The Nintendo DS has earned its reputation as a premier platform for Japanese RPGs (JRPGs), presenting an array of exceptional titles that make curating a definitive list a formidable task, comparable to any challenging final boss battle.
While the Game Boy Advance featured its own share of remarkable JRPGs, its capabilities were constrained, mimicking the performance of the Super Nintendo and lacking online functionalities.
The Nintendo DS, however, was more than just a dual-screen device; it was bolstered by the involvement of renowned third-party studios like The Pokemon Company, Square Enix, and Atlus, churning out outstanding titles.
Though the system’s JRPG library is replete with celebrated franchises, one standout title has managed to surpass all expectations and emerge victorious.
10 Pokémon Platinum
Addressing Sinnoh’s Challenges
Upon its release, Pokémon Diamond & Pearl faced criticism for issues such as sluggish battle speeds and significant level disparities among rivals.
Pokémon Platinum addressed these concerns, introducing a captivating storyline featuring the Distortion World and Giratina, while further exploring the schemes of Team Galactic.
These refinements enhanced the fourth generation of Pokémon games, positioning Pokémon Platinum as the definitive edition, even outclassing its remakes on the Nintendo Switch.
9 Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Sky
An Angel’s Journey
Dragon Quest IX took a unique approach by offering character customization and multiplayer capabilities, which could initially suggest a less personal narrative experience.
Contrary to that assumption, it is one of the series’ finest in terms of quests and storytelling.
Players take on the role of a Celestrian, an angelic being embroiled in a calamity that strips away their powers, forcing them to assist mortals to regain their celestial status.
With an expansive job system and equipment crafting available, Dragon Quest IX allows for significant player agency, encouraging exploration through its immersive narrative.
Although timed on the Nintendo DS, there are hints from developers regarding a potential remake, giving hope to fans eager for a modern revisit of this beloved classic.
8 Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded
Keyblade Across Dual Screens
For years, fans awaited mainline Kingdom Hearts titles on Nintendo systems, settling instead for spin-offs like Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded, which recapitulated Sora’s past adventures.
One challenge of developing a 3D action title for the Nintendo DS was the absence of a second joystick for camera control. Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded managed to mitigate this limitation by designing smaller battle environments.
This entry also introduced a skill point system reminiscent of Final Fantasy X and integrated the Command Deck mechanics from Birth by Sleep. Combat remains engaging despite hardware constraints, providing numerous customization options.
As one of the more accessible Kingdom Hearts titles, it serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers, especially in contrast to Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, which demands a deeper understanding of the series.
7 Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor
Escaping Demonic Lockdown
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor sets the stage with an intriguing premise: players, as teenagers, find themselves trapped in a demon-infested Tokyo, with a countdown timer looming over their heads.
The objective is to forge alliances, battle adversaries, and capture demons to delay the countdown and escape their grim situation.
Specific to Devil Survivor is its unique isometric battle system, differing from the series’ traditional first-person and third-person gameplay. This design sets it apart and contributes to its distinctive identity.
By binding demons with allies, players create a formidable squad to confront the relentless adversaries lurking in Japan. A strategic approach, utilizing various terrain and demon advantages, is essential to endure the game’s challenges.
6 Pokémon Black 2 & White 2
Exploring the Wilderness
While the original Pokémon Black & White introduced some innovative concepts, it is in their sequels, Pokémon Black 2 & White 2, that the true brilliance shines.
These sequels deliver a rich, diverse array of wild Pokémon for players to discover, enhancing the gameplay experience substantially.
Pokémon Black 2 & White 2 stand out as the most replayable entries in the franchise, particularly for fans interested in challenges such as the Nuzlocke run, offering a plethora of options upon returning to the Unova region.
5 Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
A Tactician’s Paradise
While the original Final Fantasy Tactics Advance offered a compelling experience, its themes may resonate differently among players.
The sequel lightens the narrative, placing players in the shoes of a young boy from the real world who embarks on adventurous quests, building a guild in the enchanting Ivalice.
Final Fantasy Tactics A2 enhances class and race options from its predecessor while maintaining the Law system, which necessitates strategic thinking during combat encounters.
The title boasts abundant content, providing countless missions and battles, as players deepen their characters’ capabilities while exploring the mysteries of Ivalice.
4 Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride
A Journey Through Life
Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride offers a rare narrative arc, chronicling a character’s life journey from childhood to adulthood.
Players navigate a rich story that encompasses personal growth, profound relationships, and family dynamics, as they eventually form a party with loved ones.
While the Dragon Quest franchise is celebrated for its exceptional JRPG titles, Dragon Quest V occupies a unique position due to its poignant storytelling and relatable character experiences.
The absence of a modern remake for Dragon Quest V remains a missed opportunity, especially when considering the less narrative-driven Dragon Quest III recently received one instead.
3 Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver
The Pinnacle of Management
The Pokémon series reached a zenith on the Nintendo DS with the Generation 2 remakes, as subsequent releases failed to match this high watermark.
While Pokémon Gold & Silver faced criticism for feature limitations, HeartGold & SoulSilver rectified these shortcomings, allowing classic games to achieve their fullest potential.
Players are rewarded with an expansive single-player mode, featuring two vast regions to explore, ensuring that no other Pokémon game has replicated this level of content since its release.
The continued demand for Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver is evident in the high prices they command on the resale market, illustrating the nostalgia and desire to revisit Johto among fans.
2 Chrono Trigger
A Classic Timeless Adventure
Chrono Trigger is often hailed as one of the greatest JRPGs ever created, raising the question: how can the Nintendo DS enhance this classic?
The DS version introduced several divisive features, such as a Pokémon-style monster battling system and additional quests set in the Prehistoric Era, along with expanded post-game content linking back to Chrono Cross.
While some of these new elements might feel extraneous, the improved post-game narrative provides rewarding conclusions to longstanding questions within the franchise.
Ultimately, the prospect of revisiting Chrono Trigger on the DS represents an accessible option for players, particularly in Europe where it remains one of the few legitimate ways to experience the title.
1 The World Ends with You
A Game That Defined the Nintendo DS
Square Enix delivered the definitive JRPG experience for the Nintendo DS with The World Ends with You, a title that stands independently of the famed “Dragon Quest” or “Final Fantasy” franchises.
Following protagonist Neku, who finds himself in a haunting afterlife scenario on the streets of Shibuya, players navigate the “Reaper’s Game,” tackling missions to earn a second chance at life.
What sets The World Ends with You apart is its ingenious use of the Nintendo DS’s dual screens, allowing players to control characters on both, with the bottom touchscreen complementing the top button controls.
This multifaceted combat system offers a nuanced and thrilling experience that is often lost in modern ports. Coupled with an engaging narrative, well-developed characters, diverse combat mechanics, a unique setting, and an unforgettable soundtrack, The World Ends with You offers a complete package that all Nintendo DS gamers should experience.
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