ShareThisBy PHIL VILLARREAL
Thursday, October 19, 2006
We're well into the era of 3-D gaming, but two new games for the Nintendo DS make it seem silly to include a third dimension when two work just fine:
"Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis." (Nintendo DS, $29.99, Rated E)
A sequel to the simplistic yet addictive 2004 side-scroller, the new game matches two of Nintendo's titans in a single-room action/puzzle format that echoes the old "Donkey Kong" arcade games.
Making full use of the DS touch screen, you have to guide tiny Mario wind-up toys through a series of obstacles, leading them to the exit door as quickly as possible without directing them to their untimely demise. Some levels feature the titular giant ape standing in the middle of the room. A whack with a handy hammer will turn him upside down and allow the little guys to march past.
The action grows more complex and frenzied as the levels advance. This is a game that could very well cause you a panic attack. It also draws you back to replay levels again and again, urging you to go back and improve your old scores, all of which are saved on the game cartridge.
Rating: 7.5 of 10
"Mega Man ZX" (Nintendo DS, $29.99, Rated E)
There's never a shortage of Mega Man games on the market. The blue blaster's retro games continually pop up in new collections, and he's also involved in an enduring turn-based strategy series.
The robotic hero rarely returns to his side-scroller action roots for a new adventure, which makes his new DS romp such a treat. Well, if you wanna get technical about it, this isn't the real Mega Man. In fact, one of the playable characters is a woman. You play as one of two humans who slip on a robotic suit in order to blast away dumb, blocky enemies and enormous boss characters.
If "ZX" proves anything, it's that the old Mega Man formula _ jump and shoot your way through levels, charge up your weapon, search out hidden corners for secret weapons _ still works.
Rating: 7.3 of 10
(Contact Phil Villarreal at pvillarreal(at)azstarnet.com.)
