Top 10 2009 Nintendo Ds Games

It was November 7, 2008 that saw the debut of my article entitled Top 10 2008 Nintendo DS Games. It was the second article I ever wrote on Triond and it has since picked up more than 6,200 views. Now it’s exactly 1 year later and I’m back again to host the Top 10 Nintendo DS Games of 2009!

In the past year, tons of games have been released for the Nintendo DS and we’ve seen the introduction of the Nintendo DSi. Notable DS game releases this year include The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, Yu-Gi-Oh 5D’s Stardust Accelerator and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky, but let’s start the countdown and see what you’ll be buying this holiday season!

#10 – Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

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Last year in 2008, Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2008 came in at #10 on our Top 10 list. This year, even though Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s Stardust Accelerator was highly up for consideration, it unfortunately DID NOT make the Top 10 list this time around, mainly due to a very short single-player game mode.

This year, the 10th spot on the list goes to Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story. In this turn-based game based upon the Paper Mario series, players collect items and use Skill Points (SP) in order to be able to use different attacks in battle. Also, various badges can be worn to obtain bonuses such as HP-recovery and an increase of Attack Power. Bowser’s Inside Story doesn’t really have any multiplayer components, so its replayability is limited. However, the storyline of the game, as well as the RPG aspects of it, are more than enough to warrant its position on the list.

#9 – Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky

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Last year in 2008, Spectrobes: Beyond the Portals made it on the list at #9, but this year, it didn’t make the list at all.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky came in at #9, due to the amount of strategic play required in order to master it. In this 5th incarnation of the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, players have to once again travel throughout the land to different dungeons, where they will attempt to reach the dungeon master and defeat it in order to further the storyline. Like before, there are tons of items and attacks available for easing the player’s journey through the various dungeons. As far as multiplayer goes, the same applies as before, with your friends being able to revive you in a dungeon if you faint. Although the multiplayer part of this game isn’t as strong as we’d like it to be, it’s still good value for your money.

#8 – Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

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Last year in 2008, Custom Robo Arena made it on the list at #8. Since then, it has been bumped off the list entirely.

Holding on at #8 this year is a game that’s not necessarily advised for younger audiences. In the Grand Theft Auto series of games, you take control of a criminal or mobster, and you have to complete various missions in order to advance the main storyline. In general, the games are a mixture of action, adventure and role-playing. Although most players criticize that this series of games contain high amounts of violence and adult themes, the overall storylines are often well-thought-out by the developers. In Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, players can use the DS’ microphone and touch screen to perform various tasks, such as using their PDA and GPS, and even whistling for taxi cabs. It’s definitely a game suited towards older video game players, but it makes it on our list due to the amount of complexity the developers included.

#7 – Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

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Last year in 2008, Mario Party DS came in at #7. However, it did not make the Top 10 list this year.

The Kingdom Hearts series makes its Top 10 debut this year with 358/2 Days coming in at #7 on the list. Much like in previous versions of the series, this game focuses on traversing through a plethora of Disney worlds, in which the player must progress through in order to advance the story. Battles with enemies are turn-based, but are very strategic, with players being able to customize their characters’ attacks, items, and magic spells to suit their liking. As Square Enix developed the game, you will notice a high similarity in the way battles are conducted, compared to the Final Fantasy series. Included in 358/2 Days are 3D action sequences showcasing the capability of the DS to play short movie clips, similar to those of the PSP. Of course, the graphics aren’t as top-notch as compared to the PSP, but they’re not lousy either by any means of the word. There are also both cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. With the amount of content included in this latest installment of the Kingdom Hearts series, you would be doing yourself a disfavor if you didn’t at least try out the game.

#6 – Metroid Prime Hunters

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Last year in 2008, Mario Kart DS dropped in at #6 on our Top 10 list. This year in 2009, Mario Kart DS has been bumped up a notch to #5.

Dropping in at #6 this time around is Metroid Prime Hunters, a game that was considered, but left out, of last year’s Top 10 Nintendo DS list. The Metroid Prime series has always been known for its amazing first-person shooter (FPS) capabilities, and this game stays true to the entire franchise. Even though it was released in 2006, it’s still one of the best FPS games available for the Nintendo DS, mainly due to its graphics, online multiplayer capability, and immersive storyline. Once again, players control Samus Aran as they attempt to defeat other bounty hunters and aid the Galactic Federation. There are a variety of different weapons, environments and missions in the game, so you won’t be disappointed with the amount of replayability in this title.

#5 – Mario Kart DS

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Last year in 2008, Kirby Super Star Ultra made it in at #5. This year, Kirby just couldn’t reach the Top 10.

Moving up a notch from #6 last year to #5 this year is Mario Kart DS, arguably one of the best racing games currently available to DS owners. Just like with Mario Kart Wii, players attempt to outrace their opponents on a variety of different racetracks, each equipped with their own quirks and hazards. Different items appear on each track that will either help the player or hinder their foe. You can also choose between a multitude of available characters and vehicles. Mario Kart DS is best known for its replayability with friends over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Even though it was released in 2005, it’s still one of the Top 10 Nintendo DS games as of 2009.

#4 – New Super Mario Bros.

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Last year in 2008, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia crept up to 4th position on the list. This year, it didn’t make the list at all.

It’s a blast from the past as New Super Mario Bros. makes its list debut at #4 this year. Following the typical storyline of Bowser capturing Peach, the player controls Mario through side-scrolling levels in an attempt to outwit his famous Koopa foe yet once again. In this classic remake of the original Mario games, Mario can break open blocks, collect coins, and use powerful items or stomping maneuvers to defeat his enemies. With a total of 80 levels available through 8 completely different worlds, the New Super Mario Bros. definitely comes in as a must-have single-player game for the Nintendo DS. There are also a variety of mini-games available for some unique multiplayer action.

#3 – Pokémon Platinum Version

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Last year in 2008, Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift kicked off the Top 3 Nintendo DS games. This year, it just couldn’t keep up, and was left off the list.

It was the #1 game on our 2008 list, but has since slightly moved up to #3. That’s right. We’re talking about Pokémon Platinum Version, the latest installment in the Pokémon handheld series. After it made its debut in March of this year, Pokémon Platinum sold over 800,000 copies within the first 9 days of its release in the United States. Following the storyline of Diamond and Pearl, tech-savvy players who purchase Platinum will notice several in-game differences, such as updated graphics, a faster battle system, and an enhanced drawn-out storyline. The biggest noticeable differences come with the premiere of the Battle Frontier, the new Wi-Fi Plaza, and the VS. Recorder for keeping saved battle videos.

Aside from that, you’ll also enjoy the brand new Distortion World, which throws game physics right out the window. Pokémon Platinum also for the first time introduces the distribution of Key Items over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, where players can get exclusive items such as Oak’s Letter (for catching Shaymin), without actually having to go to Toys R’ Us to have it manually downloaded to their Pokémon game cartridge.

If you’re a fan of the Pokémon series, where you pit creatures against other creatures in turn-based battles in order to see whose battle strategy will win out in the end, then Pokémon Platinum is the game for you. And with great music, graphics and strategic value, that’s why it comes in at #3 on our Top 10 list of 2009!

#2 – The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

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Last year in 2008, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass was the 2nd best Nintendo DS game out on store shelves. This year, Phantom Hourglass amazingly retains its 2nd place spot on the list.

Although it came out 2 years ago in 2007, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is still on our list, and it’s still in the same position as it was last year, at #2, beating Pokémon Platinum only slightly due to the creative use of the DS’ touch screen and microphone.

In this first exciting installment of the Zelda series for the Nintendo DS, you control Link as you traverse through various dungeons in order to save Princess Zelda, also known as Tetra. Link has access to a variety of different weapons and items in order to help him through his quest. Throughout the adventure, you’ll have to solve creative puzzles, face immense bosses, and even master the use of a boat. What has kept Phantom Hourglass from dropping to a higher position on the list is the fact that it uses the DS’ abilities in a way which has seldom been seen in other DS games. For instance, in order to advance, you might need to yell into the microphone to get someone’s attention, or you may need to close the DS and open it up again in order to see an entirely different view on your situation.

Phantom Hourglass is the best of both worlds. It’s a puzzle game, so you’ll need to use your brain to figure out dungeon mysteries, but it’s also an action-adventure game, so you won’t be bored to death. Even if you’re not a Zelda fan, you’ll be surprised at the amount of content included in this game.

#1 – The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

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And finally, as you all remember, Pokémon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum used to hold the title for the #1 Nintendo DS game as of 2008. Unfortunately, those games just could not hold on to that spot, so we have a BRAND NEW best-seller Nintendo DS game at #1!

This year in 2009, Zelda has dominated our list of the Top 10 2009 Nintendo DS Games. With Phantom Hourglass at #2 on our 2009 list, it’s only fitting that its popular 2009 sequel hold the position of #1 on our list. Coming in as the #1 Best Seller Nintendo DS game of 2009 as reported by IGN, the #1 game making its premiere on our 2009 list is The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks!

The highly popular sequel to Phantom Hourglass, Link must drive a train equipped with a powerful cannon as he travels across the land. He’s also now able to take control of a Phantom Guardian with the help of Tetra’s spirit, which will be required in order to solve key dungeon puzzles. One hundred years after the events of Phantom Hourglass, Tetra’s spirit has been separated from her body, and it’s up to Link to save her once again. New puzzles, new weapons, new environments, and even more humor than ever before, all combine to make Spirit Tracks the perfect Christmas present for the son or daughter in your family!

Other Great DS Games

In particular, many Nintendo gamers might wonder why I’ve left out a couple of other good games on this Top 10 DS Games List. I’ve tried my best to write a list incorporating what I believe are the best games of the system as of 2009, based upon gameplay, graphics, sound, storyline and replayability. If you believe there’s another good DS game that’s worth being mentioned, feel free to post a comment to my article and let everyone else know.

And that concludes our Top 10 Nintendo DS games list for 2009! I’d like to thank everyone for their suggestions, and I’d especially like to thank the game designers for creating such masterful pieces of both single-player and multiplayer gameplay!

Next year, we look forward to the SPECIAL PREMIERE of Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver, as well as the debut of Golden Sun to the Nintendo DS! I’ll see you back here in exactly 1 year for another brand new exciting episode of Top 10 Nintendo DS Games! Until then, remember that video games are developed for the people who play them, so keep on playing and game designers will keep on developing! See you in 2010 everyone!