DS News

January2011

  • Talking Point Is the DS Dead at Retail?

    Console's heyday is over

    Nintendo's DS has had unprecedented success at retail, becoming the world's biggest-selling handheld and shifting millions of copies of unusual titles including Nintendogs, Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? and the Professor Layton series. Now, however, with the 3DS on the horizon it looks lik

  • News New Pokemon DS Game Comes With... A Keyboard?

    Or Pokéboard, if you will

    The "games that teach you to type" genre has made one notable contribution to the gaming world: Typing of the Dead, Sega's bizarre typing/zombie title from the Dreamcast days. Right at the opposite end of the zombie spectrum comes this next title, Nintendo's Battle Get! Pokémon Typing for DS. "How can you...

  • News Pokemon Designer Explains New Legendary Monsters

    Strong, sharp, lots of lines

    Pokémon Black & White aren't just offering new features like online video chat, three-on-three battles and seasonal gameplay: two of the biggest new additions are slapped right on the front of the box. Legendary Pokémon Reshiram and Zekrom take centre stage on the game's box art, but how did Pokémon master Ken...

  • News Sakaguchi: To Succeed Internationally, JRPGs Need to Change

    Will Last Story lead the way by example?

    There have been many Japanese games that never made it out of their own country but far from publishers being lazy or concerned that localisations won't be profitable enough for the hassle, perhaps the reason genres like Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) sometimes struggle to find success in the Western...

  • News Inazuma Eleven Looking to Score in Europe on Friday

    But where's the marketing?

    You'd think a football game from the creators of the Professor Layton games would be enough to pique the interest of games retailers, but judging from the complete lack of awareness and availability in the marketplace you'd be greatly mistaken. Inazuma Eleven for Nintendo DS launches across the UK and Europe this Friday,...

  • Podcast NLFM Episode 14: The Past and Future, Remixed

    Check out some of our favourite remixes of classic franchises coming to 3DS

    We're absolutely killing 2011 with our new weekly schedule, even if we're a little late in the day from time to time. As in every episode so far. This episode we're inspired by the 3DS line-up and looking towards both the future and past by checking out some excellent...

  • Review Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective (DS)

    Trick or treat?

    When Shu Takumi broke away from the Ace Attorney series to create a new game for the Nintendo DS, there were many who wondered whether anything else could ever live up to a certain Phoenix Wright and his long succession of adventures. Fans of his work and point-and-click adventures have no need to worry as Ghost Trick is a...

  • Podcast NLFM Episode 13: Yep, Still Weekly

    Storms can't hold this podcast back

    Your eyes doth not deceive you: NLFM is back with another episode a mere week after the last one. And man, did we almost not make it thanks to an impending snowstorm and travel arrangements. But lo and behold, here is a delicious ear scoop for you. We couldn't bail on our weekly promise one week after making it,...

  • Review Puzzle Expedition (DS)

    Worth the climb

    Few would argue that the DS lacks a robust library of puzzlers, and fewer still would suggest that in separating the wheat from the chaff, a PC port that retails for under 20 dollars and carried the label "Premium Casual Games" in its original incarnation would belong to the former. The unassuming Puzzle Expedition,...

  • Review Despicable Me: The Game - Minion Mayhem (DS)

    Forgettable game

    Like its home console counterpart, Despicable Me: The Game – Minion Mayhem refreshingly constructs an original experience around elements from a film rather than rigidly attempting to follow the source material and fit it to a game framework for which it was never intended. Unfortunately, beyond that it shares the status of subpar...

  • News Limited Edition Pokemon Black and White DSis to Hit Europe

    Black or white?

    When Pokémon Black and White hit Europe on March 4th, choosing which coloured game to go for won't be the only difficult decision on the shelves, as the games will also launch alongside two limited edition DSi consoles. Available in black or white, the bundles come with a copy of the appropriately-coloured game, with the console...

  • News Monochrome Pokemon Come to Europe on March 4th

    Before the US? What's going on?

    Clear your diaries for March, European Pokéfans: Pokémon Black and White will launch across the continent on March 4th, Nintendo has announced. The next instalment in the freakishly popular monster-catching series gets to European shores a whole 48 hours before its North American release, an unexpected but no doubt...

  • News Learn the Art of Spinjitzu with LEGO Battles: Ninjago

    Strategy sequel coming this spring

    In conjunction with the launch of LEGO's Ninjago construction sets, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced that a sequel to the 2009 strategy game LEGO Battles is in the works and should reach DS gamers this spring. Developed by Hellbent Games and produced by TT Games, LEGO Battles: Ninjago allows...

  • Rumour The D in DSi May Soon Stand for "Discontinued"

    From two screens to zero

    Nintendo has already announced plans to continue to support the DS once the 3DS is released. Some disquieting information from a Japanese retailer, however, suggests that the Big N is already discontinuing one popular incarnation, the DSi, which hit store shelves there in fall of 2008. The source states that the Nintendo DSi...

  • News Giana Sisters DS Gets ESRB Rated

    Beloved platformer finally coming to NA

    Well it looks like Giana Sisters DS is finally coming to North America after a rather lengthy wait. The game was recently rated by the ESRB and hopefully we'll be seeing a release here in North America very soon. No word yet on the publisher or any release details, but we'll keep you posted as we find out more...

  • Podcast NLFM Episode 12: Ch-ch-changes

    New year, new podcast

    Changes are a-brewin' with NLFM this year as the show enters its second season. First of all, we're shrinking and growing at the same time. Is your mind blown yet? Tell the rest of the goo in your skull to stay calm, as what this means is that while the average episode will shrink in length, we're ditching the whole monthly...

  • Features Nintendo Life Reader's Choice Awards 2010

    The top Wii and DS games of the year, as voted by you

    We showed you ours, now it's time for you to show your favorite games of 2010. The categories may have been limited, but your response wasn't. Here are the Wii (including WiiWare), DS (including DSiWare) and overall Reader Games of the Year. Reader Wii Game of the Year: Winner: Super Mario Galaxy...

  • News DS Dominated 2010 as the Best-Selling Console in the U.K.

    Performing as strong as ever late in the game

    Nintendo recently revealed that the DS is the best-selling console ever in the United States, but it seems the handheld has also performed pretty well in the United Kingdom too. According to MCV's retail sources, combined sales of the DS family of consoles outsold the Xbox 360 by just 50,000 units,...

  • News Grab Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded in New York this Sunday

    Can't wait? Get it early

    It's under a week until Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded reaches North America, but if you're absolutely desperate to get your hands on the latest Disney/Square-Enix crossover you can get it early at a special Nintendo World Store event this Sunday. Hosted at the Nintendo World Store in New York, the first 300 people to get in will...

  • News DS is the Best-Selling Console Ever in the U.S.

    47 million served

    In its six years on sale in the United States the DS has sold a whopping 47 million units, making it the nation's biggest-selling console ever, according to Nintendo's latest press release. Wii had a good year too, topping 7 million units for the third year in a row, the first time a games console has done so, but its...

  • News Relive 2010's Biggest News Stories, WarioWare-Style

    Oil spills, royal engagements, cat bins

    If you can remember anything about 2010 that wasn't Nintendo-related, you're doing better than us. The only way we can recall the important events of the last twelve months is with this superb video created with WarioWare DIY by UK magazine NGamer, which features minigames based on ten of the biggest news...

  • Review Midnight Mysteries: The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy (DS)

    Hint: The heart is beneath the floorboards

    What we know about the death of Edgar Allan Poe is as cryptic and tragic as some of his written tales. After a more than imperfect romantic life, he was reunited with his love of long before, Elmira Royster Shelton, and the two were engaged to be married. On a trip that took place soon thereafter, Poe fell...

  • News Grab a Shiny Legendary Trio of Pokemon at Gamestop

    No preorder required

    Excited about Pokémon Black and White? Of course you are, and what better way to boost that excitement than with a monster-themed giveaway at Gamestop? Trainers who visit participating stores will receive the legendary trio of Raikou, Entei and Suicune in their super-rare Shiny forms for their Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver...

  • Features Vote For Nintendo Life Reader's Choice Award 2010

    Make sure your favorite game of the year gets the acclaim you feel it deserves

    It wouldn't be too much of an understatement to say that Nintendo platforms had a mammoth year in 2010 with regards to excellent software. But we play by Thunderdome rules here at Nintendo Life around award season, and we're handing over a cache of weapons to you. Which...

December2010

  • News Next March, North American Pokémon Fans Can Catch 'Em All in Black & White

    Do you plan on capturing Oshawott and co. next year?

    Nintendo has just announced that they're releasing the next entry in the Pokémon series, Pokémon Black and White, on March 6, 2011 in North America. Many have criticised the previous releases for sticking too closely to formula, but this upcoming title seeks to change things up a bit with a new...

  • Features NES Characters, Then and Now: Part One

    See how some of your favourite characters have evolved over the past 25 years

    The Nintendo Entertainment System was a system that stimulated the imaginations of designers and gamers alike. Whether it was the smiling, dream-like wonderland of the Mushroom Kingdom, the sprawling fantasy world of Hyrule or the atmospheric depths of planet Zebes, the...

  • Review Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Swamp (DS)

    Decent but a bit murky

    Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! premiered over 40 years ago, introducing television audiences to the lovable Mystery Inc. team and its unique line-up of distinct characters, each charming in their own way. It followed them as they took on spooky yet ridiculous case after case, and over time the show firmly embedded the phrase...

  • Review Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (DS)

    Ga'Hoo would torture themselves with this?

    TV and movie tie-in games are relatively synonymous with tedious, uninspired titles rushed to release to fool the poorly informed. Rather than clever game design, effort goes toward getting the game onto store shelves in time for box office hype to drive sales. Still, some of us try to remain optimistic,...

  • News Dragon Quest VI is Nintendo's Valentine's Gift to You, North America

    Western debut for classic RPG

    Following on from the success of Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, Nintendo has confirmed it'll bring predecessor Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation to North America on February 14th 2011. The game was originally released in Japan on the Super Famicom back in 1995 and never saw a release in the Western...

  • Review Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! (DS)

    Little Mario, big fun

    For fans of the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, the good news is that Mini-Land Mayhem! is another truly stellar entry in the series. For those who are not yet fans, the good news is that Mini-Land Mayhem! is an excellent place to start. Mario's latest business venture (seriously, when does he ever find time to do any actual...

  • News EA: Nintendo Needs to Drop Wii Price, Help Third Parties

    Just a couple of suggestions from John Riccitiello

    Whether it's the top priority or not, Nintendo is undoubtedly looking to pick up declining profits with the upcoming 3DS. However, in response to the Move and Kinect peripherals for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 respectively, launching new hardware might not be the only answer if Nintendo is to...

  • News Get Your Hands On a Ghost Trick DS Demo Right Now

    Update: Now live in Europe

    Not content with offering a free Flash demo of upcoming supernatural puzzler Ghost Trick, Capcom is now giving DS owners in North America a chance to try out the title with a downloadable demo. To get your stylus on the new demo, fire up your Wii and head over to the Nintendo Channel, and be sure to let us know what you...

  • News Pull Up a Chair and Get Acquainted with Okamiden's Cast

    Susano, Kushi, Issun and more

    If you've played Okami you're probably already familiar with many of the characters in Capcom's upcoming DS spin-off Okamiden, but here's a few videos to remind you and fill in any gaps just in case. Okamiden reaches North America on March 15th, with a European release date to follow on March 18th. Kushi video Susano...

  • Podcast NLFM Episode 11: A Holiday Season in FLUX

    Take a sneak peek at the final BIT.TRIP, sigh at simians, sneak along with a secret agent and get into the spirit of the season

    We look to the future here at Nintendo Life. Why, take this episode of NLFM, the little ol' chip and game music podcast we've got going: it's got an exclusive first listen of the soundtrack to Gaijin Games' upcoming...

  • News Nintendo Sold a Boatload of Hardware in November

    2.7m served

    While hardware sales for Wii and DS are definitely tailing off compared to their glory years, this time of year has always been kind to both consoles and it looks like this year is no different. According to numbers from the NPD group, Nintendo sold a total of 2.7m Wii and DS systems across North America last month, with DS just shading...

  • News Research Shows More Consumers are Choosing Their Phones for Gaming

    Whilst gaming on the DS/PSP are on the decline

    With the technological capabilities of modern smartphones on the increase and the popularity of digital games from outlets such as the Apps Store, it's no wonder Nintendo has been as vocal as it has about how companies like Apple are the real enemy in relation to their own console sales. In recent...

  • News Renegade Kid's New DS Game is ATV Wild Ride

    Didn't see that coming

    Renegade Kid has made a name for itself with atmospheric first-person games for DS – Dementium II and Moon in particular – but now it's trying something a little lighter, with ATV Wild Ride on the way in January. Using the same engine that powered Moon and Dementium, the game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second and...

  • Review Harvest Moon: Sunshine Islands (DS)

    Farming fun in the sun

    Harvest Moon’s power to enthral and entrap gamers is often underestimated by those who have yet to experience the unbridled thrill of growing a crop of healthy tomatoes, but nearly 15 years after the original Super NES Harvest Moon the series continues to sell well to experienced farmers and newcomers alike. Now Harvest...

  • News Ubisoft Sticks It to Michael Jackson: The Experience DS Pirates

    Vuvuzela: The ultimate anti-piracy tool

    Piracy on the DS is a big problem for Nintendo as well as other developers, and if they can't beat the pirates, they might as well have some fun with them. If you're a software criminal, Ubisoft isn't making things smooth for you. One thing about this year's World Cup tournament that people won't forget is the...

  • News Get a Taste of Ghost Trick With Free Flash Demo

    Who did the killing?

    Ghost Trick isn't far away now, so if your excitement is reaching supernatural heights you might want to check out this free Flash demo from Capcom that will help ease you into the game's unique universe. With plenty of cheeky dialogue and some moderately mind-bending puzzles it's well worth a play even if you're not...

  • News Puzzle Fans Can Get Creative With Hidden Photo for DSi

    Utilises the camera to construct puzzles and challenges

    Retail games developed exclusively for the DSi are few and far between, but Most Wanted Games is chipping in with its own take on the use of the DSi camera within a game. From the makers of Mystery Tales, the upcoming Hidden Photo requires players to take photos of themselves and their...

  • Review Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs (DS)

    Hokey Poké?

    There are two types of players in the world of Pokémon: those who enjoy capturing, training and battling with their Pokémon, and gentler, liberal-minded players who assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of the beloved pocket monsters. In Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs, the third instalment in the Pokémon Ranger series,...

November2010

  • News A New Appointment With the Brain Training Series Has Been Booked

    Kawashima and Iwata conducting their "special idea" in a new game

    The Brain Training (also known as Brain Age) series is making a return after a long hiatus as Prof. Ryuta Kawashima confirms in his new book, Saraba Nou Game. Translated as "Farewell Brain Games", the book talks about the development of the third title in the popular puzzle...

  • News Nintendo Shifts 1.5 Million Consoles During Black Friday Week

    Almost a million DS systems alone

    Black Friday proved to be a very prosperous period for Nintendo as the various bundle packs that have been rolled out helped the company shift an impressive number of units in less than a week. Between Sunday 21st November and Saturday 27th November, consumers snapped up 900,000 units of the DS range of handhelds...

  • News We Want Skinless Mr Science to Reach the Western World

    DS's oddest game ever

    You don't need to have a very vivid imagination to guess what a skinless chap named Mr Science might look like, and you'd probably be right. Japanese TV show Tobidase! Kagaku-kun features the muscular man going on adventures and teaching kids about science, the perfect basis for a DS game, of course. Roughly translated as Fly...

  • Review Golden Sun: Dark Dawn (DS)

    Worth its weight in gold?

    When the Golden Sun series kicked off on the Game Boy Advance in 2001, it was lauded for its unique visual style and challenging puzzle elements, but after two releases the series took an extended break, so long in fact that many fans wondered if the series would ever see another entry. Now, over seven years later, Camelot...

  • Review Call of Duty: Black Ops (DS)

    Portable ops

    Even though they're wheeled out every year alongside their console cousin, n-Space's Call of Duty games on DS never cease to surprise. From making first-person gameplay work well on the unconventional handheld to pushing horsepower limits, each entry seems to have something new to prove. This year, Call of Duty: Black Ops pushes the DS...

  • Review Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar (DS)

    Top of the crops

    Harvest Moon games have remained largely the same since the series made its debut on the Super Nintendo all those years ago. You get up, tend to crops, care for animals, get married, raise a sprog, and continue forever. However, the latest title to hit North American shores, Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar, strays from the template...

  • Review Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest (DS)

    Flail, you fools!

    Released in parallel to the Headstrong Games-developed Wii title, it is worth noting that the DS version of Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest is a separate game, not just a handheld port of the Wii version. It shares similarities with the Wii game, predominantly in its hack-'n-slash gameplay, but it distinguishes itself in the...

  • Review Super Scribblenauts (DS)

    Word

    We've always had to accept that in video games, there will always be more objects we want to play with than those we're allowed to use. The original Scribblenauts changed all of that, allowing the virtual world to become a malleable, ever-changing playground. You solved simple objectives in search of a Starite, manifesting any object that its...

  • News Radiant Historia is Waiting for You in February 2011

    A time travelling RPG that's not made by Square?!

    Atlus has been a staunch supporter of the DS for years, releasing some quality, quirky RPGs in that time, and the company has just announced another title bound for North America next year in the form of Radiant Historia. The press release hits all the key areas, promising to "channel the heart...

  • News Meet Snivy, Oshawott and Tepig, Pokemon Fans

    Official names for Black and White starters

    Regardless of how you feel about Pokémon Black and White's starter Pokémon, at least you now have official names you can call them instead of Smugleaf, Hamferno and The Water One. Yesterday, the names of the monsters who'll accompany you through thick and thin when the game reaches the Western world next...

  • News This Golden Sun: Dark Dawn Trailer is Bursting with Psynergy

    Through the fire and flames

    There's not too long to wait until Golden Sun: Dark Dawn materialises on North American shores, so now's as good a time as any to take a look at the new Psynergy powers the Adepts will be using on their journey. Most of the spells on show in this new trailer will be familiar to gamers who've played previous titles in the...

  • News Limited Edition Orange and Green DSis Spice Up Black Friday

    New colours abound (now with press release)

    It's one of the biggest shopping days of the year, so it's no surprise Nintendo has chosen to launch new DSi colours on Black Friday, according to this Gamestop catalogue. The new orange and green machines will go on sale from Friday with Mario Party DS, selling for $149.99 whilst stocks last. Nintendo...

  • News Price Slashing Helps Sonic Colours Jump to UK Top 20

    That's better

    Whilst the first week of sales for Sonic Colours on DS and Wii resulted in a disappointing 36th place for the hedgehog's latest outings, his second week on sale has seen significant gains, breaking into the UK Top 20 at number 18. Whilst we like to think our Sonic Colours DS review and Sonic Colours Wii

  • News Shopping Malls to Bring Gamers Together as Part of Nintendo's Tour

    Sample some of the top Wii and DS games of the year

    With Christmas only a few weeks away, shopping malls are already getting crammed with people wearing a ridiculous amount of layers and all rushing about, reluctantly spending an amount of money that's even more ridiculous. Well, if you want to take a break from all that gift-buying, or even if you...

  • News Dive Into Lego Pirates of the Caribbean Next Year

    TT Games raids Davy Jones' Locker

    Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Batman: some of the world's biggest film franchises have received the Lego treatment, and now it's time for Disney's popular pirates to walk the bricky plank, as Disney announces Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game out next year. Heading to Wii and DS as well as...

  • News WiiWare Developers Take On WarioWare: DIY

    Big and little names lined up

    If you've hit a plateau with your game-making inspiration in WarioWare: DIY for DS, Nintendo's next series of downloadable minigames might put the spark back into your ideas. A string of WiiWare developers will be bringing their ideas to life in the coming weeks, kicking off on Friday with a game from Max and the Magic...

  • News This Jedward Dragon Quest Promotion is Getting Too Much

    Bonkers video inside

    Part of Jedward's joint role as face of Nintendo UK is, naturally, to draw attention to the company's fantastic line-up of games from users who might not normally be into gaming. This video below is a perfect example. At a recent canvassing event for Dragon Quest IX, the talented twins took to the stage dressed as their Dragon...

  • Review Sonic Colours (DS)

    All things bright and beautiful

    The portable part of a hedgehog double whammy, Sonic Colours is – you guessed it – a high-speed 2D platformer. But wait, there’s more: this time Sonic is joined by a range of unique power-ups that help to refresh the standard formula. If you’ve played either of the hedgehog’s previous two outings on DS, the...

  • Podcast NLFM Episode 10: Fear Your Tears

    From Kirby to 80's synthpop chip covers, this month's episode is all encompassing

    Variety is the spice of life, and thanks to the insane variety of this 10th episode of our chip and game music podcast NLFM you'll be feeling that spice for hours after consumption. It's so spicy that we think we've got flavor for every mood, whether you're in the...

  • Review Blood Stone 007 (DS)

    Third-person Bond is first-rate fun

    Whereas Nintendo console gamers only get one James Bond shooter this fall, with the first-person GoldenEye 007 on Wii and third-person Blood Stone on HD platforms, DS owners get their pick of the litter with diminutive versions of both courtesy of developer n-Space. Just as GoldenEye on DS did, Blood Stone 007...

  • News Nintendo Expecting Consumers to Buy Ho-Ho-Hardware This Christmas

    NPD sales figures show Nintendo's dominance in the U.S.

    It's approaching the season of giving but, for the most part, that giving requires some buying at some point and the President at Nintendo of America is confident that consumers will be buying a lot of Nintendo hardware this Christmas as the Holiday season is more important to the company than...

  • News Sega Creates an Animal Crossing to Promote Sonic Colours

    Wordplay!

    Okay, so Sega isn't really creating an instalment in Nintendo's happiest franchise Animal Crossing, but the blue and white company did create a safe hedgehog crossing point in London to promote this Friday's release of Sonic Colours for Wii and DS. With 50,000 hedgehogs a year lacking the speed to cross British roads safely, Sega dedicated...

  • Review GoldenEye 007 (DS)

    Use the handheld, that's what it's for!

    Developer n-Space is no stranger to first-person shooters on Nintendo's technologically humble portable, having delivered three increasingly advanced Call of Duty DS games day-and-date with their console counterparts. That successful core formula hasn't changed all too much for their retelling of James Bond's...

  • News First Retail DS Karaoke Game Instructs Players to Just SING!

    December could become noisier

    Engine Software is clearly not happy with just providing karaoke games on the DSiWare service; no, it wants to provide the first retail karaoke game on the DS too. After last year's Just Sing! Christmas Songs, and the relatively-recent Just Sing! National Anthems, the Just SING! series is making its cartridge form debut...

  • News GoldenEye's Return Sells Twice As Well As HD Bond Outings

    Still only debuts at number 13

    It's not very often a Nintendo-exclusive title outsells a similar game on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but the GoldenEye name clearly still carries appeal for UK gamers as the game comprehensively outsold HD 007 outing James Bond 007: Blood Stone. Although the Wii and DS game landed outside the UK Top Ten at number 13,...

  • News Okamiden Gives Europe Reason to be Cheerful in March

    US on March 15th, EU on March 18th

    Capcom's wolf goddess 'em up Okamiden has just received a confirmed European release date of March 18th 2011, as well as final – and very oriental – box art. Capcom has also announced a new competition on the official Okami Facebook page, inviting entrants to draw their own "goblin face" to win a 3DS,...

  • News DS to Have Life After 3DS, says Nintendo

    Company will still bring big games to DS

    If you're not caught up in the whirlwind of excitement surrounding the 3DS and want to stick with your trusty DS, you'll be glad to hear that Nintendo still wants to bring major titles to the machine even after the 3DS is available. Satoru Iwata stressed the importance of quality software for the machine's...

October2010

  • Review Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals (DS)

    A brilliant retelling of a classic RPG

    When the original Lufia 2 was released on the Super Nintendo, it came rather late in the console's lifespan and with very little fanfare. Sadly, this meant that many gamers missed out on one of the true RPG gems to come out of the 16-bit era. Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals is a complete re-imagining of Lufia 2,...

  • Review Puzzler World 2011 (DS)

    Puzzlingly good

    You'd be forgiven for not being familiar with Ubisoft's Puzzler series. Based on an ongoing magazine, the first game saw release in 2008 as Puzzler Collection, which was then followed up by Puzzler World in 2009. The games contained numerous puzzle types ranging from crosswords and Sudoku to more obscure games such as Link-A-Pix and...

  • News Nintendo & Capcom Team Up to Spook European Gamers With Ghost Trick

    Phantom detectives to start their investigations from 14th January

    Nintendo has confirmed that it has signed a distribution deal with Capcom for its upcoming European release of Ghost Trick Phantom Detective on the DS. It's not the first time Nintendo has stepped in to help out a third-party title; the most recent collaboration between the two was...

  • News Buying Ivy the Kiwi? Helps Save Real Kiwis

    10p donated to Save the Kiwi Trust

    You don't see many video games about kiwis, though this is Rising Star Games' second game to feature the flightless bird following DS romp New Zealand Story. The lack of kiwi-based games might be due to the increasing danger of extinction faced by its real-life counterpart, but if you want to do something about...

  • News First Plants vs. Zombies DS Trailer Sprouts and Shambles

    Popcap title in motion

    We broke the news of Plants vs. Zombies coming to DS in August, but now Popcap has released the first trailer ahead of the game's release in January. With new achievements, a two-player versus mode and four brand new minigames, the trailer should allay fears that the game wouldn't justify its full retail price tag. It also...

  • News UK Dragon Questers Unite at These HMV Events

    Exclusive events for Celestrians

    If you haven't experienced Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies in its multiplayer mode, you're missing out. UK residents keen to leap into the game's social side can do so at selected HMV Gamerbase stores in collaboration with Nintendo of Europe. Attendees can take on Estark, nab an exclusive slime and...