Why the DS Rocks - Official Game Recommendation Thread

[Fireblend]

So, can anyone recommend me a new DS game? To be honest, I bought NO games from 2007. 0 games. Still, I've got a pretty decent collection from 2006:

Advance Wars DS
Castlevania DoS
Tetris
Pokemon Pearl (Ok I think that's 2007)
New Super Mario Bros.
Children of Mana
Contact
Mario Kart DS
Animal Crossing
Metroid Prime: Hunters

It's a pretty decent collection IMO, but right now since I'm very busy usually, I can't be bothered to play the RPGs or adventure ones anymore. Most I play nowadays is Tetris and Mario Kart; both I can play for 10 minutes and stop playing without having to return later or anything. I'm looking for a new game like this, any recommendations?

I'm pretty sure other than Pokemon I didn't miss many DS game last year; maybe Zelda and a couple of Square-Enix games, but then again I'm afraid I wouldn't finish them because of how busy I am atm. Feel free to list the "must-have" from 2007 tho; I'd still like to see if anything interests me.

Back to those "casual" games, Space Invaders Extreme looks exactly like what I'm talking about; any other game similar to that? I can already play Geometry Wars on Wii so skip that.

[mortenfriis]

It's a pretty decent collection IMO, but right now since I'm very busy usually, I can't be bothered to play the RPGs or adventure ones anymore. Most I play nowadays is Tetris and Mario Kart; both I can play for 10 minutes and stop playing without having to return later or anything. I'm looking for a new game like this, any recommendations?

Prism: Light the Way
Puzzle Quest
Picross
Professor Layton

are the casual pick-up-and-play-for-10min games that immediatly come to mind. And outside of the casual realm, I definitely recommend Contra 4 if you like games that are TOTALY AWESOME!

Edit: How could I forget Planet Puzzle League??? Tetris Attack for the SNES is among my alltime favorite games...

[Chris Michael]

I wonder what games we'll be able to add next Friday when NIS makes their announcements. :3

[Zerachiel]

Christ, this thread reminds me why the DS is the PS2 of this generation.

[Zerachiel]

I'm trying to find Phoenix Wright still, but the availability has pushed the price too high.

Really? I bought it for my mom over Christmas for like 20 bucks. There's always 3 or 4 used copies at my gamestops.

[Lynnfire]

Tag for later use.

[Pseudo_Sam]

Halp me GAF, I've recently come into about $240 and am leaning towards buying a DS lite with it. If I am correct, the system itself costs about $130. What should I spend the remaining $110 on? Possible accessories include:

- Screen protectors?
- Case?
- Headset?

I really like puzzle games and will definitely pick up Tetris DS and Picross, maybe Meteos, but besides these I am not sure what I would like. Also, what I really want is Electroplankton, but I know it's somewhat rare. If it's possible I could find it used at Gamestop or something, let me know. If I have to get it online I may just skip it altogether.

Thanks!

[lyre]

If you want Meteos, then you'll definitely need a screen protector. Get some Horii ones from play-asia if you can't find them in gamestops and whatnot.

There's only one official headphone for the DS and it's mono only with a mic that is just as crappy as the one built into the unit though the headset mic is closer to your gums. This is no more than 15 bucks USD.

Case, doesn't really matter since the unit folds down but I use a bag that I can wipe the screen with.

And I recommend you get Contra 4. >:3

[thetrin]

Soma Bringer is easily a fit for this thread. Most of JGAF agrees the game is just plain awesome. Diablo done by japanese devs, for a handheld. What more can you ask for?

[Peronthious]

Halp me GAF, I've recently come into about $240 and am leaning towards buying a DS lite with it. If I am correct, the system itself costs about $130. What should I spend the remaining $110 on? Possible accessories include: - Screen protectors? - Case? - Headset? I really like puzzle games and will definitely pick up Tetris DS and Picross, maybe Meteos, but besides these I am not sure what I would like. Also, what I really want is Electroplankton, but I know it's somewhat rare. If it's possible I could find it used at Gamestop or something, let me know. If I have to get it online I may just skip it altogether. Thanks!

I find Screen Protectors for the DS fairly useless, unless you're playing something like that Naruto fighting game or Mario and Sonic at the Olympics that requires a lot of touch screening. If you like puzzle games, Layton's a definite must-buy, as well as the Phoenix Wright games.

[RBH]

Just curious, what is the consensus on Mario Party DS?

Worth a look or no?

[Skilletor]

Knights in the Nightmare looks great.

[Stumpokapow]

Just curious, what is the consensus on Mario Party DS? Worth a look or no?

In my opinion, it's the best Mario Party ever because of the portability. Pretty much everyone I've played with puts it in the upper tiers with MP3/MP2. Content wise it's a little lower than most of the mainline Mario Party games, but it's substantially more inspired and the multiplayer is really quite seemless.

[HK-47]

Just curious, what is the consensus on Mario Party DS? Worth a look or no?

Worth a look if you'd like to play a Mario Party game that is actually good and isnt on the N64

[mortenfriis]

I really like puzzle games and will definitely pick up Tetris DS and Picross, maybe Meteos, but besides these I am not sure what I would like. Also, what I really want is Electroplankton, but I know it's somewhat rare. If it's possible I could find it used at Gamestop or something, let me know. If I have to get it online I may just skip it altogether.

Just wanted to give another shout-out to Prism: Light the way - an amazing game, and among my favorite puzzlers :)

[traveler]

Looking to buy a new DS game. I've narrowed down my purchase to Anno, Canvas Curse, Layton, and Shiren. Which one should I pick, GAF? (The only real thing that's helping me decide is the fact that I've played a lot of Civ IV, Advance Wars, and adventure games lately, so Layton and Anno may not be good picks. If the quality is high enough, though, I wouldn't mind picking either.)

[lyre]

Support small games; get Shiren Mysterious Dungeon.

Layton and Kirby will always be around.

[FlyinJ]

Support small games, get Anno too.

They both are most likely going to disappear after the initial print run.

[lyre]

I only just mentioned Shiren b/c there's a PC version, but then again, that's PC ... I should have known better. O_o

Get both.

[Pseudo_Sam]

Heh, thanks for the help. I'll probably be getting Layton based on how much everyone else loves it. I also just remembered about Dragon Sword!

DRAGON SWORD!

Why does the DS have so many awesome games?!

[Christopher]

so guys what's coming out this year that's really good?

[Charred Greyface]

so guys what's coming out this year that's really good?

ethelred's list contains unreleased games. Oh and Ninja Gaiden drops this month.

[Johnas]

so guys what's coming out this year that's really good?

Dragon Quest IV
Final Fantasy IV
Castlevania (another Metroidvania apparently)
Etrian Odyssey 2

Off the top of my head. I'm sure there's a lot more I'm forgetting/don't know about.

[Christopher]

Dragon Quest IV Final Fantasy IV Castlevania (another Metroidvania apparently) Etrian Odyssey 2 Off the top of my head. I'm sure there's a lot more I'm forgetting/don't know about.

Nice. I like them - but they might be reaching their saturation point with them...

anything from Nintendo - I see Kirby from eth's list, but that's it? Hopefully e3 will have something Pikmin DS?

[Metroidvania]

Castlevania (another Metroidvania apparently)

Do we have any new info on this at all or is it just from the last Nintendo Power excerpt?

[Johnas]

Do we have any new info on this at all or is it just from the last Nintendo Power excerpt?

Not really. I'm mainly basing it on those leaked images from not too long ago (the ones with the female protagonist). Some people cried fake, but it looked real enough to me, and Iga has said himself that he's been working on another DS CV.

[Kletian]

Looking for something new for the system. Just finished up Apollo Justice yesterday, and I'm kinda on a DS kick. Not sure if I should get something or drag myself to finish what I have.

The List

Apollo Justice: Completed
Advance Wars DoR: In Progress (bored/hatred of the game will probably keep it this way)
Castlevania DS: Completed
Castlevania PoR: In Progress
Final Fantasy 3: Just Started
Legend of Zelda PH: Completed
Mario Kart DS: Completed
Metroid Prime Hunters: Never started, got free with my DS
NSMB: In Progress
PW: Ace Attorney: Completed
PW JFA: Completed
PW T&T: Completed
Pokemon Diamond: In Progress (FU Grinding for the Elite 4)

I'm thinking about Professor Layton or Canvas Curse, but I'm not sure.

[Johnas]

Looking for something new for the system. I'm thinking about Professor Layton or Canvas Curse, but I'm not sure.

Kirby: Canvas Curse has the best use of the stylus of any game I've played. I wasn't into the franchise at all prior to this game, so don't worry about the past titles if you haven't played any.

Awesome 2D platformer, great levels, good music, all-around very solid title. You might consider grabbing it, it's been out for a while now and probably won't be easily obtainable for too much longer, outside of the interwebz.

[Stumpokapow]

Nice. I like them - but they might be reaching their saturation point with them... anything from Nintendo - I see Kirby from eth's list, but that's it? Hopefully e3 will have something Pikmin DS?

From Nintendo, we have the following titles under development:
Fire Emblem DS - extra content remake of Fire Emblem 1.
Kirby Ultra Superdeluxe - port with added content of Kirby Superstar
Eternal Chronicle - RPG from Paon.
We Are Fossil Holders - Pokemon-style battle RPG, only you dig up fossils and make them into Dinos for battle.
Pokemon Ranger 2 - ARPG sequel to Pokemon Ranger

We have the following titles released in Japan and not yet released in the US; most of these have not yet been announced for localization:
Soma Bringer - Basically Diablo 2 meets Secret of Mana gameplay, by MonolithSoft.
Archaic Sealed Heat - RPG with pre-rendered graphics, sort of a mix between a tactical grid RPG and a conventional RPG, by Mistwalker.
Card Hero - Card battling RPG, sequel to the Game Boy original.
theta - A two-in-one puzzle game
DS Novel Collection - 1000 classic novels on your DS for a budget price
Kurikin Nano Island Story - like Pokemon, except you collect bacteria and fight armies of them under a microscope.
Slide Adventure Mag Kid - an overhead puzzle-platformer. The kicker is, it comes with this "stand" peripheral that you put your DS on and then put the stand on the table. You slide your DS around the table to move your character; the stand functions as a mouse.
Jet Impulse - Ace Combat-style dogfighting game. Was announced for US release but then disappeared from the release list. Probably shitcanned.

Not released in Japan but announced for US release:
CrossworDS - a crossword game

From third parties, not yet released anywhere:
Sim Tower / Yoot Tower / The Tower DS - confirmed that it's being worked on. No info.
Afterschool Boy - Konami adventure game
Time Hollow - Konami adventure game
Inazuma Eleven - Soccer RPG, Level 5
Flower, Sun, and Rain - from Grasshopper, remake-port of Suda51's playstation 2 adventure game
Luminous Arc 2 Will - s-rpg sequel
Viva Pinata DS - from Rare, DS version of 360 gardening pinata game
Away Shuffle Dungeon - from Mistwalker, a dungeon RPG where the dungeons "shuffle" around you.
Metal Slug 7 - popular shoot-em-up franchise has moved to the DS
Dragon Quest IX - most popular Japanese RPG series has moved to the DS
Front Mission 2089 - DS port of the cellphone front mission game
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days - DS Kingdom Hearts game

From third parties, released in Japan and not released in the US; most of these have not yet been announced for localization:
From The Abyss - Secret of Mana art style + Secret of Mana combat + random dungeons. Looks like a 16-bit game, really.
Etrian Odyssey 2 - sequel to Etrian Odyssey
Populous DS - computer god game classic.
Tales of Innocence - latest installment in long-running Namco RPG series
Dragon Quest IVr - portmake of the PSX classic
Final Fantasy IVr - 3d remake of the SNES classic
Yosumin - Awesome Square-Enix Bejeweled-esque puzzler.
Exit DS - DS version of the XBLA/PSP puzzle-platformer classic

From third parties, announced for US but not released:
Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles - text adventure detective game
The World Ends With You - hyper-stylish action RPG from Square-Enix
Mr. Slime - puzzle-platformer where you're a ball of slime and you have to use physics to latch your slimey arms onto things and get through levels
de Blob - you're a blob of colourlessness, and by rolling over paint, you turn colours, and then you paint the city colours. Sort of like Katamari with paint.
Bangai-Oh Spirits - BANGAI-OHHHHHHHHHHHH. Blow shit up. By Treasure
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Ring of Fates - ARPG
Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword - Ninja Gaiden on the DS, beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds
Rondo of Swords - Atlus/Success RPG being localized
Super Dodgeball Brawlers - the next Dodgeball game.


(My taste tilts towards RPGs, but I'm pretty sure I covered all the major bases)

[Fuu]

so guys what's coming out this year that's really good?

The World Ends With You, by Square Enix. Euro version comes out 18th April, take a look at screens and videos to see if it clicks with you.

Edit: Heavily beaten by Stumpokapow, but the suggestion still stands.

[RBH]

So I just got my DS Lite a few days ago ( ) and I'm debating between which would be the best option as my 1st game purchase: Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass or Mario Kart DS. I've gone back and forth between the two and I'm just unsure about which one to get.

I was also looking at Ninja Gaiden DS, but I'll just pick that up later down the line after Ninja Gaiden II comes out.

[dude]

So I just got my DS Lite a few days ago ( ) and I'm debating between which would be the best option as my 1st game purchase: Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass or Mario Kart DS. I've gone back and forth between the two and I'm just unsure about which one to get. I was also looking at Ninja Gaiden DS, but I'll just pick that up later down the line after Ninja Gaiden II comes out.

Phantom Hourglass is pretty awesome.

[lawblob]

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

I just bought this a few days ago on a whim and can't put it down. I had no idea this game was so amazing.

[Error]

OP should add VP DS :O

[ethelred]

OP should add VP DS :O

Oh, believe me -- the second we get some direct feed screens, I intend to.

[joelseph]

Love this thread as much as I love the DS. I have 65 games in my collection and this thread has me going out and getting a ton more!

[grandjedi6]

Worms: Open Warfare 2
Developer: Team 17
Publisher: THQ

• read the GAF thread
• read the 2nd GAF thread

[sykoex]

Any japanese only DS software worth importing post-Ouendan 2?

[SovanJedi]

Wow, and yet so much more is being added to this game. I really need to subscribe to this thread.

Somebody earlier mentioned that Yoshi's Touch n' Go should be added. I wholeheartedly agree, since I have enjoyed that game quite a lot all these years later (even when I do play it at the train station and the passing trains are loud enough to scare all my clouds away and make Yoshi plummet to his doom. :( )

[RazzleDazzleRB]

Worms: Open Warfare 2 Developer: Team 17 Publisher: THQ

Would this be a good introduction to the Worms series or should I go back and play an older one in the series? This and the Wii version coming out has peeked my interest in this series.

[Fireblend]

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow I just bought this a few days ago on a whim and can't put it down. I had no idea this game was so amazing.

The first game I got with my DS (along with Advance Wars DS) and the one I keep coming back to the most. Absolutely brilliant game.

[QVT]

Worms Armegeddon is really the only worms worth playing ever. It's for PC.

I suggest anyone who enjoyed Pokemon and watched Digimon when they were younger get Digimon World/Story DS. It's freaking awesome and about 20-25 hours long and really cool. It's mostly fun if you just used to like Digimon but it'd still probably be cool if you didn't.

[Stumpokapow]

I left off Wander Donkey on my last list there. It's an upcoming adventure title from Nintendo.

Any japanese only DS software worth importing post-Ouendan 2?

Depends on your level of Japanese.

If you have a good level of Japanese or are willing to dictionary, there are three major RPGs: Tales of Innocence, Final Fantasy IV, and Dragon Quest IV. There are also two other RPGs; ASH and Soma Bringer.

Slide Adventure Mag Kid is an interesting little game that you can get for cheap. It comes with a peripheral that turns the DS into a sort of computer mouse. You control the game by sliding the DS around the desk. No Japanese needed.

Arkanoid DS + Paddle Controller is a must have. It's the best way to play the game. The Paddle also works with Space Invaders Extreme. The games are announced for localization, but not the Paddle.

Afterschool Boy, which is a Konami adventure game. Japanese required. The second Professor Layton game. Japanese required.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 2, although that's announced for localization. Izuna 2, although that'll likely be localized.

Those are the major ones.

[bafflewaffle]

NINJA GAIDEN: DRAGON SWORD
Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Tecmo
US Release: 03/20/2008

• watch the Tokyo Game Show trailer
• watch the Gamersyde gameplay videos
• read the GAF demo thread



THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU
Developer: Jupiter / Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
US Release: April 22, 2008

• read Trin's review
• watch the first trailer
• watch the second trailer



JAKE HUNTER, DETECTIVE CHRONICLES (aka Tantei Jinguuji Saburo DS)
Developer: WorkJam
Publisher: Aksys Games
US Release: 5/3 2008

• read the Siliconera interview with Aksys Games



SUMMON NIGHT: TWIN AGE
Developer: Flight Plan
Publisher: Atlus
US Release: 05/20/2008



SUPER DODGEBALL BRAWLERS
Developer: Million
Publisher: Aksys Games
US Release: 5/27 2008

• read the Hardcore Gaming 101 article
• read the GAF series summary thread
• read the developers' blog update thread



SID MEIER'S CIVILIZATION REVOLUTION
Developer: Firaxis
Publisher: Take Two
US Release: June 2, 2008



SPACE INVADERS EXTREME
Developer: Taito
Publisher: Taito
US Release: 06/17/08

• watch the trailer



FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: GRIMOIRE OF THE RIFT
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
US Release: 6/24/08

• watch the first trailer
• watch the second trailer
• read the GAF thread
• read the other GAF thread



Bleach: Dark Souls
Developer: Treasure
Publisher: Sega
US Release: August 27, 2008

• read the official thread



SPORE CREATURES
Developer: Maxis
Publisher: EA
US Release: September 2008

• read the Wired Spore Creatures interview

[bafflewaffle]

BANGAI-O SPIRITS
Developer: Treasure
Publisher: D3
US Release: Q2, 2008

• watch the Tokyo Game Showtrailer



PREY THE STARS
Developer: Koei
Publisher: Koei
US Release: Q1 2008??? (DELAYED)



METAL SLUG 7
Developer: SNK Playmore
Publisher: SNK Playmore
US Release: 2008

• watch the trailer
• read the 1up preview



KIRBY SUPER ULTRA DELUXE
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Publisher: Nintendo
US Release: TBA



DRAGON QUEST IX
Developer: Square Enix / Level 5
Publisher: Square Enix
US Release: 2008/2009

• watch the old trailer
• read the loltastic announcement thread



SONIC CHRONICLES: THE DARK BROTHERHOOD
Developer: BioWare
Publisher: Sega
US Release: Fall 2008

• read IGN's interview with BioWare
• read GAF's info summary, part one
• read GAF's info summary, part one



FINAL FANTASY IV REMAKE
Developer: Matrix / Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
US Release: 2008

• watch the trailer
• read the GAF thread



DRAGON QUEST IV REMAKE
Developer: Matrix / Artepiazza
Publisher: Square Enix
US Release: 2008

• watch the trailer
• read the GAF thread



DRAGON QUEST V REMAKE
Developer: Matrix / Artepiazza
Publisher: Square Enix
US Release: TBA



ETRIAN ODYSSEY 2
Developer: Atlus
Publisher: Atlus
US Release: TBA



KINGDOM HEARTS: 358/2 DAYS
Developer: h.a.n.d. / Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
US Release: TBA

• watch the trailer



RUNE FACTORY 2
Developer: Neverland
Publisher: Marvelous
US Release: TBA



FIRE EMBLEM DS
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Publisher: Nintendo
US Release: TBA



CULDCEPT DS
Developer: Omiya Soft
Publisher: Sega
US Release: TBA



BLUE DRAGON +
Developer: Feel Plus / Brownie Brown / Mistwalker
Publisher: AQ Interactive
US Release: TBA



VIVA PINATA DS
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
US Release: 2008



POPULOUS DS
Developer: EA
Publisher: EA
US Release: 2008



HARVEST MOON: THE ISLAND I GREW UP ON
Developer: Marvelous
Publisher: Marvelous



FLOWER, SUN, & RAIN
Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture
Publisher: Marvelous
US Release: TBA

• read the hdrlying write-up (part one)
• read the hdrlying write-up (part two)



PROFESSOR LAYTON & PANDORA'S BOX
Developer: Level-5
Publisher: Level-5
US Release: TBA

• read the GAF thread



DRAGON QUEST + MARIO IN ITADAKI STREET DS (HEAVILY RUMORED)
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
US Release: 2008



KNIGHTS IN THE NIGHTMARE
Developer: Sting
Publisher: Sting
US Release: TBA

• listen to three excellent music clips

[bafflewaffle]

EXIT DS
Developer: Taito
Publisher: Taito
US Release: TBA



TALES OF INNOCENCE
Developer: Alfa Systems
Publisher: Namco
US Release: TBA

• watch the Tokyo Game Show trailer
• watch the promo trailer
• read the GAF thread
• read the Bebpo's review thread



SOMA BRINGER
Developer: Monolith Software
Publisher: Nintendo
US Release: TBA

• watch the first trailer
• watch the second trailer
• watch the Battlecruiser trailer



INAZUMA ELEVEN
Developer: Level-5
Publisher: Level-5
US Release: TBA

• watch the trailer
• watch the gameplay demo



AWAY: SHUFFLE DUNGEON
Developer: Mistwalker / Artoon
Publisher: AQ Interactive
US Release: TBA

• game's website (with videos)
• read the GAF "hype" thread



SAKURA TAISEN DS
Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
US Release: TBA

• watch the Tokyo Game Show trailer



SUMMON NIGHT DS
Developer: Flightplan
Publisher: Banpresto
US Release: TBA

• read the Hardcore Gaming 101 article



ASH: ARCHAIC SEALED HEAT
Developer: Mistwalker / Racjin
Publisher: Nintendo
US Release: TBA

• read the GAF thread
• opening movie
• cinematic collection
• gameplay commercial 1
• gameplay commercial 2
• combat tutorial 1
• combat tutorial 2



BLEACH: THE 3rd PHANTOM
Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
US Release: TBA

• watch the trailer



SUMMON NIGHT 2 DS
Developer: Flightplan
Publisher: Banpresto
US Release: TBA



TIME HOLLOW
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
US Release: 2008

• watch the trailer
• read 1up's preview
• read Silicon Era's preview



AFTERSCHOOL BOY
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
US Release: TBA

• watch the trailer



PROFESSOR LAYTON & THE LAST TIME TRAVEL
Developer: Level-5
Publisher: Level-5
US Release: TBA

• read the GAF thread



KYOTARO NISHIMURA MYSTERY: DEADLY INTENT
Developer: Tecmo
Publisher: Tecmo
US Release: TBA



CARD HERO DS
Developer: Nintendo / Intelligent Systems
Publisher: Nintendo
US Release: TBA

• watch the trailer
• watch the game's commercials
• read about the game
• read the GAF thread



OUR VIDEO GAME EXAMS
Developer: Namco
Publisher: Namco
US Release: TBA



YOSUMIN
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
US Release: TBA

• read the hdrlying GOTY award
• read the hdrlying review
• read Amir0x's preview
• read the GAF thread

[grandjedi6]

Would this be a good introduction to the Worms series or should I go back and play an older one in the series? This and the Wii version coming out has peeked my interest in this series.

Yes, this would be an excellent introduction to the series. (it is basically the be all, end all for the Worms series). Avoid the Wii version completely since it doesn't have online

[Proc]

This thread always makes me grab for the DS.

[sykoex]

Ugh why does it seem like the most fascinating upcoming DS games are japanese only :(

I need to spend a couple years over there just to learn the language and be able to play all their awesome games.

[grandjedi6]

Ugh why does it seem like the most fascinating upcoming DS games are japanese only :( I need to spend a couple years over there just to learn the language and be able to play all their awesome games.

Most of the good ones make it here eventually