Miami Law review

Slow gameplay and finicky controls can't keep up with the fast-paced drama

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

  • +

    The first few hours

  • +

    Inventive and action-packed minigames

  • +

    Detective Martin Law's bravado

Cons

  • -

    Lackluster story

  • -

    Frustrating stylus controls

  • -

    Sara Starling is boring compared to her partner

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The DS is a natural home for point-and-click adventures. So into the fray steps Miami Law, a cop drama that tries to draw gamers into the fast-paced world of a Florida police show with markedly mixed results.

Miami Law follows Detective Law Martin and FBI Agent Sara Starling as they work to bring down a Florida crime syndicate. For the first few hours, Miami Law manages to maintain a strong pace that will keep you engaged – and seems ready to take off when Law and Starling’s investigation uncovers a sinister plot involving biological weapons. Unfortunately, the well of drama quickly runs dry, leaving you stuck with an overly serious story that will fail to hold your interest.

On the bright side, there are several nice minigames ranging from straightforward action, like shoot-outs and car chases, to lower key stuff, like tracing phone calls and dusting for prints. Unfortunately, problems with touch screen accuracy will consistently frustrate you, tarnishing the best parts of Miami Law. The game often requires insane precision and if you don't click on just the right spot, it won't register you as having clicked at all. But compared to the traditional adventure areas of the game, these minigames are still a treat.

Miami Law isn't horrible. But its fast-paced 24-style plot just doesn’t mesh with the slow and methodical gameplay found in point-and-click titles like these. Adventure fans will certainly find some enjoyment in Miami Law, but not much. There are just too many better point-and-click games for the DS out there.

Jun 18, 2009

More info

GenreAdventure
DescriptionThis adventure game for DS focuses on a team of cops out to rid Miami of crime, one bullet at a time. Unfortunately, the slow pace and troubled controls get in the way of the drama.
Platform"DS"
US censor rating"Teen"
UK censor rating""
Release date1 January 1970 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK)
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Stewart has been a freelance journalist writing for titles like GamesRadar, GamePro, IGN, UGO Entertainment, and more for over 13 years. He covers features, walkthroughs, reviews, and more in the video game space.