This is the debut of the Hardy Boys on the DS, and overall, it's a good first outing. The game is an adventure game, with inventory items, dialogue and lots of puzzles. Encasing these elements is a romantic train ride that harkens back to the time around the first World War.  

Joe and Frank are invited to ride the Royal Express, a train that traces the route the Romanov family planned to take all those years ago, from Paris, France to St. Petersburg, Russia. The train is actually a mystery train excursion, wherein the passengers are contestants vying to solve a mystery. Legend tells that the Romanovs hid much of their valuables before being assassinated during the revolution, but no one has ever been able to discover the whereabouts of this treasure.

In order to start their journey, Joe and Frank first have to find scattered pieces of the invitation that will allow them to enter the museum in Paris. After solving a few puzzles in the museum, they can then use their ticket at the train station and board the train.

The game is a classic adventure game, although designed a little differently because of being a DS game, rather than a PC game. There are only a few characters on the train, so there isn't a whole lot of clue gathering through conversation. The majority of the time players will be gathering clues by searching the different locations, and solving a variety of puzzles. Players will play as both Joe and Frank, and also their friend Samantha Quick. Each character is unique in style and personality, but for gaming purposes switching back and forth doesn't change a whole lot, as the game is played in first-person perspective.

When a hot spot is clicked, an icon will appear signifying the type of action that can occur. Items can either be examined more closely, or they can be placed in inventory. Puzzles may also be triggered. The puzzles are different styles of puzzles, such as logical thinking, jigsaw puzzles, task-completing types, and some timed puzzles. These puzzles are mostly fun, and offer a good variety to keep interest. Many can be replayed.

While the puzzles are fun, the best aspect of the game is the wonderful old-world ambience of the train ride. For a portable game, it is amazing how detailed the graphics are! The train is beautifully drawn and embodies the spirit of the Orient Express. I especially loved the paintings in the different compartments. There are short cut scenes when the story is advanced, which are drawn very nicely, as well.

The interface is less enjoyable, at least for movement purposes. Arrow icons are used on each screen to show players which direction to navigate, but they are difficult to trigger. A stylus is used to find them, but this method is awkward. Many times players will spend some time searching for the hidden directional icon. Also, the menu is accessed by the stylus. Having a choice of using button controls for the menu options would have been nice.

One good feature of the interface is the large amount of detail about the case in progress, in the form of journals, task lists, a log of written clues, and even an area for writing notes about the case. It is easy to keep up with the job at hand.

The Hardy Boys Treasure on the Tracks is a pleasant excursion on the DS. I really did not expect much from the game, as often handheld games based on popular characters from children's media are poorly made. However, this is not the case with Treasure on the Tracks. The game is well-designed and engaging, and it is obvious that much care has been taken with the details of the game. The graphics do an outstanding job of conveying the historical era of the European continent in the early 20th century, and the large amount of historical data in the form of newspapers and other items adds to the effect. The puzzles are interesting and varied, and they are logically integrated in the story. 

A fun and light adventure that most ages will enjoy. Here's looking forward to more Hardy Boys on the DS.

Gameplay: 7.5
The combination of interesting and varied puzzles with an intriguing story dramatized by detailed graphics makes for a nice adventure. The gameplay is leisurely and players will never be stuck, as there is a lot of help to be found in the journals and task lists. Players are also free to explore and are not stuck in one place if unable to solve a puzzle.

Graphics: 8.5
The graphics are some of the best I've seen on the DS! Wonderful detail and colors, befitting the theme.

Sound: 7.0
The music is decent, but nothing to get excited about.

Difficulty: Medium
The puzzles range in from easy to a medium level of difficulty, but there is nothing very hard in this game. There is too many hints and clues in the menus for players to be stuck for very long anywhere.

Concept: 7.0
There isn't anything really new, but the execution is good.

Overall: 7.5
The Hardy Boys are having a good time on the Royal Express, and so will any player who picks up this game. History buffs will especially appreciate all the little details on the train and the surrounding locations of Europe. A nice portable experience with two well-known young sleuths, Joe and Frank Hardy.