about turn based playing, and endless inventories, classes and levels are too much like a maths lessons to grab my attention. It’s a pleasant change of pace, therefore, to pick up a game like Orcs & Elves that attempts to make role playing as effortless and casual as possible. While this middle-of-the-road approach isn’t going to break down any barriers, it certainly strums a few nostalgic heartstrings with gentle fingers.

At one time, the elements that make up Orcs & Elves were the staple diet of the RPG game; dragons, dwarves, oversized spiders, giant rat things and…well, orcs and elves. The name of this game isn’t at all ambiguous, so it’s reassuring to see EA brand their latest handheld offering so clearly. There’s no way in hell any gamer is going to be confused as to what sort of title they’re picking up when it’s got a name like Orcs & Elves, so right from the outset all preconceptions and potential disappointments are deftly sidestepped.

There’s a tendency these days for most new games to claim some kind of revolutionary concept, some nebulous breakthrough in “next generation gaming” or a new level in graphical realism. Seldom are these claims true, but in the case of Orcs & Eles there’s no dubious proclamation about pushing the boundaries of technology to their elastic limits. Now, this isn’t the criticism it might appear to be: true, Orcs & Elves doesn’t particularly tax the DS’ capabilities, but it does slot right into its intricacies quite admirably and comfortably.

You take on the role of an elf attempting to save a Dwarf kingdom for an orc invasion with your trusty sword and talking magic wand (and it does talk – at great length). Right from the outset, the fundamental fantasy ingredients are apparent in abundance. It’s a story told many times over, and there’s little in the way of blatant originality, but the return to such core elements catches you a little by surprise, playing to the ego of our inner nerds quite admirably while adding an air of nostalgic, retro integrity.

Moving through the stereotypical dungeon maze a step at a time and at strict right angles, Orcs & Elves feels immediately familiar – akin to the age old RPGs when pseudo 3D walls and openly explorable mazes were a marvel of gaming technology. During the menu and demo screens, the dungeons scroll smoothly and take the gamer on a winding path through the murky and atmospheric catacombs, though when it comes time to play all directions become the slave of strict right angles.

At first this feels somewhat restrictive, particularly after the free-roaming likes of Metroid Prime, but it soon becomes apparent this is due to the nicely camouflaged turn-based gameplay. Orcs & Elves allows a great deal more playing speed than is usually found in turn-based games, which is one of the ways it becomes more accessible to the non-RPG addict, and this is something that’s even extended as far as fighting. The battles can be quite hectic, though that’s purely down to the gamer’s choice. Each turn can be used as you see fit: swig a potion, heal, fight, take a single step. Whatever you like. But if you’re more interested in quick fights and bounding around the labyrinth, that’s equally achievable by quick pounding on the attack and movement buttons.

At this point, I’m inclined to move onto the storyline and progression, but as that particular aspect is particularly central to enjoying a good RPG, it’d be a shame to ruin it. Rest assured all the expected elements are present and intact, from spell casting to level upgrades, puzzle solving, bartering with traders, additional weapons and even going out on the lash with a bunch of Dwarves (the game advises against it, but it’s particularly funny to play around with spell casting when drunk! Disastrous, but fun).

Anyone who’s ever found themselves inside a Games Workshop store, or longing for a return to the days of Dungeons & Dragons, Doom or Quake (the latter two sharing a creator with Orcs & Elves in the shape of John Carmack, by the way) will find a wealth of geekish pleasure in this essential DS RPG. If role playing ain’t your thang, Orcs & Elves isn’t likely to change your mind, though a few hours wandering the dungeons certainly won’t feel like a chore.