These DS games have headed west, into the cradle of the Wii. How do they fare on the TV?
Cate West and Jewel Master share a couple of things beyond words after a colon. They are both games by developer Destineer and they both are also available on the Nintendo DS. While one game plays a lot better on the Wii, the other is better suited for the DS.
Cate West: The Vanishing Files
Cate West: The Vanishing Files is kind of like the Phoenix Wright games. It is a great game if you enjoy reading an interactive story. In the game, you will play a few characters, but will mainly act out the role of Cate West, a published novelist with a special power to see visions.
Using Cate's ability, you help the police with their investigation in a series of crimes that has clues that seem to disappear before the police can get it or see it. You use Cate's powers to find the hidden clues and sense the history of the clues, which will allow you to peg a suspect and have him or her arrested.
The game is basically one big graphic search game. If you like I Spy, spot the difference, Guess Who, or Where's Waldo, then you will surely enjoy this game as all the activities you do will be similar to at least one of those games. The only thing is the graphics. Even on a large TV, you will still need to zoom closer in order to find everything you need. On the tiny screen of the DS, it is nearly impossible to play this game without developing a need for glasses, so be careful to rest your eyes often!
Overall, the game is fun and the story is thrilling. If you loved activity books as a kid, you will definitely enjoy this game.
Rating:
Price: $29.99
ESRB Rating: E 10+
Jewel Master: Cradle of Rome
While Cate West is a game that should be played on the Wii, Jewel Master: Cradle of Rome is a game that is better enjoyed on the portable DS.
Jewel Master is a simple "match three-of-a-kind" puzzle game that is not unlike Bejeweled. However, the twist is, you must clear pieces over certain sections of the board at least once. The symbols that you match on the board represent money and resources that you earn and, at the end of each level, you can build up your own version of Rome a little bit more.
Eventually, there will also be obstacles on the board that will make your life harder. The game is very much dependent on luck, but you will gain access to various tools and powers, like the hammer and lightening bolt, that will help you clear difficult parts of the board.
The symbols that you need to match are not easily seen and identified by a unique color or shape, which makes the game a bit hard to play. As well, a lot of the harder parts of the game is due to luck, which removes from the fun a bit. Building up Rome gives you a small objective but it does not stop this game from becoming boring. Only get this game if you really enjoy puzzle games.
Rating:
Price: $19.99
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
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