Fresh and engaging

By Jason Hill
October 6, 2005

Nintendo DS

Kirby Canvas Curse

Nintendo, G, RRP $70, * * * *

Kirby's use of touch-screen technology provides a fresh and engaging game. Players draw rainbow platforms guiding the pink marshmallow around seven vibrant and varied worlds. Kirby can be tapped to perform a dash and enemies dazed by prodding, making them vulnerable to attack. Our hero can copy enemy abilities, transforming into 11 guises including a fireball, balloon, electric spark, explosive rocket or spiked assassin.

Youngsters can have a ball because reaching the finishing gate is not hard. Older players will enjoy exploring the labyrinthine environments and collecting bonuses. End-of-level mini-games include a mine-cart race, a Simon-says drawing contest and a Breakout-style challenge with Kirby destroying blocks after bouncing off your scribbled paddles.


Tak: The Great Juju Challenge

THQ, PG, RRP $50, * * * *

Tak's back and he's brought a mate. The pair must complete challenges using each other's strengths. Solo players can switch between them to solve rewarding puzzles but teamwork with a friend is more fun. Lok's abilities include climbing, exploring the ocean floor in a lobster suit and hurling Tak into the air. Tak can swim, use magic, throw projectiles and fly. Traditional switch-and-door obstacles are joined by more creative conundrums, like using cannons to destroy pillars that turn into bridges for Lok to cross.

Animals can also provide assistance; for example, players can ride a rhino through a garden of thorns. Strict time limits seem an unfair way of extending the game's lifespan but replaying levels as quickly as possible is surprisingly enjoyable. Variety is bolstered by demolition derby interludes.


Mario Party 6

Nintendo, PG, RRP $100, * * ½

Despite appearances, Nintendo's moustached plumber is a real party animal. This is his sixth shindig in as many years. But while most attendees will have fun, Mario needs a new party trick because his antics are getting old; unfortunately, the addition of a microphone is not the answer. The voice recognition works OK but games where you control tanks, launch bombs or guide characters through mazes would be better controlled with a joypad.

Most of the other 75 mini-games are terrific fun with friends, including the chance to fly spaceships, snowboard, waterslide, dunk basketballs, race insects, hurl snowballs, swim, take photos, find sunken treasure, run from boulders and whack gophers. The biggest problem is the excessive waiting between contests. Watching characters roll dice and trudge around the board is also tedious.
