StarFox Command [DS]

Slowly but surely, all the classic Nintendo series are showing up on the DS. The latest is StarFox, the space shooter that debuted back on the NES. This incarnation keeps the dogfighting action, augments it with touch screen controls, and leverages a lite strategy element to link all the combat into a narrative. And since the DS has emerged as the most consistent gaming platform available, we shouldn't be surprised that it's quite an excellent game.

StarFox takes a similar track to Advance Wars: it presents the rules of battle in a very simple manner, and then proceeds to destroy you by playing according to them. Every mission in the game is split into two phases: strategy and action. You'll be presented with a map showing the Great Fox spaceship and any fighters (Fox McCloud and friends) you have in the air. Drawing flights paths with the stylus, you can send Fox & Co. to engage fighters in the area, snag power-ups (missiles, extra time) and attack larger targets like mother ships.

Areas of the map will frequently be covered in fog of war; you'll be able to dispel some of it, but not all. Those missile pickups are crucial, as they allow the Great Fox to shoot down enemy squads. You'll have a limited number of turns per mission to explore the map, destroy all enemies and accomplish whatever other goals might be set out. It's typically a lot to do; Star Fox definitely challenges you to think in advance and decide what moves are the best.

The other phase, obviously, is combat. The variety of ships and attacks you'll encounter is phenomenal, and even basic flying skills will quickly be put to the test as Fox must navigate not only airspace filled with enemies and projectiles, but attack beacons which enable him to take down large targets. Movement isn't fully possible in every direction, as the maps have walls and ceilings, but the action is frantic and rewarding all the same.

Fortunately, the touch screen controls respond exceptionally well; you'll do everything but fire by the stylus. Drag in any direction to turn or change altitude (controls can be inverted in the options menu) or double tap high to boost, low to slow down. Rapidly draw back and forth to barrel roll, tap the u-turn icon to reverse direction or drag a bomb onto the map screen to detonate it.