Nintendo DS Lite + games roundup
On June 23rd Nintendo released the DS Lite throughout Europe. The Lite is an upgrade of the original DS, giving it a much needed redesign by making it smaller, lighter and brighter. Essentially transforming the DS from its ugly duckling beginnings into a sexy, must have gadget that Apple would be proud of, Nintendo have radically redefined their product image.
While many will argue it’s a cynical move releasing a new version of hardware barely 1½ years old, it’s obvious that the original design was rushed in order to meet the competition from Sony’s PSP. The DS’ success speaks for itself and the Lite is a welcome refinement and an embodiment of their continual push to make gaming accessible to everyone (and the fashion conscious).
Where it obviously improves on the size and looks of the original, the hidden changes are just as important - the screens have a brightness control (with the brightest even eclipsing the PSP’s), the microphone is centred, the Power button has moved to a better location and the stylus is now bigger (goodbye hand cramps!).
Disappointingly though there hasn’t been a firmware update - WiFi Pictochat, VOIP and some Organiser software would have been very very nice. With the imminent release of Opera, the internet browser for the DS, such things can only be round the corner.
To coincide with the launch of the DS Lite I thought i’d do a roundup of the its top titles for those about to invest in some touch screen action for the first time.
New Super Mario Brothers
The return of the greatest plumbers that lived, this is Mario and Luigi’s first 2D platformer since the legendary Super Mario World on the SNES. Retaining all that made them great and introducing two player gaming over WiFi, this is mushroom induced madness for a new generation.
Brain Training
The phenomenon that swept Japan is finally here. This is a curious title that isn’t strictly a game - as the name suggests it’s a piece of software that allows you to test and train your brain’s thinking bits by playing it for ten minutes a day. Comes with Sudoku for all the Vordermans out there.
Mario Kart: DS
The sequel to one of the most fun multiplayer games ever made introduces online races over WiFi and a collection of new tracks and old favourites to drop bananas on. Possibly the best in the series (and that’s saying something).
Tetris DS
The worlds most famous/addictive puzzle game comes to the DS replete with stylish new colours, touch screen control and online multiplayer gaming. Say goodbye to your life, say hello to Tetris.
Metroid Prime: Hunters
One of Nintendo’s greatest series arrives on the DS, reinvented around the touch screen/dual screen controls it delivers a PC style First Person Shooter integrated with the traditional Metroid single player game and a fast paced online deathmatch service over WiFi.
Animal Crossing: Wild World
When is a game not a game? When it’s Animal Crossing. More a way of life, AC:WW transports you to a randomly generated town of your naming and allows you to live there, decorate, design, garden, fish and socialise with its surreal inhabitants and your friends online. Synced to the DS’ internal clock it acts out enchantingly in realtime and with the seasons meaning you’re likely to still be playing it next year.
Nintendogs
The first part in Nintendo’s master plan to widen the DS’ appeal, Nintendogs lets you pet and play with virtual dogs. Hitting the right chord with a predominantly female demographic, it was the Christmas present sensation that showcased the DS’ touch screen in its most tangible form.
Wario Ware Touched!
One of the funniest and most surreal games ever made sneezes onto to the DS. Essentially a massive collection of endlessly creative mini games, the crux is that each game lasts about three seconds and you don’t get told what to do! With games like ‘Pat the dog’, ‘Pluck the hair’ and ‘Wipe the snot’ it uses the touch screen and microphone in every possible way. And then some.
Trauma Center: Under the Knife
If you’ve ever watched ER and thought ‘I can do that!’ then now’s your chance as Trauma Center allows you to slice and dice people’s insides in a bid to fix them. Using the touch screen you cut, inject and sow to your hearts content to progress through this truly bizarre Japanese game.
Advance Wars: Dual Strike
Like Chess? You’ll love this! Incredibly addictive, Advance Wars is a turn-based war game where you move cute manga style tanks and planes across a map, attempting to out-strategise your opponent. The game is endless fun with its engaging single player story and in-depth multiplayer and map editor.
Meteos
An addictive puzzle game from the maker of Rez that has you matching sequences of falling shapes and blasting them into space. Meteos is one of the fastest, most intense puzzlers out there and unique features like varying gravity and power-ups will keep it fresh for quite a while. Four player games between DS’ are an essential part of the experience.
Electroplankton
Another one of the DS’ curious titles that escapes definition. More art toy than game it allows you to create music by playing with virtual fish and plankton in a variety of different ways. It doesn’t require any musical skills and can be wonderfully absorbing, especially in those post club hours.