Video Games Review

Game Podunk’s 2009 Holiday Shopping Guide: Nintendo DS

Written by Podunker:rrquinta

With the usual deluge of video game releases in the third and fourth quarter, combined with the continuing sagging economy, gamers may have an even harder time this holiday season coming up with the cash for all the games they want. In case you’re hoping Santa (or, as the case may be, Hanukkah Harry) will bring you a sleighful of goodies this year, here’s a little help making up those lists of yours.

In some ways, a shopping guide is most needed for Nintendo’s DS, as it routinely has a new release list that dwarfs many other systems. But don’t worry: Game Podunk is here to help you sort through the stack of new releases to help get your shopping lists done faster than you can say “DS Lite!”

Please note that I’ve tried to narrow it down to five games, plus five others you might want to also consider. When making these lists, I tried to only consider retail titles released and releasing through this summer until the end of the year, and I’ve only used DS-exclusives (or titles that are unique in the Wii version of the game). This list is in no way meant to be inclusive, but rather help you decide what titles you might want to give or receive this holiday season.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks – $34.99 – Although I have to confess Phantom Hourglass was far from being my favorite in the franchise, it was still an enjoyable game. While I doubt that Spirit Tracks will be considered by most fans to be in the top five of Zelda games, it promises to be entertaining, and is the perfect gift for Zelda fans of all ages.

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2. Scribblenauts – $29.99 – While it may have failed in certain areas, this quirky game is definitely unique and entertaining for gamers of all ages. The title screen is enough to entertain you for hours alone, not to mention the enormous amount of stages available. Certainly worth picking up for nearly anyone on your list.

3. Bowser’s Inside Story – $34.99 – Possibly one of the best DS releases of 2009, this game is a must-own for anyone who enjoys Mario (and laughing). If you’re worried because you haven’t played the previous two games in the series, don’t: you should enjoy the fun, varied gameplay (what isn’t fun about platforming inside Bowser?) and amusing dialogue even if this is your first jaunt into the RPG-lite Mario world.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – Nintendo DS – 2009 Holiday Shopping Guide from GamePodunk.com

4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – Mobilized – $29.99 – Whether you find this a surprising choice or not, this latest DS installment of the bestselling franchise is actually an excellent way to take your Call of Duty on the go. A great choice for the older gamer on your list, especially one addicted to shooters or the franchise.

5. Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes – $29.99 – Even if you’ve never heard of Might & Magic, don’t fret: this is an amazingly unique puzzle/strategy game unlike any other. With amazing pacing and fun dialogue, this is definitely a sleeper hit sure to bring a surprised smile to any gamer on your list that enjoys puzzles or strategy games. Although it’s difficult to describe, it’s sort of what happens when a game like Puzzle Quest meets a strategy RPG.

Other Titles to Consider:

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
Nostalgia
Phantasy Star 0
Drawn To Life: The Next Chapter
Professor Layton & The Diabolical Box

About the Author

Game Podunk is an avid game community boosting positive gaming while helping gamers make informed decisions related to the changes of the industry.  What does positive gaming mean to you? Join our community to discuss now.

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