Nintendo DS Review: Big Bang Mini

Let’s face it, most game developers make games with either good graphics or good gameplay. It’s a seldom occurrence to find a game that has both an attractive presentation and addictive gameplay. Big Bang Mini, which arrived on the Nintendo DS earlier this year from South Peak Games, is one of those exceptional games that has the visuals to make your eyes pop and the controls to keep you feverishly pounding at the screen with your stylus.

Simplicity is probably one of the most appealing aspects of BBM. There’s no involved story; your task is to launch fireworks at foes in order to destroy them. Using the bottom half of your screen, you shoot fireworks into the top screen. The act of shooting is amazingly simple; you flick the stylus on the screen in the trajectory you want to shoot. Even better, you can shoot from anywhere on the screen, which makes for some interesting battles with your challengers.

If you hit an enemy, you’ll either destroy or weaken them. But, be careful. Fireworks spawn falling debris and your life is over if you are hit. Just like any shoot ‘em up game, the first few boards are trivial in the beginning and get exponentially more difficult as you make your way through the game. You climb through the boards by hitting enemies, which leaving falling stars you must collect in order to move on.

Speaking of foes, your enemies include things like Chinese Dragons, birds, clowns, chef turtles with parachutes. Yup, it’s a wacky game. And that’s just why it’s so appealing. Enhancing the game is the soundtrack, which is chock full of interesting and fast paced tunes.

The single player mode of BBM is quite challenging. First you’re tasked with completing the Arcade mode. Doing so will unlock the Mission mode. Here’s the means of winning can vary with time restrictions or not missing with your fireworks. This makes for some very cool and difficult gameplay as your learning curve flattens and you’re forced to adapt your shooting style.

And the fun doesn’t stop in the single player mode. Big Bang Mini features a number of multiplayer modes, allowing you to take on a friend. Most interesting is that you can play the multiplayer with only one game cartridge. If you turn your DS sideways, you can launch fireworks at your human opponent on the other screen. There is also a Challenge mode which allows out to rack up points in a solo game, but then post your scores online to see how you rank against other players.

Big Bang Mini is a fun and innovative game and makes the perfect travel companion for your DS. From the colorful palettes and amazing visuals to the simple and addictive gameplay, this is one experience on the Nintendo DS that you don’t want to miss.