Darts and the DS seem like a perfect match. It makes sense that a game that involves movement will transfer well to a touch screen enabled console. This certainly is the case in for PDC World Championship Darts.

The game revolves around your real darts heroes, and allows you to play as them, and against them. For those who enjoy darts, it’s a win/win situation, and for those who aren’t really into it…well actually, I still think it’s enjoyable.

The game begins with several options that bring different challenges. The Exhibition mode allows for one or two players to play against one another in various venues, such as Dublin, Blackpool, Las Vegas, and Frankfurt. There are also a number of famous darts players to act as your player, and the competing player. More players can be unlocked throughout the game.

The next option is a Tournament mode, which is quite self explanatory. It allows you and your player to take place in a whole tournament, well, for as long as you can last! There is the ability to choose the number of players in the competition, and up to four human players can compete. The type of game can be chosen, and as before, the venue can be altered, allowing for a game that is perfectly catered for your wishes.

Career mode gets you involved further with your chosen player. You progress through a career as closely related to a real one as possible, and you can choose the level of difficulty, as long as you have unlocked enough players. Your career is limited to 20 seasons, and prize money is paid on the second anniversary of it taking place. Be careful though, as only one career can be saved in this game, so beginning any new careers with new players will overwrite old ones.

There are also several “Party Games”, some of which are familiar ones like Around The Clock, Twenty-One and standard 301/501/701, and others that are less well-know, but look equally as fun and challenging. These can only be played with more than one player, but this takes place on one console, so there is no need to connect up with others. Of course, you can play on your own if you wish, but you will be competing against yourself but acting as more than one player!

It is possible to connect wirelessly to other players in this game, which is great for the good of competitive spirit, but it is equally fun to play alone and compete against computer players.

As far as controls are concerned, it is the use of the stylus and touch screen that make it so addictive. By touching the stylus on the screen and then pulling it backwards and forwards in a throwing motion, you can control the dart to the best of your ability, without relying on buttons and luck.

As with many games that require a skill with the stylus, it can be tricky to get the hang of, but where would the fun be if it was too simple? Having said that, once you do get the hang of it, the controls seem fairly realistic and you can pick up the knack. Pulling the dart to far back will make it fly too far, and not pulling it back enough will leave it stopping short. Also, you are required to throw in a straight line, which makes for even more realistic control of the darts.

Gameplay is quite quick, and there are no long pauses. The switch between players taking their turns is fast, and there are no irritating intervals. The graphics are also pretty impressive, to the point that well known players are very recognisable. The graphics that show the action of the darts entering the board is also impressively quick and clear.

Unfortunately the commentary seems more limited than on some other versions of the game, but I don’t think that detracts from the overall enjoyment. It might become more of a nuisance the longer you play, but this should not be a put off.

This is a game that can be played over and over again, with different outcomes. There is help offered along the way if you should need it, and as a player you can grow and improve. So darts really does translate well to the DS! If you are not a darts fan, I don’t think you should be put off by the darts element, because it is a game of skill that everyone can enjoy.

+ Good controlling of darts
+ Fun multiplayer games
+ Quick and colourful graphics

- Commentary could be better
- Takes a while to master
- Only one career can be undertaken at a time

SCORE - 7.5/10