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You might have noticed that this review looks slightly different to other reviews on VideoGamer.com. That’s because we look at games clearly designed for younger gamers in a slightly different way to other games. We’ll endeavour to tell you just what you need to know in a clear and concise way so you’ll be confident it’s the right purchase for whatever your situation.
What is it?
Magic Made Fun isn’t so much a game, as it is a way to learn and perform basic magic tricks. By using the DS’ touch screen and the included pack of cards you can perform tricks on friends and family members. We’re not talking David Blaine-style levitation, but there’s plenty here to entertain a young audience.
Complexity
There’s not a great deal of complexity to Magic Made Fun, with most of the tricks being pretty easy to understand. A slight oversight is how you’re shown to perform the tricks. The fundamentals are there, but you don’t get much information on how to present each trick, leaving this up to each young magician. With a trick’s success relying on how well it’s performed, a better visual representation of how to deliver each trick would have been great.
Suitability
Nothing in Magic Made Fun is unsuitable for young gamers, but there is a fair bit of reading required to learn each magic trick. Anyone aged seven or older shouldn’t have too much trouble, but on occasion more novice readers might need some assistance. On the whole the game relies on visuals as much as it does text, making most tricks relatively easy to understand.
Production value
Magic Made Fun isn’t a graphical showcase for the DS by any means, but as a series of tricks it does what it’s meant to do. Much of the game’s presentation comes from who is performing each trick, so the performer can make each as authentic as they like. The included playing cards are also nicely made and compliment the game very well.
Anything for adults?
This is very much a game targeted at younger gamers with most the tricks being far too simple for adults. It is a game that kids can play with their parents though, performing the tricks to the gathered audience.
VideoGamer.com’s Verdict
Magic sets have been in toy shops for decades so it makes perfect sense for Nintendo to release a set for the DS. Combining simple magic tricks with the DS is a great idea and young kids will get a real thrill out of performing in front of their friends. Magic Made Fun isn’t really a game, but any budding magicians will get a lot of fun out of this DS release.
