When Puzzle Quest first came out and I couldn't find it, I panicked and bought the PSP version off of eBay. Then I found the DS version in the store the very next day, so now I own both. Luckily my girlfriend's two favorite genres are puzzle and RPG, so having two copies isn't a problem, but which should I keep? I've skimmed message boards only to find people just as curious as I am as to which is the better version, so I decided to compare and contrast the two titles for myself.

Graphics and Presentation: Really an unfair category to judge a PSP game versus a DS game in. While I was perfectly happy with the DS version before seeing it on the PlayStation portable, after the fact it feels cramped and very small. The PSP has a large, vibrant playfield and special effects for all the spells and abilities, while Nintendo's handheld just has a few basic animations repeated ad nauseum.

Sound figures into presentation as well, and once again the PSP comes out on top, with music of a much higher quality than the DS. Another relatively unfair category for comparison, but presentation is presentation.

The PSP version ends up having much more personality thanks to the large screen. You see more of the characters, more of the backgrounds...it feels more like a full game, leaving the DS version looking like a shoddy port.

Winner: PlayStation Portable

Controls: If only the PSP had a touch screen, it would be perfect. That's one area I wouldn't mind Sony stealing an idea or two from Nintendo on. The DS controls for Puzzle Quest aren't without their flaws, but for the most part it handles much better than on its shinier counterpart. I notice a difference especially in battles with move time limits - the stylus is just a faster way to navigate. I've have a few issues with the small size of the playfield causing me to make stylus errors, and it would have been nice to have the option to use the d-pad instead if you were so inclined, but otherwise the DS controls are the more enjoyable and responsive of the two.

Winner: Nintendo DS

Performance: Here's a tough one. On one hand you have the DS, which has no noticeable load times to speak of but seems to slow down a bit during the actual puzzles. On the other you have the PSP, which has negligible load times for the handheld that seem to pop up randomly throughout gameplay and fighting, while the puzzle action is a bit more fast-paced due to increased graphical horsepower. Almost a toss-up here, but I'm giving the DS the edge for the simple fact that you can play it longer without charging your batteries.

Winner: Nintendo DS

AI: An important element of a puzzle game with a large single-player versus NPC component, I've found that at all difficulty levels the PSP version of the game wipes the floor with the DS version. Perhaps it's just perceptual, but the PlayStation AI is relentless, never missing an opportunity to do damage, while opponents on the DS will sometimes completely ignore potential skull rows in order to chase after items that mean nothing to a computer controlled opponent, like experience or gold. This category really comes down to what level of challenge you prefer. I'm not the type of guy who likes things handed to me, so the winner here is clear.

Winner: PlayStation Portable

Overall Enjoyment: So far we have a tie, so it all comes down to this one category. Which system do I have more fun playing the game on? Which a much more atmospheric world thanks to richer graphics and sound, I give the edge to the PlayStation Portable version. Puzzle Quest is an amazing game on either platform, but Sony's handheld manages to pull off a more complete experience.

Winner: PlayStation Portable

So if you have to choose, you have my recommendation. Never say my obsessive compulsive game purchasing never did anything for you. If you have neither handheld system, Puzzle Quest is a game worth purchasing one or the other for. I'll leave that decision completely up to you. Michael Fahey

Contact information for this author is not available.