Master of Illusion Review for the Nintendo DS (NDS)

System: DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Nintendo / Tenyo	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Nintendo	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Nov.26, 2007	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The sounds and music in the game are also effective. Although they lack the importance of the visuals when it comes to presenting the tricks, they still do the job. There is a decent background music that plays in the menu, and each trick is accompanied by some sort of tune as well. The sound effects also work just as they should, using the style of tricks as a cue for what noises should emanate. Unfortunately, the game is heavily text based; each trick is explained with quite a bit of dialogue. The advantage this has is that the player can take their time reading over the instructions carefully rather than having to go through multiple sessions to fully understand how to perform it. It was clearly the right choice for how to handle such a game.

Master of Illusion screenshot

We will cover the controls very briefly because there is really not much to talk about. Mainly you just tap the stylus here and there either to answer questions or picks cards. To go any deeper would divulge too much of the magicians secrets, but what it needs to do it does it effectively.

Master of Illusion is what it aspires to be: a game that teaches you the secrets of magic. Sure, it is not going to teach you how to be Criss Angel that guy is really weird, but it is does teach you the basics. With Christmas right around the corner, this is one of those games that may float under the radar. It does not deserve to be one of those titles that never was. With that in mind, this is a game kids will absolutely love; there are enough tricks to keep them busy for months to come, and if you have the socially awkward kid, it may even make him a few friends. A must play for all those still young at heart and a must own for all those still actually young.

By Tom Kelly
CCC Freelance Writer

Features:

Did you know Nintendo DS was magic? It is now, as Master of Illusion first teaches users how to perform incredible magic and card tricks, then acts as an assistant as they perform for others.

Once users learn how to secretly read the enclosed cards, they'll become master magicians in no time.

Amaze, and be amazed! Many of the tricks are auto-performing, so users will be wowed long before they learn how it's done. Once they do, they can hand the DS off and watch others be amazed as well.

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.0

Graphics
The visual style perfectly compliments the game.

5.0

Control
Nothing to complain about here, although there really is not much to them

3.7

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Decent music, nothing spectacular

4.0

Play Value
Wide selection of tricks that will keep kids busy for months to come

4.1

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.