Travel Games For Dummies Review for Nintendo DS

System: DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Beanbag Studios	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Electronic Arts	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Oct. 28, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Outside of gameplay, developer Beanbag Studios has done an admirable job with Travel Games’ organization. The presentation and touch-screen controls are as straightforward and manageable as the game’s strategy lessons. It is very easy to navigate from lessons, to practice, to puzzles, and the simple menus and tabs lend themselves perfectly to the game’s format.

Travel Games For Dummies screenshot

Unfortunately, there are a couple of minor downsides: the text and touch detection. Though the fonts and spacing are clearly legible to me (I’ve got 20/20 vision), I can imagine some folks may find the small type to be tiring on the eyes after awhile. Also, entering letters while playing Crosswords can be occasionally difficult; some letters aren’t recognized as readily as I would like. Nevertheless, quality touches like being able to save and quit each puzzle at any time and using a help interface from the menu go a long way to making this a very smooth and pleasant portable experience.

Travel Games For Dummies is a very good game for business travelers and casual gamers. Combining classics like Sudoku, Solitaire, and Crosswords together was a grand idea. Moreover, the addition of clearly taught strategy lessons to the mix is a great way for teaching or improving your knowledge of these games, and it helps to differentiate this title from other brain games out there. If you’re in the market for a title that’s great on the go, or you simply want to get a better handle on these classics, Travel Games For Dummies is a nice option. However, if you tend toward hardcore titles or crave adventure and story, definitely look elsewhere.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Editor / News Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.5

Graphics
The visual presentation is simple and clear. The text may tire weak eyes.

4.0

Control
The touch-screen is ideal for this gaming format, but touch detection can be a bit dodgy.

2.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Virtually nonexistent, but it doesn’t hamper gameplay.

4.0

Play Value
There are succinct lessons that will give you a better understanding of how to play these classic games. Additionally, there are hundreds of puzzles to keep you occupied, though many are too simplistic for very savvy players.

3.5

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

Game Features:

Featuring over 600 puzzles and games to play from classics including Sudoku, Solitaire, and Crosswords.

Each game includes three modes: How To, Practice, and Play.

Multiple difficulty levels.

Get hints while you practice.

Learn the ins-and-outs of each game hone your skills.