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Bakushow DS

Format:
DS

Genre:
Minigames

Buy/Support:
Support Andy, click to buy via us...

After an initial slew of picture sharing and drawing games most developers moved on to 'proper' games. Bakushow revisits the idea of using the DS as a notepad and wraps around this a simple user generated quiz game.

It's one of those type of game genres...

Party games provide short bursts of fun themed around novel leisure activities. In contrast to sports games that try and recreate the whole experience, party games take one element and create a game around that.

As their name suggests party games are designed to be played with multiple players and work well in a party situation - either an after dinner event or a novelty in the corner of the room throughout the evening.

But why is it any better than the others...

Bakushow is quiz mini-game that unusually lets the player create their own questions. Whereas other games of this type come with a predefined set of challenges and questions each with their related answers, Bakushow provides scratch pad that players can use to make up their own.

At its most simple, Bakushow enables players to draw a picture challenge, share that with other DS players, set a time limit and then score the results. Once each player receives the hand drawn challenge on their DS, they complete the task as best they can and submit their answer. Each player then votes on who has best completed the round.

The down side of this flexible open ended offering is that you have to do all the hard work yourself. The majority of the game could be played with pen and paper - although it does additionally manage the confidential sharing of answers and scoring.

So what experience should I play this game for...

Gamers will be attracted to the multiplayer aspects of the game. With one cartridge (and a DS each) up to four people can join in the fun. Once the group gets the hang of it, both creating and answering the questions can be a lot of fun. They key here is that, because of its user generated nature, the questions can be as specific to your family and friends as you like.

And when can I take a break...

Because you are making the content each round can last as long as you like. The player setting the questions can specify a timer for a variety of times, or leave it without a time limit. The simple structure and approach, provided you are willing to create your own challenges, should provide more than enough entertainment for long train or car journeys.

This is a great game for who...

Again, because you set the questions and challenges yourself it is up to you which age group they are aimed at. The simple drawing interface enables even the very young and inexperienced players to join in the fun.

Expert players are likely to question whether this is actually a game at all, and may find a more tangible challenge in the likes of Professor Layton DS.

Written by Andy Robertson

You can support Andy by buying Bakushow



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Andy Robertson writes the Family Gamer column.

"Videogame reviews for the whole family, not just the kids. I dig out videogame experiences to intrigue and interest grownups and children. This is post-hardcore gaming where accessibility, emotion and storytelling are as important as realism, explosions and bravado."

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