Taiko Drum Master: 7 Islands' Adventure

This is a rhythmic game which gamer must use their stylus to touch the screen to follow the rhythm. A very addictive gameplay indeed. Unfortunately, this game which is called, 7-tsu no Shima no Daibouken is released in japan only, at least for now. The language is still Japanese too.
Taiko is a traditional big drum in Japan. People play taiko in a festival or special ceremony. It is very popular in Japan. Actually there are arcade games for this genre and it has many fans already.
But take a look at the screenshot, the graphic is colorful and fascinating. It looks funny though.
It offers seven of the island stage to conquer. You must play from one island to another. There is a training stage before you play the real thing. 50 songs are offered to be played. With this many songs it offers much and longer fun.
I am still waiting for the translation version for this game, or maybe an English game with this genre. But of course the song must be good too.
A great game for Nintendo DS definitely. If you are looking for good gameplay, addictive, not too much thinking (puzzling) then this is for you.

Deep in Blue and Black DS

Are you feeling blue ? and want to grab a handheld ? try this new Nintendo DS with cobalt/black color. Announced by nintendo to be released on 11th february in US market.
The US market already got 6 color before, which is: Polar White, Coral Pink, Onyx, Crimson/Black, and limited edition Gold and Metallic Rose.

This new DS lite has a black base with cobalt for the clamshell. Bundled with Brain Age 2 game. DS already became one of the most wanted gaming system and leader in handheld market. Since launched on 2004, DS has sold more than 17,6 million in US only. With the unique game system and many tittles supporting it, DS still considered to be the best handheld ever.
This new color is not considered as the last color or design for DS release. In future, there may be many more color for DS. Nintendo planning to design some more color and a redesign for DS. But the new redesign may released in relatively long time,waiting the DS selling to decline. Well, still expecting another color, a green maybe ?

PSP vs. DS: Why DS is better

Many people I know who start to look into having a portable video game or handheld usually have a doubt whether they should buy a PSP or purchase a Nintendo DS instead. It is rather difficult to choose if you know nothing about these two gadgets.
Confuse no more; DS is better than PSP in many ways. PSP is a great system and has their advantage over DS mostly in graphical and technical area. But actually there is a reason why DS is a better handheld than PSP.
People at Gizmodo already write their 8-reason why PSP can’t defeat DS. And I write my own, well not as much as 8 but I think these are the most important. Here they are:

1. Sales, everyone talk about sales. So here they are. DS sales are way greater than PSP. Take a look at the console hardware sales in US for 2007. DS is in the top position with 8,500,000 sales and PSP with just 3,820,000. People know which one is better console. Beside, there is much more DS player you can have multiplaying games with than PSP player out there.


2. Game software sales, another sales section, DS games sell way better. As in top 100 of all time, there are no PSP games in the top 100. DS got their games such as nintendogs in the chart. In future software developer may consider develop much more good games in DS and better support from many vendors. DS will have a great number of titles around.


3. The fun you had, yes this is the most important one from a game device. Gaming is about to have fun. With DS’s unique game style and unique tittles there you may have a great fun never been given before by anther game system. DS use a stylus, a dual screen and microphone for voice recognition or blowing game style. It offers a new experience in gaming. From the interview with Nintendo CEO we could say that the consideration of DS creation is how to deliver the fun of gaming even for someone who doesn’t know gaming at all. How DS game can easily introduced to someone and they already feel the fun. Even though Nintendo didn’t forget for the hardcore game fans by releasing great tittles for them. Many DS games is an exclusive one, you can’t find them in other game system.


4. The portability, hey it’s a portable device after all. DS dimension is smaller than PSP and the size is preferable to be carried around. DS is a clamshell device, so the risk of scratched screen is minimized. With PSP if you don’t get a screen protector, you may scratch your screen by accident. DS design is way too cool, Nintendo release various color for DS.


5. The price, yeah the price. For all the fun you had with DS you can get it cheaper than PSP. The software tittles also cheaper than PSP games.

So for all those reason I choose DS better than PSP. I’m not denying PSP superiority in graphical and technical areas than DS. For the people who loves graphic and technical things in PSP and doesn’t care much about gaming, you may go for PSP. Nintendo still develop DS so the other function such as WiFi and other thing can get better in future. For the sake of gaming experience with cheaper price, choose DS.