Confessions of a Serial Mapper

Well, I decided to finally get my hands on a portable games console. So I ended up deciding to go for a Nintendo DS Lite, mainly because most of my friends have one and that the games which interested me the most we’re on it. I decided against the PSP, mainly because of the cost, but also I have played all the games I wanted to for it. So I ended up getting my hands on one from the local Gamestation, along with 4 games, so here’s my quick review on each of them.

Mario Kart DS

A good addition to the series. It brings in some old tracks and some new ones too. The racing is the way I expected it to be, especially after playing the Wii Mario kart. It is fun and the power up’s work well and fit in with the design of the game. Granted I have been blue shelled near the line and this can be a little unfair, but the Mario Kart series has always had catch-up AI, where opponents can seem to get all the good powerups.

The mission mode is a nice addition and has helped to make the game last longer. I have yet to try online play, but I hope it to help keep the game lasting as long as possible.

Worms: Open Warfare 2

I’ve always been a fan of the Worms games, there is nothing else like it, which pulls the idea off so well. This game is the sequel to the DS version, which means the Worms franchise now has 12 iterations of the game, not including the spin-off’s. The DS version is pretty good and continues to keep the same kind of manic weapons and hilarious dialogue the previous ones have done.

The campaign and various single player missions give this game some longevity, but it is the multiplayer which really makes this game worth playing. If you have liked the previous Worms, then this will be a game for you. However, don’t expect anything new or beyond what has already been done, as when the Worms franchise move away from what they know is good, they always have a tendency to make a poor game (see all 3D iterations of the game).

New Super Mario Bros.

This game takes me back to the good old NES days of the original Super Mario Bros. It brings a fresh take on the 2D style, combining good looking graphics and 3D looking map screen. It has the classic gameplay that I enjoy, introduces new levels (except the first, it really took me back) and some great gameplay ideas (Super Mushroom!!!).

I like the small things, such as when you go down a pipe, the screens change around from top to bottom. While the touch screen facilities are not really used that extensively, the game doesn’t really need to, if it used it too much, it would ruin the nostalgia I get from the game. A brilliant game for anyone who wants a more modern take on the original 2D scrolling platformer.

PuzzleQuest

I bought this game on recommendation from a friend and I am glad I did. It does a good job of pulling together puzzle and RPG game types, instead of a simple turn based battle system of just choosing the attack, spell or potion to use, it is about using your head with the puzzle system. It is very interesting and the combination has been successfully pulled together. With an interesting story line, if you like puzzle games, but want a little more, this is a game for you.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m happy with my new gadget, it works pretty well and with a much wider library of games than the PSP, it was the better choice to make. I used to be a fan of the PSP, but with so many people here already owning a DS and I have already played most the games I wanted to on the PSP. I also knew I wouldn’t want the PSP for the movie playing capability, though I would not have minded the ability to remotely access the PS3. However, I just feel that I would only want this feature to show off.