Based on the popular cartoon, which in turn is based on the popular Dreamwork's feature film, The Penguins of Madagascar is a puzzle game on the Nintendo DS.

Featuring the four penguins from the Madagascar series, Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private, the game encourages teamwork on the penguins part by making the gamer utilise each penguin's skill to complete each mission. Selecting the penguin with the stylus, you have 4 different characters at your disposal.

There's the scientist penguin that can create things. There's also a penguin that can leap from platform to platform. There is a penguin that can crawl through small holes and finally, a penguin that happens to be an explosive expert.

The game puts a heavy emphasis on getting the penguins to act as a team. For example, in addition to making use of their individual skills, at times you have to get them to stack upon one another, in order for them to swing across a platform.

Aside from the main mission campaign, The Penguins of Madagascar also features a number of mini-games, including a number featuring the character of King Julien. Both games make use of the DSi's camera, with one game involving King Julien criticising your photographs. Another game encourages you to take photos of QR codes, which then promptly turns the photograph into a puzzle to solve with the stylus.

One minor irritation is the fact that the game doesn't appear to save your progress. When going back to the game, it seems to take you back to the level that you last completed - meaning that you have to complete it again before you can progress to the level that you were actually on. Very strange.

The presentation of the game is generally solid, looking and sounding the part – thanks partly to the fact that the game features the voice actors from the TV series.

Overall, The Penguins of Madagascar is an entertaining enough DS title, certainly ideal for the younger gamer.

Verdict: 7 out of 10