2006 was a fantastic year for DS; 2007 is going to be even better.
All the talk of games like Brain Training and Nintendogs being the cause of the DS's success in 2006 is all good, but how many hardcore gamers actually care about pet simulators and games that make you do maths?
While we're sure the DS will continue it's success and pull in many more new gamers, we're more excited about the more hardcore games coming to DS in 2007. We could have spoken about many more than ten games here, but for the sake of consistency, here are the ten games that will make 2007 very much a year for the hardcore DS-owning gamer.
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Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
It's such a shame that a game as amazing Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow was given a relatively limited release - finding the game in shops nowadays is no easy task. The problem is, only hardcore gamers really give Castlevania the respect it deserves.
Portrait of Ruin looks just as awesome, but we expect much the same scenario - it'll get stunning reviews and the hardcore few will snap it up without hesitation, then it'll disappear off shelves and become another rare classic. If you like 2D adventures - particularly Metroid - and you haven't already got into Castlevania on DS, take the hint; get into it NOW.
Elite Beat Agents
The quirky, crazy rhythm-action game currently doing big things over in the US is coming to the UK and it's about time, too.
To many, the concept of tapping the numbered circles in rhythm with the background music will be a new concept, but the hardcore will know Elite Beat Agents as the sequel to Ouendan - the Japanese-only original that was a massive hit with the import scene. If you've not heard of it, just know that it's crazy storylines and bizarre characters make for laugh-out-loud comedy and you'll love it from start to finish.
Star Fox Command
Every Star Fox fan had hoped that Star Fox Command on DS would be the first to revert back to the series' traditional shoot-'em-up gameplay since Lylat Wars (Star Fox 64) on the N64.
So the fact that it ignores their pleas and instead takes the series in a strategy route was initially a massive disappointment. Despite not being the game we all wanted, give it a go and what you find is a neat strategy-shooter hybrid with lots of character, plenty of challenge and an awesome online dogfight mode that lets you battle in Arwings with players around the world. You can't complain.
Final Fantasy III
One of the best episodes in the epic RPG franchise getting released on the DS is a big deal. But the fact that it's been completely remade for the handheld, given slick 3D graphics and some of the best FMV cut scenes we've ever seen on the DS makes it one of the biggest games for DS, and for all those people that have been crying out for RPG on the console.
There'll be no shortage of RPG action on the DS in 2007, that's for sure, but whether or not you've played the original, Final Fantasy III will pull you into it's rich story and charming world.
Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
It's the game we're all waiting eagerly for, yet it unfortunately seems to be suffering the same long-term delays typical to the Zelda series.
As always with a new Zelda game, however, you know that a delay in its release means that Nintendo is spending more time to make the best it can, and although we've not seen much, it's already looking fantastic. Twilight Princess has proved that there's still plenty of life in the traditional Zelda formula, and if Phantom Hourglass is as fresh and inventive as Minish Cap, we're in for a treat.
Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime
If you're a fan of RPG adventures and you haven't already imported it from the US, do it now. Rocket Slime, set in the Slime-filled Dragon Quest universe that's been massively popular in Japan for years now, is one of the cleverest, most unique RPGs we've played in a long time.
You'd think that the blob characters would be void of any true personality (look at the Blooper people in Super Mario Sunshine), yet everything from the characters, to the worlds and the clever puzzles in this game are so uniquely charming that you'll love this game from the moment you turn it on.
Diddy Kong Racing DS
Rare has been responsible for some of the biggest classics in Nintendo history, and while Microsoft's acquisition of the UK-based developer means that it's unlikely, if not impossible, that many of these classics will be released on the Virtual Console for Wii, we look forward to seeing Diddy Kong Racing make a welcome return to Nintendo with this perfect port of the classic N64 racer.
While Mario kart 64 was a little disappointing, Diddy Kong Racing was shockingly good fun, with airplane and havercraft racing adding to the usual go-kart action, great graphics and courses and a brilliant adventure mode. We loved the original and can't wait to get it on DS.
Children of Mana
Square Enix is spoiling us in 2007 and it starts in February when the legendary Mana series comes to DS.
Children of Mana, based on the rare and highly valuable Super NES classic, Secret of Mana, tells another deep tale of myth and magic as the Mana Tree becomes corrupted with it's own power and traps the Guardian Spirits. That's the premise for this spell-casting quest, and with a four-player co-op mode that will let players tackle dungeons as a team, every RPG fan should be teeming with excitement for Children of Mana.
Pokémon Diamond/Pearl
The latest adventure in the series that needs no intro is finally landing on the DS this year, and it goes without saying that it is quite possibly the single most important release for the DS.
Now in 3D, the life-consuming quest looks to be even bigger and more involving than previous episodes, and the online battles will add heaps more replay value to the game too. The Pokemon adventures may stick rigidly to the same formula with every quest, but whether you see them as childish kiddie games or you appreciate them for the fantastic RPGs that they are, they certainly do the job and it'll be a hit on DS too.
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings
Yes, another RPG, but this one is clearly extra special. Revenant Wings not only brings the latest of the Final Fantasy series to the DS, but it uses the touch-screen functionality of the DS to simplify the battle system, making it far more accessible to new players.
Final Fantasy is a great series, and now players previously put off by the complexity of the battles can experience the FF universe that we've all loved for years. It's not due out until the summer, but there'll be plenty to be getting on with until then in what will clearly be The Year of RPGs for DS.
