The solo and training modes offer some bite-sized fun, but the real draw is the performance-fueled magic show mode; it won't exactly secure you a headlining act in Vegas, but it should prove a modest success at family gatherings.

There is, however, a fine line to who'll be genuinely fooled by your bag of DS-assisted tricks. Without spoiling all the fun, we'll just say cynical audience members may notice something "funny" about your cards, and folks who have no knowledge of what the DS is - some tricks assume your audience is aware the DS's top screen isn't touch sensitive - might think it's electronically programmed to mess with them. If you've got the time and patience to prep, and an audience willing to go along for the ride, Master of Illusion could turn you and your DS into the hit of the holiday party.