jumb said:
I tried playing mario kart the other day, I just can't get into it
pahh
Agreed stas, what a fantastic game. Let's get a top DS list going on for the time being.
My top five (with comments, will add games later on when they come to me)
5. Jump! Ultimate Stars
Plays a lot like smash bros (though much less refined and unbalanced), that in itself is enough to warrant good multiplayer action. I'm not the biggest fan of Japanese anime but it's fun looking at how vast the roster is, and many of the characters touch upon that fuzzy warm feeling of nostalgia.
4. Trauma Center
Just a perfect example of what is only capable on the DS. Blistering fast gameplay mechanics and the way the tools have their own unique control just makes the game so exhilarating. The decisions you have to make, patterns you have to solve, how precise you have to be, just damn near perfect. The atmosphere is really infectious too, down to every last sound effect. Hard as fuck though, I haven't finished it yet and I doubt I ever will.
The Wii version looks crap for the record.
3. Elite Beat Agents
Featuring a soundtrack chock full of songs and artists that would usually grate upon my patience, though that is all forgiven whenever they're placed into the context of this game. As to why that is, I'm not too sure myself.
I remember beating Jumping Jack Flash for the very first time on normal level, I was running round the house yelling something, at nothing in particular.
2. Mario Kart DS
One of my favourite franchises and the second strongest in it to date in my opinion. Everything great about Mario Kart, put into the palm of your hands, and free online play! Snaking gets a bit frustrating online, though.
1. Phoenix Wright - Ace Attorney
Being put into the shoes of ace attorney Phoenix Wright, hearing everything he says, reading every one of his thoughts. With this perspective it has allowed for some of the deepest character development I've seen in a game to date. And while some of the characters you may find to be a bit annoying (Phoenix whinges in his thoughts a lot of the time), it's the plain fact that you get to know the character so well that you get to find them annoying in that kind of way is what makes you appreciate the game even more. If you understand what I'm getting at here.
The art direction and presentation has been done very well, and there's just something about looking at what may very well be animated gifs, the same thing over and over again. It gets you into a routine, gives you a rush whenever you see Phoenix point, or yell out hold it, or smack his desk. The presentation of the game has been set with but a handful of five frame sprites, simple, yet so effective.
One of the reasons I was really disappointed with Justice for All is the absence of the original soundtrack. Mazakazu hit upon perfection on many of the jingles in game. While the investigation and personal themes of each character I've found to expect from standard Capcom fare, the songs from the court room settings are, in my humble opinion, nothing less than perfect. I even use the cross examination song to help me study
And I've set the "cornered" theme as my ringtone
(and Phoenix' "Objection!" as my sms tone, of course
)