Atari's steady hand brings Jenga to DS
We build 'em, we knock 'em down
It's a simple game that combines the fear of a large number of wooden blocks being strewn across the table and floor, thanks to gravity and human mishap.
Yes, Atari thinks Jenga's exactly the sort of game that will work on DS (and Wii – pictured). We're not so sure. Can screen-based entertainment really emulate the physicality of testing the friction between blocks before chancing your arm to remove the one you think will destabilise the tower, so the next player ends up bringing the whole thing crashing down? We'll have to wait and see.
Paul Eveloff of Jenga licence owner Pokonobe Associates is certainly positive: "This new platform will extend the opportunity to play Jenga to video gamers and generate exceptional new play experiences. Atari's Jenga for the Nintendo DS and Wii takes the Edge-of-Your-Seat Fun and party game style brilliantly to video game players of all skill levels."
It's the trademarked Edge-of-Your-Seat Fun that really impresses us.
We'll find out if our note of caution is warranted around the time Jenga is released in November.
