KORG DS-10: We Just Can’t Get Enough

                                                           Trying carrying the original KORG in your pocket.

With absolutely no knowledge of the Japanese language, we approach
most import titles with a measure of trepidation. But when we heard that AQ
Interactive’s new KORG DS-10 synthesizer was entirely in English, our interest
was elevated. We couldn’t wait until the impending U.S. release for our musical
aspirations to be realized.

Once we received the game from YesAsia, we were overwhelmed,
not from any linguistic deficiencies, but the sheer amount of complexity
involved in this music tool. KORG DS-10 is no game, but rather a pure application
for creating music with two analog snyth simulators and a drum machine.

                             Living out our synth-rock fantasies. Did someone request Blasphemous Rumors?

After a few minutes of learning to navigate the DS-10
layout, we were creating a blippy, NES-sounding loop. Players can either move
through the two synthesizers, drum sequencer, patch screen, and mixer with the ‘D’-pad,
or by swapping screens with the left bumper, and then selecting an area with
the stylus.  For the most part, we found
the interface easy to navigate and zipper, however sequencing our patterns introduced
a bit of aggravation.

The application’s one shortcoming was immediately apparent-
two synthesizers and a drum track isn’t enough to create a complex musical
track. Perhaps the integration of a third synth was too much of a strain on the
DS’ processing abilities.

One feature we were unable to try was the ability to link
multiple DS wirelessly to trade sounds and play a musical piece together. We
are sure some individual will create a complex orchestral work with a myriad of
linked handhelds.

Final Grade: B