Publisher: SouthPeak Interactive
Developer: Lexis Numerique
System: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action/Adventure
Release date: Available now
Review by: James Dolbeare

One of the beautiful things about the Nintendo DS is that it allows designers to create games that stretch traditional and familiar interfaces. With Mister Slime, Lexis Numerique has taken full advantage of that capability.

Mister Slime is a 2D side-scrolling platformer with puzzle-solving elements in which you help Mr. Slime defend his village from an enemy tribe, the Axons. You won’t find yourself running or jumping around, however, as Slime doesn’t have any legs. He moves by climbing across pegs placed throughout the maze-like levels. When you tap a peg with the stylus, Slime grabs it. When you tap one of Slime’s arms, he releases a peg, allowing him to move forward.

As the game progresses, Slime has to carry objects around the levels, tying up one of his arms and making it more difficult for him to move. The objects vary, but generally they’re heavy and they need to be put on a platform to open a door.

There are other obstacles that Slime must conquer during his journey. These include bugs that cause Slime to lose his grip, and enemies you have to fend off by using Slime’s arms to slingshot his body toward them. This slingshot maneuver is much more difficult than it sounds, as Slime’s arms don’t exactly send him careening into his foes; he limply nudges them off the screen. Slime’s slingshot is so limp, in fact, that he often takes damage instead of meting it out.