To all the people who signed the forum:

Thanks for the help! I have decided that I am getting another addition, as somebody said that their friend has dropped theirs a lot and spent lots of money.................so............that kind of affects my decision. I want a new one because I'd definitely wanted a new one in the first place, but not to replace the current one, because I still think, from what all of you have said, it's still valuable. Thank you anyway, I'm going to have a lot of fun with the new one! Yaaaaaay!!!!

From Yoshi_08.

Dear Gamespot Users,

Here are some tips for Mario Kart DS that you may find useful:

• In Bowser Castle, when you get to the revolving platform that leads to a hallway of Thwomps halfway through the lap, don't take the first exit. Keep going until you find the red carpet just a little bit away - that should get you up at least two places in the leader board.
• Remember in Waluigi Pinball, when you're crossing the pinball course, take the centre way through. It's much quicker and it'll get you another ? block.
• When overtaking someone on any course, hit them at the side. It pushes them a little bit behind you and sometimes, if there's no bannisters, it'll push them off the track.
• Hold A at all times, even when you're being struck by a Banana or a Cube or other things that may get in your way, because that way you'll recover quicker and if another player gets tangled up in it too, you'll go ahead of them.

Do you have anything to contribute to this? If you have any Mario Kart DS helpful hints, just let me know!

Enjoy!

Clare ( yoshi_08 )

Dear Gamespot Users,

I am extremely passionate about music but I find that there are no good music games on the DS. I have been looking at some stuff you guys wrote about a few music games and from what I see they don't seem that good. But seriously are there any good DS music games at all? The only music game I have is this adorable little Japanese game called Taiko no Taijuns or something like that and it's cool but there's no real passion for music in it, plus it's in Japanese and I can't understand a single word of it.

So if there's anyone out there who's found a good music game, please let me know!

Thanks,

Clare ( yoshi_08 )

Dear Gamespot Users,

Forgive me if I go on a little bit too much in this article. But I have to tell you about MY five top DS games that I think that anyone who loves playing video games deserves. These are my top five, but feel free to put your own top five below so I and everyone else can hear about just great games!

Number Five: The Simpsons Game

If you don't have this game you are missing out on a good experience; this game is complete with feel-good attitudes, a clever but simple plot and your favourite charismatic characters from the hit TV American cartoon for all ages: The Simpsons. I put this at number five as I thought the comedy was a teensy bit disappointing and the graphics were not as neat as what you see on TV, but nevertheless it is quite a good game.

Number Four: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

The Legend of Zelda has always been an eerie, exciting game with many good plots to it. This is the only Zelda game I have but if the others are better than this, they must be perfect. Only a few little flaws but Phantom Hourglass at number four, but it has delivered thrilling plots, clever twists and active stages to keep you at it for hours. It can get a bit addictive, which is a good thing, but after a while it gets a little tiresome and difficult - that's bad.

Number Three: Animal Crossing; Wild World

This was the first DS game I ever had and after two years it still has a grasp on me. When I first got it, it was hard to put down the DS for one second - living a regular, very realilistic virtual life alongside wacky animals is hard to resist, isn't it. A lack of missions and excitement put it at number three but its cuteness and warmth is what gets it on the top five. It's hard to forget about such a lovely, cheerful game like this!

Number Two: New Super Mario Bros.

As usual, Mario Bros. games make it to the top two, for their excitement and addictiveness. New Super Mario Bros. is both these things, and it comes with a story mode AND the most fantastic and fun mini games you may have ever played in your whole life. The story mode is great, full of castles and missions and cheats, but the mini games are what completes it, so even when you've finish story mode, you'll be turning to this game again and again.

And finally ...

Number One: Mario Kart DS

How could anyone hate this game? That is the question. Mario Kart DS is the fun, thrilling game that everyone talks about, and it lives up to its standards - with online play, five different ways to compete, Grand Prix, missions, the lovable characters such as Mario, Peach and cute lil' Yoshi. When you're bored and looking for someway to pass the time, Mario Kart DS is what you need. It's a really perfect DS game!

So that's MY top five, but you can add your own below. Have fun!

Clare ( yoshi_08).

Dear Gamespot Users,

My old DS has been through a rough time for its two years in my care. It's be dropped, broken and mended poorly, and now the R button no longer works (so I can't shoot eggs on Yoshi's Island anymore :( ). However it's still usable, the games and settings work fine and even though the R button isn't pressable anymore, the games are almost as high quality on it as a new one.

Not very many of my friends have DS's and I was thinking I could get a new one, not to replace the old one, but as an addition to the family. But I'm not sure if this is wise, as it can be a waste of money, a waste of space and a waste of my own precious time. I'm not entirely sure what to do!

If there is anyone out there who has more than one DS, or one that replaced another, can you give me advice and tell me whether it's a good idea or a bad idea? Should I get a replacement, an addition or leave it altogether?

Thanks!

Clare ( yoshi_08 ).

Well when I put my DS on high brightness I find that I need to charge it a lot more, but as long as I have the charger handy I'm fine. Bring your charger with you on holidays, not to use on the plane but wherever you're staying (of course). I don't think DS's are very safe on planes, I heard they interrupt the engine or whatever.

Anyway, turning the brightness down with help loads ... but ... you can keep it up high if it's a sunny day, just remember to have the charger ready and waiting. Didn't you know you can play AND charge at the same time? Yay!

Clare ( yoshi_08 ).

Dear Gamespot Users,

The DS is an amusing handheld and it comes with great games... but... with me there is one slight problem. I have pretty good games, which are clever and addictive at first, but after having them for a while, repitiveness gets annoying and finishing off the games are great disappointments as SOME of them have nothing to offer after finishing the story mode :(

All my games I got quite a while ago and I barely have any brand-new games right now. So can anyone out there recomend abolutely new, brilliant games they've played that more or less aren't repetitive, and have something to offer after finishing, or have no finish at all?

Thanks for the help!

Clare ( yoshi_08 ).