Sorry, but we need games that aren't some derivative of Chu-Chu Rocket, or based on cats or collecting cards. I thought Nintendo might have understood that with the exciting Metroid game that came with the DS, but alas, it was only a demo, and the original isn't expected until May. In fact, other than the original launch titles, there are very few significant games scheduled to be released for months at all - the bulk of them are not due until next Christmas! So it looks like we are in for a drought that started at the handheld's launch.

Of the twelve titles currently available in the US, many major gaming sites have only rated one or two above what could be considered a "B+" on their respective scales. A quick survey shows that nearly half of the remaining games scored around a "C" or below. Unfortunately, the titles that could have connected with adult Americans, like Madden 2005 and Spider-man 2, are among those in the "C" range. So I expect that many gamers like me will look to the PSP to provide us with games that aren't based on tickling or picking your nose (see Warioware).

Nintendo needs to reach out to older American gamers, not with the gloved, 3-fingered hand of Mario and his balloon animal friends, but with titles that deal specifically with what fascinates American males most: shooting things, blowing $%#@& up, and scantily-clad ladies.