The weird, wonderful and worrying world of DS

Don't get us wrong: we love our DSs. But we can't quite get over the remarkable breadth of the audience DS game publishers are trying to reach out to. It's like the closer we get to Christmas, the more absurdly diverse things get.

Take next week's line-up. From hamster nurturing to the grittiness of armed combat, expect to find everything in between. You want TV gameshow and cartoon licences? You got them. Disney princesses, fashion simulations and sickly sweet shortcake? Ditto. How about the mock violence of wrestling and old-skool influenced arcade action? Honestly, it's all there.

(And if you think it's only Europe, take a look at the US release schedule for DS – the experiences range from tank warfare to bear workshop building.)

It's an astonishing selection on a number of levels. With most we can see the appeal, clearly, but others have us baffled. Take the frankly dubious I Did It Mum. The mind boggles…

Europe: Out November 2nd
Chessmaster: The Art of Learning (DS)
Clever Kids: Dino Land (DS)
Clever Kids: Pony World (DS)
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (DS)
Heracles: Battle with the Gods (DS)
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes (PSP)
Operation Vietnam (DS) (Click to read our review.)
Power Rangers: Super Legends (DS)
Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (PSP)
Telly Addicts (DS)
The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night (DS) (Click to read our review.)
The Simpsons Game (DS) (Click to read our review.)
The Sims 2 Castaway (PSP)
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (DS)

Europe: Out November 9th
Ben 10: Protector of Earth (DS)
Ben 10: Protector of Earth (PSP)
Big Catch: Bass Fishing (DS)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (DS) (Click to read our review.)
Catz 2 (DS)
Deal or No Deal (DS)
Disney Princess: Magical Jewels (DS)
EA Playground (DS)
Fashion Designer: Style Icon (DS)
Hamsterz 2 (DS)
I Did It Mum (Boy version) (DS)
I Did It Mum (Girl version) (DS)
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (DS)
Mega Man Starforce: Dragon (DS)
Mega Man Starforce: Leo (DS)
Mega Man Starforce: Pegasus (DS)
Strawberry Shortcake: The Four Seasons Cake (DS)
The Simpsons Game (PSP)
WWE SmackDown! vs Raw 2008 (DS)
WWE SmackDown! vs Raw 2008 (PSP)

US: Out November 5th
Bratz: 4 Real (DS)
Build a Bear Workshop (DS)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat (DS)
Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves Mermaid (DS)
Go Diego Go: Safari Adventure (DS)
Shrek the Third: Ogres and Donkeys (DS)

US: Out November 6th
Chessmaster (PSP)
Enchanted (DS)
Horse Life (DS)
Hot Wheels Beat That (DS)
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (DS)
LifeSigns: Surgical Unit (DS)
Ontamarama (DS)
Panzer Tactics (DS)
Puzzle de Harvest Moon (DS)
Silent Hill: Origins (PSP)
SOCOM US Navy SEALs: Tactical Strike (PSP)
The Simpsons Game (PSP)
World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets (DS)
World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets (PSP)

US: Out November 7th
Hannah Montana: Music Jam (DS)