42 All Time Classics (Nintendo DS) (42 All Time Classics (DS))

Member Name: BBTHREE

Product:	42 All Time Classics (DS)
Date:	01/03/09 (121 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Varied Games, Suitable for the whole family

Disadvantages: Have to unlock some games before you can play them

I was bought this as a present, and when I opened the wrapping and first saw it I wasn't overly impressed as I am not much of a card player and first glance of the cover made me think it was just about card games. How wrong I was....

This game is suitable for everyone. It does contain card games like Rummy and Solitaire, but it also contains board games such as Chess and Backgammon, and more general sport games such as Bowling and Darts.

This game is part of the Nintendo DS touch screen collection. So to play the 42 games on here is easy, you simply click directly onto items on the screen or drag items around using your stylus pen (or finger).

Full game rules are included, and its fantastic to have 42 games within a single DS cartridge and it's such a simple but brilliant idea.

There are many different ways to play these games, as there are three play modes available. These are Mission mode, Stamp mode, and Freeplay mode.

In Mission Mode you have to complete a mission within a set length of time, or complete something within a certain number of attempts.

In Stamp Mode you complete games in a particular order, and depending whether you come 1st, 2nd of 3rd determines if you get a stamp. You need to get a certain number of stamps to move onto the next game, and you unlock games along the way. You have to play all the way through the "Easy" level, before you can move onto the "Medium" and "Hard" and this takes a long time to do, but it does keep your interest.

In Freeplay mode you just choose to play your favourite game directly (once it is unlocked and available). For instance I love the Darts, but my daughter loves Solitaire.

As well as these three modes, this game also has the usual DS multiplayer options so that you can play against your family and friends

It's a great game as it appeals to all age groups. My husband bought this for his Mum who uses it constantly but mainly concentrates on the card games, whereas my 5 year old uses mine to play the bowling.

It's great value for money because it is so varied, and the only slight criticism is that for an impatient person like me it was a bit annoying that I had to "unlock" some games, as they are aren't available until you do.

Other than that, this is as near perfect as a DS game can get.

Summary: An ideal gift for anyone with a DS.