As hardware
advances and audiences are expanded, the versatility of many gaming platforms
draws them further into non-gaming functionality. Since the Nintendo DS doesn’t
quite have the hardware punch necessary to deliver the HD-movie experiences of
home consoles, it finds itself in the popular role of the portable
“edu-tainment” device. Korg DS-10 Synthesizer Plus perfectly exemplifies this
category of software, which more closely resembles a computer program than a
conventional “game.”
Granted, the
recent trend of music games have consisted of more “game” than music. Many have
argued that such games don’t really foster a deeper understanding of music. With
Korg, you have an advanced tool (or set of tools) placed before you. It is more
akin to a portable musical application than a mindless entertainment spectacle;
it is the player’s decision whether or not this sounds like a good fit for them.
Korg grants the power to compose the music, rather than simply strumming along
with a prefabricated tune. Many mainstream players could find this freedom
unsettling, but a true musician should find himself right at home.
As
demonstrated in earlier titles, the DS lends itself very well to the tactile,
analog elements of musical gameplay. DSi owners will also find an expanded
features set, which includes a 12-track sequencer (standard DS players still
get the six-track, which still works fine). However, Korg doesn’t try to spruce
itself up with meaningless flash or gawky peripherals. It presents itself as a
musical synthesizer in the purest form, one that doesn’t spare options on
inexperienced composers. In fact, there’s a good chance the newcomers will find
Korg Plus rather intimidating. Fortunately, a great deal can be learned from the
manual, which is only fair. After all, you wouldn’t try to use a synthesizer you
purchased without reading the instructions first, would you?
For the
musically-talented, Korg packs everything you could want into one digital synth
package. This is simply the kind of title you’ll have to experience in order to
understand. By allowing players to develop their own creations, Korg
respectfully allows you, the musician, to take center stage. Throw in Wi-fi file
swapping and multiplayer, and you’ve got a tight little product that is very
hard to resist.
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Gameplay: 8.0
An excellent
toolset that favors utility over style, ensuring that you’ll never feel
embarrassed about using it.
Graphics: 6.0
Appropriately
plain in appearance, it’s difficult to say whether Korg would benefit from a
more elaborate visual design.
Sound: 8.5
A terrific range
of effects for experimentation, Korg definitely sounds as good as it should.
Difficulty: Medium
Fully-loaded
synthesizers take some time getting used to, but for the true connoisseur, it’s
well worth the investment.
Concept: 8.0
These
applications aren’t seen very often, but this synthesizer is easily one of the
best “true” musical programs you can get your paws on.
Multiplayer: 8.0
Up to eight can
join in wirelessly, both for tune-swapping and jamming purposes.
Overall: 8.0
There’s no doubt
that Korg DS-10 Plus is more application than game, but this speaks more to the
intended audience rather than the quality of the product itself. Musicians will
be hard-pressed to find a better piece of software for their DS.
