If Big Bang Mini was a sitcom character, it would be the lovable scamp who is entertaining, endearing, and infuriating by turns. The kind of character that takes over the screen and forces you to fall in love with him. Think Robin Williams as Mork.

Big Bang Mini is so very entertaining because it is a clever twist on the usual shooter game. In its elegance and simplicity it recalls classic shooters like Xevious and Galaga. (Although, to be clear, it is very different from both of those games.) The controls couldn’t be simpler. Your ship occupies the lower screen and you move it by dragging it with the stylus. Mastering this seemingly simple skill is the key to beating the game.

While you’re busy ducking around the lower screen, your enemies are amassing at the top. A quick upward flick of the stylus will launch a firework toward the top. If you hit an enemy it explodes in a colorful shower of sparks and drops a star toward you. To complete the levels, collect all the stars. If you miss your target, your shot explodes firework-style and you have to avoid the falling debris.

It’s just that simple. Fire. Duck. Fire. Catch. Repeat. The colorful fireworks and upbeat soundtrack give the game an endearing quality and keep bringing you back for more, even as the levels get harder.

Each of the nine worlds has unique challenges including such obstacles as wind, moving walls, and enemies which can only be defeated by shots of a certain color. Like any well-balanced game, Big Bang Mini gives you a fair chance by upgrading your powers as you go. Upgrades include shields, extra-powerful shots, and the ability to stop time.

All of this keeps the game fresh and interesting; which is comforting when you’re struggling to beat the boss at the end of each world and you find yourself replaying the level a time or six. This is the part where the game gets the tiniest bit infuriating. Still, like the sitcom-scamp, you can’t stay frustrated for long. As soon as you beat the boss (and there’s always a bit of a rush when you realize you’ve won) you love the game all the more.

Succeeding in various in-game tasks -- such as completing the bonus displays at the end of each level -- will open new play modes including a zen-like Relax mode which turns the game into a portable fireworks display or Mission mode which challenges you to replay the earlier levels with various obstacles such as time-limits or a 60-second restriction on firing your weapon.

Big Bang Mini even offers a one-cartridge, two-player mode that involves shooting virtual fireworks at your opponent; sort of like playing table tennis with M80s. Just like the rest of the game, it’s addictive fun.

Big Bang Mini is a game that hits the sweet spot between challenge and entertainment and players as young as eight or nine should be able to master its mechanics (although they may need a bit of strategic help from older, more seasoned players). No gore, no blood, and no real violence (unless you consider fireworks violent) make this completely family friendly. Additionally, an MSRP of $19.99 puts this one firmly in the hard-to-resist category for the DS gamer looking for something new and entertaining.