DS Holiday Guide

[Macawmoses]

As an editor for 8th-Circuit, a "friend" of NSFCD, I write all sorts of pieces. I'm doing a three part special, a Holiday Guide for DS, Wii, and WiiWare/VC. This isn't on the site yet, so you get a sneak preview of sorts, but I really want to know YOUR thoughts on the list; what do you think should be on it? Do you agree with any of it? Etc.

Also, note that Superstar Saga and JUS are bonus pieces, to make for "12 Games of Christmas", ten of which are new from the last holiday season.



While many a website already has a "Buyers Guide" up, already, and Christmas is a month away, 8th Circuit may as well join in. In Part I of a three part segment, I will highlight 12 (one for each day of Christmas) titles that you should be out to get. Ten of which will be relatively new (being released since the last Holiday Season), while the others are either imports or old...you'll have to see for yourself.

12. N+

Rounding out the list is N+, a quirky title starring a pixelated Ninja. In this simple platformer, your goal is to overcome a number of obstacles on your way to the exit, but any hazards kill you instantly. Sound familiar? Than you've played the flash game N. This title is a blast, and you'll find yourself coming back for more, and more, and more. Maybe that's because of all the lives you lose? No, it's likely because you won't ever have more fun losing lives. N+ can be played on the go, or you can sit down for hours. The best part is the level editor, though, which you can use Wifi to upload and of course, receive, new stages. The fun will go on for years, and this is a must have title.

11. Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Released in February, PL&tCV has done well for itself. Why? Because it is one of the best games out there. Going through the game is simple, you solve several puzzles, testing all areas of your brain, and giving you a quirky plot, along the way. Much like N+, part of the fun comes from playing it in spurts, and giving you the option to sit down and play. Another similarity is the fact Wifi gives you a new puzzle every week, meaning you'll be able to play this title for a long time.

10. Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia

This is a title that is hit and miss. Fans of Pokemon, and more importantly, Pokemon Ranger, won't be disappointed, as Shadows of Almia corrects many of the problems the prior title had. It's a solid title, through and through, allowing you to choose a partner Pokemon to aid you through the course of the title, and of course, the styler mechanic has been improved upon. On the contrary, non-fans may only find this an average game, maybe even less, as it is nothing but Pokemon. As an RPG, it holds up well, but will likely fail to impress newcomers to the series. Oh, and like the above titles, new content is available through wifi, which is a definite bonus.

9. Guitar Hero: On Tour

It's about time the DS sees a Guitar Hero, and boy, it was well worth the wait. It's still the same rhythm game you know and love, the music just isn't as good, and the graphics a little pixelated. Nintendo fans should be used to this by now, though, and gameplay is where it is at. Sadly, fans of the elusive orange button will be disappointed, it doesn't make a return for the DS installment, but the other four colors do. In fact, they were even so kind as to make a peripheral just for the DS, one that plugs in to the GBA slot. Guitar Hero is a stellar franchise, and the DS version does not disappoint. One thing holds it back, though, and that is the fact the DSi is on the horizon, a DS without a GBA slot. Oh well, you can still rock on now.

8. Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga (GBA)

The first of two surprise titles on this holiday list. Released in 2003, Superstar Saga holds up well by even today's standards. It offers a quirky story, original gameplay, and decent everything else. The DS installment, Partners in Time, is still a good game, but the prequel, Superstar Saga, gives you better bang for your buck. An 8th-Circuit review gave it 9/10.

7. Kirby: Super Star Ultra

KSSU is another title that is hit and miss. Really, it's a remake of the SNES title, Kirby Super Star. It does that well, bringing in all of the elements fans will love, including an adorable antagonist. I don't expect many newer gamers to know much about Kirby, but for those that have played an entry in Smash Bros, they'll be familiar with the character. This brings in a new crowd, which is why the Big N added a lot of new content in, plus, the touch screen certainly adds flair. However, parts of the game seem like filler, so be wary with a title as such. It is worth your time, but it's far from the perfect lover...I mean game.

6. Ninjatown

Half way there, and the Ninjas score again. This game is...special. It's a tower defense game, and the characters are cute little devils, and ninjas. Not much can be said except that it holds up well on its' own, and don't let the cutesy appeal fool you. It brings a refreshing change to the DS, and just shows how diverse it truly is.

5. Jump Ultimate Stars (Import)

The other surprise. A dear friend of mine imported this title, and of course, Playground Law states that he must share, or penalty of a wedgie. This is a simply magnificent title, basically Smash Bros on the DS, but with waaaaaaay more characters, all from different Anime "universes". Even as an "anti-otaku", I find it to be a magnificent title. You won't find it in the US, or my home of Canuckistan, so it is necessary to import this title. It's well worth the average 60 dollars you'll spend, though....

4. Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood

I know, I know, this likely doesn't deserve number four on the list when stacked up to some of these other titles. However, two aspects get it this high. The first, it's a Sonic game that isn't half bad, an anomaly in this day and age. The other, Bioware, the company that makes it, is situated out of my home  province, and my favorite retreat. This is Sonics' first venture into the RPG world, and it goes well, all in all. The characters aren't that obnoxious, the story isn't too shabby, and the gameplay is...dare I say....some of the best on the DS this year. However, it certainly has a lot of kiddy appeal, being that it isn't difficult, and very lighthearted. For the Sonic fan that is also an RPG lover, you won't be disappointed.

3. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

I feel bad that this isn't a higher rated title, it brings the revered series to the platform in which it belongs, the DS. Ecclesia also delivers a fantastic presentation graphically, musically, and every other way imaginable. As a platformer, it meets, and exceeds, expectations of an average title. Adding in RPG elements is also a perk. Regardless of being a Castlevania nut, you'll likely find this an enjoyable title, simply because of how darn awesome it is. In fact, I'm going to be bold in saying this, but Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is the best installment to date.

2. The World Ends With You

Ah, TWEWY, a solid contender for DS Game of the Year. TWEWY is filled with action, amazing characters and dialogue, and a presentation unrivaled by others this year. The best part, though, is the control mechanisms, using rhythm, much like Elite Beat Agents, and leveled up powers. A casual gamer should be able to make it through the game with some minor issues, and a seasoned gamer, such as myself, can choose options that will inhibit them, making TWEWY a challenge, and oh so much fun. What a wonderful world.

1. Chrono Trigger DS

It pains me, having to choose the top game. TWEWY belongs here. Castlevania belongs here. Many others do. However, no one title is as respected in the RPG world than Chrono Trigger, and this remake shows just why. It is an epic RPT, for sure, and offers many new features too. Plus, with the original still being a steep bid on ebay, this is a great way to bring the series to newer gamers. Furthermore, it looks modern, and it feels modern. Chrono Trigger DS is a fantastic buy, and one I hope you don't overlook.

So, there it is, my list of 12 holiday buys, one for every day of Christmas. It's subject to change based on preference, for instance, I'm sure some of you will swap N+ with Ninjatown. There is also the fact Advance Wars: Days of Ruin and a couple of Final Fantasy titles aren't on my list at all. Regardless, these are titles no gamer should miss out on, so do yourself a favor, and ask for these.

Mackormoses

[HTA!]

I would hesitate to suggest an import.
I would also not recommend StS, not because it isn't a great game, but because it would be very hard to find.
If you missed the boat its likely that you won;t be able to find the game... oh but the wonders of Ebay.

Nice list, gave me a few game suggestions to ask for. :)

[Triforce_Luigi]

Well, now I know what I want for Christmas. I really must get Chrono Trigger DS, though...

[jnfs2014]

6, 4, and maybe 10 are all on my Christmas list.

[Macawmoses]

6 is a great game. Ninjatown is adorable, and has a great system.

[Silverhawk79]

8. Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga (GBA)

Agh, I should really get that...I played a ROM of it (shame on me D=), but it glitched at a certain point and I never finished it. I also never beat M&L: PiT.
...Or about a dozen GCN titles. I should get around to that sometime. ;_;

[sonicdude164]

8. Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga (GBA)

Agh, I should really get that...I played a ROM of it (shame on me D=), but it glitched at a certain point and I never finished it. I also never beat M&L: PiT.
...Or about a dozen GCN titles. I should get around to that sometime. ;_;

You should get it, it really is a great game. I'm mad because I lent it to my friend and never saw it again. He claims he gave it back already...