Reviewed: December 3, 2008
Reviewed by: Chris Wong

Publisher
Game Factory

Developer
Shin'en

Released: November 6, 2008
Genre: Puzzle
Players: 1

6
5
4
7
5.5

Supported Features:

The entire game is used with the stylus so there is no strain on the muscles pressing the A and B buttons; this is a relaxing game after all. The entire game runs smoothly with no load time; that is key to lowering stress. There are only 6 minigames to play and no unlockables. Each game varies from matching a picture, connecting the dots, and memorization.

The “connect the dots” type games appear very simple and easy. At first they are. There are 2 different kinds. The first is literally connecting dots of similar color, either 2 or 3 dots. It’s very easy, but you are limited to how many turns to use and it’s hard to keep track how many you have left until you have a lone dot by itself and no turns left prompting the “game over” screen. This game requires more strategy. The other is a game of connecting stones with a matching pattern adjacent to it. Again, it appears easy at first but you end up being up unable to clear all stones on the screen.

Another game shows you where a number of shells are, then they are covered in sand, and you have to uncover the shell(s) that it tells you to find. If you have a good memory, this one would be a breeze. As the game progresses, there will be many more shells and you will also have to find many more shells. You are also given a few free mistakes as you pass each stage. This game will probably keep your memory in shape, maybe a good idea for a college student.

The last type of game is matching. One is matching the pattern of black and white turtle shells and pressing on one will flip over a shell and adjacent shells. This game can really keep your mind active and thinking. You can do trial and error, but you’ll be pressing each and every turtle shell. If you take your time and figure out the puzzle, you will be able to use this game to exercise your brain.

The other matching game is much simpler and easier; unlike the previous games where they became harder. This one was probably my most enjoyable game. You’re given a picture of a “glowfish” on the upper screen and the touch screen consists of pieces of that glowfish where you have to put it together. It’s as simple as it sounds. The bad part about this game is that there only a variety of 4 to 5 glowfish and they repeat themselves. Furthermore, each broken piece is the exact same for each glowfish every time it appears. There’s no variety in the pieces at all. It is much too easy and can go on never-ending, you’d be prompted to either let the timer run out or press start and quit the game. Also, unlike the other minigames, this one probably won’t train or exercise your brain.

The graphics can feel rather cheap at times, although, at least it’s not 2D and pixilated. Most of the time the objects look like it was a picture pasted onto a shape rather than actually creating a graphic for each one. For example, they made the shape of a shell then took the picture design of a real shell and pasted it onto the object. The backgrounds for each minigame are sometimes a landscape picture, while for some games it’s an actual graphic. When it is a graphic, they can be pretty impressive for a DS game.

When you think of the ocean to escape the world, you think of ocean waves, seagulls, and possibly tug boats. There’s none of that in here. Instead, you’re given ocean inspired music that you can relax to. It’s not exactly the same, but you definitely won’t feel like you’re at the ocean or beach. Kind of unfortunate, really, because you’d probably buy this game thinking you’d get that kind of relaxation, but you’re a bit short of that “R”.

To play all the minigames, you’d probably take only an hour or less. But most of the games can be rather fun that you’ll be playing them a few more times. Some are challenging enough that you can exercise your brain or warm-up for that elusive final. Or perhaps, you’re waiting for that phone call from a friend, or job interview and you need to keep calm. You can just kill some time with these minigames while keeping your mind active.

The games may appear unsatisfying, but you’d be pleasantly surprised that some of these games are rather fun and enjoyable. The only thing missing is a multiplayer challenge, be it competing for the best time or best score. On the other hand, challenging someone made add pressure, both the mental and blood kind, and increase stress when this game is about relaxing and unwinding. So perhaps, the lack of multiplayer would a smart move. If you’re looking for a time killer, this game can fill that void, but not for $29.99.