Moon | Nintendo DS

By GARRETT MARTIN

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RENEGADE KID / MASTIFF

1.13.09

Touch-sensitive controls make the DS stand out, but they also don't work for certain types of games. Even Nintendo couldn't make a good FPS with Metroid Prime Hunters. Somehow, the unheralded Renegade Kid has cracked the code with Moon. It doesn't entirely stay aloft, but between the above-average graphics, rich, creepy atmosphere and, most importantly, smooth, intuitive controls, it makes a great impression. The stylus controls the camera, and dragging it along fluidly moves the player's field of vision. Like a normal controller, shoulder buttons fire all kinds of crazy space guns. It's surprisingly elegant and light on frustration. The story and environments become tediously familiar, but Moon's first few hours are beyond reproach.