Being castaway on a tropical island is a popular and enduring theme that is well realised in this game. Castaway is an addictive experience, with lots of collection gameplay. It feels great to discover a secret by yourself or to work out a way to escape. There are mini games for lighting fires, spear fishing, pole fishing and catching bugs, which is very satisfying and useful.

Controls: You can use the stylus for everything and all the controls feel accurate.

Sound: The bird calls sound real. The ocean sounds relaxing as it crashes on the shore. You might later find a device to make music, but it turns itself off if you leave the area.

Graphics: Decent for the DS. Some clothes look slightly different colours in the menu compared to your Sim wearing it. You cannot change what your Sim's face looks like, because you can't really see that detail in the game.

Comparison to other games: Castaway is better implemented and easier than “Lost in Blue,” another survival simulator for the DS. Unlike “Lost in Blue,” your character never dies in Castaway, but can pass out and have some items stolen by the local chimp.

Comparison to other versions: The DS version is the most challenging. Hunger is harder to satisfy due to the lack of satiating resources until later in the game. You can't make bracelets or belts. You won't be able to make chimp friends or keep chickens on your DS and you will only be able to “jam” with one of the other castaways.

For a challenging portable Castaway experience, choose the DS version. For more relaxed play and different game features, choose the Wii, PS2 or PSP version.

I highly recommend this game. There is lots to do even after the ending.