Release Archives: ... WEEK OF AUGUST 16, 2005 8.16.2005 *Game of the Week* Nintendogs Developer: EAD Publisher: Nintendo System: Nintendo DS MSRP: $29.99 Ignoring the fact that it can hardly even be considered a game, Nintendogs is the main reason why I finally broke down and got a Nintendo DS at the beginning of the summer. This is the perfect piece of software (note how I cleverly avoided the word "game") for those people who love dogs but cannot own one in the real world. I know, a silicon substitute will never be able to replicate the way a real dog will sit in the dining room window and wait for hours until you finally return home or make amends for the present it left you in the closet by bringing its favorite squeaking newspaper to you, but it's the best technology can muster at the moment. The amount of features available in this $30 dog simulation is beyond any previous fake pet creation. You can actually talk to the dog by using the built-in microphone and even physically interact with it using the touch screen. Mock the idea of playing tug-of-war with polygons and furry textures all you want, but watching it pull with all its might and even dangle from a high up rope is just too cute for words. Anyone with a heart will swoon at these adorable virtual puppies. The only thing better than this would be Nintendinosaur. Hopefully Nintendo reads this column and fulfills my dream. Advance Wars: Dual Strike Developer: Intelligent Systems Publisher: Nintendo Systems: Nintendo DS MSRP: $34.99 If raising a two inch dog isn't your thing, AW:DS may be the best real game yet for the Nintendo DS. It may not be as innovative as Kirby: Canvas Curse, but there's no need to reinvent the wheel when round is perfect. The concept is relatively simple - take on the computer in a turn-based, tactile war - but after learning the basics you'll find this game is surprisingly deep and unforgivably hard. This newest version uses both screens to double the amount of chaos. I know that sounds like a marketing tag line but it's actually true. You can control your aerial strike using the top screen while planning a land attack on the lower one. If the previous titles are any indication this should be a fantastic two player game as well. Honestly, unless you simply hate turn-based action or are overly concerned with the well-being of your virtual dog, you need to buy this game. The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction Developer: Radical Publisher: Vivendi Systems: GC/PS2/Xbox MSRP: $49.99 I can't believe almost the whole summer went by with only one or two truly interesting titles released and then, finally, a really cool game comes out and gets relegated to third on my recommend list. Yes, Hulk isn't anywhere near the caliber of Nintendogs or Advance Wars, but it is still quite fun and should be bought immediately by those lovers of wanton destruction. Basically, this is Grand Theft Auto staring the large green man with the little blue shorts. And that's about all there is to it. Personally, I would wait for Ultimate Spiderman to come out later this year - it's pretty much the same thing except you can web sling around the city instead of jumping. Either way, Hulk is probably as good as the random-destruction-by-a-huge-angry-super-hero genre can get, so there's no need waiting if that's what you truly crave. Pac 'N Roll DS Developer: Namco Publisher: Namco Systems: Nintendo DS MSRP: $29.99 With two huge Nintendo DS games being released in one week it almost seems like a waste to even mentioning this game, but, since it is actually pretty good, I guess I should at least make sure people know it exists. Basically, this is like Marble Madness played with a touch screen. You rub the stylus to make Pac Man roll around the level, collecting pellets while fighting ghosts (what else would he do?). I know it doesn't sound too in-depth, but the game is actually quite fun. I have to admit; even though I really enjoyed the demo I played at E3, it just made me want a DS version of Katamari Damacy even more. Since that won't come out for quite some time, this is the best ball rolling simulator you'll find anywhere in the world. How's that for hyperbole?