Nintendo DS Preview: iCarly

It was only a matter of time before everyone’s favorite “web show within a show” was transformed into an interactive game. On Oct. 27, iCarly launches on the Nintendo DS and Wii through a partnership between Nickelodeon and Activision.

I recently had a chance to take the iCarly DS release for a preview spin. Before I get started, let me first point out that this game is designed for fans of iCarly fans, and not hardcore gamers. So, if crude-button mashing and RPG gameplay is your fancy, this game is not for you. iCarly is comprised of several mini-games that are designed to reflect the lighthearted nature of the show. Mini-games range from fun-filled food activities to tap-filled stylus dancing games. The dancing is actually the only mini-game that directly relates to the iCarly TV series. In another game you’ll put your DSi photography skills to the test, by snapping photos of objects that match with the color shown on screen. The closer the color the more points you get. If you don’t have a DSi, you can still play the game. However, the DSi chapter will not be playable.

The story mode is presented as a set of webisodes, that kick-off with plucky dialogue from Carly, Sam, Feddie, Spencer and the rest of the iCarly gang. You also receive emails from the characters’ fans, foes and friends. If you perform well in episode 1’s mini-games, you will unlock the next episode and next set of mini-games. Even though a few mini-games may scream cheesy to the staunchest of iCarly fans, they are not without their difficulty. Some mini-games will require so much timing and precision that they can quickly become frustrating. Luckily, you can bypass the story mode, and just play the mini-games you like a la carte. Problem solved.

The graphics and style of iCarly proclaim fun. The game utilizes all of the DS features. There is even a sound recognition mini-game where you must make the sound of animals shown on screen. Let me just say that this was embarrassing. Trying to make an animal sound, while someone is watching you, just feels downright weird. But, it was all good fun. iCarly fans will definitely flock to this TV translation, while non-iCarly viewers will probably not even take the time to read this preview.