While this control scheme definitely gets the job done, it pales in comparison to the proper two-stick solution seen on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. To compensate for the lack of true 360 degree aim, Dracula: Undead Awakening offers an option to switch the controls around, so that you're using the face buttons to walk and the analog nub to shoot all around you. If you can get passed the learning curve of having the controls switched, you may find that this mode gives you more accurate aim. Unfortunately I couldn't get used to the optional flipped controls, so I spent all of my time using the workable eight-way face buttons.
Like all PSP Minis titles, you can play the game on your PlayStation 3. In a perfect world the PS3 version would be the way to play, since you could use the system's dual stick and experience the game how it was intended to be played. Unfortunately this is not a perfect world. Instead this is a world where the PlayStation 3's dual sticks are mapped into the game, so even console gamers will have to use the face buttons to aim. I doubt the developers can patch this in, but in my opinion they made a huge mistake by not offering a way to use the PS3's two analog sticks.
The game's graphics are surprisingly strong for a PSP Minis title. There's no question that this is the best looking Minis title I've seen yet, full of detail, creepy arenas and a nice variety of enemies to shoot. Best of all, the weapons look cool and do an appropriate amount of damage. Granted, the game is nothing more than a top-down dual-stick shooter, but this game looks a lot better than your usual $5 PSP game.
Dracula: Undead Awakening doesn't pretend to break new ground, instead it offers a compelling mix of fun action with creepy monsters. Chillingo proves that there's room for a mindless dual-stick shooter with a cool theme, especially when you add in all of the cool weapons, great gameplay and solid graphics. If you're a fan of this style of game and don't mind taking down a few vampires, then you'll definitely want to sink your teeth into this budget priced action game.
B
Dracula: Undead Awakening won't make you forget about Geometry Wars and Everyday Shooter, but this Chillingo action game does manage to get enough right to be easily recommended. Best of all, the five dollar price tag simply cannot be beat. Even its small group of levels and no multiplayer support, Dracula is a fun PSP that is well worth downloading!
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