It is unfortunate that adventure games have declined, but classic Lucas Arts fans should smile. Developer Cing's Nintendo DS title, "Hotel Dusk: Room 215," is like redoing 1993 with new technology.,”

Does anyone actually remember searching through "Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis" university, or working hard in "Grim Fandango's" El Marrow?

It is unfortunate that adventure games have declined, but classic Lucas Arts fans should smile. Developer Cing's Nintendo DS title, "Hotel Dusk: Room 215," is like redoing 1993 with new technology.

Thanks to the DS, "Hotel Dusk's" puzzles become a bit more involved than most point and click adventures.

It's not surprising that the touch screen is involved heavily in the puzzles, but having to close your DS in order to solve a riddle? Brilliant – especially considering there is never an exposition explaining how to solve challenges. Logic is your friend.

In addition, there is no need for your crumpled instruction manual's "notes" section. "Hotel Dusk" features an in-game notebook whenever needed, a life saver when trying to remember obscure information.

However, through the title's dialogue and character interaction you always know where to go next. It just feels too linear at times. You do not get that free roaming experience associated with classic adventure games.

Then again, this constricted setup enables you to enjoy the fantastic narrative driven storyline quicker. The title's film noir inspired script will give you flashbacks of Humphrey Bogart in "In a Lonely Place."

Yet, sometimes you will wish you could speed up the conversation text.

Also, "Hotel Dusk's" visual characteristics contain the same noir vibe. Characters are given a sketchy black and white appearance complimented with fluid animations. It's a great effect particularly when Kyle Hyde, our flawed hero, becomes infuriated or enthusiastic.

If you are new to the genre, do not fret. The mystery is divided into chapters, and each section concludes with a speedy recap. This makes the information tsunami you encounter easier to swallow.

The Nintendo DS is where adventure titles should head. "Hotel Dusk" leads the charge with its noir soaked visual flavor, captivating plot, and innovative puzzles. Ignore "Phoenix Wright" and hope that more developers follow Cing's example.

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