Trace Memory

Trace Memory

Trace Memory is a interesting take on the very scarce point & click genre which actually fits the DS very well. Ashley’s tale of reuniting with her long lost father might not be the most gripping one but there is enough here to keep players hooked. If you have been playing these type of games for a long time however most of the puzzles will not pose much of a challenge and the game is very short overall. Newcomers should brace themselves for some head scratching however.

Gameplay: Traditional point & click gameplay mixed in with some DS centric twists.

Graphics: Basic but functional

Sound: Somber tunes and sparse sound effects

Trauma Center: Under The Knife

Trauma Center: Under The Knife

Trauma Center: Under the Knife is quite a unique game and might easily be overlooked. However, doing so would be a crime as this game has a lot to offer and really stands apart from other DS titles. You’ll need quick reflexes and the ability to work efficiently, but saving people’s lives has never been this much fun.

Gameplay: More of a arcade / puzzle game than a sim but very challenging.

Graphics: A nice blend of 2D story scenes and 3D operations.

Sound: Tense tunes that will keep you focused on the operations

Space Invaders Extreme

Space Invaders Extreme

Space Invaders Extreme is a prime example of how to remake a classic game without completely ruining the gameplay or boring fans of more modern games. The frantic mix of fast paced action, psychedelic visuals and pulse pounding soundtrack makes this a must have experience for all retro shooter fans and newcomers alike.

Gameplay: Classic retro style shooting action.

Graphics: Pretty basic but the backgrounds bring it to life.

Sound: Integral to the game and very well done

Retro Atari Classics

Retro Atari Classics

Not a bad bunch of titles, but the “remixed” visuals is a joke and the touch-screen controls are not not all they could have been. If you are a retro fan, chances are you’ll have most of these titles already so all in all this is a compilation that can be safely ignored.

Gameplay: Some games are more fun than others, but overall the quality is a bit rough.

Graphics: Whoever thought that getting graffiti artists to do the “remixed” graphics made a terrible mistake.

Sound: Faithful to the originals at least

Polarium

Polarium

Polarium has an interesting premise but never becomes as addictive as something like Tetris would. The basics are very easy to grasp and the game simple to play, but even at a low price it just doesn’t feel like value for money. If you are tired of other puzzle game and yearn for something new, then check this out but don’t expect it to last.

Gameplay: Different but just not as addictive as I had hoped.

Graphics: Looks like it was done on the original Gameboy.

Sound: It’s ok, but nothing really stood out

Daigasso! Band Brothers

Daigasso! Band Brothers

A rhythm game on the DS might sound like a strange choice but it definitely works. Utilizing every button and the touch screen things get way more hectic than in any guitar hero or rock band game. The midi tunes sound great and there’s enough variety to keep you playing for a long time. As long as you can get over the language barrier that is.

Gameplay: If you like rhythm games then you’ll love this.

Graphics: Not much going on visually but then again that’s not the focus.

Sound: Some really great tunes

Feel the Magic: XY/XX

Feel the Magic: XY/XX

Feel The Magic XY/XX is a great showcase of the DS capabilities, but its definitely let down but its length. Essentially a collection of mini-games that make good use of the touch screen and microphone to test your skills it does become a bit repetitive and there’s not much to keep you coming back once you’ve completed it.

Gameplay: Wacky and unique mini-games.

Graphics: Has a very stylish retro look and feel.

Sound: Charming and catchy

Pac-Pix

Pac-Pix

This game started out life as a tech-demo and while it has been fleshed out a bit it still loses its shine too soon. The gameplay is novel enough, but after a few hours of just drawing Pac-Men you might find yourself yearning for something with a bit more depth.

Gameplay: The novelty factor is high, but the concept soon becomes tiresome.

Graphics: About as good as you can draw Pac-Man.

Sound: The tunes trigger some nostalgia

Bomberman

Bomberman

Even with 100 levels the single player mode is still a breeze to complete. Fortunately, there is a nice meaty multi-player mode for you to sink your teeth into. With up to eight players being able to play from a single cart this is excellent value for money and will keep you playing for quite some time.

Gameplay: You really need to play this in multiplayer to get the most out of it.

Graphics: Bright, colorfull and very retro looking.

Sound: Typical Bomberman stuff

Mr. Driller Drill Spirits

Mr. Driller Drill Spirits

Mr. Driller is not a bad game and it certainly has some addictive qualities, but there’s just nothing here to justify buying it on the DS. Better puzzle games that make full use of the DS capabilities will soon come along so only get this if you are really a fan of the character and genre.

Gameplay: Arcade gaming with a puzzle twist.

Graphics: Bright and colorful but that’s about it.

Sound: Bad voice acting and annoying sound effects