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Here is a quick review of MarioKart DS. I only bought it today so these are only my initial impressions.

Firstly MarioKart DS is much the same as any other version of Mario Kart - why mess with something that works so well - but only better. Better because this game is so suited for the Nintendo DS - it just feels right.

There are heaps of new levels as well as levels from the SNES, N64 and GameCube versions, and a good variety of game types; Grand Prix, Time Trials, VS, Battle and Missions, as well as multiplayer, to keep you engaged for a long time.

The graphics are great, with no slow down in framerate

The games controls are excellent - the lack of analog controls is not an issue. The touch screen really only needs to be used for the menus. This is a game that anyone can pick up and play and have heaps of fun.

I haven't had a chance to try out multiplayer so I can't comment on it.

Over all MarioKart is a whole lot of fun and I can highly recommend it.

Advance Wars: Dual Strike is a very addictive game.

Normally I don't like turn based strategy games much. I find them slow and boring and too complicated to be fun. Being of a portable gaming device has benifited the Advance Wars series of games greatly. You only get what is essential to the game. It's this simplicity that makes the game so exciting and fun with its fast pace.

The graphics on Dual Strike not much better than GBA quality but are good enough.

The sound is excellent.

The controls are good although at times it seems as if the touch screen was an afterthought but I guess those familiar with the earlier GBA Advance War games will feel right at home and not need to use the touch screen.

Dual Strike is a fantastic game. There is a lot to keep you interested for long time; different types of games, the ability to design and swap maps and of course multiplayer battles.

Rating: Essential

I've been playing Nintendogs for 4 days now. Dad got two copies of the game; I chose the Chihuahua and Friends because you can get German Shepherds. In the game now I have two German Shepherd dogs, William and Sarah. William found a rubber mushroom and loves to chew on it, and Sarah chews on a white rubber bone. William usually wins agility trials. The graphics are great and the dogs are very realistic. It’s a great game.

I was hesitant to buy this game considering most of the reviews I had read weren't too great. Having played this game for over two weeks I now think many reviewers were too premature in their judgment of this game.

Golf has always been synonymous with frustration and this game is no different but with a bit of perseverance you will find this game very rewarding.

My initial thoughts of this game were of disappointment - why did I waste my money on this crap. All the reviews I read were right - the putting was bad. I nonetheless persevered with the game determined to get my moneys worth from this game.

You don't play golf rather you play the character who in turn plays golf. You have to develop your character by increasing your characters attributes by playing golf to earn money which you then use to increase your character's attributes, such as Power, Driving Accuracy, Putting, Luck and a few others.

The control scheme is different from other golfing games - no power meter instead the stylus is used in a unique and very effective method that while it takes some getting use to, really grows on you after a while.

If you have read any other reviews you would know that the putting sucks in this game. When I first started playing this game I would have strongly agreed. At first it seems as if you have no control over the putting - its just completely random - but as you earn money and increase the attributes of your character the putting skill increases greatly and the game behaves a bit more like you would expect, not perfect but manageable.

Hint: As soon as you earn any money upgrade your putting skills first thing because the initial putting skills level is frustratingly bad.

The graphics are good. While I think the DS is capable of better it is difficult to find many faults with the graphics. The dual screens are perfect for a golf game and work very well most of the time. The only problem I have is that the bottom screen map is set at fixed orientation and the top screen which shows the golf course in 3D is able to look in any direction so often they are out of sync. I think it would be better to have the orientation of the map the same as the direction the player is facing.

The sound is adequate.

The controls take a little getting used to but with a bit of practice you will grow to like them. The "Touch Swing Control" - where you use the stylus to hit the ball - seems a little awkward at first but soon you will think the power meter system used by every other golf game is lacking.

While most other reviewers in their haste to write a quick review gave the game an average of about 7 out of 10 (my initial reaction to the game would be to give the same) I would after playing this game for a few weeks have to give it an 8 out of 10 - not much more than other reviewers but I think a fairer assessment considering the time I have spent playing this game.

For all its faults and there are many - this is still the best portable golf game out there. With a bit of perseverance this is can be a very enjoyable and rewarding game.

Rating: Good