As GEN’s DS fanatic, I was lucky enough to demo a few of the upcoming games a few weeks ago at E3. Whether I’m headed to the park, beach or waiting in line at Disneyland -my DS is a necessity. With my ever-growing list of “must-haves” a few titles stood out among the rest, and I am anxiously awaiting their releases in a few months.
Professor Layton and the Curious Village easily became one of my favorite games after I stayed up until 3am on a work night solving logic puzzles; it’s quirky characters and enticing storyline always left me wanting more. Needless to say, I was ecstatic to find out a sequel was coming out this summer. Professor Layton and Luke are back solving another mystery with their charming cutscenes and admirable ambitious attitudes to seek out the truth. Like it’s predecessor, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box will also have additional puzzles available for download for 33 weeks after the date of release.
Date of release: August 24, 2009
Developer: LEVEL-5 Inc.
The duo is back, and this time they are inside Bowser… literally. After Bowser ingests a magic mushroom (care of resident villain Fawful), he begins inhaling everything around him, including Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. In the shock of the century, Peach is separated from Mario and Luigi and the two must not only find Peach, but work their way around Bowser’s insides. On the flipside, you are also following Bowser’s story, and continue to play between two paths of gameplay. Much like other games that include two-party stories, what Mario & Luigi do on the inside affect Bowser on the outside and vice versa. Gameplay includes button, stylus and the infamous “airblow” mechanics.
Date of Release: Fall 2009
Developer: Nintendo/Alpha Dream
Fans of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass will be thrilled to see that Spirit Tracks continues the same art theme and playability. Trading in his boat for a locomotive, Link travels through this edition by train. As with many Zelda games, Link is followed by a practical companion: Phantom. Phantom is the duly armored, which guarded the temple in Phantom Hourglass. By tapping on Phantom, you can draw a trail to send him to places Link may not be able to access on his own. Through this gregarious companionship, the familiar Zelda puzzles, of which we have become accustom to, are solved.
Date of Release: Holiday 2009
Developer: Nintendo
This is just a taste of the many DS games coming out in the second half of 2009. What are you excited for?
June 29th, 2009 at 3:52 am
Like Molotov Cupcake, I am sick of Wind Waker Link. I want old school Link back. Is that too much to ask?!
June 29th, 2009 at 11:58 am
I still need to buy “Phantom Hourglass” but I’m stoked about this new one.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:14 pm
What an interesting concept. Fantastic Voyage meets Mario and Luigi.