Film critics weren't slow to proclaim that director M. Night Shyamalan had finally been deprived of his last bit of ability, when they first laid eyes and ears on this summer's live action movie - The Last Airbender – a big screen flick based on Nickelodeon's immensely popular TV-show.

Opinions that were completely ignored by the cinema going public, and the movie quickly revealed itself as one of the largest box-office successes this year. A fact that must've given publisher THQ reason to breathe a sigh of relief, as the company had game adaptations lined up for release alongside the movie, including one for Nintendo DS.

Somewhat like the movies

The Last Airbender game promises to let fans relive the movie, and while many cinema critics would cringe at the thought alone; the DS title does a decent job, and quite pleasantly transfers the film's manuscript onto Nintendo's handheld. The overall story arc is faithfully captured and the movie's emotional tone is deftly delivered via beautifully hand drawn cut scenes, albeit somewhat toned down in intensity more suitably for younger viewers.

If it isn't broken, don't fix it

Developer Halfbrick Studios has created a title placed firmly in the action adventure segment. The game draws heavily on classics like Zelda, while not totally living up to its design templates lofty qualities. But you'll be treated to a balanced and well executed mix of combat, exploration and puzzle solving, as you take on the roles as the boy-avatar Aang and his nemesis Prince Zuko in THQ's surprisingly generous Nintendo DS title.

That's ‘Airbender' not ‘Wind Waker' to you!

Aang's ability as a wielder of wind is used to present players with plenty of well constructed puzzles, which require both quick fingers and consideration, sprinkled with more proven "move crate from A to B" tasks. You'll have to conquer many labyrinthine agility courses, but the game caters elegantly to a younger audience by a combination of handholding and subtle guidance.  The game provides plenty of not to taxing - but still entertaining - combat, where players get to duke it out against sword wielding guards and magicians from the Fire Nation.

Control is executed almost entirely via the touch screen, another inspiration from the DS Zelda titles. The game handles very well, and controlling Aang, as he takes to the skies using his trusty kite, is surprisingly hassle-free using the DS stylus only.

Does it bend?

You should expect to be able to wring some 6-7 hours of game play of out The Last Airbender, and the game keeps things fresh and interesting throughout, even with a limit set of building blocks.

The Last Airbender makes good use of the DS hardware, with good character work and nicely created and varied scenery. Tiresome slowdown hinders the proceeding a bit from time to time, most notably during combat. Sound effects are functional, while music is well composed but uneven in sound quality.

Prime directive – Bend

The Last Airbender sits perfectly with fans of the movie and younger players – due to its solid craftsmanship, entertaining and accessible gameplay. Mature players might want consider this one twice, as the title is almost too easy, but parents looking for their kid's next Nintendo DS game should take a good look at The Last Airbender.

Verdict: Get it! (Verdict list: 'Get it!', 'Rent' or 'Never mind')




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