Touchmaster 2 Offers Portable Variety

The original Touchmaster was a superb compilation of twenty-three minigames typically seen on bar countertops. Showing its tavern-inspired roots, the individual activities focused less on hand-eye coordination that on uncomplicated mental tasks. The title was perfect for commuters; you could play a quick game of solitaire or trivia while waiting for the train or bus. Most games were about three to five minutes in length, and surprisingly well-polished. Variety was Touchmaster’s supreme trait- as soon as the player grew weary of one game, another beckoned.

                                       Prismatix, shown on right, is a unique puzzler. Picture Slide, not so much.

Touchmaster 2 is the odd example where a sequel is graphically inferior to its predecessor. Whereas, the first game had a sharp, grid-based motif, this game’s menus look decidedly low-resolution. This can be attributed to the TM2’s reach- the title transcends the first games focus by offering a much greater variety of games. This edition holds twenty games in all, from visually oriented puzzles, card games, and simple arcade-style diversions.

A majority of the games are enjoyable except for the reflex based games. Speed Demon is a hopelessly monotonous reminiscent of Spy Hunter, while Catwalk Caper recalled Pooyan with subpar controls. TM2 works best when it sticks to turn- based games like Dice King, the Bejeweled/Yahtzee hybrid or Super Collapse clone, Super Mahki. Players use the stylus to control every function within the game; the d-pad and buttons are not used. Fortunately, this means that each game is pleasantly intuitive; players can usually begin playing immediately without worrying about having a learn control schemes. 

                                       If you taught this was a Tutankamun screenshot, your sadly mistaken.

Drawing inspiration from consoles, TM2 offers players the ability to pick from a variety of avatars, and track achievements. Trophies are given liberally in an effort to motivate the player to compete in all the games. One notable omission was the lack of high score tables that were integrated expertly in the first Touchmaster. However, players now have the ability to send and receive any of the title’s mini-games to anyone in their DS’s wireless reach.

Overall, Touchmaster 2 offers plenty of compelling strategic games to overcome its lackluster arcade fodder. While we wish the game was as focused as its predecessor, the title offers a greater amount of variety for those seeking a myriad of games on a single cartridge. The game will potentially be best enjoyed by busy players who lack the time for extended gaming sessions.

Good: Card games, variety, Super Mahki, Dice King.
Bad: Controls for Catacombs and Catwalk Caper. Eye strain in some of the visual games.
Ugly: The plinky music of Rampage Empire is not a ideal soundtrack for demolition.