TouchMaster 3

$30, Nintendo DS

Teaches: logic, strategy, spelling, fine motor coordination, temporal relations

CTR Rating: 92%

CTR Review

In a series that just keeps getting better and better, this third edition of TouchMaster once again succeeds in turning your Nintendo DS into a fun, pocket-sized arcade. And, as an added bonus, there are two spelling games. Content includes 20 games, organized by five game genres: puzzle; action; card; strategy; and word games. In Bumperball, for example, you direct a ball inside a pinball table by swiping with the stylus. Electromaze requires fine motor coordination in order to drag an icon through a maze, picking up coins without touching the sides (not unlike the game "operation."). The games can be played alone, or you can compete with friends via two person multiplayer or download play using the game's local wireless multiplayer feature. Progress is saved in one of three sign-in slots, and detailed records tell you how well you're doing in each game. Winning games can earn trophies and badges, and unlock new awards. If you collect all 500 wizard points you can become the Grand Touchmaster.The games are fast, fun and easy to get out of in case things get too challenging. Buy it. See also TouchMaster 1 and TouchMaster 2.