While condensing it from the PC onto the DS might seem impressive, the plot, presentation and gameplay of Secret Files: Tunguska is by-the-book point and click tradition; a feisty female lead, links with real historical events, picturesque environments and obscure puzzle-solving. However, connoisseurs of the genre will also notice a distinct absence of dry humour, sloppy dialogue and a lack of depth to the lead characters’ personalities.

Right: Sprechen sie Deutsch? Nein? Too bad

That said, this DS version looks crisp and the Da Vinci Code-style storyline of a girl investigating the disappearance of her father who was studying Tunguska (a meteorite explosion in Russia at the turn of the 20th century) begs to be followed.

Western point and click adventures aren’t in huge supply on the DS so we certainly wouldn’t want to put you off this. It’s not constant action and excitement, but it is a solid, focused and unashamedly old-fashioned adventure.

May 27, 2008