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.

New DSi Coming to the US

Nintendo's newly announced DSi model, the DSi LL, will be coming to the US.

"A new iteration of the Nintendo DSi; system will be introduced in Japan on November 21, 2009," says Nintendo. "To be known as Nintendo DSi LL in Japan, and as Nintendo DSi XL in North America and Europe, it will offer a screen 93% larger than the current Nintendo DS Lite with a better view angle, an additional longer touch screen stylus, and preinstalled Nintendo DSiWare software."

"The new version will arrive in North America and Europe in the first quarter of calendar year 2010."

Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow Announced

 Another Blue Dragon title will be making its way to the DS. D3Publisher announced that they are releasing a game called Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow in 2010. Awakened Shadow will be a JRPG like its predecessors, but this title has many new things to offer as well. Players are now able to completely customize the main character, choosing their sex, features, and more. They'll even be able to customize their clothes.

"We are thrilled to bring Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow to DS," says D3P Product Development vice president Peter Andrew. "In the two previously released games, Shu was the main character, but now players can create their own hero and even choose to journey as themselves. We believe returning fans and new audiences will enjoy this unique element in the series."

 Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow comes out in the US in Spring of 2010.

DSi LL Announced

The rumors about a new DSi model posted about here are true! Nintendo has official announced a new, larger screened DSi model, called the DSi LL. There is a huge difference in since from the current DSi model, as you can see below.

The DSi LL is designed so that people around you can watch and enjoy what's on your DS. Not only is the screen size 93% bigger, but the system also has an improved viewing angle of the screens.

The DSi LL will come in Wine Red, Dark Brown, Natural White, and will launch at a price of 20,000 yen ( a little over $200 US dollars). The DSi comes out on November 21st, 2009.

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Dementium II Screenshots and Videos

Want to know more about the upcoming DS game Dementium II? Check out the trailer and gameplay videos here, or take a look at these screenshots here. The game is a sequel to the survival horror title Dementium: The Ward and will feature an all new story. Dementium II comes out in February 2010.

Hills and Rivers Remain Images

Images and artwork from the upcoming game Hills and Rivers Remain are now available for viewing here. The realtime strategy game was created by Square-Enix and will be a DSiWare title. Hills and Rivers Remain should be available to download sometime in 2010.

Nyko Zoom Case Now Available for the DSi

The Nyko Zoom Case is now available for the Nintendo DSi. The Zoom Case is a detachable optical zoom lens that DSi owners can use to take clear photos with their system from a distance. The Zoom Case can zoom in up to 8x. It costs $24.99.

The Biggest Loser DS Images

Images from the new DS title The Biggest Loser are available for viewing here. Based on the hit reality show The Biggest Loser, the game will suggest workouts and give nutritional advice to players, along with coaching from trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels. The Biggest Loser DS is in stores now.

New Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter Screenshots and Gameplay Videos

Want to know more about the new game Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter? Check out these screenshots here and gameplay videos here. The Next Chapter is the sequel to the hit DS title Drawn to Life and boasts new features like shapeshifting and allows you to trade items you created with friends. Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter is available in stores now.

Diner Dash: Flo on the Go Images

Images from the new DS title Diner Dash: Flo on the Go are now available for viewing here. Flo on the Go is the latest DS title in the popular time management series and features new unlockable costumes as well as many new levels and challenges. Diner Dash: Flo on the Go is available in stores now.

New Releases This Week for the DS

Here are the new releases for the DS for the week of October 25, 2009:

Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter
Atelier Annie: Alchemists of Sera Island
BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE Vilgax Attacks
Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure
Chronicles of Mystery: Curse of the Ancient Temple
SimAnimals Africa
SpongeBob's Truth or Square
Hasbro Family Game Night 2
100 All-Time Favorites
The Backyardigans
Sushi Academy
Dream Salon
Hidden Mysteries: Titanic
Press Your Luck 2010 Edition
Diner Dash: Flo on the Go

New Nintendo DSi Model Rumored

A new Nintendo DSi that features nearly double the current screen size is rumored to be coming out by the end of the year in Japan. Sources say new DSi will cost 18,900 yen, or $205 dollars and that Nintendo is considering releasing the new DSi model overseas.

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CSI: Deadly Intent DS Instant Win & Sweepstakes Promotion

Ubisoft has launched a CSI: Deadly Intent Instant Win Investigation and Solve the Case Sweepstakes. The immersive contest allows players to participate in online investigations. The grand prize is inclusive trip for two to Las Vegas and a VIP Tour of CSI: The Experience at the MGM Grand Hotel, guided by a writer from the television series.

The promotion is now live at http://www.deadlyintentgame.com and will end on January 18, 2010.

DSiWare Downloads for 10/26/09

PictureBook Games: The Royal Bluff and SUDOKU are now available in the DSiWare store. PictureBook Games: The Royal Bluff is a strategic game that has players compete for points by adding or subtracting colored chips from their game board. It costs 500 Nintendo DSi Points. SUDOKU is a DS version of the famous numbers game and costs 200 Nintendo DSi Points.

Square Enix Announces Hills and Rivers Remain for the DSi

Square Enix has announced a new real time strategy DSiWare game. Titled Kuni Yaburete Sanga Ari, or Hills and Rivers Remain in English, the game features tower defense style gameplay. The game was originally released as a cell phone game in Japan. Hills and Rivers Remain comes out in Japan on on October 28. It will be 800 DSiPoints.

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15 DS Games That Should Get a North American Release

Gamers in North America are pretty lucky. We're able to choose from a wide selection of video games at great prices, and game releases tend to be much earlier here than in many other parts of the world. However, there are still plenty of great DS games that aren't available to us unless we import them or use a flash cart. Here are 15 games we'd like to see get released here:

1. Archaic Sealed Heat

Archaic Sealed Heat is a tactical role-playing game developed by Mistwalker, who created games like the Blue Dragon series and Lost Odyssey. ASH puts you in the shoes of Aisya, a princess who has been prevented from taking up the throne as queen. The game features 3D graphics and a battle system similar to Fire Emblem's. Rumors of a US release for Archaic Sealed Heat have been swirling for well over a year, but nothing has ever come of them.

2. Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 1 and 2

Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan is the series that Elite Beat Agents was based off of it. It plays almost exactly the same way- people in need call for help, and your all-male cheer squad answers their call as you tap your stylus in time with the music. However, the Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan games feature more songs, a rival cheer group, and a terrific sequel. Everyone who wants more Elite Beat Agents would love to see this get a stateside release.

3. Kimino Yusha

This adorable SNK RPG was created specifically for people who don't have a lot of time for gaming. Kimino Yuusha features 30 minute adventures that take full advantage of both pf the DS' screens. Kimino Yuusha came out in Japan on October 23, 2008, but a US release date has yet to be announced.

4.  Ketsui Death Label

Ketsui Death Label is an arcade-style shoot-em-up game with a terrific sense of humor. Ketsui Death Label is a great game for players who like a real challenge, and defeating the title's boss will earn you some serious bragging rights. The game is playable even if you don't understand Japanese, so fans of shooting games might want to import this one.

5. Shining Force Feather 

Shining Force Feather is the first game in Sega's popular Shining Force series to be released for the DS. Like the other games in the series, Shining Force Feather is a strategy RPG with turn-based gameplay that still has an action RPG feel. The game boasts gorgeous anime cutscenes and chracter designs by Noiji Ito of Haruhi Suzumiya-fame. Shining Force Feather wasn't released in Japan until earlier this year, so there's still hope for a US release.

6.  Sigma Harmonics 

Sigma Harmonics is a mystery game created by RPG giant Square-Enix. The story is told in chapters and involves time travel, and was worked on by members of the Chrono Trigger team. Given Square-Enix's popularity in the west, it's a mystery why Sigma Harmonics hasn't been released overseas. We can only hope that will change soon.

7.  Jump! Ultimate Stars 

Jump! Ultimate Stars is sort of like a handheld version of Super Smash Brothers. There's just one major difference- instead of Nintendo game characters, Jump! Ultimate Stars pits anime characters up against each other. You can play as characters from many popular series, including Death Note and Naruto. The game features over 300 characters in total.

8. Tales of Hearts

Many games from the popular Tales RPG series have been released in the US for other systems, but the DS hasn't been so lucky. Tales of Hearts mixes 2D sprites with 3D backgrounds, giving the game a beautiful look. There were two versions of Tales of Hearts released in Japan- one with anime cutscenes, and one with CG cutscenes. If publishers decide to release Tales of Hearts for North America, they'd be able to choose the version they thought would sell the best.

9. Tales of Innocence

Yet another Tales game that hasn't seen a US release is Tales of Innocence. Unlike Tales of Hearts, Tales of Innocence is a fully 3D RPG. It uses a Linear Motion Battle System that is similar to that of the battle system for the PS2 title Tales of the Abyss. Tales of Innocence also features guilds and allows players to equip each character with a different "style" that will effect the way they fight. Tales of Innocence came out in Japan on December 6, 2007.

10.  Bomberman 2 DS
 

Bomberman 2 DS, titled Custom Battler Bomberman in Japan, was localized and released in Europe, but mysteriously never was released in North America. The game features heavy customization as well as online multi-player. It's more of a traditional Bomberman game than other titles on the DS.


11. 7th Dragon 

7th Dragon takes place in a world ruled by dragons. Your characters must defeat the dragons to help save the human race. 7th Dragon allows you to create your own character choosing from classes such as Mage, Princess, Rogue, Knight, Samurai, Fighter, and Healer. The game features a unique art style and gameplay similar to that of the Etrian Odyssey games. 7th Dragon was a major hit in Japan, so its lack of a North American release is surprising.

12.  Freshly Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland

This Legend of Zelda spin-off game featuring Tingle, a character who first appeared in the game Majora's Mask. The game revolves entirely around rupees, from the combat system to the game's storyline. Freshly Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland got both a Japanese and European release, but for some reason publishers chose not to release it in North America.

13.  Soma Bringer

Soma Bringer is an action-RPG that features Secret of Mana style gameplay and anime-esque character designs. It offers players a high level of character customization and has 6 classes in total. The story revolves around a magical substance called Soma which the technology in the game's universe is based upon. Soma Bringer came out in Japan on February 28, 2008.

14.  Taiko no Tatsujin DS 1 and 2

Taiko no Tatsujin DS is a rhythm based game that features an eclectic selection of music- everything from the Super Mario Brothers Theme to Beethoven's 7th Symphony. Taiko no Tatsujin DS works similarly to games such as Guitar Hero in that gamers take on a musical part in the song they've selected. Taiko no Tatsujin DS has you play the drummer's part using your DS stylus.

15. Tactics Layer

Unlike many other games on this list, Tactics Layer has no chance of getting a North American release. Tactics Layer's combination of cosplay-based strategy RPG gameplay with a dating sim visual novel has pretty much guaranteed that the game won't show up anywhere outside Japan. However, we'd love to take advantage of Tactics Layer's downloadable costumes or see if we could do any better in battle if we were wearing a pair of bunny ears. Fans of weird games who don't mind not being able to read everything might want to try importing this one.

RPG Maker Coming to the DS

If you're a fan of the popular RPG Maker series, or have just always wanted to make your own DS RPG, you're in luck. RPG Maker DS has been announced and will be hitting shelves in Japan on January 28.

RPG Maker DS offers players about 800 premade character pieces, 150 sounds, and 1500 map features, and gamers will also be able to create original content using the DS stylus.

RPG Maker DS has not been confirmed for a US release, but it's likely that Agetec, who has published many previous RPG Maker titles, will bring this one over.

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Pokemon Heart Gold/Soul Silver Tops Charts in Japan

The top selling game in Japan from October 12 through October 18 was none other than Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver. Several other DS games are also on the chart, including the upcoming RPG Shin Megamitensei Strange Journey. Here's the complete chart:

• 1. Pokemon Heart Gold/Soul Silver (Pokemon, DS): 165,000 (total 2,639,000)
• 2. Wii Fit Plus (Nintendo, Wii): 118,000 (610,000)
• 3. Friend Collection (Nintendo, DS): 63,000 (1,414,000)
• 4. Inazuma Eleven 2 (Level-5, DS): 61,000 (437,000)
• 5. Uncharted 2 (SCE, PS3): 54,000
• 6. Okami (Capcom, Wii): 24,000
• 7. Wii Sports Resort (Nintendo, Wii): 23,000 (1,300,000)
• 8. Gran Turismo (SCE, PSP): 22,000 (196,000)
• 9. Shin Megamitensei Strange Journey (Atlus, DS): 20,000 (117,000)
• 10. Love Plus (Konami, DS): 20,000 (141,000)

Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver come out in the US in 2010.

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Jam Sessions 2 Screenshots and Video

Interested in playing the sequel to the hit DS virtual guitar program, Jam Sessions 2? You can check out screenshots for the game here, and gameplay videos here. Jam Sessions 2 will allow players to improve their guitar skills while still having fun. The game is available in stores now.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Arcade Attack Developer Walkthrough

A developer walkthrough video for the upcoming DS title Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Arcade Attack is now available for viewing here. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Arcade Attack lets Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo, and Raphael take on Shredder as well as many of his henchmen. The game comes out on November 10, 2009.

Marvel Super Hero Squad Gameplay Videos

Thinking about picking up Marvel Super Hero Squad for your DS? Check out these new gameplay videos here. Marvel Super Hero Squad hit stores on October 20 and is rated E10+ for Mild Cartoon Violence.It is also available for your PC, PS2, PSP, and Wii.

Fun Bowser's Inside Story Extras

Can't get enough of Bowser's Inside Story? IGN has provided some extras for fans of the game. You can dowload bookmarks, a word search, or a calendar by following these links. Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story came out for the DS on September 15.

Will Scribblenauts be the Top-selling Third Party DS Game?

After selling an incredible 194,000 copies in only two weeks, WB president Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment's president, Martin Tremblay thinks big things are in store for Scribblenauts. "We'd love for Scribblenauts to be the leading third-party title on DS," says Tremblay. The current leading third party title is Cooking Mama, which has sold 1.8 million units to date. "Drawn to Life sold 40,000 units its first month and went on to sell a million," says co-founder and creative director of 5th Cell Jeremiah Slaczka. "Seeing the sales of Scribblenauts so early and so much better than Drawn to Life, it's really encouraging to us."

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KORG DS-10 Plus Coming to the Nintendo DS

A music synthesizing program based on the popular KORG MS-10 music synthesizer will be coming to the Nintendo DS. KORG DS-10 Plus will be a top of the line music creation program, offering a 6-track/16-step sequencer and the ability to exchange songs through wireless connection. DSi owners will be pleased to know that they will receive many system exclusive upgrades such as 2 effects layers and 12-voice polyphony. KORG DS-10 Plus is due out early in 2010.

Queen to Appear in LEGO Rock Band

Queen has joined the list of legendary artists who will be LEGO-ized. They will be appearing in LEGO Rock Band along with other famous artists such as David Bowie and Iggy Pop. The band will play their classic hits "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions." in the game. LEGO Rock Band comes out for the DS on November 3, 2009.

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Scribblenauts September Sales

The creative new platform game Scribblenauts is officially a hit. It sold 194,000 copies in September, outsold only by Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days when it came to DS titles. Scribblenauts was created by the Drawn to Life team and allows gamers to solve puzzles and get through levels by writing down any object they would like to have on the DS' touch screen. Players are graded on style and how many items they summon in order to beat a level. Scribblenauts came out on September 15, 2009.

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Runaway: A Twist of Fate Trailer

A new trailer for the upcoming game Runaway: A Twist of Fate is now available for viewing here. This is the third and final game in the Runaway series, and will allow you to play as both Brian and Gina. While this game is a sequel to the original two, people who are new to the series should still be able to jump in with this one. Runaway: A Twist of Fate is due out sometime this year.

Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight Screenshots

New screenshots for the upcoming DS game Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight are now available for viewing here. The game will be based on the TheCW4Kids live action series of the same name. Players will be able to play as all 13 of the show's Kamen Riders. The game is due out on November 12, 2009.

Need for Speed NITRO Release Date Change

The release date for the upcoming game Need for Speed NITRO has been pushed up. The game will now be arriving in stores on November 3. The racing game will feature an interesting soundtrack. Here is the complete list:

Alex Metric - What Now
Bloody Beetroots feat. Cool Kids - Awesome
Crookers feat. Wiley and Thomas Jules - Business Man
Crystal Method feat. LMFAO - Sine Language
Danko Jones - Code Of The Road
Dizzee Rascal and Armand Van Helden - Bonkers
Drumagik - Make It Rock
Earl Greyhound - Oye Vaya
edIT feat. Wale and Tre' - Freaxxx
Evil 9 - All The Cash (Alex Metric Remix) Feat. El-P
Hollywood Holt - Can't Stop
k-os - FUN!
Lady Sovereign - I Got You Dancing
Major Lazer feat. Mr.Lex & Santigold - Hold The Line
Matt & Kim - Daylight (Troublemaker Remix)
Mickey Factz - Yeah Yeah
Pint Shot Riot - Not Thinking Straight
Placebo - BreatheUnder Water
Rise Against - Kotov Syndrome
Roots Manuva - Buff Nuff
Rye Rye - Hardcore Girls
Street Sweeper Social Club - Fight! Smash! Win!
Taking Back Sunday - Lonely Lonely
The Enemy UK - No Time For Tears
The Gay Blades - O Shot (Dmerit Remix)
Two Fingers feat. Sway - Jewels And Gems