I love pack-in games! Back in the day when the NES ruled the roost, its appeal was large in part because you got two (and in some cases three) games that came with the console. Unfortunately, times have changed, and we're forced to spend some extra cash on a game when we pick up a machine, but Nintendo's showing us some love with its DS system, because not only does it come with PictoChat built in, but also a demo of Metroid Prime Hunters. Titled First Hunt, this demo comes fully loaded.

Nintendo first showed the game at this year's E3, and opinions about it were mixed because of the awkward control scheme where you had to look around using the stylus. Well I can happily say that Nintendo's listened to the fans and included three alternate control types (and five settings), but don't write off using the stylus, as the company has made significant strides with the device.

The story behind First Hunt is pretty standard. Samus finds herself in a bounty hunter competition, things die, and hilarity ensues. Actually, she needs to beef up her training skills, and she can in three different sessions: Regulator, Survivor, and Morph Ball. In Regulator, you have to kill all of the targets. In Survivor, you have to rise above the xenomorphs and be the last person/thing standing. Finally, Morph Ball challenges you to collect modules by rolling around various obstacles. While we're on the subject of Morph Ball, it's important to mention that controlling Samus using the stylus and touch screen works better than you think. Nintendo's done a lot of work into emulating the effect of using a keyboard and mouse (as many of you do in PC first person shooters), and they've nailed it. You can aim with pinpoint precision accuracy, and moving around (especially when using the morph ball) is a breeze. In fact, the only point in the game where you'll dislike this set up will be in the beginning, but that'll be because you're not used to it. Trust me when I say that looking around using the touch pad, steering with the D-pad, and firing with the left shoulder button is definitely the way to go when playing this game. Otherwise, you'll get smoked by other players.

Speaking of other players, First Hunt allows you to sample the game's wireless multiplayer mode. Up to four players can death match, and the game plays flawlessly. No slow down. No lag. Just pure silky-smooth gaming goodness. Oh, and it's super intense!

First Hunt's graphics are a mixed bag. While they're certainly pretty in their own right, everything looks too pixilated, making the transition from Metroid Prime 2: Echoes to the DS game a little difficult.

While fans will have to wait until next year for Metroid Prime Hunters, First Hunt is the perfect appetizer to the main course. It's not about test-driving per se as it is about how much Nintendo's given you to tinker with. It's by no means the meatiest demo for a system, but it serves as a means to get us all salivating at the thought of the final release, and with that being said, First Hunt does its job very well.