DS News

November2007

  • Review FIFA 08 (DS)

    EA has already had several kicks at the ball when it comes to creating the ultimate DS soccer game - has the company finally succeeded with this latest effort?

    With the Wii instalment of FIFA 08 leaving us extremely impressed indeed, we had particularly high hopes for the Nintendo DS version here at NintendoLife. Although the franchise has come in...

October2007

  • Review The Sims 2: Castaway (DS)

    EA's best selling franchise relocates to a somewhat less comfortable environment - but is this a situation worth surviving?

    In the modern world of capitalism it’s a commonly accepted fact that when a company hits upon a successful concept they’ll flog it for all it’s worth. This is clearly demonstrated by EA’s highly lucrative Sims franchise...

  • Review MySims (DS)

    MySims arrives on the DS. Is it time to remove Animal Crossing: Wild World from your DS cart slot?

    On paper EA’s MySims seems like the perfect game concept for the Nintendo DS. The machine has already proven it can play host to vibrant ‘virtual worlds’ thanks to Nintendo’s best selling Animal Crossing: Wild World. The enduring allure of the...

  • Competition Beat The Brat Content

    To celebrate the 2008 "World Series of Poker" video game Activision welcomes you to try and Beat The Brat and win a trip to Las Vegas.

    "The grand prize is a trip for two to Las Vegas. The trip includes airfare, hotel accommodations, and a trip to the spa to relax after a long day of gambling. Three runner ups will receive a copy of the World Series...

September2007

  • Review Luminous Arc (DS)

    Altus bring us yet another slice of Japanese RPG gaming - but can Luminous Arc present a solid challenge to the best the genre has to offer?

    While it’s certainly true that we’re all hardcore Ninty fans here at Nintendo Life, it would be silly to suggest we don’t dabble with rival systems from time to time. One manufacturer that is almost...

  • Review Dragon Ball Z: Goku Densetsu (DS)

    Cardmehameha!

    [screenshot=468bc2098dbeb]Card Based CombatSorry, I had the overwhelming urge to begin this review with a play on words involving DBZ and cards… and that was the best I could do! Anyway, to the point. Dragon Ball Z is quite easily the most recognisable cartoon to come out of Japan. I remember the days of my childhood where I would...

  • News Trade Pokémon With New Site

    Trade Pokémon all around the world.

    Nintendo have launched a new site that will help trade Pokémon all around the world. The website named Pokémon Global Trade Station is compatible with both Diamond and Pearl versions of the game. If you like Pokémon and are having trouble locating that level 100 Snorlax you may want to read on for the...

  • Review Worms: Open Warfare 2 (DS)

    Worms kinda lost it’s way big time. Some games welcomed the switch into 3D, making them feel fresher, fuller and on the whole a lot more enchanting. Worms was not one of those games.

    Last year, Team 17 decided to bring the series back to it’s routes. DS and PSP iterations of the game reminded us why the game was so crudely popular on the PC way...

  • News EA Get Boogying On DS (and PS2)

    EA Montreal have been confirmed as making a DS version of the recently released Wii game Boogie. Release set for November: Gimmicks included...

    Electronic Arts, in their wisdom, have confirmed that a DS version of the recently released Wii title Boogie is currently in development at it's Montreal studios. Pop legends such as Kool and the Gang and...

  • Review SimCity (DS)

    The big city is here... on the little DS.

    Sim City is arguably one of the best simulation games out there: it practically wrote the book on the genre. On the PC it's a tried and tested formula. But, never before has it made a comfortable transition to any other format. So, has Sim City DS achieved the grandeur of modern day society, or does it bear...

August2007

  • Review Guilty Gear: Dust Strikers (DS)

    The cult 2D fighting game series makes its debut on the Nintendo DS, but has the magic of the previous titles been retained?

    The Nintendo DS often represents a rather difficult proposition for developers. The unique nature of the hardware can sometimes pose a significant stumbling block when it comes to porting existing franchises to the popular...

July2007

  • Review Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (DS)

    Can EA atone for the shameful lineage of Harry Potter games with their latest instalment on the Nintendo DS, or will this particular spell fizzle out like the rest?

    If you’ve had the forethought to read our recent preview of the Wii version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (let’s compress that down to HP:OotP from hereon in) you’ll...

  • News Nintendo DS Camera Revealed

    It's been a touted announcement on message boards for some months now but today gamers got the information they've been waiting for.

    The Nintendo DS camera has finally reared it's head onto the Internet and we have the screens to prove it. The camera slots into the GBA port on the Nintendo DS and includes a stand which keeps the DS upright when...

June2007

  • Competition Trioncube Competition Winners

    We announce the winners of our Trioncube competition, selected at random by our super computer shuffle routine.

    To celebrate the launch of Trioncube on the DS we partnered up with Atari to give away 3 copies of the game to our members. We asked the question What is the name of the King in Trioncube? which of course was King Pluto. We powered up our...

  • Review Trioncube (DS)

    The DS certainly isn't short of puzzle games. Does Namco Bandai's latest release have enough charm to stand out from the crowd and represent a worthwhile purchase?

    Handheld consoles and puzzle games go hand in hand. Through the history of portable entertainment every major machine has played host to at least one truly ‘essential’ puzzler. The...

May2007

  • Review Final Fantasy III (DS)

    The 'lost' Final Fantasy is at last made available to the English-speaking world. Is it a glorious reinvention of a genre classic, or merely a pointless step back in time?

    Given the stature of the Final Fantasy series, it’s somewhat surprising to think that only very recently has the entire franchise been made available to a worldwide audience. Up...

April2007

  • Review Pokemon Diamond & Pearl (DS)

    Was it worth the long wait? (Yes!)

    Pokémon fans have received three lackluster Pokémon Games since the Nintendo DS launch over two years ago. Pokémon Dash, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team, and Pokémon Ranger were poor offerings, almost as if Nintendo had simply slapped Pokémon on some generic games. Finally, four years after Ruby and...

  • Review Dead 'N' Furious (DS)

    Dream On Studio’s tribute to Sega’s ‘House of the Dead’ hits the DS – is it the sleeper hit of the year or as sad and shambling as the flesh-eating zombies contained within?

    Zombies, eh? They seem to be everywhere these days. After starring in a seemingly endless flood of low-budget gore fests in the seventies, the festering undead enjoyed...

  • Review Theme Park DS (DS)

    Resurrected from the PC original released in 1994, Theme Park on the Nintendo DS places you as the designer, developer and manager in a realistic and believable finance-based simulator.

    Created by video game legend Peter Molyneux, Theme Park has a very simple concept on the surface but when you persevere with the title you will find there is a great...

  • Review Meteos: Disney Magic (DS)

    Arguably the best DS puzzler in existence returns with a brand new appearance – but has this alliance with the House of Mouse sullied the game name of the series?

    It’s never pleasant watching someone you admire sell out. Be it a band, sports personality or comedian, many of our heroes fall victim to the irresistible allure of cold, hard cash...

  • Review Puzzle Quest (DS)

    Tetris meets Final Fantasy? That can't work, surely? We lift the lid on one of the most interesting DS releases of the year.

    When developers mix widely opposing game genres it usually results in a bit of a mess. This is the main reason why I initially gave Puzzle Quest a fairly wide berth when I saw it in my local videogame store a few weeks back...

  • Review Gunpey DS (DS)

    The Wonderswan puzzler is reborn on the DS - but has Mizuguchi's Q Entertainment done enough to elevate it to truly classic status?

    When Gameboy creator Gunpei Yokoi was tragically killed in a car accident in 1997 he was working on what he saw as the successor to Nintendo’s machine – the bizarrely named ‘Wonderswan’. When the handheld was...

  • News Wii And DS Connectivity Inevitable?

    A hidden object in Super Paper Mario hints at future connectivity between the Wii and the Nintendo DS.

    Super Paper Mario is already gaining a reputation of being hidden with little treats and one such gamer has found a Nintendo DS hidden within the game. On clicking it a message appears stating "Awaiting Data Upgrade". Will a Wii update in the very...

March2007

  • Review Hotel Dusk: Room 215 (DS)

    A return to the text-based games of the past

    Hotel Dusk is entirely a throwback to retro text based games with some gameplay that really shines. You play the game horizontally (Brain Age style) and only use the touch screen. By conversing with the local hotel guests, bits and pieces of the back story of the mysterious hotel come about, as well as...

  • Review Diddy Kong Racing DS (DS)

    The Nintendo 64 classic returns on DS, but how does it compare to Mario Kart DS?

    Ah Diddy Kong Racing, one of my old friends, how nice to see you again. How fitting is it that Diddy Kong Racing is Rare's first DS title. One of my favorite games for the Nintendo 64, the game that in my opinion took Mario Kart 64 and improved on it in every possible...

  • Review Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (DS)

    Konami's evergreen vampire hunting series drops by for a second bite on the Nintendo DS, but can it maintain the blistering pace set by Dawn of Sorrow?

    Those of you lucky enough to have experienced the sublime Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow will no doubt be very excited by this latest release for the Nintendo DS. Once again Konami have settled on the...

  • News Pokemon To Become First Wii Online Title

    Nintendo have today announced that Pokemon Battle Revolution will be the first online game for the companies latest console, Wii.

    Whilst everyone is enjoying the GDC we've learnt that Nintendo plans to release Pokemon Battle Revolution in the US this coming June. It's also the first title to link to DS and use the DS as a controller. "Wii™...

February2007

  • Review Cooking Mama (DS)

    As I have already stated in my preview the concept for Cooking Mama is utterly fantastic. To think that there are still companies out there that want to be original, that want to make something new and that want make use of Nintendo’s technology is quite heart warming to me.

    Cooking Mama might not be the best game you’ll ever play. In fact – I...

  • Review Elite Beat Agents (DS)

    Elite Beat Agents are GOO!!! -Commander Kahn Tap, slide, and spin your way through awesome songs in this interactive rhythm action game for the DS!

    Elite Beat Agents are GO! Elite Beat Agents is unique, to say the least. It’s a rhythm action game, and the closest comparison would be to the PS1 classic Parappa the Rappa. You only use the stylus...

January2007

  • News Diddy Kong Racing Details

    Possible Mario Kart beater with four all new tracks, six player online action AND a track builder.

    One game has been sleeping, sleeping until now. Nintendo have finally revealed all the goods on their upcoming remake of the N64 classic Diddy Kong Racing, hitting the DS in the US next month. Fact Sheet:A bloated space pig has taken control of Diddy...

December2006

  • Review Densetsu no Stafi 4 (DS)

    Starfish are so adorable... but hard to understand in Japanese

    For many, this may be the first time of hearing the name Stafi. Over in the land of the rising sun the name is held in high regard, with several Stafi games out for the GBA/DS. Alas, all four of the Stafi games have never gone to retail outside of Japan, a huge shame. So without further...

  • Review Superman Returns (DS)

    Here is a little fact for you: Superman is shit. Why people choose him as their favourite superhero I will never know. How can you relate to an alien character that perfectly resembles a human and wears his underwear outside his tights? Oh and couple that with the fact he is perfectly invincible and it all gets a bit pointless really, doesn’t it?

    ...

  • Review Crash Boom Bang! (DS)

    Crash landing on DS, mini games a plenty, but how does this measure up to previous Crash titles?

    From what I remember Crash Bandicoot was pretty much written off from the first moment when he landed onto PlayStation consoles all those years ago, at least by the non-Sony crowd, he's no Mario or Sonic, right? To his credit, Crash re-appeared again and...

September2006

  • Review Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (DS)

    Another handheld Castlevania?

    Since the release of the absolute classic Symphony of the Night on the Playstation, the Castlevania series has metamorphasized from the original side scrolling action/platformers to sprawling adventures games, packed to bursting point with collectables, enemies and areas. Recent 3D incarnations have been incredibly hit...

August2006

  • Review Naruto: Saikyo Ninja Daikesshu 4 (DS)

    Kage-Bunshin No-jutsu!

    Naruto has become somewhat of a smash hit sensation over in Japan and now we find that its influence has made it to the West. The anime is airing in the US and UK (although the Japanese is far superior to the American version), but as of yet we haven't seen too many games outside of Japan.[screenshot=44ed88bce07ed]Frantic...

  • Review Burnout Legends (DS)

    It's proven on consoles, but how will Burnout translate onto the handhelds?

    The wonderful world of Burnout: easily my favourite racing series of the last decade. With Burnout: Revenge I'd even suggest that the series has surpassed the infamous Ridge Racer franchise. Each game in the series has developed further and always seems to improve. It's a...

  • Competition Mario Fanatics Competition

    Nintendo have teamed up with Buzznet giving you the chance to win a DS Lite completed with New Super Mario Bros game.

    Still not managed to go and treat yourself to a brand new DS Lite system? Nintendo are now offering you the chance to WIN one simply by showing your eternal love for Mario. "Remember the time you freaked out because the power...

  • Review Break 'em All (DS)

    For those of you who would love to play Breakout again.

    If you've ever had an addiction for the game Breakout or Arkinoid, you may have interest in the DS game Break 'Em All, especially with the price tag of $19.99. There are 12 power ups you can gain, 50 pre-set levels to play, and a massive number of randomized levels. Unfortunately, this may not...

  • Review Trauma Centre: Under The Knife (DS)

    Get prepped for surgery, stat!

    Trauma Centre is one of those games that I never imagined would become a game. You play as a new, rookie surgeon. That's right, a doctor! Using the touch screen, you perform a variety of surgeries on all sorts of patients. From burning away tumors, to massaging someone's heart to resuscitate them. The game's...

July2006

  • Review Monster House (DS)

    It's actually not that bad...

    Monster House, of course, is based on the movie that just got recently released. I must say that I'm quite surprised that the game isn't bad, for a movie tie-in game. The game is in the same style as Smash TV or Total Carnage, with great run and gun action, and a bird's eye view. I have not yet gotten a chance to see...

  • Review Yoshi Touch & Go (DS)

    Touching is good!

    Yoshi Touch & Go was an early title for the DS. The game centres on getting the highest score possible, making it feel like an arcade game. With other excellent selections for the DS with much more depth though, this game has been overlooked by many. However, it isn't all that bad. The game starts out with you controlling baby...

  • Review Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (DS)

    Court is now in session! Will the defendant please take to the stand?

    For everyone outside of Japan, Phoenix Wright is a bold and new concept for a game. Can Western gamers really appreciate a highly text driven game about a defence attorney? For the case against this game for being a waste of money, I plea with you, members of the jury, hear this...

  • Review The Urbz: Sims in the City (DS)

    Boooorrrinnggg!

    The Urbz: Sims in the City is a poorly made Sims experience. In fact, this is a completely different experience from the original Sims title. The Sims was a slow paced game where you could play God and control how people live their lives. Unfortunately, the Urbz doesn't give you the same freedom that the original Sims gave you. The...

  • Review Point Blank DS (DS)

    Dr. Don & Dr. Dan return to our screens, breaking free from the PlayStation universe and emerging on the DS.

    For those that don't know, Namco's Point Blank series originated as an arcade title back in 1994 along with its partner in crime, Time Crisis. Both games were ported over to the PlayStation using the fashionable G-Con 45 light gun. Point...

  • Review New Super Mario Bros. (DS)

    New and improved?

    Just a little over 20 years ago, Nintendo released their Nintendo Entertainment System onto the US gaming market and packaged with it, a game that would forever change the landscape of video games. This game was the original Super Mario Bros. and it single-handedly sold millions of NES systems. Over the next five years Nintendo...

June2006

  • Review WarioWare Touched! (DS)

    You've got the touch

    The biggest mistake you could possibly make with WarioWare Touched! is overlooking it due to the simplistic visuals. Until you play the game it isn't apparent that this simplicity is what keeps WarioWare so entertaining. If there ever was a DS game that can appeal to all ages, this surely is it. I must admit that the subset of...

May2006

  • Review Sonic Rush (DS)

    Our favorite blue hedgehog returns in his first DS outing and along with that brings a new friend along for the ride: Blaze the cat.

    So what does this mean for all those Sonic fans who still feel Sonic 3 and Knuckles was the last great Sonic game? Nothing because this is just as good if not better! No longer do we have bottomless pits from Sonic...

  • Review Pac N Roll (DS)

    Pac's on a roll, with no self-control

    Everyone knows Pac-man from his highly addictive debut arcade game, but for a while now Pac-man has been taking a walk on the wild side and venturing into the world of 3D. So it came as no surprise to see that the yellow gobbler has made it onto another DS game, this time 3D. And Thus starts the Pac 'n Roll...

  • Review Project Rub (DS)

    "The Rub Rabbits help you to score with the girl, but how does the game itself score?"

    Rub It! Touch it! Breathe on it! Yell at it! Are the best phrases to describe Project Rub (Feel the Magic). The game makes use of every feature that is individual to the DS. Making it one of the most exclusive and refreshing titles around. Quirky can not even...

  • Review Metroid Prime: Hunters (DS)

    Prime pocket power

    Retro Studios' highly regarded Metroid Prime games may only be available on home consoles, but that hasn't stopped Nintendo from bringing a slice of first-person Samus to the DS in the form of Metroid Prime: Hunters. In Hunters, you take the role of the female bounty hunter, Samus Aran, who seeks an "ultimate power." In...

  • Review Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old is Your Brain? (DS)

    I can now add and subtract small numbers without using my fingers.

    In the past, I have heard many things about how good video games are for you. I've heard that they help with hand-eye coordination and can even help increase knowledge. Of course, I never understood how, in anyway, it could really help. Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day...

April2006

  • Review Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble (DS)

    Superhero Joe returns for a portable adventure, but is it Henshin a good-good baby?...

    Viewtiful Joe Double Trouble is yet another instalment in the classic Capcom series about the superhero who loves films, Viewtiful Joe. The DS outing had a lot to live up to in comparison to the console versions, maybe a bit too much was expected? For me the first...

  • Review Animal Crossing: Wild World (DS)

    It's so cute!

    To tell you the truth, I don't feel like Animal Crossing: Wild World is a video game. To me, it's more of a hangout. It's a fantasy world you can go to, to escape from reality…especially if you enjoy collecting furniture and planting pear trees. Wild World takes you away from your dull and boring life, to an alternate world full of...

  • Review Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan (DS)

    Welcome to the world of quirky Japanese rhythm games. I hope you enjoy your stay...

    As you may have guessed Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan (in English; Go! Fight! Cheer Squad) is a musical rhythm game for your Nintendo DS. As it is only available in Japan the game is host to many Japanese tunes (catchy ones at that) and the typical quirky scenarios you would...

  • News DS Lite To Launch June 1st?

    Could the DS Lite be launching on June 1st for North America?

    According to the Barnes and Noble website, the DS Lite will be launching June 1st in North America. I'm not exactly sure if this is true or not, and Nintendo has not yet confirmed it, but this does sound like a good date.

  • News Lost Magic Details

    Ubisoft have released another snippet of information for the upcoming "Lost Magic" title for Nintendo DS.

    Today, Ubisoft have published a fact sheet overview of its upcoming "Lost Magic" game for Nintendo DS set to release on April 28th. In a world after the "Creator" has passed away… He left humans 6 types of magic (earth, water, fire,...

  • News Tetris Grows Up

    Tetris DS is coming soon, classic gameplay with added Touch Control and Wi-Fi enabled.

    Nintendo hype up the revamped "Tetris DS" with a press release, the game is set to feature 6 themed gaming modes and of course, online multiplayer action. Launching across Europe on 21st April, Tetris is ready to re-capture the hearts of millions once again...

  • Review Super Princess Peach (DS)

    FINALLY, Princess Peach gets her own solo adventure to herself, and even gets a chance to save Mario!

    It's been a long while since Nintendo has made a traditional 2-D Mario game, so you could imagine what excitement I had when I found Nintendo would be releasing one. To my surprise, Super Princess Peach was nothing I thought it would be like. Sure...

February2006

  • Review Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time (DS)

    Just in time

    If you are one of those lucky people to have played Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga on the GBA you will understand the hype behind this new game. Set after the events of their GBA adventure Mario and Luigi are once again called upon to restore peace to their beloved Mushroom kingdom. The previous instalment saw us play as both Mario and...

January2006

  • Review Pac-Pix (DS)

    Draw Pac-Man, move him and gobble as many ghoulies as possible in this DS adventure.

    We all remember Pac-Man as being one of those highly addictive early games that you still play to this day. Recently he has been going through some changes, there are now several 3D adventures and a Mrs Pac-Man ;). Pac-Pix sees Pac-Man back on a 2D plain but this...

  • Review Jump Superstars (DS)

    Characters from Japanese manga Jump's franchise's all duke it out in a Smash Brothers style game.

    Jump is a manga company/publisher in Japan who owns a large proportion to the rights of most Japanese cartoons that you have seen. These feature the likes of Dragon Ball, Naruto, One Piece, GTO and Rurouni Kenshin. In America they are under various...

December2005

  • News Japanese DS Sales Hit 5 Million

    Just over 12 months were needed to sell over 5.4 million Nintendo DS units.

    Reuters has today reported Nintendo's Satoru Iwata confirming that domestic sales of the DS portable game machine reached 5 million units in less than 13 months after its launch in early December 2004, becoming the fastest-ever pace in Japan's video game market. Whatever the...