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My Do It All DS

Format:
DS

Genre:
Improvement

Further reading:
Self improvement

Buy/Support:
Support Andy, click to buy via us...

My Do It All is a different sort of DS game. In fact in some ways its not a game at all, more of a useful set of gadgets. It provides the PDA/iPhone type functions of a diary, notes and messages in a surprisingly functional and fun format.

It's one of those type of game genres...

Self improvement games tap into the popular trend in self development and therapy. Experiences as diverse as Brain Training DS and Wii-Fit have popularised the idea that games can be about more than just having fun - they can improve your brain, body and even mental outlook on life.

But why is it any better than the others...

My Do It All is almost alone in its aim of helping DS owners improve their lives through better organisation. Like Hello Kitty Daily, it provide diary, message and minigames that provide a rang of fun ways for youngsters to interact with each other.

The game is aimed more at the younger age group than a serious professional. However, it does such a good job you have to wonder whether a fully fledged edition (rebranded appropriately) is in the works. Particularly so, when you consider the DSi and its move towards a more media centric form factor.

So what experience should I play this game for...

Kids will be attracted to the game because it lets them play at using their DS like Mum or Dad's iPhone, or Windows mobile device. While organisation and calendar planning is not a central part of my lesson plans, the skills required here certainly contribute to other subjects. The playful nature of the game shouldn't overshadow the benefits that children will gain from having access to these tools.

In fact the messaging and calendar features alone wouldn't be out of place in my year two or three communication modules.

And when can I take a break...

Although the activities themselves don't take up a lot of time, it's the tinkering with layouts and swapping messages that are likely to drain the most hours. Parents may want to keep an eye on this usage for kids without a mobile phone.

This is a great game for who...

Young gamers who can confidently read and write will enjoy the variety of challenges and organisational tasks on offer here. The game is in fact a great driver of both communication skills and a general understanding of how devices like this work. Perhaps it offers an alternative to a fully functional mobile phone.

Older gamers will find the slightly simplified approach and more limited functions make this more of a novelty than an ongoing tool. It does show that the DS is more than capable of competing in this kind of education an business market though.

Written by Andy Robertson

You can support Andy by buying My Do It All



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Andy Robertson writes the Family Gamer column.

"Videogame reviews for the whole family, not just the kids. I dig out videogame experiences to intrigue and interest grownups and children. This is post-hardcore gaming where accessibility, emotion and storytelling are as important as realism, explosions and bravado."

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