Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis [DS]

Still, there are plenty of elaborate puzzles to go through, some are basic and simple, and others go above and beyond Rube Goldberg's wildest contraptions. Outside of the lack of response on the screen, the puzzles are not only daunting and exciting, but numerous. Each map boasts nine puzzles, a minigame, and a boss fight. With ten maps total in the game, players will have plenty of time to both tap their touch screens and shake their fists at the game's difficulty.

In addition to the ninety-plus puzzles in the regular game, players will be able to edit their own maps using the built-in design mode. As players progress through the single-player experience, they will unlock even more level maps to inspire templates for DIY puzzle creation. Furthermore, they'll be able to upload their own created maps to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. With a friends code, players can download homebrewed maps designed by friends, or they can upload them to a friend with a copy of the game. They're small and cool touches that will serve to extend the life of the game, even if that puzzle game (that inspired this one) on the other handheld did it first. It should be interesting to how sadistic level designers take it to the next level.

So, in a nutshell, Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 is a mixed blessing. It's got some fun and elaborate puzzles, although some get a tad too elaborate to manage at once. Also, certain parts of the gameplay mechanic, such as the responsiveness of the touch screen while steering Mini-Marios around, don't function as well as we would have liked. Still, for those who find themselves drawn to the game, the title's stringent requirements for a gold star will generate lots of replay value, just as the excellent Wi-Fi setup will. Even if Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 apes Lemmings on PSP (again, no pun intended), it emulates most of that game's best elements, although its flaws seem to be rooted in both the hardware and its inability to sustain the previous game's sense of joy.

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