Death Jr. and the Science Fair of Doom is a side-scrolling platformer adventure released for the Nintendo DS on May 22, 2007. Developed by Backbone and published by Konami, this title offers a twisted take on the school experience, blending action, arcade, and adventure mechanics into a warped and twisted platforming adventure. Players step into the shoes of Death Jr., the son of the Grim Reaper, as he navigates a world where science projects have gone catastrophically wrong.

Story and Setting

The game begins at a school science fair where the atmosphere quickly turns sinister. Students Smith and Wesson create a bizarre combo project involving a half-demon bunny and a miniature nuclear power plant. This experiment accidentally opens a portal to a demonic realm, causing the school to transform into a demonized version of itself. Monsters sprout everywhere, and friends are trapped in everyday objects like crates and flower pots. Death Jr.'s father's soul-harvesting scythe goes missing, becoming a central objective for the player.

The narrative features a cast of unique supernatural characters. Death Jr. is an awkward, skeletal child who attends school with a variety of creepy peers, including his gothy crush Pandora, the shy Stigmartha, and the quadriplegic foreign exchange student Seep. While the characters deal with problems similar to normal junior high kids, the situation escalates as DJ and Pandora's spirit must plow through four randomly-themed worlds to save classmates, defeat monsters, and restore order to the chaotic environment filled with toxic waste and hazards.

Gameplay Mechanics

Death Jr. and the Science Fair of Doom emphasizes fast-paced side-scrolling action with interactive touch screen controls. Players use the Nintendo DS touch pad to execute cool scythe combos, unleash vicious melee attacks, and slice their way through hordes of opponents. The gameplay requires strategic switching between two distinct characters to overcome challenges.

  • Death Jr. (DJ): As the primary brawler, DJ uses his scythe to combat enemies. Players must navigate the platforming sections while managing combat flow.
  • Pandora: Players can switch to control Pandora, whose spirit form allows her to collect souls and guide DJ through difficult spots. Her abilities complement DJ's combat-heavy style.
  • Upgrades: As players traverse the science fair exhibits and demon realms, they collect money to upgrade weapons and attacks for both DJ and Pandora, enhancing their capabilities against tougher foes.

Notable Features

  • Touch Screen Combat: The game utilizes the DS touch screen to deliver an interactive combat experience, allowing for precise scythe combos and melee maneuvers.
  • Dual Character Play: The ability to swap between Death Jr. and Pandora offers varied gameplay styles, combining physical attacks with spirit-based soul collection.
  • Local Wireless Mini-Games: The title includes three twisted mini-games that can be played with friends via the Nintendo DS local wireless connection.
  • Cartoon Graphics: The game features cartoon-style graphics with special effects that bring the warped world to life, presenting a visually distinct aesthetic for the handheld system.

Platforms and Release

This game is available exclusively on the Nintendo DS. It was released on May 22, 2007, bringing the morbid mascot hero to Sony's handheld rival.

Who It Appeals To

Death Jr. and the Science Fair of Doom is classified as G8+, making it suitable for gamers of all ages, though it is particularly well-suited for younger gamers. The game appeals to fans of old-school side-scrolling platformers, arcade-style action, and those who enjoy quirky humor mixed with supernatural themes. Players who appreciate unique character rosters and interactive touch-based mechanics on the DS will find this adventure engaging as they help Death Jr. right the wrongs of his school gone mad.