Touchmaster 2

There's a lot here! TOUCHMASTER 2 is a generally robust collection of 20 puzzle games, most of which are of the casual game variety. Sorted by themes, the games offer trophies as achievements. So, with your customized avatar, you end up making up a bit of a story in your head in which you become the best gamer, the trophy hero of sorts.

All of the games make use of the DS stylus and touchscreen. You'll use the touchscreen to toss balls at targets, encircle the differences in two photos, match gems in a sequence, spell words, play billiards and cards, and more. As you play, you'll earn trophies in each game for speed, high score, and number of matches you make and the like. The music runs the gamut, sometimes making you tense and nervous, sometimes making you feel relaxed and in the zone. You can play with pals who have a game card or even with those who don't via the DS' wireless functionality.

While there are three fewer games than in the original Touchmaster, these new games are made to feel more action-oriented and graphically appealing. These action, card, picture, puzzle, and strategy games don't break the mold or try anything completely new. Yet, it's a pleasure to have so many games on one cartridge. Touchmaster 2 makes for seemingly endless enjoyment, with some caveats.

If you played the first game, you'll miss having a deep trivia game this time around. Also, games in which you find items in pictures are a little off-putting since the photos are small. You may also find that the top screen isn't as bright as the bottom screen, making finding items a bit more daunting. And some games, like the shooting gallery called Beaned! seem to go on endlessly if you're any good. But you'll love the best game of the bunch, a spelling offering called Rampage Empire featuring George, the giant ape, who's been in Midway games since 1986. Spell a word on one floor of a skyscraper and the gorilla removes the section to make the building smaller.

Available online
Genre: Puzzle
Developer: Midway
Released on: October 21, 2008
Price: 29.99
ESRB Rating: E for Mild Cartoon Violence