"A nice little DS demo machine that makes those gears turn!"

Let me say first that this game is extremely creative. It does for the DS what the Rayman Rabbits game does for the Nintendo Wii - it creates a plethora of unique and intriguing ways to use the DS's advanced capabilities, going above and beyond the call of duty. However, it does get weighted down in text a bit, and the story is so-so.
So here's what I think overall:

GRAPHICS
The graphics in this game are moderate. They present well enough, but are really not all that impressive. Given that this is an earlier game, it's hardly fair to compare it to things like Final Fantasy III, so let's just say they get the job done, but won't leave much of an impression. Overall: 6/10

STORY
The story is interesting, but gets bogged down in talking sequences that leave you mashing the A button. It seems to have a nice concept, but doesn't explore it fully enough to create a genuinely captivating story. However, like the graphics, it gets the job done. Overall: 6/10

SOUND
The sound is nice enough at first, but gets a bit repetitive after a while. Overall: 6/10

GAME PLAY
This is part of what truly saves this title - the gameplay is excellent. It is a fully comprehensive exercise for your mind, and unless you are a puzzle genius it will really challenge you. I haven't had this much fun playing a puzzle game in a very long time, and when you solve the puzzles you feel like you really accomplished something. Move over Sherlock - it's detective Ashley to the rescue! Expect to solve scrambled puzzles, break bottles, piece together music boxes, and find secret codes - lots of secret codes! My absolute favorite feature was the photo overlay - you can take a photo of something, take a photo of something else, and then lay them overtop of each other using your DTS to figure out the hidden meanings. No question about it, the Gameplay gets a full 10/10.

LENGTH
This game is VERY short if you use a F.A.Q. However, if you choose to go it alone the game could last considerably longer - I only checked when I was stuck, and it ran 6 hours 36 min. Decent length for a handheld game, if you ask me. Overall: 7/10

PRICE
Now, I don't know that this game is worth the price it came out with, but I picked up a used copy for $15.00, and I am very satisfied. I know you can get it for $20.00 new, and I'd say it's a solid title for that price. Overall, price gets a 7/10.

CONCLUSION
So, if you like puzzle games, like to be challenged and enjoyed games like 'Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney' this is probably a game you'd enjoy. The game is the talking style, so if you get bored with cut scenes quickly, it's probably not for you. If you love to slowly watch a mystery unfold, it's definitely a buy. For those who aren't sure if they'd like it, I'd recommend renting, since you can probably beat it in one renting session. If you want to find out EVERYTHING that your DS can do, this is the game to buy. Overall: 7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 12/21/06