Busy Gamer News

DS impressions

I promised I'd give you my impressions of the Nintendo DS that I won at the Penny-Arcade Charity auction.

So far, I really like it - much more than the GBA. The second screen really adds another dimension. Most games offer, at minimum, some overhead maps of game levels or race tracks. A few games extend visuals or even gameplay vertically, from the lower screen to the top, creating a sort of way cool reverse letterbox. This effect borders on stunning at first glance and only becomes more compelling with games that take full advantage of it.

For instance, some of the Super Mario 64 DS minigames are very fun. The best I've seen so far is a Missile Command clone where you use a stylus to pull back a slingshot and shoot down falling parachutes as they descend from the top screen toward the targets you're protecting.

My one caveat is there aren't many games for the DS yet. Super Mario is a must have, and the Metroid Prime demo is short but promising. Avoid all racing games (for now) - the launch titles in this genre just aren't very good. If you must get another game, try Feel the Magic. It's an odd mini-game fest that makes great use of the hardware - except for the wireless networking. Maybe the sequel will have us all sitting around in a circle trying to outblow and outstroke each other (!) - with the DS microphone and stylus, that is.

There are only a handful of games, so it's easy to put off this purchase if you want to. If you're already a portable gaming junkie, you'll love the DS. It'll play all of your GBA games on one of the screens (minus any wired features; you'll want to hang onto your GBA if you play multiplayer). If you're a bit more casual about the handheld stuff, you could easily hold off - but it is hella cool.

--Gamewatcher