I can only buy 2 Nintendo DS games....what should they be?

[Flasch186]

I am taking a trip in Mid January and wanna take SO's DS on the airplane. I know nothing about DS's (?) so please tell me which 2 games to play. I enjoy sports games of depth like FM or FOF but I do not enjoy long walks on the beach or getting a Starbuck. I think I look best in the moonlight or the dark and prefer to be a bottom. Which 2 games? thanks

[Izulde]

Do you like tactical strategy at all? If so, fantasy or modern-day?

[Big Fo]

Mario Kart DS - The best version of Mario Kart since the SNES days

Picross DS - Puzzle game, try it and see if you like it first, hxxp://wiipicross.com/ (it's also $20 which is nice, cheaper than most of the other games)


Two great games, both offering something different.

[CamEdwards]

I think I look best in the moonlight or the dark and prefer to be a bottom.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Does your BF know about this? Of course he does, what am I thinking?

[Flasch186]

Do you like tactical strategy at all? If so, fantasy or modern-day?

not sure but I would say b/w the 2 it'd have to be more modern.

[korme]

There is a great game called Brain Age, that you usally only play 10-15 minutes a day, but makes you keep coming back for those 10-15 every single day. It's awesome. Especially when more than 1 person is involved.

[Izulde]

not sure but I would say b/w the 2 it'd have to be more modern.

I'll echo the Mario Kart choice anyway since someone mentioned it and you may want to try one of the modern tactical strat games... damned if I can remember the name of it though.

[sterlingice]

Mario Kart is the best game for the system. Hands down. And not for a lack of good games on the DS. It's just that good. So, if you like Mario Kart, that's the way to go. The one thing is that I'm not sure how good it will be on a cramped airplane.

Age of Empires and Advance Wars are the two best turn based strat games for the system. Advance Wars definitely gets the nod if you can only pick one.

New Super Mario Bros is definitely a classic. Again, on an airplane, it may not work so well.

You can't beat Pokemon: Diamond or Pearl if you like the Pokemon series but it's not everyone's cup of tea. But check out a couple of the DS threads if you want to see reactions of people who didn't think they'd like it, went in with an open mind, and are hooked.

For other RPGs, there's Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time and the Mario RPGs are great if you haven't played them. You'll have to check with tk for opinions on Final Fantasy III and there's a new Final Fantasy XII that just came out in the past month that's getting pretty good reviews.

I played a ton of Puzzle Quest. Very fun but I'm starting to get tired of it. Still, got tons of hours out of it.

Don't forget, you can also snag GBA games to play on the DS. Also, this isn't really an exhaustive list of DS games- just a list of the time crunch ones.

SI

[wishbone]

I think Clubhouse Games and New Super Mario Bros would be my two picks. I personally didn't like MarioKart DS, didn't have a ratio of speed/control that I liked. Some would say the latest Metroid, I haven't played it.

[sterlingice]

Clubhouse games is another good choice

SI

[Big Fo]

Mario Kart is the best game for the system. Hands down. And not for a lack of good games on the DS. It's just that good. So, if you like Mario Kart, that's the way to go. The one thing is that I'm not sure how good it will be on a cramped airplane.

Age of Empires and Advance Wars are the two best turn based strat games for the system. Advance Wars definitely gets the nod if you can only pick one.

New Super Mario Bros is definitely a classic. Again, on an airplane, it may not work so well.

You can't beat Pokemon: Diamond or Pearl if you like the Pokemon series but it's not everyone's cup of tea. But check out a couple of the DS threads if you want to see reactions of people who didn't think they'd like it, went in with an open mind, and are hooked.

For other RPGs, there's Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time and the Mario RPGs are great if you haven't played them. You'll have to check with tk for opinions on Final Fantasy III and there's a new Final Fantasy XII that just came out in the past month that's getting pretty good reviews.

I played a ton of Puzzle Quest. Very fun but I'm starting to get tired of it. Still, got tons of hours out of it.

Don't forget, you can also snag GBA games to play on the DS. Also, this isn't really an exhaustive list of DS games- just a list of the time crunch ones.

SI

I would have recommended Advance Wars, my favorite game on the system, but I think it's out of print and only findable on Ebay, plus the sequel comes out in a month. Can't wait.

[IMetTrentGreen]

I don't know if you like Tetris type games, but Planet Puzzle League is really good. I got it for my mom and ended up almost stealing her DS for it.

[Yellow5]

I'll throw another nod towards Puzzle Quest. Also enjoy Pokemon Diamond, the Final Fantasy games and Advance Wars.

[sterlingice]

I would have recommended Advance Wars, my favorite game on the system, but I think it's out of print and only findable on Ebay, plus the sequel comes out in a month. Can't wait.

Yeah, not that easy to find. Saw it used at Gamestop last night. They're currently running their Buy 2 Get 1 free used sale :)

SI

[Marc Vaughan]

Any two from this list:

Pheonix Wright (I, II & III)
Pokemon (Diamond or Pearl)
Puzzle Quest
Advance Wars Duel Strike

[Calis]

I'm not a Maario Kart fan. I guess I just don't get it, but then again I never have. I'm just not much into racing games of any sort.

I'm not sure what I would pick. I play a lot of DS, but nothing stands out to me as THE best. That said the games I have enjoyed the most on it are the Phoenix Wright games, Picross(would probably be my pick if I could have just one), the Phantom Hourglass Zelda game, and maybe toss in New Super Mario Brothers as icing.

Oh actually just thought of one not mentioned that I loved. Anno 1701! Superb turn-based strategy game. Highly recommended.

[terpkristin]

I'm not a Maario Kart fan. I guess I just don't get it, but then again I never have. I'm just not much into racing games of any sort.

I'm not sure what I would pick. I play a lot of DS, but nothing stands out to me as THE best. That said the games I have enjoyed the most on it are the Phoenix Wright games, Picross(would probably be my pick if I could have just one), the Phantom Hourglass Zelda game, and maybe toss in New Super Mario Brothers as icing.

Oh actually just thought of one not mentioned that I loved. Anno 1701! Superb turn-based strategy game. Highly recommended.

Ugh I hate Phantom Hourglass. The forced control with the stylus is absolutely dreadful. It's one of those games I feel like I should love, because in general I've loved the Zelda games, but this one feels like a chore to play, so much so that I decide to do other things instead of playing it (and I'm trying not to start any other games until I finish it). Oddly enough, I wouldn't include New SMB in my top 5 DS games list, either. It's fun enough, I guess, but the new "features" or "skills" (the shrinking and the growing) aren't really as interesting (or as useful) in my opinion as the ones in previous games (SMB3 is still the best BY FAR for incorporating useful things, like the feather and the various suits), and sometimes cause more nuisance than they're worth in my book.

I think if I had to choose a "top 5" it'd be (in no particular order)
Phoenix Wright (any of the 3)
Pokemon (Diamond or Pearl)
Mario Kart DS
Super Mario DS (remake of the N64 game)
Touch Detective

I also have a few games I either own or want to own (and can't find), that I think will probably be decent:
Elite Beat Agents (own, haven't gotten to)
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (own, haven't gotten to)
Advance Wars (going to have to wait for the new one I guess)

/tk

[dawgfan]

The Advance Wars games are outstanding. They work so well because while they have relatively simple rules, the designers have done an outstanding job of creating levels that challenge you just enough to keep playing and make you feel a sense of accomplishment at getting through them.

They may be out of print, but I haven't had a hard time getting them - I've had great success buying them used from Amazon. I bought the Advance Wars DS game new, but had no issues getting the original 2 Gameboy Advance versions via Amazon.

The Planet Puzzle League game is fun solo, but it's much better as a multiplayer game. I'd actually recommend the GBA Dr. Mario/Puzzle League version for single-player use.

[Godzilla Blitz]

Ones I've liked:
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl
Final Fantasy III
Puzzle Quest
New York Times Crossword

On deck:
Panzer Tactics DS
Front Mission DS
Advance Wars DS

I've got Super Mario, but it has yet to click for me. I realize it's a fun game if you like that sort of game, but I suck at jumping, bouncing, and twisting, so I tend to clear levels slowly. The restrictive save system makes that game less attractive for me for quick gaming sessions.

And thanks, Calis, for the tip on Anno 1701. Sounds interesting.

[General Mike]

The 2 Castlevania games are great. Contra 4 is pretty good, but very hard.

[Flasch186]

i ended up with 1 used Phoenix wright Ace Attorney 1 game...reason being that the Gamestop guy said if I didnt like it I can bring it back. So we'll give it a shot over the next few days.

[Greyroofoo]

FYI there's a new advance wars game coming out by the end of the month

[MJ4H]

1-Elite Beat Agents
2-New Super Mario Bros/Mario Kart

#2 depends on which you like better.

[Greyroofoo]

I'm enjoying Zelda very much if you wish to know. It's actually a sequel for the Wind Waker

[Flasch186]

at first blush, this Attorney game seems a bit silly but i only played for 10 minutes. I think, I may have higher expectations for gaming systems than perhaps the DS can provide.

[digamma]

I enjoyed Hotel Dusk Room 215 better than the Phoenix Wright games.

Mario Kart is great.

[Godzilla Blitz]

at first blush, this Attorney game seems a bit silly but i only played for 10 minutes. I think, I may have higher expectations for gaming systems than perhaps the DS can provide.

I've found that some of the better DS games have a juvenile flavor to them that I have to put up with. Advance Wars comes to mind as the strongest example of this.

There are oodles of games out there for the system, though, so I'd be hesitant to judge things based on one title.

If you are expecting the same depth as PC sports sims, however, you will be disappointed with the system.

[Calis]

Yes, the Phoenix Wright games are very silly and it won't lessen. I didn't mind it though, and actually found some of it kind of amusing.

I never got into Advance Wars which is odd to me, because I really should. I do love the Fire Emblem series though, one of my favorites. I don't understand why there isn't a Fire Emblem DS yet. I thought those series sold relatively well over here.

Another game I had a lot of fun with that I forgot to mention is Etrian Odyssey. It's a throwback to old school 1st person dungeon crawlers, and it does it very well. It's tough, frustratingly slow, and like all dungeon crawlers can get a bit repetitive after a while, but I had a blast with it for quite a long time. No automap, you make your own with the touch screen and it's actually pretty fun.

[Marc Vaughan]

at first blush, this Attorney game seems a bit silly but i only played for 10 minutes. I think, I may have higher expectations for gaming systems than perhaps the DS can provide.

Its standard 'manga' fare - think parody rather than aiming for realism.

but the 'puzzles' and storyline in the games were entertaining and challenging enough to keep me moving forward personally ...

[terpkristin]

I'm enjoying Zelda very much if you wish to know. It's actually a sequel for the Wind Waker

Actually, I think it's a good Zelda game, but the control scheme makes it dreadful. The rolls never work for me, which is frustrating, and my hand doesn't do well with holding ANYTHING for extended periods of time (a remanant of my previous injuries to my hand), so holding a stylus is uncomfortable at best.

I think if I could use the D-pad and buttons in the game, I'd love it.

/tk