For my first monthly article, I wasn't really sure on what I should be talking about. Eventually, I decided that I'll be writing on the most interesting Nintendo DS titles released each month, with special emphasis on import games.
For most English folks out there, the best recently released title is probably "Transformers". Be aware that it isn't a perfect game, it has its strong points and a couple flaws, but it is an enjoyable experience that may last for some time. While a few graphical glitches may turn certain missions into a frustrating disappointment, this game's online functionality is quite original.
No, you won't be able to select your robot and fight against other players. Instead, by picking one of this game's versions - Autobots" or "Decepticons" - you'll be joining the faction mentioned in the box.
Then, when you connect online, you'll be given a daily mission. Your result, along with the ones of other players, will be considered at the end of each day, and one of those parties will be pronounced the winners.
Japanese players, or those who are willing to import such a RPG, may find an interesting experience in "Zelda no Densetsu: Mugen no Sunadokei" (aka. "The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass"), which was released just a few days ago.
I won't spoil it for you, but I can say that this game is really worth your time and money. Unfortunately, I have to advise most readers against importing the game.
Are you confused? You shouldn't... as in most RPG titles, story plays here an important role. Now, if you don't understand the language, how can you enjoy it? Just wait for a local release, purchase it off the shelve and I can assure you that you won't be disappointed by the game.
I must confess that I'm no fan of the Zelda series. In fact, "Minish Cap" was my first (and only) experience with the series, this new DS title being the second. The Japanese version is quite good, and while the online mode has two problems - lag and too many people who tend to disconnect when they're losing - the rest of is pretty much flawless.
Another Japanese title that should be mentioned, due to its originality, is "Kabu Trader Shun". Brought to us by Capcom, this game puts the player to control Shun, a young man who is suddenly introduced to the stock market. As odd as it may sound, you'll be managing stocks, trying to buy and sell them at a proper time. Originality, regrettably, does not turn this into an interesting game, and unless you want to spend limitless amounts of time clicking "Buy" and "Sell", you'd better skip this title.
Then, there are a couple games based on anime (or manga) series. Now, across the years I received many questions about those, and I'll put it simple: if you're a fan of one of those series, be careful when it comes to purchasing the games, as you'll be disappointed with them 95% of the times.
It's true that once in a while a good game pops out, but most of them turn out being just uninteresting, apart from unappealing to those who aren't simple fanboys.
This month's final mention should be given to "Itadaki Street DS". Imagine you're starting to play "Monopoly", when people are choosing their avatars. Suddenly, this conversation unfolds:
Player A - I wanna be the car!
Player B - I'll be the shoe, as usual.
Player C - As for me, I'll be Mario!
Players A and B - Mario?!?!?!?!
Player C - That's right, "Mario", Luigi's brother!
Finally, this is possible, thanks to "Itadaki Street DS". There's more to this game than meets the eye, but basically it is a "Monopoly" with updated features, where characters from "Dragon Quest" and "Super Mario" are all over the place. It looks like basic fan service, but if you're going to take advantage of this game's online features it turns into something that may amuse you for more than a few hours.
Next month, I'll (hopefully) be back with information on the latest titles. See you then!
For most English folks out there, the best recently released title is probably "Transformers". Be aware that it isn't a perfect game, it has its strong points and a couple flaws, but it is an enjoyable experience that may last for some time. While a few graphical glitches may turn certain missions into a frustrating disappointment, this game's online functionality is quite original.
No, you won't be able to select your robot and fight against other players. Instead, by picking one of this game's versions - Autobots" or "Decepticons" - you'll be joining the faction mentioned in the box.
Then, when you connect online, you'll be given a daily mission. Your result, along with the ones of other players, will be considered at the end of each day, and one of those parties will be pronounced the winners.
Japanese players, or those who are willing to import such a RPG, may find an interesting experience in "Zelda no Densetsu: Mugen no Sunadokei" (aka. "The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass"), which was released just a few days ago.
I won't spoil it for you, but I can say that this game is really worth your time and money. Unfortunately, I have to advise most readers against importing the game.
Are you confused? You shouldn't... as in most RPG titles, story plays here an important role. Now, if you don't understand the language, how can you enjoy it? Just wait for a local release, purchase it off the shelve and I can assure you that you won't be disappointed by the game.
I must confess that I'm no fan of the Zelda series. In fact, "Minish Cap" was my first (and only) experience with the series, this new DS title being the second. The Japanese version is quite good, and while the online mode has two problems - lag and too many people who tend to disconnect when they're losing - the rest of is pretty much flawless.
Another Japanese title that should be mentioned, due to its originality, is "Kabu Trader Shun". Brought to us by Capcom, this game puts the player to control Shun, a young man who is suddenly introduced to the stock market. As odd as it may sound, you'll be managing stocks, trying to buy and sell them at a proper time. Originality, regrettably, does not turn this into an interesting game, and unless you want to spend limitless amounts of time clicking "Buy" and "Sell", you'd better skip this title.
Then, there are a couple games based on anime (or manga) series. Now, across the years I received many questions about those, and I'll put it simple: if you're a fan of one of those series, be careful when it comes to purchasing the games, as you'll be disappointed with them 95% of the times.
It's true that once in a while a good game pops out, but most of them turn out being just uninteresting, apart from unappealing to those who aren't simple fanboys.
This month's final mention should be given to "Itadaki Street DS". Imagine you're starting to play "Monopoly", when people are choosing their avatars. Suddenly, this conversation unfolds:
Player A - I wanna be the car!
Player B - I'll be the shoe, as usual.
Player C - As for me, I'll be Mario!
Players A and B - Mario?!?!?!?!
Player C - That's right, "Mario", Luigi's brother!
Finally, this is possible, thanks to "Itadaki Street DS". There's more to this game than meets the eye, but basically it is a "Monopoly" with updated features, where characters from "Dragon Quest" and "Super Mario" are all over the place. It looks like basic fan service, but if you're going to take advantage of this game's online features it turns into something that may amuse you for more than a few hours.
Next month, I'll (hopefully) be back with information on the latest titles. See you then!
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What Nintendo DS games released in the past month should you look for?
