'bout dang time, eh folks? I dunno about ya'll, but my NDS has been an oversized GBA for a little longer than I hoped. So fortunately, it seems Nintendo hasn't abandoned this unique machine like it looked after the release and there is a stronger line-up of games coming *this* year.
So, without further delay let's talk about those games and Nintendo’s future in the struggle of the pocket....
List of promising DS games coming this year:[/B
(in order of release, not best)
[B]1.Kirby: Canvas Curse – Yesterday - 8.6 from Gamespot and a 9.0 from IGN isn't something to ignore. From what I gather Kirby is on a quest for his arms and feet in this touch screen only game. So far, the only true complaints I see are that; the story is lacking and no multiplayer. Seeing how I look for neither in a Kirby game, I actually might be picking it up tomorrow if my store gets it in then.
2.Advance Wars: Dual Strike - 08/22/2005 - It's Advance Wars? Need I say more? No, but I will, because I'm always psyched about a new game from Intelligent Systems (Paper Mario, Fire Emblem, and GBA Advance Wars). Looks like there are tons of new COs (a screenshot gives the impression Orange Star has ten O_o) and a few new units like Aircraft carriers and stealth fighters (air artillery, is my guess).
3.Nintendogs – 08/22/2005 – I’ll wait for the reviews most definitely on this one, but I’ve got to give a thumbs up to Nintendo for making a solid effort to target non-gamers. If it does get great reviews, like in Japan, I’m at a lost of which version I’d get. My favorite doggies are scattered through out all of the versions (darn it), but most likely the one with the Huskies would be my pick.
4.Trace Memory - 09/26/2005 – Interesting looking puzzle adventure game.
5.Viewtiful Joe - 10/03/2005 – Not sure if the touch screen will help or hinder the solid gameplay of this fresh series.
6.Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow - 10/03/2005 – I’ve always liked these Super Metroid feeling action games with RPG elements Konami has been giving us. Heck, Circle of the Moon is the reason why I bought a GBA at launch.
7.Metroid Prime: Hunters - 10/17/2005 – As long as there is a full fledge single player story mode, which there should be, I’m sold. The demo that came with the system, pretty much proved the system was a solid home for shooters. Sadly, Nintendo isn’t really a big FPS making, aside from this Metroid game. Maybe this game will spark the interest of other companies.
8.Mario Kart DS - 11/07/2005 – Mario Kart online sounds like a blast to me…. when I get a Wi-fi network in my house, that is.
9.Electroplankton - 11/14/2005 – Technically not a game, but a musical toy. Looks very creative and fun, but will it be worth the price?
10.Animal Crossing DS - 11/21/2005 – Finally, Animal Crossing on the go.
11.Mario & Luigi 2 - 11/21/2005 – Gameplay looks solid, but with it maintain the great sense of silly humor? -And what’s the touch screen for?
In my book, ten good-looking games in two and a half quarters ain’t bad.
What about the good ‘ol GBA?
At this point it would seem the GBA’s life is coming to an end with all these new DS games coming. Even though recently the GBA had two great hits come out (Fire Emblem and Wario Ware: Twisted), there is not much to look forward to in the future from what is announced, except Gunstar Heros in October. Now you may be asking, “what about the Gameboy Micro?’ Well, I’m asking the same question. It’s odd that Nintendo is releasing another rendition of the GBA, when there are not many big GBA games coming out then and the focus on games appear to be on the DS and Gamecube, especially Zelda. So, does Nintendo have more GBA games up its shelves for if the Micro sells well? Maybe so. Personally, I wouldn’t mind it. The DS plays both DS and GBA games. Then again, what about the future of the DS? Will the beginning of ’06 be a dead period for them? –Looks like most of the DS games and GCN games are set for the holidays. Also, the Revolution, *may* not appear (if Nintendo wants to avoid the PS3 hype) til’ Holiday ’06.