Friday Freebie

The Friday Freebie has done a switcheroo. It's a topsy-turvy world this week where up is down, wet is dry, GTA IV is about as popular as Heather Mills and the DS has more freebies than the PSP.

Yes you heard correctly, the DS wins the day this week, and there isn't a flash demo of an obscure Japanese RPG in sight. Indeed, the DS freebies that we have for you are a bit quirky for a change.

The first is not one, but two free printable templates that you can use to make your very own Zubo animals. Okay, you will need to fork out for the paper and printer ink but this still qualifies as a freebie in our book. Do send in photos of your completed paper creatures, we'll be sure to show the best of them off in next week's Friday Freebie.

The second serving that we have for the DS isn't a typical offering, granted. Pointing to YouTube videos in this article is admittedly stretching the definition of the word freebie to its limits and, yes, though Taiko No Tatsujin may not be an obscure Japanese RPG, it is an obscure Japanese rhythm-action title.

But come on, this is the DS we are talking about; what were you expecting? If we could send a chap dressed in a Mario costume round to each and every one of your homes to perform menial tasks and chores for a week, believe us, we would, but great though our powers may be, even we have our limits.

Where were we?

Oh yes, Taiko No Tatsujin. So Namco has made a series of claymation shorts based on the cute characters of Taiko No Tatsujin or Drum Master as it is known in the west. Seeing as Taiko No Tatsujin 7 Islands' Adventure for the DS was released in Japan last week, we thought we'd point you towards the first seven episodes of the claymation anime which, mercifully, has English subtitles. Just hit this link to go to the first episode and then find the other six in the related videos panel on the right.

As for the PSP, it's back to the PSP Store this week where the starter pack for the full Ape Quest game has been added. If you want to buy the full game at any point then you need get the starter pack, which is free, and according to our forum freebie wizard, HiddenAway, you can play as far as the first gate before having to shell out for any further chapters.

Lastly on mobile, the weekly recommendation from our chums at Mobile Rated is for Bomber which is very similar to another game with 'bomber' in the title, if you catch our drift. Either way, it's a winning formula and it's free so it's well worth a look. The download link can be found, as always, in the Freebies section of our forum.

That's it for now, we dare say that the DS/PSP balance will be redressed next week but until then, enjoy your moment in the sun, DSers. And remember, the Freebie Archive, the Demo section and the Freebies section in the forum are all on hand throughout the week to sate you freebie lust. If, however, you have plundered those resources dry, click 'Track It!' to be sure not to miss next week's edition.