Yakuman DS First Look

TOKYO--Traditionally, the launch of a new Japanese game machine features a mahjong title, and the Nintendo DS will be no exception. In addition to Mahjongg Tournament from Koei, Nintendo will introduce its own title based on the classic Asian table game: Yakuman DS.

While Mahjongg Tournament--and indeed mahjong in general--is oriented toward an older-age audience, Nintendo's Yakuman DS features characters from the Mario series to make it more attractive to kids. This also helps with the game's aesthetics, since it spices up the often-bland look that video game versions of the table game tend to feature. Yakuman DS will also come with a tutorial mode, so that entry-level players can pick up the game and start learning immediately.

For intermediate mahjong players, Yakuman DS has a nifty "hint system" that warns the player about opponents' potentially dangerous playing pieces, which can be used for learning how to play the game more strategically. Up to four players can compete with one another on Yakuman DS by using the handheld's wireless connection.

Yakuman DS is currently scheduled for release in Japan only, and it is highly doubtful that the game will be released in the US.