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Under-rated/Overlooked Nintendo DS Games

GeekyDad

Member
Okay, I swear I searched twice, using different search terms for the subject, but the only thread that came up was this one: https://www.neogaf.com/threads/most-overrated-underrated-psp-ds-games.45984/ , and its last post is from May of 2005. So, instead of dino-bumping, I'm starting a new thread. Under-rated and/or overlooked. NOT The World Ends with You or some nonsense like that -- come on!

I'll start with one of each...

Under-rated: Dynasty Warriors DS: Fighter's Battle
fzi5cfdh9zlqfoxuhjyu.png

It's pretty fugly, the movement is kinda clumsy, and if you're not a fan of "Warriors" games, this absolutely won't convert you (I don't think). But on DS, on the go, it was/is a fun little game to hunker down with. It's kinda mindless, but if you enjoyed mindless arcade games from the way back when, you'll probably enjoy Fighter's Battle.

Overlooked: Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution
ds_ancient.jpg

I'm sure the versions on other systems received plenty of attention, but I doubt the DS version did. It was, I believe, my introduction to the series, and I think it's still my favorite to this day. I enjoy the pure strategy gameplay of it. No RTS mechanics that I recall, fairly easy to grasp, and completely rewarding once you get the hang of it. Ample replay value.
 

TwiztidElf

Member
ap6VUsG.png

Thoroughly enjoyed it all the way through.

Oh cr@p. Sorry DS games. Not 3DS games. Oh well, I'm letting my choice stand. Criminally under-rated 3DS game. And Fantasy Life. And Culdcept Revolt. Man, we need Culdcept on Switch.
 
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Shut0wen

Member
Funny you made this thread cause i was about to make the same one lol, gina sisters is a good game, so is elite beat agents and all of the megaman games except maybe network
 

GeekyDad

Member
Funny you made this thread cause i was about to make the same one lol, gina sisters is a good game, so is elite beat agents and all of the megaman games except maybe network
Giana Sisters perhaps? Looked it up, but hadn't played it. Will have to check out some gameplay. Thanks
monster tale is a charming little metroidvania
Absolutely. I think the visuals perhaps turned a lot of folks off. I had a great time with the game. Might have to revisit it here soon.
 

Quasicat

Member
Looking at my collection, most of what I have are common. The one standout that none of my friends ever heard of was Solatorobo: Red the Hunter published by Xseed. It was around this time for me where Xseed was picking up some great stuff on Wii and DS and publishing them in the US.

Tf17lrU.jpg
 

Ceadeus

Member
Okay, I swear I searched twice, using different search terms for the subject, but the only thread that came up was this one: https://www.neogaf.com/threads/most-overrated-underrated-psp-ds-games.45984/ , and its last post is from May of 2005. So, instead of dino-bumping, I'm starting a new thread. Under-rated and/or overlooked. NOT The World Ends with You or some nonsense like that -- come on!

I'll start with one of each...

Under-rated: Dynasty Warriors DS: Fighter's Battle
fzi5cfdh9zlqfoxuhjyu.png

It's pretty fugly, the movement is kinda clumsy, and if you're not a fan of "Warriors" games, this absolutely won't convert you (I don't think). But on DS, on the go, it was/is a fun little game to hunker down with. It's kinda mindless, but if you enjoyed mindless arcade games from the way back when, you'll probably enjoy Fighter's Battle.

Overlooked: Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution
ds_ancient.jpg

I'm sure the versions on other systems received plenty of attention, but I doubt the DS version did. It was, I believe, my introduction to the series, and I think it's still my favorite to this day. I enjoy the pure strategy gameplay of it. No RTS mechanics that I recall, fairly easy to grasp, and completely rewarding once you get the hang of it. Ample replay value.
Civilisation is a good choice. There's also turn based might and magic on DS I believe. Pretty cool game on the go.
 
I was always fascinated by a japanese only horror game called "The Nameless Game" It was a first person game with ghosts chasing and it was played with the ds tilted like the brain training games. Too bad it didnt released overseas.

5D38dHi.jpg

rK6d9sM.jpg




Never heard of this. Is this in English, or is that a translation patch?
 
373935-knights-in-the-nightmare-nintendo-ds-screenshot-the-battle.png


Knights in the Nightmare - Yeah, it's about as chaotic as it looks. There are dozens of gameplay systems to keep in mind, some of which are less thought out, and some people hate this. I really enjoy the feeling of never really mastering the game because it's so complex.
 

cireza

Banned
We were finally blessed with the release of Shiren in the West with the DS.

mdswds0f.jpg


This is one of my favorite games. A brilliant rogue like, with a great atmosphere. The thought process enabled by this game is outstanding. I highly recommend Shiren 5+ as well on Vita.
 
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Fbh

Member
Infinite Space wasn't just fun, it was also pretty unique and there's hasn't really been anything quite like it in the years since it launched.
81f0s-SitEL._AC_SL1500_.jpg


It's a fun RPG where you build your fleet, customize your ship, build a crew and explore space, with an enjoyable story and fun characters.
It's the closest I've played to a game that captures that anime space opera feel.

I'd love a sequel or modern remake.
 


This is one of my favorite puzzle games ever. So addicting, and I love the wacky humor and silly puns. Sadly, I'm convinced I'm literally the only person in the world who's even aware of its existence. I kinda feel like this is all part of some bizarre fever dream I can't wake up from.
 

Fuz

Banned
nintendo-ds-soma-bringer.jpg




Absolutely FANTASTIC Diablo clone.

I guess it's not a classic just because it wasn't released in the west (WHY... WHYYYYYYY??). But it's fucking awesome.
 
We were finally blessed with the release of Shiren in the West with the DS.

mdswds0f.jpg


This is one of my favorite games. A brilliant rogue like, with a great atmosphere. The thought process enabled by this game is outstanding. I highly recommend Shiren 5+ as well on Vita.

I just bought Shiren 5 on the Switch a few months back and it made me want to replay through this! Problem is I'd have to go track down another copy
 

Konata990

Neo Member


This is one of my favorite puzzle games ever. So addicting, and I love the wacky humor and silly puns. Sadly, I'm convinced I'm literally the only person in the world who's even aware of its existence. I kinda feel like this is all part of some bizarre fever dream I can't wake up from.

yo i never heard of this game, it looks so good
 

GeekyDad

Member
373935-knights-in-the-nightmare-nintendo-ds-screenshot-the-battle.png


Knights in the Nightmare - Yeah, it's about as chaotic as it looks. There are dozens of gameplay systems to keep in mind, some of which are less thought out, and some people hate this. I really enjoy the feeling of never really mastering the game because it's so complex.
It's got so freakin' much going for it, not least of all its presentation. Just love this game (as much as I fear it :messenger_tears_of_joy: ).
This game is bat-shit crazy. It's bullet hell in one of the craziest ways. Was fascinated by the game and kept coming back to it, but never felt like I "got" it. It's beyond my human capabilities.
 

Fbh

Member
nintendo-ds-soma-bringer.jpg




Absolutely FANTASTIC Diablo clone.

I guess it's not a classic just because it wasn't released in the west (WHY... WHYYYYYYY??). But it's fucking awesome.


Yeah this one is pretty good.
It was always baffling why they didn't release it in the west. Specially since it was a first party Nintendo game made by Monolith.

At least there's a pretty good fan translation you can find online.
 
  • Strength
Reactions: Fuz

kanjobazooie

Mouse Ball Fetishist
This game.

Freshly-Picked_Tingle%27s_Rosy_Rupeeland_Coverart.png


This game is one of the best games I ever played. I'm dead serious, not joking.
It was only released in Japan and PAL region, so it was bound to be under-rated.

People consider Tingle a joke/meme character, but I swear this guy went through so much in this game.

This game is so unique. It's hard for me to describe it, but basically you use rupees to solve all your problems. It has quirky music, great characters, and a simple yet amazing story.



Talking about it now makes me want to play it again. It's been many years.
 

Bakkus

Member
This game.

Freshly-Picked_Tingle%27s_Rosy_Rupeeland_Coverart.png


This game is one of the best games I ever played. I'm dead serious, not joking.
It was only released in Japan and PAL region, so it was bound to be under-rated.

People consider Tingle a joke/meme character, but I swear this guy went through so much in this game.

This game is so unique. It's hard for me to describe it, but basically you use rupees to solve all your problems. It has quirky music, great characters, and a simple yet amazing story.



Talking about it now makes me want to play it again. It's been many years.

This game is high on my 'to do' list. I tried it when it came out, but I was young, so I couldn't grasp it.
 

Fuz

Banned
This game.

Freshly-Picked_Tingle%27s_Rosy_Rupeeland_Coverart.png


This game is one of the best games I ever played. I'm dead serious, not joking.
It was only released in Japan and PAL region, so it was bound to be under-rated.

People consider Tingle a joke/meme character, but I swear this guy went through so much in this game.

This game is so unique. It's hard for me to describe it, but basically you use rupees to solve all your problems. It has quirky music, great characters, and a simple yet amazing story.



Talking about it now makes me want to play it again. It's been many years.

Yeah this one is... weirdly good.
 

GeekyDad

Member
Along the same lines is Trace Memory. I remember picking it right after it was released for $5 in the clearance bin at Toys R Us. I fired it up and was surprised that nobody knew about it.

93IsUz5.jpg
One of the very few games in that genre I thoroughly enjoyed. It's a great genre, but I typically don't have the patience for them. This one, though, I really liked. I might have to revisit. I got it on release, so I'm sure it would feel fairly fresh.
 

GeekyDad

Member
This game was sadly a bit rushed. The core gameplay mechanics are wonderful of course but without a real campaign it was a bit of wasted opportunity.

The 360 version makes up for it though.
Yeah, it did lack a bit of focus because of that.
 
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