"Mawashite Koron: A Decent Puzzle Title With a Twist"

Not one for importing too many DS titles, I was a bit reluctant when I saw this title at Play-Asia, but after receiving it and giving it a few hours of play, I can say this is a decent title worthy of importing, and one I hope eventually makes it to the States.

Gameplay: The gameplay is relatively simple, and makes good use of the touch screen. Based off an old SNES title by the same company, the goal is to guide a ball from start to finish, much like a drawing maze, only by rotating the whole stage by using the touch screen. It reminds me of the bonus stage in the first Sonic, where the stage rotates and you guide to a goal, only now you are in control. There are obstacles in your path, such as breakable blocks, hazards on the sides and in your path that reduce your time, but there is also bonuses which add more time as well as points which can be picked up. You can also alter the weight of the ball, making it fall faster or slower, and different balls are available with their own features. As for multiplayer, it appears that the game offers single-cart multiplay, and I can only assume it would offer a race between you and some friends to see who can make it to the goal first or something like that. Eitherway, it does offer multiplay, and single-cart play, so I'm sure it's a worthy addition.

Graphics/Sound: Graphically wise, though there's not much going on, the color scheme and designs are nice. Stages have their own themes, water, space, etc., and the catchy soundtrack is decent as well.

Importing: The menus aren't too difficult to understand, a minute or two of trial and error will reveal what each means. The first option is the main game, the second obviously multiplayer, with the download symbol evident. The third is a bit different, an option allowing you to change the weight of your ball for gameplay. In addition there's a time trial mode as well. There's also an options menu, and interestingly offers you the choice of turning off the back light on either the top or the bottom, as well as change how you rotate the ball, either clockwise in a full circle, or left to right. There's an amusing minigame with the credits where you launch balls from a ship at a target, attempting to see just how many rounds you can make it too, and it's a nice diversion as well. As for importing, although I got the game on sale at Play-Asia for 15 bucks, it is pretty pricey. It'll set you back around 40-50 now, but the title is worth it as it's not hard to understand and an amusing title.

Overall: The gameplay is solid, the menus are easy to understand, and the presentation is good. All in all, what we have with Mawashite Koron is a decent puzzle title worthy of an addition to the states, and for those who don't want to import, the game is decent enough to hope that a statewise release is in the future. Otherwise, this is a great addition to any DS collector's library.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/11/06