Matchstick Puzzle to strike on DS

As much fun (ahem) as making matchstick houses is, it is more than a little wasteful. And though it may train a steady hand, it doesn't do much for increasing your mental dexterity.

However, Mercury Games' new title, Matchstick Puzzle by DS, looks as though it will do both – and all without wasting a single splinter of wood.

Taking the form of a puzzle game, you have to answer questions by moving or rotating matchsticks (presumably with the stylus). For example, you may be presented with two matchsticks and asked to make 14 boxes by adding six other matchsticks.

There are 150 levels promised, with four difficulty settings to best. There is also a Time Attack mode where you are given ten random puzzles to complete in the fastest time possible.

Whereas Brain Training has the charismatic Dr Kawashima to draw a crowd, Matchstick Puzzle relies on, er, matchsticks, which may be a tough sell. Yet, judging by the colourful screens the game may have the charm to attract the casual audience it is aimed at, without the need for gimmicks.

Gameplay-wise this sounds like one of those amazingly simple though fiendishly difficult types. We just hope it has enough variation to keep things fresh and engaging for its duration.

Matchstick Puzzle by DS should be available in shops by the end of October.