When I stepped into the Konami section of the convention, I was all geared up to look at the latest versions of Dance Dance Revolution and Silent Hill. But my guide was absolutely insistent that I check out WireWay, a Nintendo DS game that they had set up on one little television way in the far corner. I followed her with a big smile on my face, but I was making puppy-dog eyes at the giant wall of flashing arrows and blaring music slowly receding into the distance.

Standing in front of the DS, my guide tells me the basic premise of WireWay: I play a little black alien who is lost and trying to go home. There’s a spaceship waiting for me at the end of each level. My only task throughout the entire game is to fling myself up to it using a series of bungee-like cords. No enemies, no running or jumping, no ultimate moves or secret combos: just send my alien body hurtling through the level. “It’s absolutely addictive!” she exclaims.

By this point, I was pretty skeptical (and a little miffed – I could have been DDRing it up for 3 minutes already!), but the little guy was kinda cute and it seemed like a simple enough concept so I gave WireWay a test run.

That taught me not to judge a game by the size of its display. WireWay really is addictive, though I have no idea why. Gameplay was just as simple as the description led me to believe and the graphics weren’t all that impressive. And really, in an obstacle-course type of game, what else is there but gameplay and graphics? I don’t know but, whatever it was, I had to practically force myself to put the stylus down after two levels. I really wanted to keep flinging that little alien!

There are two modes of play: quest mode and puzzle mode. I was playing quest mode, making my way through the first two of 60 levels. In puzzle mode, you actually set up the obstacles in each level, effectively creating a new level every time. One of the really cool features of this mode is that you can share your creations with friends and have them navigate their aliens through your personalized course. With this in mind, the replay value of the game is almost infinite!

If you’re in the mood for a silly but engrossing time-killer, try your hand at WireWay. Gamers of all ages will enjoy this game, and parents don’t have to worry about letting their kids play it: the only violence comes from when the alien bonks his head against things if you fling him the wrong way. Though you need to make sure you do that at least once because his little squeak of surprise upon contact is absolutely adorable!

…That came out a little more sadistic than it really is, I swear…