Big Bang Mini is a fun, innovative, and addicting shooter on the DS.

User Rating: 8.5 | Big Bang Mini DS
The neatest feature about Big Bang Mini is its control scheme. Your ship, which takes a different form in each world, is moved by dragging it across the lower screen with the stylus. You then fire by dragging your stylus in an upward stroke to attack all the enemies on the upper screen. As simple or as difficult as that sounds it's all that's lies between life and death.

While the game doesn't start out too difficult it will get harder and keep you busy as the levels go on. You'll be firing away at the enemies on the top screen, while avoiding their shots and enemy explosions on the lower screen. One hit kills your ship so you'll have to be quick with your movements. And that's where the real addictiveness of Big Bang Mini comes in. The harder the levels get and the more object flying at you really puts your skills to the test in order to survive.

The game all looks and sounds amazing. Everything is so bright and colorful. When an enemy explodes it explodes with a vast amount of fireworks. Same if you miss an enemy, your shot will blow up in a wide array of colors. The backgrounds all look stunning as they fit the locale of Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, and an Egyptian-themed level.

Once you complete the 100 single player levels there are a few other modes to tinker with. Such as the Challenge mode which lets you rack up your best score. There's also the Relax mode where you just fire away and watch the fireworks without fear of being hit by any shrapnel.

Overall Big Bang Mini is a game that's well worth its price tag. It takes the old shooter formula and innovates it in a way that has to be experienced. It's a great addition to any DS owner's library.