10 Best DS Games of the 2009 Holiday Season

With all the DS games coming out this holiday season, it can be hard to choose which ones you'd like to pick up. From RPGs to action to puzzle games, the DS has something for everybody. We've narrowed down the piles of upcoming games into the absolutely cream of the crop. Here are the 10 Best DS Games of the 2009 Holiday Season:

10. Need for Speed: Nitro (Out November 3, 2009)

Fans of the Need for Speed franchise or even just racing games in general should be jumping at the chance to play Nitro. The game will offer more than 30 licensed cars, heavy customization, and, of course, plenty of tracks. From roller coaster tracks to more traditional street racing, Need for Speed Nitro has it all.

9. Spectral Force Genesis (Out November 17, 2009)

Hardcore fans of strategy RPGs should love Spectral Force Genesis. The game features 40 countries, and players will have to pick one and conquer the other 39. Spectral Force Genesis features real time combat that makes heavy use of the DS' stylus.

8. Fighting Fantasy (Out  November 24, 2009)

Gamers who enjoy 3D First Person games should be intrigued by Fighting Fantasy. Inspired by the popular book series of the same name, Fighting Fantasy features combat similar to games like Diablo and The Elder Scrolls. The game will boast hundreds of weapon and armor pieces and more than 10 hours of gameplay.

7. Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery (Out November 17, 2009)

The first Assassin's Creed game on the DS, Altair's Chronicles, was a disappointment to many gamers. However, Assassin's Creed II: Discovery promises something different. The game is designed as a supplement to the new Assassin's Creed game coming out for the 360 and PS3 and will feature an untold chapter in Ezio's tale.

6. Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron (Out November 3, 2009)

Finally, a Battlefront game is being released for the DS! This entry into the series will feature a class based gameplay system and will allow gamers to play as iconic characters such as Luke Skywalker and Boba Fett in the Heroes and Villains mode. And of corse, you'll be able to wield a lightsaber in battle.

5.  Harvest Moon: Sunshine Islands(Out November 10, 2009)

The Harvest Moon franchise has managed to build up a huge fanbase over the years. The newest game in the popular farming simulation series will feature a similar set-up to Island of Happiness, but will have many gameplay improvements. From new characters to new animals like ducks, monkeys, and badgers, this game has tons to offer fans.

4.  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Mobilized  (Out November 10, 2009)

At last, Call of Duty fans will be able to play their much loved series on the DS. In Modern Warfare Mobilized, players will be able to use their favorite weapons and vehicles like high-caliber sniper rifles and Battle Tanks. The game will feature online play and an all new Global Conflict mode.

3. Phantasy Star Zero (Out November 10, 2009)

Whether you're a diehard fan of Phantasy Star or totally new to the series, this online and offline RPG has a lot to offer gamers. From the amazingly in depth character creation system to the action RPG style gameplay to the incredible collection of weapons the game offers, just about anyone should be able to find something to like about Phantasy Star Zero.

2. LEGO Rock Band (Out November 3, 2009)

As the title may suggest, LEGO Rock Band takes the wildly popular LEGO and Rock Band franchises and combines them into one. The game will offer the same gameplay that people have come to expect from the rock band series as well as LEGO-ized versions of popular bands and artists, such as Queen and Iggy Pop. To see the game's full song list, click here.

1.  The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (Out December 7, 2009)

No game could top this list but the newest Legend of Zelda game: Spirit Tracks. This is a sequel to the DS smash hit The Phantom Hourglass. In Spirit Tracks, Link will travel across the world by train accompanied by a suit of armor known as Phantom. The game will feature new weapons, including a microphone activated weapon called the whirlwind. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is sure to become another DS must-have.