Nintendo has always been the company to push the limits of what a "game" can do — and the Nintendo DS is a testament to that. Electroplankton would not have seen the mass market if it were not for Nintendo, the DS, and Toshio Iwai's vision. And for that, I am thankful.

It is far more likely to see Electroplankton at the annual art gallery shown at SIGGRAPH. It would fit right in there, alongside the other interactive multimedia instillations. I am quite amazed, and pleased, that I can experience Electroplankton outside of the Los Angeles Convention Center. There have been many occasions I have wanted portable versions of those creations.

Where Electroplankton does not fit in is on a game console. It also does not fit into a neat category. That is doubly bad, most usually dooming a product for life.

To criticize it as a game is disrespectful to the artist. But Nintendo had to share this experience somehow, and the DS was the easiest match. As such, Electroplankton has been labeled a "game" the world over. And whose fault is that? Moreover, if we do not consider Electroplankton as a game, then there is no common ground at all. This is a catch twenty-two that I simply do not have an answer for.

As with anything in society that exists outside of the "norm," it is hard to talk about Electroplankton in a positive light without getting chastised in some way. I also cannot see how to review this product on the standard definitions of a video game. Even slapping the genre of "Music" on Electroplankton bothers me. It is so much more than that.

It would be almost pointless to comment on the graphics and sound design of Electroplankton because there really is nothing in which to draw a correlation. And what about the all-important game play element? This is a perfect example of why the industry needs to ditch these pigeonhole categories as the basis for worth.

Although Electroplankton is a new watermark for what a game can be, it does need to be defined and analyzed.

First, before you even turn on your DS, you should open the instruction manual and read. I know this may seem like an arcane concept to many, but there is a lot to digest here. I am not referring to the manual because the game is complicated — it's not — I mean to bring your attention to page 57. Here you will find what is essentially an artist's statement, as well as a concise reflection on each of the 10 plankton. Honestly this should be the first thing in the manual, even before the Table of Contents. It is relegated the back of the book, and because of that will be ignored by most.

After reading those few pages you learn the true nature behind Electroplankton. As a child, his microscope, tape recorder, synthesizer, and NES fascinated Toshio Iwai. Because of these captivating memories, millions of people can control this 21st century counterpart.

There are other reasons to read through the manual, including beautifully illustrated explanations to all the game play modes of each plankton.

You may be shocked to be presented with a minimalist menu right when you turn the game on. There is no splash screen, no intro cinematic, not even the red Nintendo logo. You see "ELECTROPLANKTON" on the top screen and three options on the touch screen. You are also greeted with a gentle bubbling sound, as we are dealing with water-based life forms. This audio has the calming effect needed for enjoyment of this title.