If there is one genre in which the Nintendo DS excels it is in the puzzler which some excellent titles available each aimed at the casual gamer and each designed to be picked up and played whenever the player has 10-15 mins spare.
The latest game to be added to the collection is 7 Wonders II which is a variant on the old move gems around to make combinations type game.
To make it slightly more interesting and to add a novel twist the developers have based this one on a journey around the world to rebuild important buildings such as the Coliseum in Rome for example.
Of course the game does not involve you actually building anything but successful combinations within the puzzle board results in more of the building work taking place until that actual location is completed and you move on to the next. This is all done against the clock which greatly adds to the tension, the addictiveness and the general toughness of the game, especially in the later levels. Of course it wouldn’t be a game of this nature without bonuses etc and this one has them in the form and extra points awarded when you manage to take out a large number of the blocks on the puzzle in one go. There is also a special challenge level to be unlocked but I will leave it to you to find that and what it is. Control wise everything is controlled with the stylus which of course if perfect for this type of game. Graphically the game is colourful and well drawn. There is only very limited animation included but what there is, is actually fine.
Sound wise the effects are impressive and there is a good variation in the music provided. Each of which has been chosen to represent the country in which the relic you are recreating is based. Overall this is a very good example of a puzzle game and a very good product for the DS. It is not original of course but will appeal to fans of the genre. As usual with this type of game it unfortunately lacks any sort of replay factor although there is a Free Play mode should you want too. It is without doubt however, a good possibility as a stocking filler for the upcoming Christmas Season if you know someone who loves this type of game.
The game can be purchased here: http://www.avanquest.com/UK/software/7-wonders-ii-ds-132621?meta=play&cat=nintendo-ds-games | 
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