The journey of the Nintendo DS has been a wild one. A lackluster launch line-up would eventually grow into a software library loaded with iconic franchises, from Castlevania and Super Mario to Advance Wars and Final Fantasy. Then there's the likes of Grand Theft Auto, Ninja Gaiden, and Contra, franchises many would have never expected to show up on a portable Nintendo system, while titles like Okamiden and Shantae: Risky's Revenge saw the revival of franchises most thought dead.
But the Nintendo DS wasn't just a platform for established IPs. By the end of its time, the system had given birth to a plethora brand new original properties, including Scribblenauts, Professor Layton, Elite Beat Agents, The World Ends With You, Hotel Dusk, Cooking Mama, Ghost Trick, Radiant Historia, Nintendogs, Henry Hatsworth, Trauma Center, and Lock's Quest. Best of all, many of the original titles revived franchises like graphic novels and puzzle games, that were becoming increasingly uncommon on other platforms.
Have we mentioned Zelda, Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors, Meteos, Chrono Trigger, Mario & Luigi, Tetris DS, Dragon Quest, N+, WarioWare, Phoenix Wright, Worms, and Shin Megami Tensei? Well, we have now, but I think you all get the point. When it comes down to it, the Nintendo DS earned itself a library overflowing with quality titles, and depending on who you speak to you wouldn't be surprised to hear it referred to as one of the greatest software libraries ever.
Pretty in pink.
Aside from the software, there was also the hardware. Gimmicks like the touch screen proved to be a versatile and important tool in developing many original titles, and while the horsepower didn't match the PlayStation Portable it arguably allowed for more developer to feel confident in pursuing sprite based 2D art in their games. Yet even though many games focused on 2D art, there were certainly a few impressive looking 3D games, particularly those that focused on toon shaded visuals. On top of the basic hardware there were also revisions. Nintendo's most revised hardware ever? Quite probably. The Nintendo DS saw three additional re-releases over the basic hardware with the Nintendo DS Lite, Nintendo DSi, and Nintendo DSi XL, each offering some major and minor improvements to both hardware and aesthetics.
Now here we are, in 2011, on the edge of Nintendo's next generation of portable systems. The successor to the Nintendo DS, the Nintendo 3DS, is already available in Japan and the United States, and will become available to Australians on 31 March. Will it be as popular as the Nintendo DS? Will its software library prove just as impressive as its predecessor? We at PALGN wont pretend to have the answers to these questions. Instead, the DS hungry PALGN staff will give you their software highlights for the system, offering some insight into what the Nintendo DS had best on offer, and what games you might have missed and can pick up along with your 3DS on Thursday. Read on!
The World Ends With You
The World Ends With You was my very first purchase for the Nintendo DS. Actually, that game was the reason why I bought the console in the first place. The day the game was released I walked into the nearest game store and bought it along with a DS Lite. The alternative purchase would have been a copy of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII and a PlayStation Portable, and I almost did, but somehow I decided it was time to move on from Final Fantasy and maybe contribute to encouraging Square-Enix to try new things (still not happening). The World Ends With You is, to me, the greatest RPG on the DS because no other RPG makes such superb and intuitive use of the touch-pad. It wasn’t just selecting menus; virtually every skill and movement made use of the stylus with the buttons used to control the second party member. Sure, the control scheme seemed daunting at first, but it was incredibly deep and rewarding. The game had a cool vibe and presentation with a trendy modern day Japan setting, sexy Japanese pop music and some really stylish character designs. It really is one of those rare, incredibly cool and unique games that will probably never get a sequel. Please buy it if you haven’t already.
Jahanzeb's favourite way to end the world.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey
The DS was one hell of an RPG machine, and it still has a few good ones up its sleeve in 2011 (Radiant Historia and the recent Pokemon Black/White for example), and I have to say that it did reach a saturation point. It wasn’t Nintendo or Square-Enix who dominated the DS RPG scene, it was Atlus, as they released some truly unique and fresh RPG experiences on the platform, with my personal favourite being Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey. A mature and engaging RPG that can be best described as Pokemon for adults. You don’t trap speechless creatures inside little balls against their freewill, instead you treat these demons with respect and earn their loyalty using negotiation skills and striking a deal. I found it to be a really addictive, challenging and immensely engaging hardcore RPG adventure, one that offers an experience unlike any other RPG.
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
Before the reboot that was Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, the Castlevania franchise found itself at home on Nintendo handhelds, starting with the still extremely incredible Castlevania: Circle of the Moon on Gameboy Advance. It was followed up by subsequent releases and the series continued on to the Nintendo DS platform. These portable ‘Metroidvanias’ offered a high quality adventure experience with addictive RPG gimmicks. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia for some strange reason, really resonated with me and I found myself falling in love with it. I liked how it had this RPG-like setting with several small areas to explore, eventually leading up to Dracula’s behemoth castle. I loved the clever boss battles, the addictive and diverse glyph system, the solid pace and structure, the beautiful soundtrack and above all I really liked Shanoa, as she was a really strong and classy female lead. The game wasn’t the best Castlevania and not anything particularly different from the other portable entries, but it was immensely enjoyable and just a really good game. The series has taken a completely new direction, but I personally hope that that Konami haven’t forgotten about this amazing portable ‘Metroidvania' formula. Hopefully soon they will announce a new Castlevania for the 3DS, a Castlevania that I know and love.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars must have been an interesting title to pitch to the suits who greenlight the project: implant a successful series (with very mature subject matter) which is based around large cities and open-world mechanics onto a system which contains a less robust graphical processor and a less mature audience, while also not compromising the vision of the developer...frankly it seems like a title that seemed destined for vapourware. But Rockstar Leeds made it work, and not only did they provide gamers with a great title packed with tons of missions and activities, the game was crafted to utilise all of the functionality of the Nintendo DS and it did so in the most seamless manner that it makes one wonder why the series took so long to make its way to the DS.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Being a longtime fan of the Zelda series, I was intrigued to see how well Link would make the transition to the Nintendo DS - and while it took a while to get here, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass was definitely worth the wait. What makes Phantom Hourglass so great is that it retains the plot, art style and gameplay of a traditionally perilous Zelda adventure while also tweaking the gameplay mechanics to make full use of the DS' numerous features.
That doesn't sound like a pleasant place at all.
Animal Crossing: Wild World
Animal Crossing: Wild World was the first title I purchased for the Nintendo DS and I must admit that it is a title that I do regularly pick up and play. Whether you're collecting items or gathering currency to pay for that new extension to your home, there are a number of charming little activities to be had in the world of Animal Crossing. While it doesn't bring anything new to the table in terms of the series itself, what the title does do is create a fun, offbeat atmosphere that can be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations
The Phoenix Wright series might just be so awesome that it's become one of my favourite series, ever. I have no idea how good the original Japanese versions were on Game Boy Advance because I don't know Japanese, and am too lazy to learn, but the English translations are phenomenal. Witty and charming dialogue is married with bonkers murder cases and over the top court action, that literally has you on the edge of your seat. Forced to pick a favourite, my choice is the third game, simply because it has, in my opinion, the best antagonist - the coffee-guzzling, mask-wearing, cool-as-ice prosecutor Godot. That said, check out the whole series if you can, because they're all terrific.
Professor Layton and the Lost Future
Why all the threequels, you may be asking? I guess with Professor Layton's case, the first game set the ground rules and basic format, the second game elaborated with more mini-games and puzzles, and the third game just went bat**** insane. Time-travel, the mob, an evil future-version of Professor Layton, giant mechs and genetically-altered rabbits are all parts of the epic storyline. Combine this with brain-busting puzzles and gorgeous animated cutscenes, and you've got yet another winning franchise that made its name on the DS. I'm already drooling for Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright.
An eternal slumber awaits thee.
Super Scribblenauts
This is one of only two games I've ever rated a 9 on PALGN, and for a pretty simple reason. I adored the first Scribblenauts, as the creativity and just pure craziness that it contained was unlike anything I'd ever seen. Being able to type in basically anything and create it in-game was a brilliant conceit. But there were problems, specifically with the level design and controls. They fixed those in Super Scribblenauts. It was now, truly, a super game, and they even went to all the trouble of adding adjectives for even more creative possibilities. A great showcase of the kind of imagination that the DS was home to.
Elite Beat Agents
To be perfectly honest, I'm not a fan of Nintendo. Not anymore at least. The Wii failed in spectacular fashion, but the DS has managed to stand up for itself as a solid little portable platform despite the rather basic hardware. Only a few games stick out in my mind, and the first one is Elite Beat Agents which I bought alongside the console immediately. Not having the official musicians singing their songs should have been a problem, but it really wasn't because Elite Beat Agents was unbelievably addictive. I know that the Japanese version should be on this list instead, but I have no time for J-Pop and even less for a language that makes no sense to me. The premise was absurd, the gameplay was satisfying and the control scheme was brilliant. A classic, and one of the best rhythm games available.
Helping people through the majesty of song and dance.
Pokemon Series
After picking up Elite Beat Agents, I discreetly placed a copy of Pokemon Pearl into my shopping basket. I was embarrassed, ashamed and excited at the same time. Pokemon has barely evolved since the original GameBoy days, so I felt right at home with Pokemon Pearl. Even though I hate the cartoon, the video games have a charming quality about them. Maybe it's the music, or the cute graphics, or the cool Pokedex (we all wanted one, am I right or what?). There wasn't anything revolutionary about Pokemon for the DS, but it was a reminder of a better time in the industry. A time when achievements didn't exist, a time when a copy of Call of the Duty wasn't in every home, a time when video games were just about the greatest thing in the world. Unfortunately, I didn't catch them all... because I stopped caring after Mew.
Meteos
This is odd. Meteos was in fact, the third game that I bought for my DS. So you can see how my respect for Nintendo began to dip afterwards. I'm a sucker for most things with Tetsuya Mizuguchi's name on it, the man is a puzzle God. Meteos is a terrific portable experience, and fits perfectly onto dual screens. The stylus was an ideal tool for moving blocks and firing them into the air, but the most memorable thing for me was probably the main menu. You can move around all of the categories! I had never seen it done before, so it was a nice gimmick. Of course the gameplay was also brilliant, and it was my saving grace on many delayed trips using Melbourne's public transport. Aside from the aforementioned titles, there really wasn't much for me on the Nintendo DS. Hopefully the 3DS proves to be more fruitful. Well, actually...it already has. Did somebody say Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D? Bring it on.
Professor Layton and the Curious Village
A true gentleman or lady knows a classy game when they see it, and there is perhaps no classier game than Professor Layton and the Curious Village. Puzzle games have never really be known for their story, but The Curious Village changed all of that. The charming graphics and memorable characters such as the mischievous scamp Luke, the diabolical Don Paolo, the many eccentric villagers and the eponymous intelligent top hat wearer combined wonderfully with a series of puzzles that had the right balance of difficulty; not too easy that they were a bore, but never too hard so as to make you hurl the DS across the vicinity, striking a poor commuter or householder in the head. Such an action wouldn't be very gentlemanly at all. The critical success has translated into commercial success, with three games already reaching our shores and the hope of others to follow.
What the hell you lookin' at couch?
Hotel Dusk: Room 215
If the world were a kinder place, developers Cing would have a lot more support than they've received. One of their crowning achievements has to be this semi-obscure game, Hotel Dusk. Reminiscent of point-and-click adventures of old, the game makes use of almost every function on the DS that you can think of as you investigate the many mysteries of Hotel Dusk with cynical detective Kyle Hyde. Outside of the varied gameplay, Hotel Dusk features some delightfully realised characters and an excellent script, which has a subtle way of expressing Hyde's humor which is so dry you'll need several glasses of water to parch your throat. It was followed by a respectable sequel called Last Window: The Secret of Cape West, which would prove to be one of Cing's final games.
Okamiden
Coming at the dawn of the 3DS, Okamiden benefits from being a sequel to an already strong game and the level of touch screen controls pitched at just the right level. To use the game's Celestial Brush, one has full control with the DS stylus and it's one of the most natural control inputs for any game that I have ever seen. It helps that the game is steeped in a beautiful and adventure-filled world that will take some time to finish. It may be a recent game and hasn't had the time to build up the same legacy as some other games here, but there's no denying that Capcom put a lot of love into the game. When one gets just as much enjoyment simply running across fields as being in the middle of a vicious battle, you know that you've got something special on your hands, and the fact that it's on the DS makes it all more more focused and sweeter. It has mines of potential to have another iteration on the 3DS but as it stands it's a fitting last hurrah for the DS - a console which has an incredibly high ratio of outstanding games, and Okamiden can rightly join their ranks.
Rhythm Heaven
Of all the first party Nintendo games released on the DS, it is without a doubt that Rhythm Heaven is my favourite. The music was catchy as hell and the game, especially in the later stages, got pretty challenging. The best thing about it though was the incredible replayability; the developers really did good by putting in the whole medal system, which were only rewarded when you did well enough, and could be used to unlock other mini-games and 'rhythm toys'. It was the kind of game anyone could pick up and play and I found myself spending hours and hours on. Definitely worth all the time spent, and I can't wait for the sequel.
Nanashi no Game (Game with No Name)
Being a Nintendo console, it was no surprise that the DS got a lot of Japanese games that never made it out of the country. One such game is Nanashi no Game (aka Game with no Name), an adventure title that was also a damn scary horror game. Nanashi no Game's story was centered around a cursed DS game that is making the rounds in the form of an old, Dragon Quest-esque RPG. After you discover that one of your friends has died playing the game, you (foolishly) decide to do the same, only to realise that the same will happen to you in seven days if you don't figure out the link between the events in-game and in your life. Nanashi no Game was designed that if you spent long enough, the game could really fool you into thinking that you WERE playing a cursed game, complete with glitchy sprites and the most haunting 8-bit melody I've ever heard. The 'real life' sections were well done too, featuring a vertical screen layout and making awesome use of 3D sound. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like Square Enix will be localising it anytime soon, but we can still pray and hope.
Watch out for chavs.
Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure
Henry Hatsworth managed to combine two genres that are somewhat overdone - platformers and match-three-type puzzle games. The titular character Henry is basically Indiana Jones, setting out to find parts of the Golden Suit. Oh, and he is very fond of tea. To give an example of the game's charm, Henry Hatsworth takes British archetypes and twists them around; for example, filling up the game's Super meter to a certain capacity activates 'Tea Time', which allows you to control a giant robot and bash things up. The game was simple to grasp but difficult to master, especially in the last stages which are incredibly unforgiving, but it doesn't stop Henry Hatsworth from being one of the best and most unique DS games I've played.
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow / Portrait of Ruin / Order of Ecclesia
The three Castlevania titles were the most memorable I’ve played on the DS.Ironically, aside from Dawn of Sorrow, they made very little use of the touch screen. But aside from the map, they didn't need to. They were three of the most mechanically perfect 2D platformers not only on the DS but across every system during the entire life of the DS. And the latter titles even managed to dabble in some traditional Castlevania structure and challenge. Sure enough, the IGA production line got a bit tiresome after a while, but the overall quality of the 2D platforming was head and shoulders above… pretty much everything…
Executive Editor of PALGN, and also Master of Puppets.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass / Spirit Tracks
From no use of the touch screen, to exclusive use – both Legend of Zelda titles were arguably the shining light of the potential for core games and a touch screen. It’s a crying shame that more games didn’t try to adopt their approach, but that just makes their brilliance shine brighter. While they stuck a little too rigidly to the Zelda structure of old, Phantom Hourglass was a magnificent follow up to Wind Waker, while Spirit Tracks was a quaint improvement, with a great challenge and for the first time, a bratty Zelda. Very little on any system can touch the quality and care of these two titles.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Rockstar’s sole foray on the DS, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars stands out for being the most audacious DS available outside of Japan, and for taking GTA back to a time from yesteryear. It didn’t matter that you failed a mission, because you’d be back in two minutes. It had incredible variety, a cartoonier approach and some of the craziest characters you’ve ever met. If only there weren’t so many police!
Metroid Prime: Hunters
You know what Hunters was? A really crappy Metroid game. The campaign was a pretty rubbish, forgoing numerous staples of the Metroid franchises in favour of C-tier run-and-gun nonsense. But even with these blemeshes, Hunters was my first DS title, and one I fondly remember. The multiplayer in particular enthralled me, capturing an old-school PC shooter feel, almost as if it were an Unreal Tournament mod with a Metroid twist. I loved the variety in weapons, I loved the maps, I loved that each Hunter had uniqe abilities, and I loved that it had a pretty damn stable online mode. Bots! It also had bots! Most of all, I loved the touch pad controls. Sure, they might induce hand cramping hell, but the precision and speed of aiming with a touchpad reminded of why I love aiming with a mouse, and why I hate aiming with analogue sticks. I still come back to Hunters every now and then for some bot murdering carnage.
When the line between real life and video games begins to blur.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Oh look another person listing Chinatown Wars. I could have picked something different, but stuff it. It's no secret that I have always preferred the fast paced isometic GTAs of old over the 3D iterations, and I firmly believe Chinatown Wars is a near perfect evolution of this style. Overflowing in deep content and rich with beautiful visuals, Chinatown Wars was literally the GTA I had been asking for since Grand Theft Auto 2. It could have been a cheap cash-in, it could have been rushed, but instead Rockstar delivered one of the most comprehensive, polished, and near endlessly replayable titles on the DS. I absolutely adore it.
Hotel Dusk: Room 215
Despite the initial positive reception to Hotel Dusk, it took me longer than I care to mention to actually pick it up. I'm not sure why. Despite loving the graphic novel genre, I couldn't bring myself to grab it early. However, once I finally knuckled down and jumped in, I found myself easily lost in the moody adventure of Kyle Hyde. Sharp writing, a gripping plot, believable and lovable characters, beautiful unique art and animation, and inventive use of the DS hardware features proved Cing as a developer who not only understood the important elements of a good graphic novel game, but also one that was able to capitalise on what made the Nintendo DS unique. It is a tremendous shame that the company's financial woes will prevent them from bringing the same kind of personality and inviduality to the 3DS.
There we have it. Seven years worth of quality of software, nearly all of which is still valued highly in today's market. We've told you our favourite Nintendo DS titles, so now why not let us know what yours were in our comments below?
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