Gardening Guide (DS)

It's no bad thing that companies like Mindscape are trying different things and looking for new angles and ways to target people not so traditionally attached with gaming.

That was my main problem with this offering, I couldn't really see who it was getting at. I am an allotment holder so in many ways I am perfect for this, however despite finding it extensively informative, very detailed and cleverly designed, I did find it to be somewhat aimed at a younger market.

It has a very 'young'approach - cartoony and twee. Ok great - so I gave it to my 11-year-old who is also interested in helping dad up the allotment.

She found it too old for her, it wasn't that she couldn't understand it, more the case that she just didn't feel very gripped with it in a gaming sense.

It does try hard to be a game, but really I didn't feel there was much in the way of gameplay and more in the way of information.

It's not all bad though, the game has to be commended for it's approach and attempts to educate and entertain.

It is a charming title that will leave you knowing a lot of stuff you didn't before it's backed by the Royal Horticultural Association so credibility and quality is assured.

I am all for kids and adults finding out more about the nature surrounding us and the food on the table, personally though and this is personally speaking, I think that this is one genre that just doesn't work on a handheld - I may be proven wrong.

If you want to experience gardening, get that watering can out and get out there. This is a useful study aid though and I will be calling on it from time to time, I won't be using it to get my gaming kicks though!