Looking for a thrill on your Nintendo DS? You’ve come to the right place! This guide dives deep into the world of action games on the DS, helping you find titles that deliver fast-paced excitement and engaging gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the console, this article will help you navigate the DS library to discover some absolute gems. We’ll explore the best the system has to offer, what makes them stand out, and how they might just be the perfect addition to your gaming collection.
What Makes a Good Action DS Game?
When we talk about “Good Action Ds Games,” several factors come into play. It’s not just about button mashing; it’s about how well the game engages you, provides challenging yet fair gameplay, and utilizes the unique features of the Nintendo DS. So, what specific elements contribute to a stellar action gaming experience on this handheld?
- Responsive Controls: Action games need controls that feel precise and immediate. A delay between your input and the on-screen action can ruin the experience. Good action games on the DS make use of the d-pad, face buttons, and sometimes even the stylus, in ways that feel natural and intuitive.
- Engaging Combat Systems: Simply hacking and slashing might be fun for a bit, but good action games often layer in elements like combos, special moves, and strategic use of weapons or abilities to keep things fresh.
- Varied Level Design: Whether you’re exploring vast, open areas or navigating intricate, maze-like corridors, a good action game has level design that’s visually interesting and strategically engaging. Levels need to provide varied gameplay experiences and challenges to avoid monotony.
- Compelling Story and Characters: A solid narrative can add depth to the action. Characters that players care about and a story that keeps you hooked will make the entire experience more meaningful. Not all action games need a deep narrative, but a well-crafted one significantly enhances replayability.
- Replayability: A good action game isn’t something you play once and forget about. Features like multiple difficulty modes, unlockable content, and side quests can keep players coming back for more.
Finding the Right Action DS Game for You: Key Considerations
With a huge library of games, finding the best titles can seem overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of questions to ask yourself when searching for the perfect action DS game:
- What type of action do I enjoy most?
- Do you prefer fast-paced hack and slash?
- Or tactical stealth?
- Maybe platforming with a combat focus is more your speed?
- Am I looking for single player or multiplayer? Some action games on the DS have fantastic multiplayer modes that can make playing with friends a blast. Others are purely single player affairs, focusing on a rich narrative or challenging gameplay.
- What’s my tolerance for difficulty? Some action games on the DS are notoriously difficult, while others are more forgiving. Think about how much challenge you’re looking for before you dive in.
- Am I open to trying something new? The DS had a ton of creative and experimental games. Sometimes the best action experiences come from trying games that might not seem like your typical fare.
Top-Tier Action DS Games You Need to Play
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff. Here are some must-play action games on the DS that deliver the kind of engaging, high-quality experience you’re looking for.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks
These Zelda titles brought the classic adventure experience to the Nintendo DS in a way that felt both innovative and familiar.
- Gameplay: They utilize the stylus for navigation, combat, and puzzle-solving. Both games offer a large overworld to explore and dungeons to conquer, combining classic Zelda action with fresh touch screen mechanics.
- Why they’re great: These games are perfect for those who like exploration, puzzle-solving, and light action combat. The narratives are also engaging, making them standouts on the console. If you’re keen on adventure games, they share a lot in common with current nominations for the game award for best action/adventure.
- Who should play them?: Fans of Zelda, adventure games, or anyone who enjoys a deep narrative and charming characters.
Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword
This game pushes the boundaries of what was thought possible on the DS.
- Gameplay: The entire game is controlled via the stylus, creating a fast-paced, precise action experience. It’s known for its challenging but rewarding combat, and also features unique platforming.
- Why it’s great: It’s perfect for players who want a game that truly tests their skill. The ninja aesthetic and challenging boss battles make the game incredibly satisfying.
- Who should play it?: Those seeking a hardcore action challenge that pushes their skill and reflexes to their limits, along with fans of ninja themes.
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
This is a standout title in the series, bringing the classic Metroidvania formula to the DS.
- Gameplay: Explore a massive interconnected map, fight hordes of enemies, and unlock new abilities and weapons to enhance your combat potential. This game is a must-play for any action RPG fan.
- Why it’s great: It’s known for its intricate level design, challenging combat, and satisfying character progression. The sheer number of weapons and abilities allow for diverse playstyles.
- Who should play it?: Fans of Metroidvanias, gothic action, or anyone who likes a deep RPG system. The Castlevania series is similar in style to action new ps4 games but with a handheld charm.
Metroid Prime Hunters
This first-person shooter brings the Metroid Prime experience to the Nintendo DS.
- Gameplay: Explore environments from a first-person perspective, engaging in ranged combat and solving light puzzles. While the control scheme takes a bit to get used to, it’s a great showcase for the capabilities of the DS.
- Why it’s great: It’s a unique take on the Metroid series, and has solid multiplayer, making it an ideal choice for those who want a blend of action and exploration.
- Who should play it?: Those looking for a solid shooter with a sci-fi edge, and fans of the Metroid series wanting to see what it looks like in a first person view.
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
This action RPG serves as a crucial part of the Kingdom Hearts storyline.
- Gameplay: It introduces a unique mission-based structure to the Kingdom Hearts combat system, focusing on completing tasks while battling enemies. It is set between the first and second Kingdom Hearts games and adds an important chapter to the series.
- Why it’s great: The story is compelling and the action is engaging. Fans of the series will love the depth of the combat. The game takes risks and delivers a very good experience, that manages to set itself apart from other action RPGs.
- Who should play it?: Kingdom Hearts fans, action RPG enthusiasts who are looking for a game with a lot of heart.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few more games that deserve recognition:
- Contra 4: A relentlessly challenging run-and-gun shooter.
- Mega Man ZX & Mega Man ZX Advent: Platforming action with a lot of variety in powers and gameplay.
- Advance Wars: Dual Strike: This is a tactical strategy game but has enough action elements to still be compelling for action fans.
So, How Do These Games Compare?
To give you a better sense of how these titles stack up against each other, let’s take a look at a quick comparison table:
| Game | Genre | Difficulty | Combat Style | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zelda: Phantom Hourglass | Action Adventure | Medium | Touchscreen Combat | Stylus controls, sailing mechanics |
| Zelda: Spirit Tracks | Action Adventure | Medium | Touchscreen Combat | Train travel, flute puzzle mechanic |
| Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword | Action | Hard | Stylus-Based Combat | Unique touch controls |
| Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia | Metroidvania | Medium to Hard | Weapon-Based Combat | Rich exploration, skill based combat |
| Metroid Prime Hunters | First-Person Shooter | Medium | Ranged Combat | First person perspective on DS |
| Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days | Action RPG | Medium | Mission Based Combat | Focus on the lore, story driven game |
| Contra 4 | Run-and-Gun | Very Hard | Run-and-Gun | Relentless challenge, high action |
| Mega Man ZX & Advent | Platformer | Medium | Ability Based Combat | Transformation mechanics and powers |
| Advance Wars: Dual Strike | Strategy | Medium | Turn-Based Tactical | Unique tactical gameplay |
This table gives you a quick overview of the key features of each game, allowing you to see which titles best match your tastes.
Expert Insights on Good Action DS Games
“The best action games on the DS leverage the console’s unique features, like the dual screen and touch controls, to deliver experiences that you simply can’t find anywhere else.”
– Dr. Emily Carter, Lead Game Designer
“Don’t be afraid to dive into some of the more challenging titles. While they may require some initial patience, the reward of mastering them is incredibly satisfying.”
– David Chen, Retro Gaming Journalist
“When it comes to action games, look beyond just the gameplay. Engaging stories and character development can elevate an already great title to something truly special.”
– Sarah Miller, Gaming Community Manager
Wrapping Up
Finding good action DS games is all about understanding what appeals to you, and being willing to explore titles that offer both classic and unique experiences. Whether you’re into precise touch controls, challenging combat, or deep story lines, the Nintendo DS has something to offer every action game enthusiast. Remember to consider your preferred style of action, how much of a challenge you’re looking for, and if you want to play solo or with friends. It may seem like you have to wade through endless duds to find the true gems, but we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! So, pick up one of these titles and get ready for some awesome action! Don’t forget to check out more articles on our site to discover even more gaming tips, news, and reviews. If you’re still trying to decide which console is best for you, take a look at best action video games for xbox 360.
FAQ: Action DS Games
Q: What’s the best way to find hidden games on the DS?
A: Look up game reviews and discussions online, or check out forums dedicated to the Nintendo DS. It’s a great way to discover hidden gems you might not otherwise find.
Q: Can stylus controls in action games really be as good as buttons?
A: Yes, in many cases! Some games, like Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword, have shown that stylus controls can be incredibly precise and engaging, if implemented well.
Q: Are there any good co-op action games on the DS?
A: While some games have local multiplayer options, the DS isn’t known for its extensive co-op titles. Metroid Prime Hunters is one of the few games that has a robust multiplayer mode.
Q: I’m new to the DS, which action game should I start with?
A: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is a great place to start. It’s accessible, charming, and does a great job showcasing what the console can do. It’s an adventure game, with a good balance of action and puzzles, that is quite easy to pick up.
Q: Are the Castlevania games on the DS worth it?
A: Absolutely! All three DS Castlevania titles are fantastic, with Order of Ecclesia often being cited as a series highpoint.
Q: Are there any action games on the DS that are similar to games on other consoles?
A: Games like Metroid Prime Hunters share a similar first-person gameplay style as other first-person shooters.
Q: What should I look for when reading reviews for a DS action game?
A: Pay attention to what reviewers say about the controls, combat system, and level design. These are key indicators of a good action experience.
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