GAMES: GameSpot | GameFAQs | SportsGamer MUSIC: Last.fm | MP3.com MOVIES: Metacritic | Movietome TV: TV.com
Home | About Metacritic | About Metascores | What's New | Wireless Versions | Discussion Forums | Advertising Inquiries | Contact Us | RSS
Metacritic.com: We Deal With Criticism
     Help
> Switch to Advanced Search  
Film Video/DVD Music Games TV

Games

Playstation Reviews
PS3 | PS2 | PS One | PSP

Xbox Reviews
Xbox 360 | Xbox

Nintendo Reviews
Wii | DS | GBA | Cube | N64


PC | N-Gage | Dreamcast

How Metascores Are Calculated
Discuss Games In Our Forums

 

Upcoming & Recent Releases

sort by name sort by score

xx Age of Empires: Mythologies
64 Air Traffic Chaos
xx All Star Cheer Squad
51 Animal Paradise
xx Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Make the Grade
xx Army Men: Soldiers of Misfortune
xx Avatar: The Last Airbender - Into the Inferno
65 Away: Shuffle Dungeon
xx Back at the Barnyard: Slop Bucket Games
82 Bangai-O Spirits
xx Battle of Giants: Dinosaurs
xx Ben 10: Alien Force
83 Bleach: Dark Souls
xx Bolt
xx Brain Quest Grades 3 & 4
xx Brain Quest Grades 5 & 6
xx Bratz Girlz Really Rock
xx Bratz Kidz: Slumber Party
82 Call of Duty: World at War
87 Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
xx Cesar Millan's Dog Whisperer
xx Cheetah Girls: Passport to Stardom, The
91 Chrono Trigger
xx Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force
xx Colour Cross
64 Commando: Steel Disaster
xx Cradle of Rome
42 Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant
xx Dancing with the Stars: Get Your Dance On!
xx Defendin' DePenguin
49 Digimon World Championship
62 Dinosaur King
81 Disgaea DS
xx Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell
80 Dragon Ball: Origins
80 Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen
68 Drawn to Life: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition
xx Driving Theory Training
xx Dropcast
56 Dungeon Maker
64 Exit DS
66 Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli
84 FIFA Soccer 09
55 Flower, Sun, and Rain
73 Football Director DS
63 From The Abyss
41 Garfield's Fun Fest
79 GRID
xx Guinness World Records: The Videogame
79 Guitar Hero: On Tour - Decades
64 Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness
xx Hell's Kitchen
xx Hi! Hamtaro Ham-Ham Challenge
xx High School Musical 3: Senior Year
xx I Heart Geeks!
xx Igor The Game
xx Imagine Teacher
xx International Athletics
xx King of Clubs
79 Kirby Super Star Ultra
84 KORG DS-10 Synthesizer
xx Kung Fu Panda: Legendary Warriors
xx Last King of Africa
71 Legend of Kage 2, The
59 Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon, The
72 LEGO Batman
59 Line Rider 2: Unbound
72 Little League World Series 2008
70 Little Red Riding Hood's Zombie BBQ
80 Lock's Quest
56 LOL
75 Luminous Arc 2
xx Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
xx Madden NFL 09
xx Make 10: A Journey of Numbers
xx Margot's Word Brain
xx Mary King's Riding School
63 Master of the Monster Lair
xx Mazes of Fate DS
75 Mechanic Master
70 Metal Slug 7
70 MLB Power Pros 2008
xx Monster Jam: Urban Assault
70 Monster Lab
xx Mushroom Men: Rise of the Fungi
xx My Chinese Coach
xx My Japanese Coach
xx My Make-Up
xx My SAT Coach with The Princeton Review
xx My Secret World by Imagine
xx My Stop Smoking Coach with Allen Carr
58 MySims Kingdom
69 Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir
82 N+
xx Nancy Drew: The Hidden Staircase
62 Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2
xx National Geographic Panda
xx Need for Speed Undercover
82 Ninjatown
61 PictoImage
71 Pipe Mania
50 Pirates: Duels on the High Seas
70 Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
71 Pop Cutie! Street Fashion Simulation
67 Populous DS
66 Prey the Stars
xx Price is Right, The
xx Prince of Persia: The Fallen King
73 Princess Debut
70 Puzzler Collection
64 Quantum of Solace
xx Quick Yoga Training
xx Rain Drops
xx Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party
50 Red Bull BC One
68 Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure
xx Rhythm Heaven
xx Road To Vegas
xx Robocalypse
xx Rock Blast
xx Rock Revolution
xx Rock University Presents: The Naked Brothers Band - The Video Game
xx Rubik's World
54 Runaway: The Dream of the Turtle
xx Rune Factory 2: A Fantasy Harvest Moon
58 Shaun the Sheep
xx Shaun White Snowboarding
xx Sherlock Holmes: The Mystery of the Mummy
69 SimCity Creator
49 Sims 2 Apartment Pets, The
xx Six Flags Fun Park
xx Skate It
73 Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood
72 Spectrobes: Beyond The Portals
77 Spider-Man: Web of Shadows
xx SpongeBob SquarePants featuring NickToons: Globs of Doom
66 Spore Creatures
xx Star Wars The Clone Wars: Jedi Alliance
61 Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
51 Subbuteo
xx Suzuki Super-Bikes II: Riding Challenge
xx Tak: Mojo Mistake
65 Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff
xx Theresia
66 Time Hollow
xx Tom Clancy's EndWar
xx Tomb Raider Underworld
xx Tony Hawk's Motion featuring Hue Pixel Painter
51 Tornado
77 TouchMaster 2
77 TrackMania DS
69 Transformers Animated: The Game
xx Ultimate Band
65 Unsolved Crimes
82 Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise
43 What's Cooking? with Jamie Oliver
57 Wordmaster
56 WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2009
xx Zenses Ocean
xx Zenses Rainforest
75 Zubo

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.



Printer-Friendly Version Email This Page Discuss In Our Forums
Feel the Magic: XY/XX ds Game Reviews
Feel the Magic: XY/XX
Critic Score
Metascore: 75 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
7.9 out of 10
based on 55 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 10 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

Also known by its Japanese title "Kimi no Tame Nara Shineru" (I Would Die For You), or as Project Rub (in the UK/EU) the game is part dating sim, part mini-game bonanza. Our hero has a sunny beauty on his mind, and he's doing everything he can to score a date with her. He enlists the help of the Rub Rabbits – a suave gang of super performers who wear plastic, members-only rabbit ears – to help him get her attention. Through a series of madcap performances like defending himself from bulls and blowing out giant candles, our hero manages to impress the girl. When he finally takes her out, the craziness really begins: a rival suddenly appears and a dark cloud is cast over their love. Will he ever be able to feel the magic of true love? [Sega]

PUBLISHER: Sega
DEVELOPER: Sonic Team
GENRE(S): Action, Adventure
PLAYERS: 1
ESRB RATING: T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: November 16, 2004

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100
Times Online
Project Rub makes no use of the DS’s wireless communication feature, so there is no multiplayer event. Still, this off-beat gem is a must-have game for any fledgeling DS collection.
Read Full Review
92
Nintendo Power
It's a work of mad genius. [Feb 2005, p.112]
91
Nintendophiles
Aesthetic beauty aside, Feel the Magic is a clear-cut winner in this pond of first generation launch titles. It's a nice little challenge with a well-permeated concept, which will be something you, your friends and your family will be able to pick up and play at any given moment well into the DS's lifespan.
Read Full Review
90
GamePro
More than any other launch title Feel the Magic was conceived and constructed to fully express the unique technological potential of the DS, and its Wario-inspired mini-games require quick reflexes, pinpoint accuracy, a steady hand, strong lungs, and a healthy sense of the absurd to successfully complete.
Read Full Review
85
Game Informer
A genuine treat, and even its short length doesn't hold me back from granting it my solid seal of approval. [Jan 2005, p.145]
85
NintendoWorldReport
Fun is the simplest word to describe Feel the Magic. You will not find a more zany, unique, and varied game available. The story, graphical style, and games blend together to create a truly one of a kind experience.
Read Full Review
85
Worth Playing
A quirky title that can be fun, the first time around. Not being an avid collector of clothing for the girl in the game, I got bored with the game once I had beaten it the first time through.
Read Full Review
84
Gaming Nexus
Sonic Team’s nutty sense of style and humor saturates every last inch of this game, and the unconventional appeal and concept will attract gamers and non-gamers alike.
Read Full Review
83
Cinescape
In one of the most bizarre games I’ve ever played, Sonic team has taken some elements of "WarioWare" and combined it with the style and quirkiness of a game like "Space Channel 5."
Read Full Review
82
Nintendo Insider
The game reminds me of "Wario Ware," except with longer mini-games and an arguably wackier presentation, which should make any gamer anticipate "Wario Ware Touched!" even more.
Read Full Review
82
VGPub
A very short game. That being said, it is also a very entertaining game.
Read Full Review
81
Gaming Target
It’s far from a killer-app or benchmark title, but it’s the best game of the launch crop and the only one that takes advantage of the hardware (save for the multiplayer), and thus a must-own if you’re really interested in the DS.
Read Full Review
80
WHAM! Gaming
If you're seeking a title to show off the new approaches to gaming that the Nintendo DS offers, look no further than this beautiful, bizarre gem.
Read Full Review
80
RewiredMind
A cracking effort from Nintendo’s former arch-rivals, but not the longest game you could ever wish for.
Read Full Review
80
VideoGamesLife
Its stylish looks, its innovative control and demented sense of humour make for a game that’s not only a complete joy to play, but also the first title for Nintendo’s newest console to actually use the touch-screen the way it was intended.
Read Full Review
80
GameBrink
Another cracker from Sonic Team. Embrace and remember – “Rub Is Love”! [JPN Import]
Read Full Review
80
Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
It's stylish, inventive and, perhaps most importantly, won't fail to put a beaming smile on your face. [NGC Pocket]
Read Full Review
80
The New York Times
Fortunately, the game often lets you bypass annoying games in favor of entertaining ones, so the ratio of fun to aggravation is pretty good.
Read Full Review
80
GamerFeed
A fantastic game not only because it makes excellent use of the DS's special features, but also because of its unique visual style.
Read Full Review
80
Yahoo! Games
Amongst all the launch games for the DS, this quirky dating game is the one that really captured our hearts and pulled us back.
Read Full Review
80
NTSC-uk
It's stylish, slick, appealing and wouldn't look all that far out of place dancing itself silly in an Austin Powers film. Everything is clean, pure cut and concise.
Read Full Review
80
Siliconera
All of the mini games are pretty fun to play. They're definitely something refreshingly different from anything you've played before. However, they're short.
Read Full Review
80
Total Video Games
Represents a number of things to us, firstly it’s perhaps SEGA being at their most creative best and quirkily original for the last few years; secondly in our opinion the game utilises virtually all that the Nintendo DS has to offer.
Read Full Review
80
Console Gameworld
A great game for showing off the capabilities of the DS, and fun while it lasts, even though it isn't long enough.
Read Full Review
80
DS Central
The music and sounds are perfect for the atmosphere the game is suppose to create. Feel The Magic is the game with everything it needs to be fun.
Read Full Review
80
Electronic Gaming Monthly
For what's ostensibly a collection of minigames, Feel the Magic seems amazingly cohesive.
Read Full Review
78
IGN
There's a lot to like about Feel The Magic, but for what it has, it cannot count longevity. As wacky games of this type go, it's about average in length, but without difficulty options for the minigames and only one path through the game, it doesn't fight off the longing once the romance has reached its climax.
Read Full Review
77
GameSpot
Essentially a collection of minigames tied together by the age-old story of unrequited love, Feel the Magic: XY/XX ends up providing an engaging experience that is more than the sum of its parts.
Read Full Review
75
eToychest
A decent game, but it is best described as an interesting diversion that serves as a showcase of things to come for the new console. Unfortunately players will have to decide if they want to drop down the money for an experience that, while unique, is over far too quickly.
Read Full Review
75
Gaming Age
Games like Feel the Magic: XY/XX won't be played a year from now, but for the moment, it's a fantastic poster child for everything the Nintendo DS hardware is supposed to be about.
Read Full Review
75
GameCube Europe
It’ll infuriate and irritate you to no end, but it’ll also evoke a level of wonder and satisfaction to eclipse it.
Read Full Review
75
Play Magazine
My only complaint is how your progress goes backwards when you fail at a given task; replaying is one thing, but the negative penalization is just kinda mean. [Jan 2005, p.84]
75
netjak
What makes matters even less thrilling is the fact that many of the games are devoid of replay value, being little more than glorified puzzles.
Read Full Review
72
Ferrago
The main criticism though is that there simply isn't enough of it. You almost get the impression that Sonic Team ran out of ideas toward the end, so they repeated some of the boss battles again and then went home.
Read Full Review
72
Nintendojo
If you are a big fan of mini-games, you're planning on buying a bunch of games this month along with your DS, and would like to pretend that you actually have a girlfriend... then I suggest you go pick up a copy of Feel the Magic: XY/XX.
Read Full Review
70
Cheat Code Central
FTM is no cakewalk. It's challenging and demented but addictive. For a change of pace this game is exactly the sort of game you can pop in, have fun and laugh at the stupid stunts and storyline.
70
EuroGamer
It's so obviously a lot of good games. And we're feeling a degree of magic. But in the end Feel the Magic isn't quite enough to sate us.
Read Full Review
70
GameSpy
It's so darn stylish and such a great demonstration of the DS hardware. Unfortunately, it's over long before I want it to be, and there's not enough to keep me coming back to it after a few more rounds with it.
Read Full Review
70
My Gamer
A lot like other quirky Sega titles like "Space Channel Five" and "Samba de Amigo" in that it’s a lot of fun to play and has an outlandish charm to it, but once you’re done, there isn’t much left to do with the game.
Read Full Review
70
games(TM)
This represents an unusual and attention-grabbing way for Sonic Team and Sega to make their entrances on a new platform and will succeed among the initial batch of launch games. [Jan 2005, p.121]
70
GMR Magazine
A complete aesthetic and mechanical package. [Feb 2005, p.112]
70
Stuff
While some of the mini-games are curiously compelling—one had us actually blowing into the NDS microphone to snuff out a series of marching candles that were about to set a group of people on fire—there's no reason to ever play it again once the LSD wears off.
Read Full Review
70
AceGamez
This is definitely a title to show off to your mates - however, while it is easily one of the most original games I've seen in a while, I don't think it is the best the DS is capable of. It's a barrel load of love and laughs but I just know there's better to come!
Read Full Review
70
Thunderbolt
Sure, the game places plenty of emphasis on the DS’s touch screen gimmick, but at least it executes it well. If you’re looking for a fun and lighthearted game to keep you busy, look no further than this game.
Read Full Review
70
Games Radar
Buy it for its offbeat originality, and ponder the possibilities once developers really understand that there’s more to the DS than a little plastic pointer.
Read Full Review
66
RealGamer
Trouble is, most of the minigames aren’t entertaining on an individual basis; the enjoyment resides in not knowing what is coming next. While it lasts.
Read Full Review
60
Gamestyle
It has some shortcomings and will very nearly frustrate as much as it delights.
Read Full Review
60
Sydney Morning Herald
Completed mini-games can be played individually with increasing difficulty, but there is little long-term appeal once the delightfully barmy story has finished.
Read Full Review
60
PALGN
It is good to see such a wacky game being released out of Japan, it just isn't as good as we wanted it to be.
Read Full Review
60
Gamer.tv
You'll work your way through all the minigames quickly, but you'll have a smile on your face for the duration.
Read Full Review
60
G4 TV
An amusing and often times funny diversion with a lot of cool ideas, but ultimately falls flat as a game. It’s a pretty bold experiment coming from the increasingly-staid House that Sonic built, but one that leaves us feeling passionless.
Read Full Review
60
DarkStation
A great game? No, but the game did have some neat ideas and a few interesting mini-games.
Read Full Review
60
Edge Magazine
It's doubtful you'll endlessly return past the few hours necessary to beat the game, but for now it remains both a welcome introduction to a new system and its own unique and rewarding experience.
Read Full Review
50
1UP
It's fun, perhaps, but fun in ways that are so odd that it's hard to say whether any given player will get the joke.
Read Full Review
42
Game Revolution
A weird idea and plenty of kitsch value doesn’t make for a good game, although it certainly makes for one helluva song.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 7.9 (out of 10) based on 10 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Debbie T. gave it a2:
Short and dull. This game's "novelties" are tapping frantically at the screen and tracing over lines. No thinking required. The graphics are good in a stylised kind of way. That's all I can say for it.

Hunter R. gave it an8:
Feel the Magic is what Wario Ware ought to be, but too damn short to get a 10. The games and story are fun, innovative, and at times hilarious, but most gamers will complete the story mode just hours after buying the game. The graphics are good in most of the games, but the story is presented largely in a comic book style, reminiscent of Max Payne. The use of the touch pad and microphone really bring the game to life, and make some of the games a riot. Now that Feel the Magic is a bargain title, ($15 to $20 in most stores) there's no excuse not to pick up a copy. It's more than worth your money, and is a great example for other developers to follow. Sonic Team's effort to use the DS in every way possible really shows, and makes this title a true work of art.

Steve gave it a7:
This game is short only if you want it to be. Yeah, the story mode isn't too long but it's entertaining while it lasts. I found this game to get old after a while and repetitive as well. Rent first before you buy.

Jon H. gave it an8:
I had a lot of fun with this game despite all the problems already noted, it sure does beat mario 64 ds.

Jason W. gave it a9:
Short? Yes. Easy? Kind of. More addictive then crack? Hell yeah. This game makes excellent use of the mic. and touch screen and is sure to provide you with years of entertainment. Look for this title to disappear quickly.

[Anonymous] gave it a9:
I imported a nintendo ds from america with this game because i felt it would best use its features. And it does! This game is hilarious and fun all at once and may be a bit short but with lots of unlockables, 3 difficulty levels and plenty of replay value this is a fantastic game.

Supersean gave it a 9:
With good graphics, incredible use of all the features, the ability to make the girl nude are all great things about the game. Weird but funny humor, and odd yet fun and challenging mini games also help. But its definitely no mario party. I think if it was a little longer, had more mini games, had a multiplayer abilites, and the charaters had more detail (especially the nude lady) would help alot. I give it an 8.5 i just put 9 cuz it rounds up.

Read more user comments...

Discuss this game in our forums

Return to top of page
Home | FILM | DVD/VIDEO | MUSIC | GAMES | TV | Forums | About Metacritic metacritic.com