Top 5 NDSL Games

I have to say I spend more time on PSP than NDSL, simply because PSP definitely is a much-nicer handheld than NDSL (I am sorry I said it out-loud to those hardcore NDSL fan, just my personal view). However, I do enjoy some NDSL games, and some even has consumed my more than 10 hours of game play (yeah only 20 hours maximum comparing to my personal record of 50 hours on PSP FFT). NDSL has definitely much rich game library than PSP, mainly because (I think) it is cheaper to develop NDSL games and most NDSL games are mainly for casual gamers (i.e., those who only play it for a short while). Well, let's have a look at my top 5 list.

5th Place -- Dragon Quest Monsters Joker
This game is definitely a Square-Enix version of Pokemon. After the huge success of Dragon Quest VIII on PS2 worldwide, a number of Dragon Quest spin-offs were released in Japan and worldwide (some of them). One of which is this game. You play a Dragon-Ball-character-look-alike guy (well, considering the author is Akira Toriyama) who is to "collect" monsters around the islands to fight for some sort of champion. I am only half-way through the game because of the ridiculously-difficulty-setting. However, I have to say the graphic is quite well-developed considering how weak (from the spec point of view) of an NDSL is. If it is not because of Dragon Quest IV, I think I will continue playing this game after about 10 hours of game play.

4th Place -- Final Fantasy III

OK, this game is released near end of year 2006. But, I just bought my NDSL in year 2007, so this will count as my year 2007 game. Why do I like this game? One (and maybe the only) reason is that it is a remake of a classic Final Fantasy game, a classic turn-based role-playing game, and not to mention a remake into 3D. Even though the game does not really utilize the stylus function of the NDSL, it still has the attractiveness for those die-hard FF fan. Well, it sells pretty well in Japan and worldwide. I think I have put roughly 20 hours in this game to complete it. Oh, I have almost bought the NDSL in Netherlands (a.k.a. the expensive land) merely because of this game. Well, luckily Freddie (sort-of) stop my stupidity. But, I guess I have fallen for this game in China and got myself an NDSL. Yeah, I am one of those die-hard FF fans if you still haven't noticed.

3rd Place -- Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
I have mentioned about this game quite a number of times. Similar to Final Fantasy III and Dragon Quest Monsters Joker, the graphic of this game is pretty well-done. The story is also quite touching -- a twin brother-and-sister loosing their parents murdered by some sort of evil, and they are seeking for the meaning of their lives. The game play is not typical role-playing, more on the platforming and action-play. Not bad but sometimes the control seem to be a bit annoying. You have the control over either four of the characters. While you control one of the characters, the other three are controlled by a (reasonably stupid) AI. I definitely have some joy playing this game, but I also have sworn a lot... due to the camera problem and some non-sense control.

2nd Place -- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hour Glass
This might be the first time I play this long-time-franchise game featured the famous character Link. This game definitely has fully utilized the stylus function of the NDSL, i.e., no button control whatsoever (except the directional button to swap the screens). You move, you fight, you pickup stuff, you choose your weapon etc. all by the stylus pen in your hand. I have to give my applause to Nintendo for this innovative gameplay. Certainly my first time, and definitely intuitive. The graphic itself is cell-shaded and definitely add some cuteness to the game. However, what bothers me is that there are just too many puzzles solving, and only a little of fighting. However, I guess this game is not about fighting. For fighting with stylus, I will just wait for Ninja Gaiden DS then.

1st Place -- Final Fantasy VII: The Revenant Wings
The success of Final Fantasy XII definitely marks another milestone for Square-Enix. Therefore, there is no surprise that Square-Enix is going to release some spin-offs (just like Final Fantasy VII). Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings featured Vann and Penelo 2 years (I think) after Final Fantasy XII. This time, Vann really wants to become a sky pirate and somehow coincidentally he is able to steal a flying ship somehow brings him (and others) to a sacred and hidden location up in the sky, encountering a "new" species. OK, the story may be a bit lame, but the game play is not. FFXII definitely changes the game play of FF franchise, from turn-based or time-based to real-time. Now, FFXII:RW pushes it further -- a real-time strategic game play, just like the famous Comand & Conquer. In addition to that, you could still customize your character and even more to add more summon-able monsters to fight for you. I find it very interesting, and I have definitely put more than 15 hours of gameplay into it.

As I have mentioned earlier, there are a lot of NDSL games. Sadly, most of those that I really like are in Japanese or not out yet. So, here I will list some so-called Honorable Mentions, which I have tried (in Japanese or demo) and something to look forwards to in year 2008.

Honorable Mention 4 -- Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
Considering I have a huge fan of Final Fantasy Tactics, how could I miss this game. This is a sequel of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance on Gameboy Advance. Certainly one of the games that I look forwards to in year 2008.

Honorable Mention 3 -- It's a Wonderful World
Tetsuya Nomura's Kingdom Hearts team is developing this game, and this already caught my attention. The game play uses the dual screens of NDSL, the top is controlled by the buttons while the bottom is controlled using the stylus pen. This innovative game play certainly is what I like to try. Additionally, the trendy hip-hop element that is put into the game definitely is a plus for me.

Honorable Mention 2 -- Dragon Quest IV: Those Who are Shown the Way
OK. This is another remake into a (sort-of) 3D form. I am playing this game now (in mixture of Japanese and Chinese form). As a RPG fan, I have a lot of fun with this. Well, don't mention any innovative game play whatsoever because it got none. It doesn't even use the stylus function. But, I just like it as it is a classic!

Honorable Mention 1 -- Ninja Gaiden DS (demo)
I mentioned about stylus-style of fighting. I played the demo and have played it over again for like 4 times. It is very very intuitive and innovative using the stylus pen. Oh, the graphic definitely has pushed the technical limit of the NDSL. Maybe that's the reason it has been pushed to 2008 (well, it was supposed to be out around winter time). No harm, just something to look forwards to in year 2008 then.