As someone who grew up with a Game Boy Advance and later transitioned to the DS, I can wholeheartedly say that the top three games on this list are absolute gems!
For enthusiasts yearning for the golden era of RPGs, the DS served as a comfortable refuge, much like the SNES did in its time. While advanced graphics dominated contemporary systems such as the Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360, the DS found a unique niche by releasing smaller yet superbly crafted titles that sparked nostalgia. Notable games like “Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Sky” offered a turn-based experience, preserving the classic charm of RPGs.
Additionally, there was the strategically intricate Action Role-Playing Game, “The World Ends With You,” which effectively leveraged both screens on the DS. However, what were some of the best Tactical RPGs on this platform? There were plenty to choose from, but these titles stood out as among the best.
8 Super Robot Wars L
Bringing Gundams And Eva Units Together At Last
- Platform: DS
- Released: November 25, 2010 (Japan)
- Publisher: Banpresto
- Metacritic Score: N/A
In the Super Robot Wars series, Super Robot Wars L is one of the three significant titles launched on the DS console. Its peers are Super Robot Wars K and Super Robot Wars W. While these two games have some menus translated into English, Super Robot Wars L is predominantly in Japanese language.
A notable event occurred in this mixed anime series featuring mechs, as it introduced characters from “Rebuild of Evangelion” together with “Linebarrels of Iron,” a mech anime that has been unfairly overlooked by critics. Additionally, there are many other popular elements included, such as several “Gundam” anime series, and the gameplay remains strong, allowing players to explore expansive grid-based maps.
7 Fire Emblem: New Mystery Of The Emblem
The Beginning Of Casual Mode
- Platform: DS
- Released: July 15, 2010
- Developer: Intelligent Systems
- Metacritic Score: N/A
In the year 2013, “Fire Emblem Awakening” revolutionized the “Fire Emblem” series in North America by incorporating character customization and offering a Casual Mode that disregarded permanent death if players preferred it. However, this wasn’t the first game to do so; Japan had an exclusive title with similar features a few years prior.
“The game ‘Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem’ is actually a re-creation of the original ‘Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem,’ which first appeared on the SNES in Japan back in 1994. Just like its predecessor, it offers a Casual Mode and character customization. Although an official English version isn’t available, dedicated fans have produced a substantial patch for those who prefer reading in English.”
6 Front Mission
Building Mechs For Strategical Battles
- Platforms: SNES, WonderSwan Color, PS1, DS
- Released: October 23, 2007 (NA DS Version)
- Developer: Tose
- Metacritic Score: 72
It took quite a while for Western players to play the original Front Mission game; it was first released on the SNES in 1995, and they didn’t have access to it until 2007 through this DS remake. Graphically, it was comparable to the SNES, but with enough adjustments to give it a modern feel at that time.
In the game, there were introduced two fresh battle scenarios, allowing players to explore both aspects of the conflict. This struggle was waged with massive mechanical units known as Wanzers, which players could tailor by selecting various components and weaponry before engaging in combat on a grid-like battleground.
5 Pokemon Conquest
Feudal Lords Conquer Japan With Monsters
- Metacritic Score: 80
“Pokemon Conquest is often overlooked as one of the best spin-offs in the Pokemon series. It combined the world of Pokemon with Nobunaga’s Ambition, a popular strategy game series for PC similar to Civilization.”
As a gaming enthusiast, let me share an intriguing concept: Imagine if instead of Pokémon trainers, Japanese warlords were battling for supremacy using Pokémon. The skirmishes might have been small-scale, but the ultimate objective was to conquer territories, reminiscent of a Pokémon-themed game like Risk. There was even a narrative with multiple paths, adding depth and complexity to this power struggle.
4 Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire Of The Rift
Getting Back To Basics
- Metacritic Score: 80
Fans expecting a mature follow-up to the original Final Fantasy Tactics on PS1 might have been disappointed with Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, as it offered a more lighthearted and Isekai-themed experience that not everyone resonated with. Similarly, while Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift was an enjoyable game, it did not share the Isekai genre or continue directly from its predecessor.
The judges’ stringent rules during matches were relaxed, a topic of debate in the game “Final Fantasy Tactics Advance.” This felt like a return to simpler times, enabling players to concentrate on building an expansive army of characters, each with unique jobs, within the world of Ivalice.
3 Dragon Quest Wars
A Lost Spinoffs
- Metacritic Score: 83
Obtaining Dragon Quest Wars is quite challenging now, given that it’s only available through the DSiWare store. This experiment aimed to combine Dragon Quest creatures and engage them in tactical skirmishes on compact battlefields. The gameplay is more prominent than its storyline.
As a long-time fan of tactical RPGs and having spent countless hours immersed in the captivating world of Dragon Quest, I can confidently say that this spinoff is an exceptional gem that deserves to be cherished by gamers everywhere. Unfortunately, due to its limited availability beyond specific emulation, it seems like many may never get a chance to experience the magic it holds.
2 Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor
To Save Japan, You Must Sell Your Soul
- Metacritic Score: 84
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor adopts a similar approach as the Persona series, centering its RPG gameplay around a group of high school students. In Japan, an unusual sequence of earthquakes occurs, and subsequently, a peculiar application appears on certain mobile devices. This app enables players to call forth demons who are actually responsible for the destruction wreaked upon the city.
In addition, there’s a religious group centered around these demons, which aligns with what one might anticipate from a game in the Shin Megami Tensei series. Players can navigate through grid-like landscapes, and when they encounter adversaries, the fighting transitions to the classic first-person perspective, offering an exciting blend of gameplay styles.
1 Advance Wars: Dual Strike
A Cuter Side Of War
- Platform: DS
- Released: August 22, 2005 (NA)
- Developer: Intelligent Systems
- Metacritic Score: 90
“Advance Wars: Dual Strike” is highly acclaimed among Nintendo DS games, as indicated by its high rating on Metacritic. It was the initial game from the series to be released on a handheld device, though it didn’t significantly improve the graphics. However, it did enhance the technology used in the game. With an abundance of modes ranging from single-player campaigns to multiplayer options, this title has been a must-have for DS gamers for years.”
As a long-time gamer with over two decades under my belt, I can confidently say that this game was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I’ve had in the realm of strategy gaming. With its intricate base and unit management mechanics, it easily transcended the boundaries of traditional tactical RPGs and morphed into a full-fledged real-time strategy (RTS) title. This game was not for the faint of heart, and I believe that’s why so many players still hold it close to their hearts. It pushed us to our limits, tested our strategic acumen, and demanded our utmost focus and attention. For me, conquering its formidable challenges was a true testament to my gaming prowess, and I will always cherish the memories of countless hours spent battling for supremacy in this legendary game.
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2024-08-08 06:04