IGN's 2009 DS Game of the Year Award Nominees

Here are IGN's nominees for the DS Games of the Year:

Best Action Game:

• Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
  
• Peggle Dual Shot
  
• Retro Game Challenge
  
• The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

Best Music Game:

• GH On Tour Modern Hits
  
• LEGO Rock Band
  
• Rhythm Heaven

Best Platform Game:

• Assassin's Creed 2
  
• Henry Hatsworth
  
• The Legendary Starfy

Best Puzzle Game:

• Art Style: Pictobits
  
• Mario vs. Donkey Kong Minis
  
• Mighty Flip Champs
  
• Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box
  
• Scribblenauts

Best Role-Playing Game:

• Dragon Quest V
  
• Knights in the Nightmare
  
• Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
  
• Pokemon Platinum
  
• Suikoden Tierkreis

Best Shooter:

• Big Bang Mini
  
• Modern Warfare Mobilized
  Moon
  
• Space Invaders Extreme 2

Best Strategy Game:

• Blue Dragon
  
• Devil Survivor
  
• Fire Emblem
  
• Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes

Best Multiplayer Game:

• FFCC Echoes of Time
  
• Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes
  
• Mixed Messages
  
• Modern Warfare Mobilized
  
• Zelda: Spirit Tracks

Award for Visual Excellence:

• Knights in the Nightmare
  
• Moon
  
• Suikoden Tierkreis
  
• Zelda: Spirit Tracks

Award for Excellence in Sound:

• Knights in the Nightmare
  
• LEGO Rock Band
  
• Rhythm Heaven
  
• Suikoden Tierkreis
  
• Zelda: Spirit Tracks

Best Story:

• Dragon Quest V
  
• GTA: Chinatown Wars
  
• Knights in the Nightmare
  
• Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
  
• The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

DS Game of the Year:

• GTA Chinatown Wars
  
• Henry Hatsworth
  
• Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
  
• Scribblenauts
  
• Zelda: Spirit Tracks

IGN's Top 10 DS Games of 2009

It's that time of year again! Best of the year lists are popping up all over the place, and IGN has added a "Top 10 DS Games of 2009" list to the collection. The games on the list are:

1. Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
2. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
3. Rhythm Heaven
4. Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure
5. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
6. Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes
7. The Legendary Starfy
8. Dragon Quest V
9. Knights in the Nightmare
10. Pokemon Platinum

To see what IGN had to say about each game, go here.

10 Games That Deserve a DS Remake

Several classic old games have experienced a resurgence on the DS, including Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy IV. It was recently announced that Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals will be receiving a fully 3-D remake on the system. This news has many gamers wondering what great old games could be remade next. Here are the 10 games at the top of our list.

10. E.V.O.: Search for Eden

E.V.O.: Search for Eden was a great Super Nintendo game that let players take control of constantly evolving animals. Though it seemed bizarre at the time, it now seems perfectly inline with the rest of the DS line-up. A few graphical improvements as well as some tweaks to the gameplay mechanics, and this one would be good to go. The touch screen would be the perfect place for gamers to improve their creatures with their evolution points.

9. Illusion of Gaia

This great little SNES RPG got lost in the shuffle next to all the classic games that game out around the same time. A DS re-release would give this title a chance to shine. The game's unique jewel-based leveling up system will feel like a breath of fresh air next to other turn-based RPGs on the system, and some animated cutscenes would go a long way towards enhancing the game's already good story.

8. Dino Crisis

Survival horror games have struggled to succeed on the DS, but if any game could make it work, it's Dino Crisis. This Playstation game had players guide themselves through a maze of corridors, knowing that a Raptor could jump out and attack them at any time. Using the touch screen to shoot has worked wonderfully for other games in the past, and making use of other DS features like the microphone will help suck players even further into the game's world.

7. Earthbound

It's hard to even imagine how one would remake weird, wonderful Earthbound. Would the game now feature the Runaway Five in animated cutscenes? Would Mr. Saturns get voice-acting as garbled as their font? All we really know is that this game is too great not to get a remake. All gamers should have a chance to get to know Ness, Paula, Jeff and Poo.

6. Dynamite Headdy

This top-notch Sega platform/action game put players in the shoes of Headdy, a puppet who took on enemies with his detachable head. The games' beautifully colorful world would look great on the dual screens, and the DS could add a whole new dimension to the title's gameplay. It's about time Dynamite Headdy gets the props it deserves.

5. Legend of Legaia

Like the Super Nintendo, the Playstation was crowded with great RPGs, and the first Legaia game deseves a second chance in the spotlight. The game's early 3-D graphics won't look quite so dated on a smaller set of screens, and the Tactical Arts' battle system would be great fun on the DS. Plenty of fun bonus content could be added to the mix as well.

4. Blast Corps

Rare had many excellent games on the N-64, and Blast Corps was among them. The game's entertaining combination of puzzles and blowing stuff up seems tailor made for a system like the DS. A remake could offer gamers new levels and new vehicles to try out, and it could help put Rare back in the forefront.

3. Crystalis

The classic Nintendo RPG has already received a remake on the Game Boy Color, but Crystalis deserves one that will really do it justice. With updated graphics but the same story that sucked gamers in the first time, a whole new generation could learn to fall in love with Crystalis. The gameplay in this title could also really benefit from having menus on thw top screen.

2. Earthworm Jim

Earthworm Jim was among the best titles on many a system of generations past. Its quirky main character and its bizarre but perfectly executed gameplay has made this game a hit with many gamers. Earthworm Jim received a port on the Game Boy Advance not that many years back, but this title really deserves a full remake, complete with new voice-acting, levels, and more. If the actors from the hit Earthworm Jim cartoon could be persuaded to lend their voices, we could get some truly hilarious cutscenes.

1. Xenogears

Xenogears is widely considered to be one of the greatest RPGs of all time in spite of the fact that it was both rushed and unfinished. Just imagine what the game could be if it was given the chance to be truly completed. The game's graphics would look great on the DS screens, and a remake would be able to fix the syncing issue that some of the animated cutscenes suffered from. A remake of title definitely would have the potential to be a masterpiece.

The 10 Worst DS Games

The best games of the DS get a lot of the attention, but what about the worst ones? The DS is home to quite a few real stinkers, and it's high time they get the recognition they deserve. Here is our list of the 10 worst DS games:

10. The Settlers

A DS title based on the popular Settlers series of board and PC games sounds like a good idea. Controlling and expanding settlements sounds like gameplay tailor-made for the DS. However, during the creation of The Settlers, something went horribly wrong. From the excruciating load times to the shockingly clunky controls, there's not much of anything to recommend about The Settlers. Gamers can take some comfort from the fact that this one is a Gamestop exclusive- at least they don't have to risk purchasing it everywhere.

9.  Jackass the Game

Not everyone out there was clamoring for a Jackass game, but there was certainly a market for it. It's easy to see how a game based on some of the more physical aspects of Jackass could have been successful and even fun. However, there's nothing fun about Jackass the Game. Instead, it's full of terrible minigames and stiff controls. As one review put it, "If Jackass the show were as bland as Jackass the game it would have been cancelled after one episode".

8. Godzilla: Unleashed Double Smash

Everything about a fighting game that lets you play as giant lizards should be fun. Making something like that a horrible experience would take some serious effort. Sadly, the makers of Godzilla: Unleashed Double Smash were up to that challenge. They went out of their way to make the game as repetitive as possible, letting players fight against the same 4 things on every level. In addition to this, the game has a terrible camera and buggy gameplay. Gamers searching for a handheld Godzilla game will have to keep on looking.

7.  Dragon Booster

Not many games based on animated tv shows have been good, and Dragon Booster is no exception. What pushes this game out of mediocrity and into being flat-out horrible are the incredibly insensitive touch screen mechanics. Seasoned gamers will struggle to be precise enough for this title, making it near impossible for the children that it's aimed at. Keep the kids in your life far away from this one.

6.  High School Musical 2: Work This Out!

Okay, so hardcore gamers aren't the target audience for a High School Musical based game. However, High School Musical 2: Work This Out! is terrible even for the tweens that it's aimed at. The gameplay mostly consists of ridiculously repetitive minigames that allow you to do such exciting things as "pick up golf balls" or "pick up basketballs". The game tries to take advantage of its license by requiring you to pick up these varying types of balls in rhythm with HSM 2's music, but the concept is horribly executed and doesn't allow players to complete the mind-numbing tasks that the game doesn't ask them to. We're pretty sure that even Zac Efron's biggest fangirls wouldn't have fun with this one.

5. F-24 Stealth Fighter

The DS doesn't exactly have the best selection of aviation simulation games, but that's no excuse for offering gamers terrible ones! Not only does F24 Stealth Fighter fail in the all the most important categories for an aviation sim- interface and controls- but the game's dogfights are boring and the text in the game is so small that it's almost unreadable. No matter how badly you'd like to play an aviation sim on your DS, stay far away from this one.

4. Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects

There have been many good games made using the Marvel license. This isn't one of them. Though decent versions of this game were released on other consoles, for some reason the DS version is missing pretty much anything worthwhile from them. This edition of the game inexplicably features no story, repetitive, clunky controls, and is extremely buggy. Sadly, if you want to play this game, your DS is not the place to do it.

3. Dino Master

Lots of people like dinosaurs and gotta catch em all style collection systems, right? They do when they're not in a game as awful as Dino Master. The game looks horrible and the controls are unbelievably clunky. Even the most exciting element of the game, the wifi based Dino Battle mode, is terribly executed. Fights are entirely luck based and the dinosaurs aren't even animated for the battle. Instead, you sit there and watch paper cut-outs bounce around until the game decides to tell you who "won". No one loves dinosaurs enough for this game.

2.  Chicken Hunter

If you've ever dreamed of playing a less fun version of Duck Hunt, Chicken Hunter may be the game for you. If you don't fall into that category, you'd better stay far away from this one. The game features only one 90 second level, and only one difficulty setting. You can literally experience everything that Chicken Hunter has to offer in a minute and a half. As Game Chronicles suggested, your money would be better spent on some actual fried chicken. That would at least manage to keep you entertained for a few minutes longer.


1. Homie Rollerz

Many of the games on this list sounded like good ideas. This isn't so for Homie Rollerz. Homie Rollerz is a kart racing game based on vaguely offensive figures that you can buy for a quarter out of those machines at Walmart. That alone is enough to make for a pretty bad game, but the makers of Homie Rollerz were aiming for something a little more terrible. From the game's horrific controls to its bizarre levels of difficulty, it's pretty incredible that this one managed to get made. "Who greenlighted this?" is a question that will haunt minds to the end of days.

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.

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.

Upcoming DS RPGs

The DS has a great selection of RPGs, and it looks like the selection is going to keep on improving. Here are a few upcoming RPGs for the DS you can look forward to seeing in 2010 and beyond:

Sands of Destruction:

 
















In Sands of Destruction, humans have been enslaved by a race known as the ferals. The game's main characters are part of a rebel group of slaves that wants to free humanity. Fans of Xenogears will be thrilled to hear that this SEGA RPG is developed by 3 members of the game's team. The game is due out in 2010.


Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey:

The newest game in the popular Shin Megami Tensei series tells the tale of a new dimension that has opened up in the South Pole. Strange Journey comes out in Japan later this year. It hasn't been given a US release date, but given the success of Devil Survivor, Strange Journey is likely to get one.


Glory of Heracles:

Glory of Heracles is a popular RPG series in Japan, but this will be the first time it gets a stateside release. The series is heavily based on Greek Mythology and will feature turn-based gameplay and mini-games for magical spells. The game will come out in 2010.


Golden Sun DS:

The classic Gameboy RPG is getting a 3D remake on the Nintendo DS. Fans of the original should expect the same great story and gameplay, but with improvements and additional content this go around. Golden Sun DS does not yet have a release date.


Luminous Arc 3: Eyes:

The third entry in the popular tactical RPG series will feature the same cute character designs and witch heavy storyline as its predecessors, but this version also will boast mutiple story paths and endings. A release date has not yet been set.


Princess and Knight:

Princess and Knight is a action RPG that will feature beautiful hand drawn graphics and will make interesting use of the DS stylus, using it to boost characters, weapons, and abilities. The game has been confirmed for US release but has not yet recieved a release date.


Rune Factory 3:

One part action RPG, one part farming sim, this fantasy take on the Harvest Moon franchise continues to grow in popularity. The third entry in the series will feature improved gameplay mechanics, such as seeds that grow instantly and help in battle. Rune Factory 3's release date has yet to be announced.