One of the most innovative titles announced thus far for the Nintendo DS, Feel the Magic XX/XY is a bizarre stylised adventure game which features a highly original control scheme that makes excellent use of the DS's unique features, as well as distinctive (and stunning) visuals. The game has a very Japanese feel which is apparent in both the simple gameplay and the unusual graphics.

 

You play a young boy who sets out to get himself a date with the love of his life and the game is all about trying to win her affection and persuade her to go on a date with him. Now this is where things get strange - he enlists the help of the Rub Rabbits – a suave gang of super performers who wear plastic members-only rabbit ears to help him get her attention. This leads to a series of completely random and insane Wario Ware-esque minigames and tasks, such as flicking scorpions of the back of your object of affection, or digging up treasure on the beach. Brilliantly, all of this is done via the touch-screen, so there will be very little button-bashing required, thanks. There's even a minigame that has you blowing out candles – literally, by way of the microphone. After you finally win the heart of your lady, you take her out for a date – and then (just your luck) a rival appears out of the blue, and all looks grim for your relationship. The game beyond this point is about making sure you and your girl find true love.

 

As mentioned, the graphics are very stylised, with a new visual technique almost like cel-shading. They are an indication of how unique and original this game is, and gives the game a quirky, imaginative feel that's true to its Japanese roots. From what we've heard, the music and sounds from this game also help to relay that surreal world of love and lunacy to your handheld, with very typical 'happy' music and sound effects that you hear in many games from the land of the rising sun.

There's currently no word on how long the game is going to be, and there's no multiplayer options (as far as we can tell) but either way, Sega are set to impress with what is arguably the most original and innovative DS title so far, and may well remain so for a good while yet. If you aren't already, make sure you keep an eye on this one – it could be a surprise hit.