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Nintendo DS Offers New Challenges
The Nintendo DS is unique among handheld video game systems. With built-in Wi-Fi and two screens (one of them touch-sensitive), the challenge now is for game makers to take advantage of these features. Here’s a look at several new DS games: “SUPER MARIO 64 DS” So far, Nintendo’s “Super Mario 64 DS’’ probably ranks as the top game available for the system. Why? Well, it has everything you could possibly need for hours of fun. “64” contains all my favorite Nintendo characters in a 3-D game that’s loaded with options. You can play a full adventure as Yoshi (intermittently morphed into some other cast members) and help save Mario, Luigi and Wario from the hands of Bowser by collecting 150 Power Stars hidden on the castle grounds. Or you can choose from a bunch of fun mini-games that take full advantage of the touch-screen technology – my favorite being where you try to keep three bouncing Marios in the air by touching each one, while letting them fall just enough to “kill’’ some pesky flying enemies. You can also battle up to three friends in multiplayer mode. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with this E-rated game. Three and a half out of four stars. “MADDEN NFL 2005” Electronic Arts’ “Madden NFL 2005’’ is the reason Nintendo DS was made. Well, not exactly, but it’s a great example of the system’s potential. “Madden’’ has long been known for its true-to-life football emulation, but un-like past versions there’s no more screen-shifting in between drives to pick your plays – like a playbook smorgasbord, you can choose how to score or defend your end zone by selecting plays on the bottom screen. It’s great to have a portable sports game that actually looks like a sports game. And with 3-D graphics and multiple game modes, it’s like playing the Play-Station 2 or Xbox version in the palm of your hand. This E-rated title is a little pricier than most DS games, but it’s well worth it for any football fan. Three and a half out of four stars. “ASPHALT URBAN GT” Mobile game maker Gameloft has brought the racer “Asphalt Urban GT’’ to the DS. Take a ride in the driver’s seat as you hit the streets on multiple tracks around the world. If you have the skills to win the races, you can collect prize money and use it to upgrade old cars or buy new ones. The graphics are great, and the game takes advantage of the dual screens by providing you a map of each track. This E-rated game is a must-have for racing fans and car lovers. Three out of four stars. “SPIDER-MAN 2’’ Activision’s “Spider-Man 2’’ may be a simple take-off of the blockbuster movie, but I was glad to be slinging my web as New York City’s most famous crimefighter. Spidey battles many of his classic villains as well as numerous street thugs. “Spider-Man 2’’ is by far the most action-packed and “violent’’ game out for DS, but what’s a little animated violence when you’re trying to clean up the streets? Three out of four stars. “TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 2005’’ If you like golf and have a DS, you probably don’t need any coaxing to buy Electronic Arts’ ``Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005.’’ You can create your own player and develop skills or choose from a list of the world’s top pros like Tiger himself, Vijay Singh and Jack Nicklaus. The main difference between the DS version and those available for the regular consoles is the smaller screens. You can use the touch screen to control their swing and position. With the multiplayer option, gamers can challenge fellow golf-loving friends to a few rounds. This E-rated game is fine for those who enjoy computerized golf – I’m holding out for a DS version of miniature golf. Two and a half out of four stars.
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