I know that Trauma Center, truly an underappriciated gem, has a fair number of devoted fans out there that rarely ever get a chance to voice their fanaticism. Let us do so here now, both by recognizing a great game already out and anticipating another one on its way.
Trauma Center: Under the Knife said:Trauma Center is an arcade-style surgery game from Atlus on the Nintendo DS that was released in November 2005. Since its release it's gained something of a cult following, and with good reason - the touchscreen-only title is absolutely addictive in its gameplay and engrossing with its atmosphere, successfully creating a intense feeling as if one is actually performing surgery with lives on the line. The game ultimately ended up scoring a respectable 81% on Gamerankings.
You play as a rookie doctor, Derek Styles, who starts the game off with (relatively) normal missions combating realistic injuries and diseases.
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All gameplay is handled with the touchscreen, as you must cut up your patient, sew them back together (if you feel like it), inject miraculous green stuff to stablize their vitals, use a surgical laser, and more.
This game is hard, notoriously so. It will really push your speed and reaction times to the absolute limit if you intend to complete the game in its entirety and save all your patients.
After a chapter or two, a new plot element and medical threat is introduced, which proves to be more sci-fi than realistic, and yet makes things much more interesting (and harder).
The action is always fast-paced and the sense of urgency never abates. This game truly sucks you in and doesn't let go easily at all. It's one of, if not my most favorite DS title, and is the finest answer to anyone who still believes that the DS' has never been used in a unique and extraordinarily awesome fashion. The touchscreen controls truly make you feel like you are the doctor, and this could not have been done on any other system and have been as awesome...until the Wii was introduced with it's 3D motion sensing controller
Trauma Center: Second Opinion said:I think it's also appropriate to mention the upcoming remix/sequel for Wii - Trauma Center: Second Opinion. Why a "remix"? Apparently, half the storyline has been reused. But what's new, you ask? For starters, the gameplay has been totally revamped with new missions, tools, graphics, and controls - essentially making it almost a completely new game.
Players will actually be able to reach inside their patient with the Wiimote, change tools with the analog, as well as shock them back from a flatline using both parts of the nunchuck as a difribulator. New missions include organ transplants and treating broken bones.
The art is still in the anime style, but seems to be done by a different artist than the one responsible for Under The Knife.
Graphics have been greatly improved, but retain a cell-shaded apperance.
The soundtrack (the one song we've heard from it anyway) seems to borrow liberally from Under The Knife, though the quality is noticably superior.
Download Second Opinion Music Here
You can view the brief E3 teaser here (in the bottom right corner). It showcases the character art and some screen stills that can't be seen anywhere else. These shots includes the return of the evil triangle things...except with much more impressive and intimidating graphics.
The biggest new element and most surprising addition is that in addition to Derek Styles' storyline (apparently a retelling of his adventures in Under The Knife) there is also a seperate, parallel story in which you play as his rival, who is as yet unnamed. This rival is said to tread a much darker path than Derek, and his story will feature completely all-knew missions in which you can weild a special power completely different from Derek's Healing Touch. Once you have completed both individual storylines, additional missions are unlocked in which both doctors must combine their respective talents.
Trauma Center: Second Opinion is due to be a Wii launch title. I for one know that, even alongside the likes of Zelda and Metroid, this will be the game that I'll open up and savor first.
