Last month I announced the release of Big Bang Mini for the Nintendo DS. Shortly thereafter, my own copy arrived in the mail, and my boys have been challenging each other ever since.

They've been challenging each other on the game, and they've been challenging each other on whose turn it is to play alone. There have been fireworks in the game, and fireworks outside of the game. There have even been some interesting games of "hide and seek" that should be renamed "hide the game from my brother." Truthfully though, the boys have cooperated and discussed the game together much more than they have jockeyed for playing position.

Given my boys' enthusiasm for Big Bang Mini, I am sure it is no surprise that I've never actually played it. Rather, I've watched over their shoulders, and have heard their happy exclamations about collecting lots of "stars" (when an enemy is defeated, it explodes stars) and "beating bosses," who are the end-stage of each world. The game has nine worlds designated by cities, such as Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro, and New York. Each of these worlds has nine stages, the last of which is the Big Boss Encounter. There are also little bonus stages. Once the Big Bad Boss is defeated at the end of the nine worlds, a "Mission Mode" is opened up. We haven't yet reached that point yet, but I am sure my kids will enjoy the challenge.

For those who want to compete against others remotely, there is a "Challenge Mode," and then the "Versus Mode" allows single-card wi-fi play between two people in the same room. (Only one copy of Big Bang Mini is needed for the two DS game consoles.)

The instruction book has funny little tips in it - some useful for gameplay ("Not all levels are about shooting as many enemies as fast as you can. There are times when patience and well-timed shots are required.") and others useful for the parents ("Listen to your parents! If it is time for bed then it is time for bed!" and "Eat fish as it will help you remember these important tips!"

There are several misspellings in the instruction book, but I really shouldn't complain about a book that says, "It's true, veggies are good for you!" Besides, how many kids read the instruction book before jumping into play, anyway? Mine certainly didn't, but the truth is - if they read the little book, I think they'd perform even better in the game.

Although this is a "shoot 'em up" game, it isn't violent in the traditional sense. Players use fireworks to defeat each enemy (and must dodge their own.) The "enemy" explodes into stars that are collected for a "power up." The colors and music are bright and cheerful. The little "enemies" are cartoony, not menacing. This is definitely a goal-oriented game: get through each stage to get through each world to defeat each boss. Many sections are "locked" until the previous stages are completed successfully. Each little game is fun on its own, but even better when the player is rewarded by "unlocking" a new level.

My boys love this game, and not just because we got it for free (thanks South Peak Games!) Fireworks are illegal here in California, so it is certainly fun for my boys to create some electronically. I expect they will play it for a long time to come. Plus, it includes a little alarm clock (but no veggies or fish.)

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* South Peak Games' Big Bang Mini page
* Order at Amazon