If you've ever wanted to practice magic, Master of Illusion is your ticket to the big time -- just as long as they let you bring your DS on stage, of course. Packaged with a stellar set of cards and nifty magic scarf, Master of Illusion has got your bases covered with everything a growing magician needs to begin a successful magic career. It even gives advice on how to deal with pushy, know-it-all fans; 'You've got a keen eye' will forever be ingrained in our magic vernacular.

With three different modes of play, Solo Magic, Magic Show and Magic Training, you'll have plenty of mini-games to keep you occupied. Plus for every trick and training you complete, you'll gain extra points to unlock new tricks from Barbara's magic store. She's kind of your mentor and an extortionist, but either way, it's a good deal for everyone. In training, you can hone your skills by completing strange little activities. For example, writing letters and numbers in a mirrored reflection, or tapping out seconds to test your internal clock. While the mirrored letters was really challenging, it's hard to see how many of the exercises will help you down the road. In solo mode, the DS tries its hardest to trick you and it will probably succeed. From making cards vanish to almost supernaturally knowing what you're thinking, we frown at the DS for making us feel so inferior.

The most enjoyable mode is Magic Show. Here, you can take your practice and tricks on the road, so to speak. While a lot of these tricks are pretty nifty, especially the ones where you pretend to be psychic, most verge on a tad obvious. Luckily, Master of Illusion's manual instructs you on how to deal with mistakes you might make or problems you might have with your illusions without spoiling the atmosphere or the show. Your deck of cards will soon become your best friend.

You use the stylus for practically everything, and it's quite pleasing. Shuffling cards with your stylus, flipping through screens, doodling...the list goes on and on. The microphone is also used for tricks that require wind or the blowing out of candles, and that is equally fun. It's good to see a DS game that takes advantage of its resources.

Master of Illusion isn't the kind of magical instruction that'll have you hosting 'The Masked Magician' anytime soon, but it's fun, interesting and at times will give that noodle of yours a workout. If you've got a flair for the extraordinary or want to know the secrets behind magic tricks, this game will suit you. Just don't go around demanding that people blow into your microphone. That's creepy.