Populous DS

6.1

good

CRITICS SCORE

6.3

(14 ratings)

GAMER SCORE

5.9

(25 ratings)

The Good

Different level themes liven up gameplay, Sharp, intuitive stylus controls.

The Bad

Simplistic, repetitive gameplay.

The Bottom Line

Based on the original Populous PC classic from Electronic Arts, Populous DS brings a re-imagination of the classic game, which pioneered the God simulation genre. Featuring touch-screen controls that utilize the dual-screens, players manipulate 5 elementally-imbued gods, each with their own unique miracles, within an extensive single-player campaign. Within the multiplayer wireless mode, up to 4 players can unleash earthquakes, tidal waves and raging volcanoes onto rival players' lands.

Game Screenshots

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Expert Reviews

50/100

score

Even fond memories of the 1989 original can't disguise the fact that Populous isn't relevant or fun almost 20 years later.

72/100

score

If you're a hardcore strategy gamer craving a deep and involved strategy game then you won't find it here. Yet if you want to relive the glory days of gaming then don't miss out in playing Populous again.

71/100

score

This DS remake accurately reproduces the strategy of the original and adds a few modern graphical flourishes, but it definitely feels dated.

Game Specs

Modes
Challenge, Free Play, Training, Wi-Fi Versus

Wireless
DS Multi-Card Play (1-4)

Controller Functions

GAMEPLAY CONTROLS

Control Pad
Move Cursor

A Button
Elevate Land. Confirm.

B Button
Lower Land. Confirm.

X Button
Automatically Builds Castle

Y Button
Eject

L Button
Fix Cursor Position

R Button
Fix Cursor Postion

Touch Screen
Confirm. Cancel. Select. Move Cursor. Elevate/Lower Land.

ESRB Game Ratings

This game is Rated: Everyone +10
Content is most suitable for children ages 10 and up. This game may contain cartoons or fantasy characters and some language, violence or suggestive themes.

Content Descriptors:

Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Violence