessions. However, they don't appear often enough to validate the playtime you've invested.

What's even more horrendous is the game's approach to micromanagement. You're not stuck on this island on your own. You have three other passengers who join your cause, each with their own "special skills". Sadly, the only "skills" they ever show is sitting around and waiting for you to fetch something for them. They can't take care of themselves whatsoever, requiring you to keep an eye on their stamina, food, water and health. If you neglect even one of these categories, they'll die, making you look like a fool even though you did all the work. There are alternative endings, but none are really worth seeing, especially if you lose all the members of your party. No one needs that kind of depression, not even emo types.

Furthermore, you'll deal with the same tired graphics, bland music and frustrating character functionality that you've seen before. Konami included the option to allow a friend to join you for download play, but that's like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer and passing it along so they can do the same.

If you want a "stranded on a desert island" feeling, rent the first season of Lost or check out Tom Hanks' movie Cast Away. Lost In Blue 3 fails to do anything relatively fun, making it a Lost cause.

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Lost In Blue 3 Game Guide

Konami

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