13 Hidden Gems for the Nintendo DS
Description
The Nintendo DS is home to many classic titles that are regarded as some of handhelds best offerings available. These 10 titles, while maybe not as well regarded or well known, offer a fantastic portable adventure for those who are willing to try them!
Children of Mana
This action RPG is one that is often overshadowed by its big brother, Secret of Mana (and rightfully so). While not nearly as memorable or regarded as a classic like 'Secret' is, it would be very easy to overlook this game. The graphics are bright and the sprite work is fantastic. Also, the soundtrack is very nicely composed as we all have come to expect from the Mana series.
The biggest setbacks of this title would have to be that it can be very repetitive and the story is not memorable at all. But overall its a great game to have in your collection, especially if you like the Mana series of games.
999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors
I really contemplated about having 999 on this last as, at this point, is not very 'hidden' anymore. But because I love this game and want to talk about it any time that I can, I decided to add it in.
999 is primarily a visual novel with some puzzle aspects sprinkled in. I honestly don't want to spoil ANYTHING about this game because quite frankly it has one of the best stories I have ever experienced, not just in video game form. So if you like visual novels or aren't scared to try something new, I implore you to play this game (it's available on ios now I believe).
This was the first visual novel game that I had played and now I absolutely love the genre. And also if you enjoy this game, there are two sequels, with the last being released at the end of June! I absolutely can't wait!
Avalon Code
Another action RPG, Avalon Code is a unique adventure that revolves around the Book of Prophecy. Your job is to record everything in this book. Plants, animals, enemies, weapons, all have to be smacked with your book to record it. The gameplay is fun and the graphics are very good for the DS. If it sounds interesting give it a shot! Unfortunately it is becoming pretty hard to come by so only buy it if you feel you will really enjoy it.
Dragon Ball: Origins
The Dragon Ball animation series is legendary. Most of the games however are not so much. I was never a huge fan of Dragon Ball Z growing up but I did enjoy watching the original Dragon Ball series.
In Dragon Ball Origins you play as young Goku and the game actually follows the main events of the anime pretty closely. You will meet up with many characters from the show and visit many of the iconic locations found in the anime. The game controls pretty uniquely in the fact that you move Goku with the d-pad, but you actually control his bow staff attacks with the touch screen. Some of the locations get repetitive and some of the missions are overly tedious and long, but all-in-all I really enjoyed my experience with this one.
Freshly-Picked: Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland
Oh man I don't even know where to begin on one...in fact I won't say anything. Just watch any YouTube video and you will understand why there are no words for this game. I will just say that I am so thankful that the DS isn't region locked so that I was able to play this game.
Tingle...I just...I have no words.
Monster Tale
Monster Tale is an awesome Metroid-Vania style game infused with light Pokemon elements. Sound intriguing? It is! You play as a girl trying to stop the evil kid-kings with the help of her monster friends. By feeding your monster different food and items, you change the monster's abilities and appearance! This game came out very late in the life of the DS and is often overlooked which is a shame. It definitely is a fun little game to have in your collection!
Solatorobo: Red the Hunter
I absolutely love this game. SRtH is another action RPG on this list and it is an indirect sequel to one of my favorite PS1 games, Tail Concerto. In this game you play as a Hunter named Red and the basic plot is that you are trying to save a girl you find with amnesia (cliche yes but it works). The game also answers questions that are raised in Tail Concerto and overall is just an extremely satisfying game, especially if you are a fan of the series. The game is also animated beautifully, has a killer soundtrack, and offers a really unique action battle system. I definitely recommend it and it is not necessary that you have played Tail Concerto.
Super Dodgeball Brawlers
Not a whole lot to say about this one. The Super Dodgeball series has been around since the NES days and this game plays almost exactly like it. If you enjoyed the one for the NES you will definitely enjoy this one.
Time Hollow
The second visual novel on this list, Time Hollow tells a cliched but memorable story. You play as a 17 year old kid named Ethan, whose parents mysteriously disappear on his birthday. Ethan finds a strange and powerful pen that lets him open portals and travel through time to solve the mystery. Possibly the uniquest aspect of this game is that it was actually published by Konami. I could be wrong, but I believe this is one of the few, if not the only, visual novel they have published.
Radiant Historia
Radiant Historia may be one of my favorite traditional turn-based RPGs I have ever played. This game is fantastic and is not given nearly enough credit. Yes the storyline involves time travel, which is always unfairly compared to Chrono Trigger, but the way that the game implements the time travel system is utterly fantastic. The game is also much more than just being about time travel and has a deep combat system and a story that also focuses on friendship and politics.
Radiant Historia also has a fantastic pedigree as the game's development team mostly consists of Atlus staff who previously worked on Megami Tensei games like Nocturne, Persona 3 and Strange Journey as well as the Etrian Odyssey series. The development team also includes other members who had previously worked on Radiata Stories (source: Wikipedia). Also having one of the best video game composers on the planet in Yoko Shimomura just puts the icing on this incredible cake.
Okami Den
Another game that I don't know if it is actually "hidden" per say but Okamiden is definitely overshadowed by its older brother Okami. Okamiden is unbelievable handheld experience. Not only is this game massive, but the amount of content they fit into that little DS cartridge is astounding. It truly feels like Okami on a handheld. Yes the graphics aren't as great (obviously) but other than that, this game is as memorable and charming as the original.
For those unfamiliar with Okami and Okamiden, you play as a mystical wolf-god with a magical paintbrush out to save the world from terrible evil. The games are steeped in Japanese folk-lore and tell incredible stories worth viewing. One things this game doesn't get enough credit for is its humor. It is always on point. Please check this game out if you haven't done so already.
Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals
No your eyes aren't deceiving you, this is in fact Lufia on the DS. And while it is a remake of the Lufia II from the SNES, this game is a complete overhaul. For better or worse, the game is no longer a traditional turn-based RPG and is instead now a real-time action RPG. Fans of the original may have a hard time accepting this drastic change, but for those that can, Lufia provides a rich and fun combat system with varied gameplay and puzzles and very solid graphics for the DS.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
Ghost Trick is a unique offering from Capcom where you play as a ghost who can inhabit other objects and people to solve puzzles. The game is very story heavy and your goal is to figure out why you died (not a spoiler this is exactly how the game starts). The curve ball at the end of the game is pretty good and one that you or many not see coming. This was a game I was anticipating greatly and was a tad disappointed overall, but none the less it is a really good DS title that deserves a spot on your shelf.