Nintendo DS Game Review for Shorts

I was sent the Nintendo DS game Shorts to review and keep. This game is based on the movie, Shorts and I have to admit that I have not seen the movie. This is a good thing, though. The last time I bought a game that was based on a movie, I was disappointed. It was the Wii game for Iron Man and it did not live up to the movie. I had an expectation of what I thought the game should be about, and it wasn’t.

Shorts is a delightful game that the whole family can take turns playing. The graphics are child friendly, which is a plus in my book. As an added benefit, since I didn’t see the movie, the enemy creatures in each level were a surprise. There are the boogers in level one, gators and snakes in level two, and each level after that has different creatures. The game is about navigating through a big building, defeating the creatures in each level and finding objects you need to move forward in the game.

I have not finished the game. As you go up a level, the difficulty increases. I have also noticed that there is a reason that you see more kids playing the Nintendo DS than adults. It’s because the buttons you push on the Nintendo DS are small and easier for kids to use. My adult fingers keep hitting on two keys at the same time. This can really mess up your progress in the game.

After spending time playing this game, I now understand better the attraction these games have for children. If you pick out the right games for your child to play, they can be educational and therapeutic. Playing the game Shorts can help improve eye-hand coordination, memorization, and problem solving.

Each level requires you to make jumps that have to be timed just right. You also have to remember where you have been and how to get back there. There are some doors that you need to have a key to get into. You go to one area to get the key, and then you have to back track to get to the door. If you go in the wrong direction, you may find yourself in the wrong place. There are also switches you have to activate to open up sliding doors that are blocking your way. This game is rated E (for everyone), ages 10 and up and can be purchased on Amazon for $19.99.