You may recall me telling you about a cool new game back in January for Nintendo DS, available from SouthPeak Games called Big Bang Mini.  In case you didn’t have anything better to do than rush out and buy it at that time, I got the chance to review it recently so I have some more scoop for you.  First, here is a taste of what to expect:

So, what do you think?  Fun right?  Well, it is!  Here are some bits of basic information on it:

Made for Nintendo DS
Release Date: 1/20/2009 in US, Australia: April 2009
Publisher: SouthPeak Games (SouthPeak Interactive)
Developer: Arkedo Studio
Genres: 2-D, Shooter
1-2 people
MSRP: $19.99

Basically, the main objective is to use the stylus to create brilliant fireworks displays and destroy the wave after wave of evil enemies that lurk about and loom overhead.

“We usually only get to see fireworks, but with Big Bang Mini you get to make the fireworks,” says Melanie Mroz, SouthPeak Interactive CEO and touter of handheld fireworks. Don’t be alarmed, however, as the company’s latest bomb is safely confined to the Nintendo DS. Dubbed a ” fireworks-themed shooter” by the press release…”

“With Big Bang Mini, we’re trying to combine the thrill of an intense action shooter with the beauty of a grand fireworks display,” explains Camille Guermonprez, Managing Director of developer Arkedo Studio. “If there’s anything players won’t like about the game, it will be that they’re too involved in striking and dodging to appreciate the light show they’re creating.”

Big Bang Mini has four gameplay modes, a handful of multiplayer options and over 90 levels to explore and explode, keeping kids young and old busy for hours.  While I am not a huge game player, this certainly seemed to be new and different from most other games.  Being a lover of most things Asian, I especially enjoyed the dragon, cats and panda bears as they appeared, attacked and exploded.  As you can see, P2 and P3 loved it as well.

I will say this though, it is most definately a stylus game, meaning that if for any reason you do not have a stylus, you may find the game much more frustrating than fun.

So the real test – would I purchase it for my girls?  Sure.  It is fun and challenging for a wide range of ages.  It is rated E for everyone and helps encourage eye-hand co-ordination, something that some of us (ahem, we would not be talking about moi, ahem, nope)could use more of.

So the next time you are considering a new game for Nintendo DS, Big Boom Mini would be a great consideration.  It is available at major retail store near you.