Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime - hands-on

There are few things cuter than the Dragon Quest slime. Babies? Rarely. Hello Kitty? Overexposed. Kittens and puppies? Maybe in exceptional cases. Ounce for fluid ounce, Dragon Quest's smiling, diminutive blue puddles are in a class of their own. It's no wonder, then, that they've started appearing in their own video games. Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime is the first slime adventure for the Nintendo DS, and it's not only incredibly cute, but a pretty fun game as well.

So when do rocket slimes have adventures? Usually when their towns are ransacked, which is precisely the case here. The evil, platypus-like Plob have raided Slimenia with their massive tank and taken all its townspuddles hostage. Only a lone blue slime named Rocket escapes, and burning with righteous indignation - though you can't tell from his constant smile - he embarks on a quest to rescue and avenge his soggy kin. Not bad for a little guy who's historically had three HP. Kid's got spunk.

Not quite an RPG and not quite an action game, Rocket Slime is a unique mix of action, adventure, and a touch of strategy. Most of the action is seen from an overhead viewpoint, as you help Rocket explore his world and seek out slimefolk imprisoned in chests. Rescued friends head back to town to help rebuild it, unlocking more shops and features back home.