KORG DS-10 Synthesizer Plus is not a game. There are no boss fights, no princesses to be saved, nor zombie infestations. Instead, it is a tool that crams a bunch of KORG synthesizers on a Nintendo DS cartridge to make it a very powerful music-making device. On the Nintendo DS, users get a six-track sequencer, but KORG DS-10 Plus takes advantage of the DSi’s advanced hardware to double the number of tracks to a dozen.
"You may be familiar with the name “KORG.” Those of you with a musical background should recognize it from its series of keyboards, drum pads and music editing software. But while they remain a reliable property in the music field, it’s unexpected to see the brand put onto a piece of interactive entertainment. Yet, in 2008, the company released KORG DS-10 for the Nintendo DS. However, this was no musical adventure or Rock Band wannabe; this was full-blown music software. This was during a time when Ninendo was really pushing for their portable to be more than just about games and the eventual positive feedback from the experiment lead to an upgraded version to be released shortly after to take what was already great and improve it in just about every way. So came KORG DS-10 Plus." - Alex Cabral of Geekenstein.com
Only DSi owners should consider upgrading to Korg DS-10 Plus. That said, for that crowd this is definitely a superior product to the original DS-10. Dual Mode instantly doubles your sonic possibilities. There are still the same interface issues, though, like the inability to work with more than 16 sequences, create sequences longer than a measure, or play chords. Korg DS-10 is great for making repetitive electronica. If that's what you're looking to do, you won't be disappointed.
Presentation - 8.0
Graphics - 5.0
Sound - 8.5
Gameplay - 7.5
Lasting Appeal - 8.0
Overall -
CSM writes: "In the game KORG DS-10 Plus, keyboard manufacturer KORG has managed to pack features and functionality from some of their electronic music-making products onto a tiny, Nintendo DS cartridge. Features include a drum module that lets users build a track with snare, bass drum, high-hat, etc., and four keyboard synthesizers. Players can build songs comprised of up to 12 tracks, layering them together within a sequencer. There are nearly limitless options for changing the shape of track sounds by tweaking knobs, sliders and wires. One impressive option for fiddling with tone is a DS version of the Korg Kaoss Pad, a touch-sensitive screen with an X and Y axis for manipulating pitch, volume, and other properties in real time."
