In recent years, the Nintendo DS has been home to an increasing number of roleplaying games, including a fairly even mix of classic remakes and brand new RPG epics. In fact, Nintendo’s handheld unit is quickly becoming one of the most RPG-friendly gaming systems of all time. With so many to choose from, however, it can be hard to choose which ones are worth purchasing, and which ones are probably best to pass on. Fortunately, we’re here to help!
For many gamers, Final Fantasy is a name that has become synonymous with RPGs, and the DS has been home to several titles in this series as of late. Final Fantasy III, released in 2006, was the first game from the venerable Square Enix series to hit the DS. Originally an NES title, FF III has been completely remade with high quality 3D graphics and enhancements to the storyline. The DS release also marked the first time the game had ever been released in North America.
Like FF III, the remake of Final Fantasy IV was completely remade from the ground up, taking one of the most beloved stories in the franchise’s history and enhancing it with improved visuals and voice acting. Be warned, though: both games are old-school difficult, and will require players to spend extra time gaining levels to proceed. Both are also traditional RPGs, which may not appeal to everyone.
For those who prefer strategy RPGs, there’s Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift, which while somewhat light on story, offers hundreds of missions and dozens upon dozens of hours of gameplay. Likewise, real-time strategy fans will probably want to check out Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings, a sequel to the highly acclaimed PlayStation 2 RPG.
Finally, for those who favor a lot of action in their RPGs, there’s Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates. Unfortunately, that one’s probably a rent-first prospect at best, as it is too short, too easy and too unspectacular to truly recommend.
Of course, true RPG fans know that the Final Fantasy franchise isn’t the be-all, end-all of the roleplaying world. In fact, in Japan, the Dragon Quest games are far more popular.
Fortunately, for those who are already familiar with the series, or for those who are interested in trying it out for the first time, Square
Enix has also provided U.S. gamers with several Dragon Quest games for the Nintendo DS. For starters, there’s the more adventure-oriented Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime and the Pokemon-like Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker. Both are enjoyable, but gamers looking to get a better taste of the depth of a true Dragon Quest game will probably want to check out 2008’s Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen.
Like its Square Enix cousin Final Fantasy III, Dragon Quest IV is a remake of a NES game, although it doesn’t share the former’s graphical overhaul. However, with its unique chapter-based system, in which each member of the supporting cast is given center stage before meeting up with the true protagonist in the fifth chapter, DQ IV is definitely worth a look for those with an appreciation for old-school gaming. 2009's Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride is reviewed here.