99Bullets was one of the most unappreciated games on the DSiWare platform. Released on an already obscure platform, the game, while well-recieved (screw you Yogscast) got very little attention and (based upon the amount of eShop ratings) wasn't exactly a sales success. Despite this, the game's developers and publishers decided to release a spiritual successor of sorts. That game is 99Seconds.

While the game keeps the same numerical theme as its predecessor, there are very few similarities. The game falls under the "avoid" category, compared to its Shooter older brother. The main similarities would be the general goal of achieving a high score, similar looking characters (with the 99Bullets sprite used as an item) and the basic graphical style. Other than that, the game is fairly different in every way, so calling it a direct sequel may seem a bit odd.



Unlike 99Bullets, there is no story revealed in the intro. Upon the title screen, you are given a choice of 3 difficulties, with high-scores on the top screen per each difficulty. The gameplay is similar to every game in the same genre, move your character and avoid all objects flying on the screen. On the bottom screen, you have the timer and your evergrowing current score. When you touch a flying object, the game and score counter freeze temporarily, while the timer continues on. If the clock reaches zero, you are made vulnerable and touching any object on-screen ends the game. The main goal is to get a high score.

In addition to the flying objects, two power-ups appear at random on the screen for a few seconds at a time. The blue energies add 9 seconds to the counter, which is vital to surviving. The 99Bullets logo/character gives you a 99000 point boost. To differentiate itself from other avoid games, you are given the ability to slowdown/reverse objects, referred to by the developers as Time Bullet. This is activated by pressing any face/shoulder button, and, as assumed by the description, slows down the gameplay (followed by reversing). This also affects your score, but doesn't affect the timer. When the clock hits 0, you lose the Time Bullet ability. Correct usage can save you from flying objects.



In terms of the Graphics department, the game doesn't try too hard to impress. The game (like its predecessor) follows a vector theme, with very basic-looking objects and characters. The objects follow a "static" background (which can be seen in blue wholly in slowdown) in a style reminiscent of the TV Show Chowder or the early Monkey Island games. The Sound in the game is similarly basic, with 3 tracks and some basic sound-effects giving the game a futuristic, spacey feel. While not grating, the audio isn't particularly memorable and overall is as basic as possible.

The game features one levels, basically one mode and 3 difficulties. Considering the game is entirely based on achieving a high-score, the lack of online leaderboards is depressing, but with the low price, it may be a bit much to ask for. If you aren't interested in achieving high scores and don't have any gamer friends to compare scores, you may want to miss this one as the lasting appeal will be VERY limited. Even if you are, the game doesn't feature as much content as other DSiWare in the same price range such as Aura-Aura Climber or Escapee Go, and overall feels a little skimpy in that department.

Overall, while not as unique or engaging as its predecessor, 99Bullets is an original take on a fairly tired genre common as a basic flash game, which is basically saved from the bottomless pit of genericness by a few small tweaks. The game is great for brief pick-up and play sessions, and the gameplay is engaging enough to make someone attempt to beat their own high-scores (improved with more people) The graphics and music may not impress, and the package overall does feel a tad bit barebones, but for 2 dollars, it's worth a shot for someone looking for something a bit different.


SCORE BREAKDOWN (Not an average)

Gameplay: 8/10 A highly interesting take on a somewhat tired genre, with enough addicting qualities to keep you going back for more.
Graphics: 6/10 Outside of the static background, this game uses very few colors, and the art style is extremely basic.
Music: 7/10 Spacey feel. But very few tracks and unmemorable sound effects bring this category down.
Difficulty: 7/10 Similar to games like Paper Airplane Chase and AiRace: Tunnel in the way that it seems quite intense at first, then seemingly gets easier rapidly (albeit in a far less intense way)
Lasting Appeal: 5/10 Those who aren’t into improving their own scores and lack people to compare with aren’t going to get much out of this game. Could’ve been lengthened by another mode or online boards.

99Seconds gets a 7/10