Nintendo

Described by artist-creator Tosho Iwai as a mixture of a microscope, a tape recorder, a synthesizer and a Nintendo Entertainment System, the program (which is the safest thing I can call it) makes as much sense as that mission statement seems to. The best way to approach it is to think that it's an experience to be felt with the senses the DS is able to cater to, by its use of touchscreen and button interaction with graphical elements to create sound.

During recent debates on the matter of the emotional impact in gaming, people tend to forget one very important reaction to virtual worlds, a reaction both profound and necessary for a satisfying gaming experience: empathy.

Game Description: In Nintendogs you'll get to train and care for a a puppy, without having to clean up all those soiled newspapers. As you teach your puppy to obey, it'll start competing in dog shows. See if your dog can earn money you can use to buy new breeds!

Game Description: Mario and Luigi: Partners In Time an insane sequel to the classic adventure starring the heroic brothers! In this sequel to Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga, the brothers travel back in time to retrieve Princess Peach, only to come face to face with baby versions of themselves, the princess and Bowser. They'll team up with their younger selves for a quest of lunatic proportions!

According to ESRB, this game contains: Crude Humor, Mild Cartoon Violence

Well, the DS does it again. Upon first glance, I doubted that this handheld would be home to much more than a bunch of gimmick-specific titles that took advantage of the various hardware features. I've been proven wrong, and I eat this crow gladly. The fact is, solid game after solid game keeps getting released, and although very few of them really exploit the unique nature of the DS, there's no denying that they are worthwhile efforts. Case in point—Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time.

I have a confession to make: I don't think I "get" The Legend of Zelda anymore. Having played most of the titles in the series through to completion, I feel a little immune to seeing the their immense charms recycled yet again for a new generation of gamers, as they are in The Minish Cap.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Mild Fantasy Violence

Game Description: The Legend Of Zelda: The Minish Cap takes young Link into an all-new adventure where he'll explore Hyrule and battle evil on the microscopic level. An ancient magical sword releases the evil mage Vaati and he causes trouble all over Hyrule. Link has been sent to restore the sword and seal Vaati inside it—but it can only be done by visiting the Minish people and getting their help. Link will have to shrink to do that—and the strange Minish Cap will be his guide in this new mirco-world.