this is a closer edition to the console version. i mean come on. the gba version was you just going around doing stuff and once in awhile playing a minigame or 2. boring. this game is what i was looking for in a mario party game for the handhelds. yes there are some things you gotta do but at least you can play games along the way instead of unlocking them. using the stylus was even fun. can you believe that? it was. anyway if you get a chance to and have a ds pick it up. trustme youll have fun.