Since its inception, the DS has had a large amount of puzzle games that evolve out of simpler, older concepts and popular flash games. Although Prism: Light the Way is no exception, the quality of the gameplay and fantastically designed learning curve make for a great game to sit down with and figure out piece by piece.

In Prism, the entire game is based around directing light so that it hits creatures on the boundary of the map. Whereas this isn't much different, in barest concept, to last year's Konductra, the execution of such is top notch.

Players start off with a setup of mirrors and a bare amount of obstacles blocking the goal. As the game progresses, the obstacles become more and more complex. The game then starts to introduce a variety of blocks that split light in 3 directions and change colors, both of which are essential to solve the game's myriad puzzles. Prism takes a long time to warm up, but once it does, the patterns start to get tougher and tougher until the lack of a timer in the main mode becomes a godsend.

Implementation of the DS touchscreen is simplistic and effective in Prism, giving the player direct drag-and-drop control over all the usable pieces. Interaction is precise, with nary a hitch to be found—which is great, because the game looks and feels like a SNES game I'd be infuriated with due to d-pad control.

Of course, that's the only major weak spot in the package that is Prism. The visuals, the audio, they're all ridiculously low-rent for a DS game. This is rather surprising, as the cell phone and PC versions of the game had a hazy, smooth sort of visual that was visually and stylistically ideal for the title.

Then again, it's hard to complain when Prism throws out over a hundred puzzles in the main mode with simple gameplay that tests your puzzle-solving skills. Outside of that, Prism also features modes limited by time, lives, an unlimited play mode, and a co-op mode that gives each player control of half of the board—making it essential to work together.

All in all, Prism is a nifty little title. It's light, fun, but it's more a diversion than a primary game. However, if a puzzle fix is needed in short bursts here and there, it's hard to go wrong with Prism..