Summary

Release Year: 2009
Genres: Adventure, Indie, Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Spiky Caterpillar
Publishers: Hanako Games

Science Girls (2009): Schoolgirls vs. Aliens in a Turn-Based Strategy Adventure

Introduction

Science Girls is a charming and challenging turn-based strategy game released in 2009 for the Nintendo DS. The game follows a group of schoolgirls who form a science club to defend their school from an alien invasion. With their wits and an arsenal of scientific gadgets, the Science Girls must battle their way through hordes of extraterrestrial foes to save their homeworld.

Gameplay

Science Girls features classic console turn-based combat, with players controlling a team of up to three characters on a grid-based map. Each character has their own unique abilities and weapons, and players must use strategy and teamwork to overcome their enemies. The game also features a variety of puzzles and environmental hazards that players must navigate in order to progress.

One of the unique features of Science Girls is its “Science Points” system. Science Points are earned by defeating enemies and completing puzzles, and can be used to power up the Science Girls’ abilities or to summon special attacks. This system adds an extra layer of strategy to the combat, as players must decide how to best allocate their Science Points to maximize their effectiveness.

Characters

The Science Girls are a diverse and endearing group of characters, each with their own unique personality and backstory. The team consists of:

Ami Mizuno: The leader of the Science Club, Ami is a brilliant scientist and strategist. She is armed with a variety of gadgets and weapons, including a laser gun and a jetpack.
Rina Takamiya: The second-in-command of the Science Club, Rina is a skilled martial artist and swordswoman. She is also a skilled hacker, and can use her computer skills to disable enemy technology.
Yumi Hoshino: The youngest member of the Science Club, Yumi is a budding scientist with a knack for creating powerful potions and explosives. She is also a skilled healer, and can use her medical knowledge to patch up her teammates.
Hikari Koganei: A transfer student from another school, Hikari is a psychic with the ability to control objects with her mind. She can also use her powers to create illusions and barriers, which can be used to confuse and trap enemies.
Nanako Matsuura: The homeroom teacher of the Science Club, Nanako is a skilled archer and a master of disguise. She can use her archery skills to take down enemies from afar, and her disguise skills to infiltrate enemy territory.

Story

The story of Science Girls begins when an alien invasion targets a private school after hours. The only ones who stand ready to defend the school are the members of the Science Club. Gathering up their team of specialists, the Science Girls face off against monsters in classic console turn-based combat.

Their journey takes them through time, space, and paradox to alien worlds and beyond. Along the way, they must overcome not only the alien threat, but also their own personal challenges and doubts.

Reception

Science Girls received critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising its charming characters, engaging gameplay, and challenging difficulty. The game was nominated for several awards, including the IGN Award for Best DS Game of the Year.

Legacy

Science Girls is a beloved classic among fans of turn-based strategy games. The game’s unique blend of science fiction, schoolgirl comedy, and challenging gameplay has made it a cult favorite. The game has also been praised for its positive portrayal of female characters in STEM fields.

Tips for Playing Science Girls

Here are a few tips for playing Science Girls:

Use your Science Points wisely. Science Points are a valuable resource, so make sure to use them strategically to power up your abilities or to summon special attacks.
Take advantage of your characters’ unique abilities. Each character in Science Girls has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Learn how to use your characters’ abilities effectively to overcome your enemies.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Science Girls is a game that rewards experimentation. Try different strategies and tactics to find what works best for you.
Have fun! Science Girls is a challenging but rewarding game. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the experience.