Recently the guys over at The Game Factory were kind enough to ship us a preview build of their upcoming game, Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A.. The game is a sequel of sorts to the first Code Lyoko game that was released for the DS last year. Fall of X.A.N.A. focuses in on the 4th season of the popular animated series, and the gameplay is a mix of RPG and adventure elements that spans through both the real and virtual world. So what else in store for the upcoming release, and what did we think so far? Keep reading to find out.

We were able to spend a good amount of time with the game, and we were pretty impressed by the number of changes made to the overall gameplay formula from the first Code Lyoko title to this one. For starters, combat is now handled via traditional turn-based RPG encounters. Rather than just recycle the work done for the first game's battle system, The Game Factory has decided to really put some serious time and effort into the evolution of the series.

Battles aren't the only thing to change for Fall of X.A.N.A., either. The game incorporates full stylus movement and navigation, much like what is present in Phantom Hourglass and Ninja Gaiden. The approach works well, and should make navigating the 3D environments easier on gamers. Overall, the control scheme is a noticeable improvement over the first Code Lyoko game.

Aside from control and gameplay upgrades, Fall of X.A.N.A. is looking to be a more well-rounded adventure. The game still has the same cool cut-scenes and video clips, but the overall storytelling has been tightened up for the sequel. Fans of the television series will already know where the story is taking them, but it's always fun to relive moments of things you enjoy in a different medium.

While the game was still not in reviewable form, it seemed like the series is heading in the right direction. For fans of the show that enjoyed the first Code Lyoko game on the DS, they may want to keep an eye out for Fall of X.A.N.A. to hit store shelves next month. We're not sure how universal the appeal of the series will be to those unfamiliar with the television series, but when the game ships we'll make sure to give our verdict with our official review. Keep an eye on Kombo for future updates.