Touching gets better over time. Since its release last November, the Nintendo DS has steadily accumulated a strong library of video games built around the two-screen handheld's innovative interactivity.
The DS is the only portable gaming system on the market featuring a microphone and touch screen. It is also the first Nintendo handheld made to regularly handle 3D graphics. On Nov. 15, DS gamers will be able to take the system online wirelessly through Nintendo's free network and for the first time play "Mario Kart" against gamers across the country.
Here are some impressions of Nintendo's recent releases for the DS.
"Nintendogs" Published by Nintendo Rated E for Everyone $29.99 A
Sneaking dogs in and out of the dorms can feel like more trouble than it's worth. For those seeking to keep their housing, a copy of "Nintendogs" may be the answer.
Virtual pet simulators have come a long way since "Tamagotchi." After adopting a new puppy in "Nintendogs," players can name their pet through the DS's microphone and teach it just about every trick they could never get their real dog to perform. Petting, playing with and caring for virtual puppies is all done intuitively with the touch screen. Players can also collect an assortment of toys and accessories, enter contests and adopt dogs of nearly every breed the dog lover could ever want.
Finally, "Nintendogs" owners with friends who also own a copy can arrange wireless play dates between their virtual pups. Sounds like a Facebook group in the making.
"Nintendogs" uses just about every cool feature on the DS and is highly recommended for even the most reluctant dog aficionado.
"Metroid Prime Pinball" Published by Nintendo Rated E for Everyone $34.99 B+
Pinball hasn't really changed much over the years. "Metroid Prime Pinball," as its name suggests, infuses the classic game of yore with Nintendo's popular "Metroid" series. Basically, gamers get the old-time flipper action they crave, plus a whole lot of intergalactic bug squashing!
Unfortunately, the game makes rather minimal use of the DS's more interesting features. Rubbing the touch screen to shake the table is a cool idea, but still isn't quite as satisfying as doing it in real life. That said, the 3D graphics are very nice, and both the controls and physics are spot on. Mini-games within boards are very simple in concept but fun to play, often giving the game a refreshingly frantic pace. Players can also battle for high scores against up to seven friends simultaneously using only one cartridge.
"Metroid" also includes a "Rumble Pak" that allows gamers to feel all the bumping around the pinball does. Admittedly, it's kind of gimmicky.
Nitpicking aside, "Metroid" has an amazing amount of depth as far as pinball goes, and should keep players coming back to beat their high scores. It's definitely a solid entry in anyone's portable gaming library.
"Polarium" Published by Nintendo Rated E for Everyone $16.99 D
Okay, so they can't all be winners. "Polarium" is a puzzle game with a good concept and poor execution.
"Polarium" gives players a grid of black and white blocks and asks them to use the stylus to make every horizontal row either one color or the other - without lifting the pen from the screen. It's a lot like one of those kitschy diversions family restaurants sometimes have on those cheap paper placemats.
The most off-putting part of "Polarium" may be the graphics and sound, which employ extreme minimalism. The blocks are always black and white and there are only two songs. Couldn't the developer randomize the color scheme and music a la the excellent "Lumines" on the Sony PSP?
"Polarium" puzzles actually make for fun brainteasers, but the modes available for solitary play don't make very exciting use of the idea. In "Challenge," pieces periodically fall from the top screen into the play area, forcing gamers to flip blocks as quickly and efficiently as possible. This would be great for replay value, but the pattern always seems to be exactly the same.
"Puzzles" mode takes a more laid back approach, giving players 100 puzzles to solve one by one with no time limit. This is great, until that 100th puzzle is solved. It's possible to create custom ones and trade them with friends, but the chances of friends owning "Polarium" are not very good.
"Polarium" is fun for what it is, but there's not enough game here to warrant a purchase, even at its current low price of $16.99.
