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The Best Nintendo DS Games: - My Favorite Dual Screened Titles
I was one of the early adopters of Nintendo's DS handheld system. While the little wonder did have a very slow start it has since then come into it's own. In my opinion it's even surpassed Nintendo's Gameboy Advance which is no small feat. Here are my top ten favorite games for the system.
#10. - Contact
Release Date: 10/19/06
As one of the system's first RPGs, Contact is a very strange release. The game's scenario is one of the most unique around - you, the player has just made contact with a professor whose ship is in need of repairs. It's up to you, with the help of a young lad on another planet named Terry, to retrieve the parts needed to get the crazy old doctor's vessel up and running again. You are in full control of Terry as he travels from planet to planet fighting some of the most bizarre enemies around - everything from household appliances to crazed animals will try to take Terry down.
Why you should get it:
While Contact does have it's fair share of problems (the combat system is ultra simple, the game is short) the bizarre charm and scenario makes this one of the most memorable games on the system. Contact is the sort of game you'll never be able to forget.
Read Full Review For Contact
#9. - Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
Release Date: 11/06/07
The 'monsters' spin-off of the popular Dragon Quest series is one of the few Pokemon clones that actually works, and in some ways, actually surpasses Nintendo's own creature collector. Dragon Quest Monsters Joker throws you into the 3D cel-shaded world of the Green Bays - a chain of islands that is famous for it's annual monster scout tournament. Your goal is to collect a series of crystals that will gain your character entrance into the main tournament all the while recruiting and battling various Dragon Quest themed monsters.
Why you should get it:
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker is, bar none, the best looking 3D game I've seen on the Nintendo DS. On top of that, the monster battling system is quite deep and does several things that Pokemon does not. Discounting length, this package is essentially a full Dragon Quest title and as one of the system's best RPGs it should not be missed.
Read Full Review for Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
#8. - Meteos
Release Date: 06/28/05
Puzzle games and handheld systems go together like spaghetti and meatballs. Meteos, a new take on the falling block puzzle genre, remains to this day as one of my most played games on the system. Rather than control the blocks as you fall you move around the ones that have already fallen. Using the touch screen you must drag like colored blocks and match them up - doing so will result in the mass spouting rocket blasters and propelling into the sky. Gravity will tug away at these airborne masses so you may need to blast a single group off multiple times to eliminate them.
Why you should get it:
I've never played a puzzle game as frantic and entertaining as Meteos, and given my considerable number of years as a gamer that's saying a lot. With a considerable amount of options including single cartridge multiplayer Meteos is a game that will keep you busy for a good long while.
Read Full Review for Meteos
#7. - Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride
Release Date: 02/16/09
If you can't already tell, I absolutely love Dragon Quest. With this fact aside it's only natural that a remake of one of my favorite entries in the series would place on this list. Dragon Quest V takes all the classic goodness of the series and adds in some pretty inventive new ideas - your character gets married as per the storyline and you actually get to choose his bride. Adding to this is the remarkable chapter based storyline and you've got one of the most epic role playing games around.
Why you should get it:
Dragon Quest V may stick to the series standards with the same simple yet strategic battle system and vast world map to explore, but this game does it better than nearly all the others. The excellent storyline, paired with excellent graphics and fun battle system make this one a keeper - on top of being one of the best DS games it's also one of the greatest RPGs of all time.
Read Full Review for Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride
#6. - Advance Wars: Dual Strike
Release Date: 08/22/05
Strategy games aren't usually my forte, but the Advance Wars series is simply amazing. Dual Strike is no different - on top of the good ol' fashioned turn based strategy action the game has seen several upgrades. Most notably is the ability to use two COs at once. Battles are now waged on both screens, you can control using the touch screen, and more. I haven't yet gotten the new Advance Wars game so this is still my go-to when I'm craving some strategy action.
Why you should get it:
The game may at first seem shallow but it's actually very deep. The single player campaign is plenty fun but where this one really shines is in it's multiplayer modes. You can engage battle with the enemy in simple 'pass the ds' around fashion due to the game's turn based nature and there are few games in which playing with friends is so much fun. Despite a few broken elements of the game (Dual CO powers are way too powerful) this is definitely one of the best turn based strategy games I've ever played.
Read Full Review for Advance Wars: Dual Strike
#5. - Rune Factory 2: A Fantasy Harvest Moon
Release Date: 11/18/08
As a longtime Harvest Moon fan I'm sad to see the series fading deeper and deeper into mediocrity. At the same time, I'm ecstatic that the minds behind it are, at the same time, changing the formula with amazing results via the spin-off series Rune Factory. These games are half action RPG half farming simulation with the immense amount of detail that Harvest Moon was always known for. The sequel to the original game greatly improves both combat and farming while introducing a brand new cast and scenario.
Why you should get it:
The Rune Factory series is the closest we're going to get to a great Harvest Moon game any time in the future, but with all the changes they've made I'm really not one to complain. The RPG elements make the adventure much deeper, and the farming/monster raising is enough to give any hardcore Harvest Moon fan their fix. The best new feature to Rune Factory 2 is the ability to play as the child of your character. If you're at all interested in this series then this is the one to get.
Read Full Review for Rune Factory 2: A Fantasy Harvest Moon
#4. - Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Release Date: 10/12/05
I've never been a big fan of adventure games, and if you were to tell me that one based around a lawyer would pique my interest I'd have laughed at the thought. As Phoenix Wright, a rookie defense lawyer you must investigate crime scenes, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and defend your clients in court against a group of rather viscious prosecutors who aren't above bending the truth.
Why you should get it:
This game features some of the most hilarious and outrageous scenario writing I've ever seen in a video game. The flashy courtroom sequences are quite exciting and picking apart testimony is surprisingly fun. Despite the investigative sequences being a little weak this is some of the most fun to be had on the DS.
Read Full Review for Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
#3. - Final Fantasy IV DS
Release Date: 07/21/08
Square-Enix has been on a remaking spree as of late, and the latest FF game to be remade for Nintendo's handheld just happens to be the fourth installment. Final Fantasy IV pits you as Cecil Harvey, a young dark knight and captain of the kingdom of Baron's airship military fleet. The story begins as he questions the orders given to him by a now corrupt king. This full 3D remake takes the old battle system, art style, soundtrack and gives it a massive overhaul.
Why you should get it:
This is a massive upgrade to one of the biggest fan favorites of the series. On the SNES FFIV was my favorite game of all time, and all the changes they've made to the gameplay (mostly in the form of changed battle strategies) makes this one worth playing all over again. The difficulty has been upgraded severely which makes the RPG fan in me very happy, but at the same time this may be daunting for those who aren't big fans of the genre.
Read Full Review for Final Fantasy IV DS
#2. - Pokemon Diamond/Pearl
Release Date: 04/22/07
You didn't honestly think this list would be free of any Pokemon titles, did you? Diamond/Pearl throw you into a brand new world complete with over a hundred brand new Pokemon to catch, battle, and trade. The game brings back the day/night system of old and even allows you to take your Pokemon online to battle against faraway friends. Pokemon has always been one of the top handheld series and this case is no different.
Why you should get it:
Despite what some people may think Pokemon is one of the deepest RPG experiences anywhere. Anyone who has delved seriously into the series can vouch for that. With the added Pokemon and the ability to take the game online (you can even put Pokemon up for worldwide trade) this is the deepest Pokemon experience yet, and definitely deserves this spot on the list.
Read Full Review for Pokemon Diamond
#1. - Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations
Release Date: 10/23/07
This game making it so high on the list is probably a big shocker to those who have never played it but I assure you, this is no joke. In the third installment of the Ace Attorney series you play as a more experienced Phoenix Wright as he takes on some of the most intense cases in the entire trilogy. The game has seen minimal new features from the last two but features by far the most compelling scenarios and cast.
Why you should get it:
I would recommend playing the first two Ace Attorney games before jumping in to this one. Trials and Tribulations is simply an amazing ride - I don't think I've ever been so eager to see what new twists the writers have come up with in a video game before. Trials and Tribulations is simply an amazing game.
Read Full Review for Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations
#10. - Contact
Release Date: 10/19/06
As one of the system's first RPGs, Contact is a very strange release. The game's scenario is one of the most unique around - you, the player has just made contact with a professor whose ship is in need of repairs. It's up to you, with the help of a young lad on another planet named Terry, to retrieve the parts needed to get the crazy old doctor's vessel up and running again. You are in full control of Terry as he travels from planet to planet fighting some of the most bizarre enemies around - everything from household appliances to crazed animals will try to take Terry down.
Why you should get it:
While Contact does have it's fair share of problems (the combat system is ultra simple, the game is short) the bizarre charm and scenario makes this one of the most memorable games on the system. Contact is the sort of game you'll never be able to forget.
Read Full Review For Contact
#9. - Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
Release Date: 11/06/07
The 'monsters' spin-off of the popular Dragon Quest series is one of the few Pokemon clones that actually works, and in some ways, actually surpasses Nintendo's own creature collector. Dragon Quest Monsters Joker throws you into the 3D cel-shaded world of the Green Bays - a chain of islands that is famous for it's annual monster scout tournament. Your goal is to collect a series of crystals that will gain your character entrance into the main tournament all the while recruiting and battling various Dragon Quest themed monsters.
Why you should get it:
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker is, bar none, the best looking 3D game I've seen on the Nintendo DS. On top of that, the monster battling system is quite deep and does several things that Pokemon does not. Discounting length, this package is essentially a full Dragon Quest title and as one of the system's best RPGs it should not be missed.
Read Full Review for Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
#8. - Meteos
Release Date: 06/28/05
Puzzle games and handheld systems go together like spaghetti and meatballs. Meteos, a new take on the falling block puzzle genre, remains to this day as one of my most played games on the system. Rather than control the blocks as you fall you move around the ones that have already fallen. Using the touch screen you must drag like colored blocks and match them up - doing so will result in the mass spouting rocket blasters and propelling into the sky. Gravity will tug away at these airborne masses so you may need to blast a single group off multiple times to eliminate them.
Why you should get it:
I've never played a puzzle game as frantic and entertaining as Meteos, and given my considerable number of years as a gamer that's saying a lot. With a considerable amount of options including single cartridge multiplayer Meteos is a game that will keep you busy for a good long while.
Read Full Review for Meteos
#7. - Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride
Release Date: 02/16/09
If you can't already tell, I absolutely love Dragon Quest. With this fact aside it's only natural that a remake of one of my favorite entries in the series would place on this list. Dragon Quest V takes all the classic goodness of the series and adds in some pretty inventive new ideas - your character gets married as per the storyline and you actually get to choose his bride. Adding to this is the remarkable chapter based storyline and you've got one of the most epic role playing games around.
Why you should get it:
Dragon Quest V may stick to the series standards with the same simple yet strategic battle system and vast world map to explore, but this game does it better than nearly all the others. The excellent storyline, paired with excellent graphics and fun battle system make this one a keeper - on top of being one of the best DS games it's also one of the greatest RPGs of all time.
Read Full Review for Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride
#6. - Advance Wars: Dual Strike
Release Date: 08/22/05
Strategy games aren't usually my forte, but the Advance Wars series is simply amazing. Dual Strike is no different - on top of the good ol' fashioned turn based strategy action the game has seen several upgrades. Most notably is the ability to use two COs at once. Battles are now waged on both screens, you can control using the touch screen, and more. I haven't yet gotten the new Advance Wars game so this is still my go-to when I'm craving some strategy action.
Why you should get it:
The game may at first seem shallow but it's actually very deep. The single player campaign is plenty fun but where this one really shines is in it's multiplayer modes. You can engage battle with the enemy in simple 'pass the ds' around fashion due to the game's turn based nature and there are few games in which playing with friends is so much fun. Despite a few broken elements of the game (Dual CO powers are way too powerful) this is definitely one of the best turn based strategy games I've ever played.
Read Full Review for Advance Wars: Dual Strike
#5. - Rune Factory 2: A Fantasy Harvest Moon
Release Date: 11/18/08
As a longtime Harvest Moon fan I'm sad to see the series fading deeper and deeper into mediocrity. At the same time, I'm ecstatic that the minds behind it are, at the same time, changing the formula with amazing results via the spin-off series Rune Factory. These games are half action RPG half farming simulation with the immense amount of detail that Harvest Moon was always known for. The sequel to the original game greatly improves both combat and farming while introducing a brand new cast and scenario.
Why you should get it:
The Rune Factory series is the closest we're going to get to a great Harvest Moon game any time in the future, but with all the changes they've made I'm really not one to complain. The RPG elements make the adventure much deeper, and the farming/monster raising is enough to give any hardcore Harvest Moon fan their fix. The best new feature to Rune Factory 2 is the ability to play as the child of your character. If you're at all interested in this series then this is the one to get.
Read Full Review for Rune Factory 2: A Fantasy Harvest Moon
#4. - Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Release Date: 10/12/05
I've never been a big fan of adventure games, and if you were to tell me that one based around a lawyer would pique my interest I'd have laughed at the thought. As Phoenix Wright, a rookie defense lawyer you must investigate crime scenes, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and defend your clients in court against a group of rather viscious prosecutors who aren't above bending the truth.
Why you should get it:
This game features some of the most hilarious and outrageous scenario writing I've ever seen in a video game. The flashy courtroom sequences are quite exciting and picking apart testimony is surprisingly fun. Despite the investigative sequences being a little weak this is some of the most fun to be had on the DS.
Read Full Review for Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
#3. - Final Fantasy IV DS
Release Date: 07/21/08
Square-Enix has been on a remaking spree as of late, and the latest FF game to be remade for Nintendo's handheld just happens to be the fourth installment. Final Fantasy IV pits you as Cecil Harvey, a young dark knight and captain of the kingdom of Baron's airship military fleet. The story begins as he questions the orders given to him by a now corrupt king. This full 3D remake takes the old battle system, art style, soundtrack and gives it a massive overhaul.
Why you should get it:
This is a massive upgrade to one of the biggest fan favorites of the series. On the SNES FFIV was my favorite game of all time, and all the changes they've made to the gameplay (mostly in the form of changed battle strategies) makes this one worth playing all over again. The difficulty has been upgraded severely which makes the RPG fan in me very happy, but at the same time this may be daunting for those who aren't big fans of the genre.
Read Full Review for Final Fantasy IV DS
#2. - Pokemon Diamond/Pearl
Release Date: 04/22/07
You didn't honestly think this list would be free of any Pokemon titles, did you? Diamond/Pearl throw you into a brand new world complete with over a hundred brand new Pokemon to catch, battle, and trade. The game brings back the day/night system of old and even allows you to take your Pokemon online to battle against faraway friends. Pokemon has always been one of the top handheld series and this case is no different.
Why you should get it:
Despite what some people may think Pokemon is one of the deepest RPG experiences anywhere. Anyone who has delved seriously into the series can vouch for that. With the added Pokemon and the ability to take the game online (you can even put Pokemon up for worldwide trade) this is the deepest Pokemon experience yet, and definitely deserves this spot on the list.
Read Full Review for Pokemon Diamond
#1. - Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations
Release Date: 10/23/07
This game making it so high on the list is probably a big shocker to those who have never played it but I assure you, this is no joke. In the third installment of the Ace Attorney series you play as a more experienced Phoenix Wright as he takes on some of the most intense cases in the entire trilogy. The game has seen minimal new features from the last two but features by far the most compelling scenarios and cast.
Why you should get it:
I would recommend playing the first two Ace Attorney games before jumping in to this one. Trials and Tribulations is simply an amazing ride - I don't think I've ever been so eager to see what new twists the writers have come up with in a video game before. Trials and Tribulations is simply an amazing game.
Read Full Review for Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations
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