DSi Games Systems, DSi Games

Archive for the ‘Nintendo DSi Games’ Category

In recent months, the online applications offered from the DS store have been producing some interesting features. Especially where the Nintendo DSi is concerned, the system is finally having its extra features realised in some great interactive games. A recent photo manipulation game,  Faceez,  is gathering a large amount of attention.

Faceez takes advantage of the DSi's dual cameras, allowing players to take pictures of themselves and friends. These photos can then be uploaded into the Faceez editing suite, which can store a vast number of photos. Your images can now be played around with in various ways.

By choosing 'mix',  you can create hybrids of your own face with a large stock of other images,  allowing you to try out celebrity noses or hairstyles. 'Disguise' allows Faceez users to add comical disguises to their images, such as Pirate Hats or Bandit Masks. 'Animate' is definitely the most impressive feature, which adds your facial image to a stick-body and allows you to do a whole host of activities, such as dancing, eating sweets and singing. Stock expressions will be fused to your face to make it look like your mouth is moving, and the result is impressively realistic.

Nintendo DSi Matte - Black

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $169.99

Amazon Price: $169.99

This application is a great little way to get together with friends and have a laugh. The intuitive features are really quite impressive, and you'll have hours of fun testing out all the abilities. Faceez images can also be uploaded to Facebook and other apps, meaning the possibilities go even further. If you're looking for a fun little game to try out the DSi's features, Faceez is the current craze!

The Bakugan onslaught continues this month with yet another gaming release on the DS and DSi; Bakugan: Battle Trainer. Following just a few short months after the last release, Battle Brawler, this title continues the story of Dan, who has to deal with both losing his memory and retrieving all the Bakugan that have been sucked up into a hostile spaceship.

The gameplay in this title is split into two distinct sections; training and battling. The training section features a number of cool devices, including mini games taking advantage of all the DS features. Through training, your Bakugan gain skills which can be employed in battle. In Bakugan Battle Trainer, more emphasis is placed in strategy instead of the overpowering moves from previous titles.

Bakugan: Battle Trainer

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $19.99

Amazon Price: $19.99

Graphically, Bakugan Battle Trainers is nice and colourful, with the top screen treating players to fun battle animations. Otherwise, the displays are pretty much the same as earlier incarnations. The audio aspect features the voice actors from the show, which is a nice addition, and the Bakugan themselves remain as fearsome as ever.

Bakugan Battle Trainers is a decent release for the franchise. The game itself is quite short, and lacks the various appealing modes the last title offered. Instead, here an emphasis is placed on strategy and mastery- compelling players to level up to the full degree. This title is still a must-have for Bakugan fans, but will appeal more to the strategists amongst them.

Nintendo sure know how to please the fans. Way back on the old Gameboy Colour, the games Pokemon Gold and Silver ruled the roost. Indeed, the games are so popular that they're still being enjoyed today as cult offerings. However, Nintendo are looking to build on the success of these games by crafting remakes on their current DS family. Say hello to Pokemon Heartgold/Soulsilver.

The first great feature offered in Pokemon Heartgold/Soulsilver is that players are able to sync their new game to any old Diamond, Pearl or Platinum games they already have on the DS. This means players can keep all the rare and special Pokemon they battled so hard to find on previous games.
And you'll certainly need them all, as this title offers up almost twice as many gym battles as in the previous installments, expanding the game significantly.

This game is perfect fan service for all the loyal Pokemon collectors out there, and retains some of the best elements from previous titles. Retro music is included bringing back nostalgic tunes from the earliest Pokemon games, along with vast areas you'll recognise but which offer new challenges. However, Pokemon Heartgold/Soulsilver isn't all about bringing back old features. The visuals and audio have obviously been vastly improved since Gameboy colour days, and Pokemon has never looked this great. Running on the same engine as Platinum, the game is pushed even further with some excellent fully animated battle scenes.

If you're even remotely a Pokemon fan, this title is perfect for you. It brings together all the most successful and well-loved aspects of previous installments and sprinkles a little magic dust in the form of improved graphics and additional features to make a perfect experience. Pokemon Heartgold/Soulsilver is an absolute must for fans of the franchise, and is sure to get a new generation hooked too!

It's common knowledge that the Nintendo DSi has the deepest gaming library among this generation of video game systems, portable and otherwise. With over 50 titles released per month for the Nintendo DSi, the system has amassed an inventory of gaming options that may enthrall even the most veteran of gamers.

It is also widely known that Nintendo has the deepest library of first party properties, all of which are certificated hits. It's difficult to name a Nintendo-produced game that wasn't acclaimed or became a commercial failure.

It comes as a large surprise, then, that there are just a few first party DSi Nintendo games planned for the rest of the year and for 2010;

1. Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. A direct follow up to the Legend of Zelda : Phantom Hourglass, this first party DSi Nintendo game will be using the same graphic engine as well as the same control scheme which has made its progenitor a genre-defining title. The first Legend of Zelda for the DS was announced as the game that perfectly exploited all that the system can offer : full stylus control, twin screen optimization, and even microphone support. In Spirit Tracks Link will be navigating trains instead of ships.

2. Mario & Luigi : Bowser's Inside Story. This first party DSi Nintendo game has a long and storied history. Square left and Nintendo continued the franchise with critically praised installments like Paper Mario : The Thousand Year Door for the Gamecube, Super Paper Mario for the Wii, Mario & Luigi : Superstar story for the GBA, and Mario & Luigi : Partners In Time for Nintendo DS. And the most recent game, Bowser's Inside Story, is expected to be the most remarkable of all of them as the brothers are prepared to go back to their plumbing profession inside Bowser's body. No, really.

3. Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver. Of all of the first party DSi Nintendo games, none have experienced as much business success as the Pokemon series. With a long running anime series, manga series, and toy line based on the franchise, Pokemon has gone beyond being a Nintendo property and has become a cultural icon. With the hand-held games almost always being released in two versions, the following pair is booked to come our way very soon.

There are countless games available for Nintendo DS Lite systems all over the world. For many of us, the final criterion of a title's merit is the quantity of copies it has sold. If many Nintendo DS Lite systems have loaded up the game, then this can only mean that it is a title worth investing in.

Looking back over the years, we bring our list of the hottest games for Nintendo DS Lite systems;

1. Nintendogs. Many owners of Nintendo DS Lite systems agree on this cute and fun title. Number of copies sold : 22.27 million.

2. New Super Mario brothers. Number of copies sold : 18.45 million.

3. Brain Age. This title is a series of casual games packed as challenges which will stimulate the mind into active development. Its position in this list proves that casual games do have a place in the hearts Nintendo DS Lite owners. Number of copies sold : 17.41 million.

4. Pokemon Diamond & Pearl. Pokemon remains a hot seller for Nintendo. Number of copies sold : 16.81 million.

5. Mario Kart DS. Promoted as the best racing game, bar none, Mario Kart is a surefire hit wherever the game may appear. The same was true for Mario Kart on the N64, Gamecube and the Nintendo DS Lite systems. Number of copies sold : 14.61 million.

6. Animal Crossing : Wild World. The Gamecube version showed that there's a market for a console game primarily based on the mechanics introduced by the Sims series. This variation for Nintendo DS Lite systems proves that people also like their god games on the move. Number of copies sold : 10.79 million

The Electronic Entertainment Expo ( E3 ) has just concluded, and Nintendo made a great showing during its time on the stage. Not only did the company release new information on what's in store for the Nintendo Wii, it also released a powerful list of Nintendo DSi 2009 games.

Here is an inventory of these Nintendo DSi 2009 games to die for:

1. WarioWare DIY. Superb , isn't it? WarioWare DIY contains all the classic, quirky humor the series has been known for - only this time, you'll be able to make your own humorous levels and your own hilarious game if you need to. Truly, this is one of the biggest Nintendo DSi games to look out for.

2. Mario Vs. Mule Kong : Minis March Again. The first one was met with a so-so reply from the public. This follow up adds something more to the addictive, pseudo-puzzle game play the first one provided.

3. Mario & Luigi : Bowser's Inside Story. This RPG, descendant of the Square-Enix produced Super Mario RPG for the SNES, Mario & Luigi : Bowser's Inside Story is the next installment in the storied and highly acclaimed franchise. This time, the siblings enter Bowser's body for a grand journey. For many folks, a Mario game is a cause for celebration, and this is one of the most eagerly anticipated Nintendo DSi 2009 games asserted at E3.

4. Golden Sun DS. The first one that appeared on the Gameboy Advance is a classic; the first real, original JRPG that embellished that favored system, and thousands of folk instantly fell in love with the likable cast of characters and the superb story the game presented. And now, the sequel is poised to become one of the best Nintendo DSi 2009 games, as it is an installment that fans have demanded for nearly seven years.

5. Cop: The Recruit. Think of the original Grand Theft Auto and its sequel, Grand Theft Auto II, only this time, cops are the main characters. Cop: The Recruit wants to capture the feel that made the GTA series a smash franchise by making the good fellows the heroes - for a change, quite surprisingly.

Nintendo DS Lite games like Legend of Zelda : Phantom Hourglass, New Super Mario Bros, the Phoenix Wright series, and the likes are highly pleasurable experiences, but they are intended for veteran gamers who are acquainted with the earlier incarnations of the related games from times of yore.

But what about entry-level gamers? Are there Nintendo DS Lite games for casual folks who just desire an easy-to-pick-up title for a little while, if not one or two hours, of fun and excitement?

Indeed, there are! Here are five such Nintendo DS Lite games:

1. Rhythm Heaven. Rhythm Heaven is one of the biggest Nintendo DS Lite games for 2009, and this is saying much for a game built for casual play. Rhythm Heaven is actually a collection of mini-games that employ a rhythm and beat mechanic which is simple to pick up and play. It is highly addictive and is a "must have" game for your collection - without regard for whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore player.

2. Professor Layton and the Curious Village. Even casual gamers will find Nintendo DS Lite games that present simple puzzles uninteresting. The title presents a sequence of story-driven puzzles, which are always inside the field of the story and are needed to be solved to advance the game. The result is a very engaging game that is extremely exciting - something which you can rarely say for a puzzler.

3. Times Crosswords. If you simply can't dig saving princesses or shooting at invading aliens, and if you simply wish to have a game that presents simple layouts of challenges that you can solve, then the Times Crosswords is the ideal title for you. The Times is known for 2 things : nicely crafted content and highly challenging crossword puzzles.

4. Brain Age 1 and 2. Two games that actually make you smarter. 'Nuff said!

5. Diner Dash. Poverty stricken Flo serves as a waitress for her eaterie, and the player is meant to balance her various duties so that restaurant patrons will not get impatient. Sounds easy, but the game play is a stroke of pure genius. Without a doubt, Diner Dash is one of the most addictive Nintendo DS Lite games available today.

The number one selling point of the Nintendo DSi isn't the new features that were added to the unit. The number one selling point of the Nintendo DSi is, and will always be, the list of exclusives that may only appear on a Nintendo console.

Below are the top four exclusives that could potentially carry the Nintendo DSi to amazing heights of success:

1. Mario. If ever a video game is to be assigned a mascot, it should be Mario. It would be against the law to promote another personality to be the envoy of electronic entertainment. Mario is the most recognizable figure in the video game industry. Each Mario title that is released is a cause for celebration, and the Nintendo DSi is one of just 2 current generation video game systems that may serve as home for this digital celebrity. With games such as new Super Mario Brothers , Mario & Luigi, and Mario vs. Mule Kong, not to mention the other titles where the agreeable plumber makes a cameo, we can say the Nintendo DSi has been blessed with a gracious serving of Mario madness.

2. Mario Kart. Indeed, Mario Kart is another Mario title, but the franchise is worth an entry of its own in this distinguished list. The first Mario Kart, released on the SNES, revolutionized racing games with wonderful physics and exciting game play. Each installment of the series since that point has been met with much fervour and excitement, and never fail the humongous expectancies they were encumbered with. With Mario Kart DS, the Nintendo DSi received what could very well be the best racing game EVER, one which supplies an online multiplayer experience that doubles the excitement and the value of the package.

3. Legend of Zelda. Many believe that the Legend of Zelda series is Shigeru Miyamoto's greatest creation. That is asserting a lot about the guy who gave us Mario, F-Zero, Pikmin, Mule Kong, and most lately, Wii Music. But people who believe such a claim have a powerful debate going for them: that the Legend of Zelda games are a selection of the best titles ever released for any console. Take, as an instance, the Legend of Zelda : Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 64. It is the first game that ever received a perfect 10 from EGM and Gamespot. It also received the perfect score from plenty of other review outlets. No Legend of Zelda game ever received a score below 90% (or its equivalent in other rating scales ). Good news for the Nintendo DSi then, for it enjoys 2 Zelda games : the Legend of Zelda : Phantom Hourglass, and the Legend of Zelda : Spirit Tracks.

4. Pokemon! Gotta catch 'em all! The hit monster collecting game has become simply a global phenomenon. Originally intended for youngsters, the game has even caught the imagination of adults as well. The Nintendo DSi is home to Pokemon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum, games that were hailed to have re-energized the multi-billion dollar franchise. Soon to arrive on the Nintendo DSi are Pokemon HeartGold and Pokemon SoulSilver.

As Nintendo unveil their DSi- the next stage in hand held gaming which builds upon and augments all the features found in the previous DS, they are looking to draw in new players to the medium whilst also offering current fans and users a range of games that are bankable hits. With this in mind, Nintendo are calling upon their most famous games and characters to help boost the initial release of the DSi.

Nintendo as a developer has always found its greatest strength, and highest consumer popularity, through its wealth of in-house and first party developed games. Of all games and console developers, Nintendo have always ruled the roost when it comes to holding a host of culturally recognisable and crowd pleasing games and characters, ranging from the Mario Brothers, Zelda and Link, Donkey Kong and Pokemon. All these names are well known and loved not just in the gaming industry, but as a part of popular culture itself.
Nintendo are due to release the following games in the wake of the DSi launch;

- Mario and Luigi RPG 3 - The third installment in the much loved franchise that began way back on the SNES. Intitally developed by Square, as the name suggests this is an RPG which takes the famous duo on adventures throughout the Mushroom Kingdom. The second in the series was released on the Nintendo DS, and this third installment hopes to emulate the success of the earlier game.

- Pokemon Platinum - The Pokemon franchse continues to dominate the world, having stretched far beyond the computer game medium and maintaining a high popularity over the years. Pokemon Platinum was released to a staggering launch profit in Japan, with over 2 million copies sold by the end of 2008, a testament to just how popular this franchise is. Pokemon Platinum looks set to bring Nintendo DSi into the forefront of handheld gaming almost single handedly.

-Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks- Following on from previous DS game The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks is due to see the return of Link around the end of 2009/early 2010. Phantom Hourglass implemented an extensive use of Ships in order to navigate, and as the name suggests Spirit Tracks is due to feature extensive useage of trains throughout the quest.

-Trace Memory 2 - Trace Memory was a mystery game which developed quite a cult following on its release, and since then the upcoming DSi sequal has been garnering no small amount of interest. Not yet confirmed for a western release, fans across the world are holding out hope for a general distribution.

As you can see, Nintendo are really bringing out the big guns in a bid to launch the DSi to massive critical acclaim, and with the help of these hgihly popular titles, is looks to be a very promising start.