What games are you looking forward too?

[Glockstar]

In another thread Renzatic Gear said, "It's kinda funny really, right now I'm [looking] forward to more PSP and DS games than I am anything on the consoles or PC."

Well you know what? I just realized that it's the same here. :eek:

I just re-did my Watch List for the rest of '05 (comprised off of GameStops comprehensive Coming Soon List yesterday) and was surprised by how many PSP and NDS games are on it. It is true, the total number of these handheld games outnumbers the total number of games I'm interested in for the consoles and PC - 18 to 16. I can't believe it!

(Of course, there's only 4 games I'm sure about, and all 4 of these are XB and P2 games.)

(And of course, I'm not counting 360 games. I haven't really even begun to look at those yet.)

Another thing that surprises me is that I'm looking at just as many NDS games as I am PSP games. Though I am a lot more sure about each of the PSP games (Namco Museum Battle Collection, Death Jr., Medievil Ressurection, Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects, Virtua Tennis, X-Men Legends 2: Rise of the Apocalypse, Midway Arcade Treasures Ultimate Collection, Viewtiful Joe VFX Battle, and GTA: Liberty City Stories).

The NDS games that I'm watching (with (tentative) Ship Dates per GameStop and EBgames, respectively):

* Advance Wars DS (8/22,") - I think the biggest hangup I have with it is it's "soft" look. I don't think my DS can wait another month tho', it is starving for another game, so I'll probably get it.

* Trace Memory (9/26,") - I just started looking at this game actually. Gadfly mentioned it. Now, this is the NDS game that I'm most looking forward too.

* Animal Crossing DS (10/3,11/21) - Contrary to rumor, I did not mind AC for the GC. I just wasn't exactly crazy about it. A handheld version interests me more... but I'm still kind of "ehhh" on the whole thing. We'll see... timing could be everything.

* Moonlight Fables (10/3,NA) - "is a side-scrolling, action/adventure title designed by Cyber Philharmonic Video Game Design and follows the saga of Trista Silver, a recent Strike Force officer graduate and the unwitting heir to the Wolfen Empire. Players utilize the Nintendo DS touch screen to manipulate the phases of the moon and unlock Trista's werewolf powers." [From IGN] Publisher = Majesco. The GameStop date is dubious tho'; development of this game has been... troubled - for lack of a better word.

* Metroid Prime Pinball (10/24,12/5) - The imagination runs wild thinking - hoping - of what this game will be like, doesn't it? I like a good pinball game, and with the Dual-Screens equating to huge, long, tables (which would be normal or more truer-to-life to real pinball machines) it's safe to say that 'I am there'.

* Bust-A-Move DS (11/1,11/14) - Hey, I've always liked busting a move. But, are these prices right? $49.99?! If that's right then no-a Bust-A for me-a.

* Eleckroplankton (11/1,11/14) - I gotta admit, it sounds intriguing. I just don't know what I'd do with it. I doubt I'll get it. Especially if the GS price is right... $49.99 (EB says $34.99)... dang!

* Viewtiful Joe DS (11/8,11/8) - I got real tired of the whole VJ thing real quick. But the handheld versions sounds like new life. I should like to know more...

* Ultimate Brain Games (12/19,12/6) - Chess, checkers, backgammon, dominoes, reversi, four-in-a-row, battleship, mahjong, go... hey, don't give me that look, it's a great idea.

[Gadfly2317]

There's actually a couple GBA games, too, that I'm coveting, but its just too much. I'm determined to try not and get more than I can play (the two GBA games are Yoshi Topsy Turvy and the Namco shooter-rpg Sigma Star Saga.)

I WAS looking forward to Death Jr on PsP until it started getting REALLY bad scores, like 4.5 out of 10 bad. I don't need handheld frustration, which is why I'm dubious of GTA Liberty Stories as well (Rockstar had massive load times on the PsP Midnight Club.) It hasn't been that long since I walked the streets of San Andreas, also, so its not like I'm jonesing to do a squashed down, long-load Liberty City at the moment.

On the DS, I was early hyping Trace Memories. I hope you still get it, but I'm over-coveting and Trace Memories has dropped down the list a ways for me (may still get it.) I had thought it looked pretty Myst-like in its structure, which now that I've read some hands-on, turns out to be the case. Still, Nintendo first party take on this genre, intersting story and art-style, it should be a good game.

There's a number of games I'd LIKE to get, including Moonlight Fables and Castevania DS. And Nintendogs. And Viewtiful Joe. And the survival RPG Lost in Blue. Also the RTS games Shogun Warriors and Age of Empires. And Black and White Creatures. Also dying to see more of the announced but not to be completed until next year games from Square and Atlus, the new Mana game, Final Fantasy III, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (online hopefully) and that Demonic RPG from Atlus I'm forgetting the name of right now.

Games I know for a fact I WILL get unless something goes drastically wrong with any of them:

Advance Wars DS: touch control is what this game needed, and has made possible an interesting real-time variant mode.

Metroid Pinball I can't think of a game better thematically suited to a pinball version, and the pick-up and play nature of pinball is perfect for handhelds (and the two screens functioning in tandem as a long verticle screen will finally make handheld pinball feasible, as past attempts suck.

Animal Crossing DS No more typing with a thumb stick. More stuff to collect. Visit other towns all over the world via wi-fi hotspots. Portable, so I never have to miss any events because I'm at work or travelling (I never cheated with the GC version by altering the internal clock, and DS also features an internal clock.) I'd have bought a DS for this game alone.

Mario Kart DS I initially had ZERO interest in a traditional racing game of any stripe on my DS. . . that's not what I got the DS for. And as much as I loved MK DD, that seemed like enough Mario Kart. BUT, this one revisits and combines some of the best stuff and tracks of the series, and its wi-fi online. This is the game I'll be playing at the wi-fi bars and coffee shops. And Glock, don't be worried about "what people think" of the DS. If anyone in public see's you with it, actually knows what it is, but thinks its "kiddy". . . well, they are obviously some hi-water pants wearing hopeless geek to begin with, so who cares? Be at the forefront of trend setting and changing peoples perspectives on what is really cool!

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Everything I've heard and seen about this game reeks of originality, great humor, and a lot of fun. For those of us who want to be a lawyer with out spending $150k on law school. . ..

Trauma Center: Under the Knife Hottie anime nurses assisting you, the doctor, as you deal with stressful surgical scenarios. Again, for originality freaks, this game screams "Play Me!!!"

Electroplankton Actually, I already have this because I imported it. Hard to know whether to recommend. All I can say is read my extensive commentary in the Electroplankton thread. Its one really cool trip toy, but whether you will got your money out of it is another thing. Personally, I've actually done some recordings with it, combining in other instrumentation and noise, and for noisecore and soundscape enthusiasts, this another gadget you can run through your effects rigs or use to create warped wav samples. And its really, really freaking pretty.

[Cuddly Knife]

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, A Boy and his Blob(maybe), Trauma Center, Metroid Pinball, Electroplankton, and Nanostray are my only sure bets so far for the DS. I will definitely get Gunstar Heroes and Sigma Star Saga for the GBA as well.

Can a game like Topsy-Turvy be played on the DS? I heard that it uses some kind of tilt-sensor to control it, and I thought that the GBA games were loaded onto the top of the system. Wouldn't it be impossible to play on the bottom-loading DS?

What is Advance Wars?

[Gadfly2317]

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, A Boy and his Blob(maybe), Trauma Center, Metroid Pinball, Electroplankton, and Nanostray are my only sure bets so far for the DS. I will definitely get Gunstar Heroes and Sigma Star Saga for the GBA as well.

Can a game like Topsy-Turvy be played on the DS? I heard that it uses some kind of tilt-sensor to control it, and I thought that the GBA games were loaded onto the top of the system. Wouldn't it be impossible to play on the bottom-loading DS?

What is Advance Wars?

I think Nintendo could put some code in that would recognize its the DS, and reverse the way it reacts to the data from the gyroscope. New GBA games say on the back if they are compatible with the DS, and I'm almost positive that Warioware Twisted was listed as DS compatible, and it also uses a gyroscopic sensor.

What is Advance Wars? Dude, only like the most time sucking game I've ever played. It is a turn-based tactical strategy, but with tanks and planes and infantry and missiles, etc, yet light and comedic and anime based. It's one of the more popular and highly rated games on the GBA. . .I played it almost exclusively for over a year on my GBA as my "at work" gaming, and even found myself coming home and putting in the GBA Player to finish off campaigns. It also has a full-on level designer mode with all the tools to create levels with everything featured in the regular game.

The DS version should completely kick ass. This was the first game I thought of when the DS was unveiled, because it was immediately bloody obvious that touch control, two screens, and pop-up menus could add a LOT to the game. Other than a better interface and a real time mode, the DS sequel looks both graphically and gameplay wise to be pretty much the same (but then, its hard to improve on perfection, and this was like a 10 rated game or something insane like that.)

[Glockstar]

There's actually a couple GBA games, too, that I'm coveting, but its just too much. I'm determined to try not and get more than I can play (the two GBA games are Yoshi Topsy Turvy and the Namco shooter-rpg Sigma Star Saga.)

Oh yeah... I didn't even count GBA games.

Eh, I guess it doesn't make much of a difference either way - there's only one GBA game I'm looking at. (The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Pumpkin King.)

-

I WAS looking forward to Death Jr on PsP until it started getting REALLY bad scores, like 4.5 out of 10 bad.

First off... wtf are you talking about?! I just checked GameRankings and there are only two reviews in at this time. The average score of which is 83%! PSM gives it a 7.5 while Play gives it a 9.0.

Second off... don't you get Play magazine? Aren't you a subscriber? Maybe you're not (though I thought you were), but I do know that you are a big fan of the mag. Well, didn't you read their review of DJ? How convenient of you not to mention it. I mean this one time... How peculiar.

-

On the DS, I was early hyping Trace Memories. I hope you still get it, but I'm over-coveting and Trace Memories has dropped down the list a ways for me (may still get it.) I had thought it looked pretty Myst-like in its structure, which now that I've read some hands-on, turns out to be the case.

Yeah, that's what interests me about it.

Still, Nintendo first party take on this genre, intersting story and art-style, it should be a good game.

Ehh, that's what worries me about it.

-

There's a number of games I'd LIKE to get... Age of Empires... Black and White Creatures. Also dying to see more of the announced but not to be completed until next year games from Square and Atlus...

I'm looking forward to (or looking at) AoE and BaWC too. But I didn't list them because neither game is going to be out this year.

-

Mario Kart DS I initially had ZERO interest in a traditional racing game of any stripe on my DS. . . that's not what I got the DS for. And as much as I loved MK DD, that seemed like enough Mario Kart. BUT, this one revisits and combines some of the best stuff and tracks of the series, and its wi-fi online. This is the game I'll be playing at the wi-fi bars and coffee shops. And Glock, don't be worried about "what people think" of the DS. If anyone in public see's you with it, actually knows what it is, but thinks its "kiddy". . . well, they are obviously some hi-water pants wearing hopeless geek to begin with, so who cares? Be at the forefront of trend setting and changing peoples perspectives on what is really cool!

Okay. Fine. But not with this a-hole game.

[trebor]

Ok, so it's not so much a game per se, but, I'm looking forward to...a Black/Onyx colored version of the DS.

Glockstar actually has directly influenced my decision in color choices. Just hearing that Glocky was so disappointed in the electric blue DS color kinda made me realize that since I'm being so patient in buying a DS in the first place, I might as well get myself a color I really want.

Gamewise, I'm eyeing Mario Kart DS, Animal Crossing DS, Lost in Blue, Trace Memory, Metroid Pinball, Age of Empires, Black and White Creatures, and I'm especially interested if the rumors of a Diablo or Starcraft DS turn out to be true.

[Gadfly2317]

Ok, so it's not so much a game per se, but, I'm looking forward to...a Black/Onyx colored version of the DS.

Glockstar actually has directly influenced my decision in color choices. Just hearing that Glocky was so disappointed in the electric blue DS color kinda made me realize that since I'm being so patient in buying a DS in the first place, I might as well get myself a color I really want.

Gamewise, I'm eyeing Mario Kart DS, Animal Crossing DS, Lost in Blue, Trace Memory, Metroid Pinball, Age of Empires, Black and White Creatures, and I'm especially interested if the rumors of a Diablo or Starcraft DS turn out to be true.

What's the release date for a black DS? (I think the Electric blue looks pretty sweet, but then again, that's the one I gave my wife.)

I'm still pleased with the platinum, which, if you want black, there's plenty of cool looking skins, including plain black:

http://www.gameconsoleskins.com/skins/gameboy/ds/ds-skin-detail/1057/36.htm

[trebor]

What's the release date for a black DS? (I think the Electric blue looks pretty sweet, but then again, that's the one I gave my wife.)

I have no idea, but as an educated Nintend-kitty it's a safe bet that they will be releasing an all black DS at some point.


I'm still pleased with the platinum, which, if you want black, there's plenty of cool looking skins, including plain black:

http://www.gameconsoleskins.com/skins/gameboy/ds/ds-skin-detail/1057/36.htm

Hmm...looks interesting, but an all black DS will probably have a much higher superfly quotient.

[Gadfly2317]

I have no idea, but as an educated Nintend-kitty it's a safe bet that they will be releasing an all black DS at some point.



Hmm...looks interesting, but an all black DS will probably have a much higher superfly quotient.

What are you going to do if they don't release a black DS before Mario Kart and Animal Crossing come out? (hint, when the black one finally comes out next year, give your platinum DS to your wife when you buy yourself the black one!)

Wireless multi-player meteos is the bomb. Er, well, rocket.

[trebor]

What are you going to do if they don't release a black DS before Mario Kart and Animal Crossing come out? (hint, when the black one finally comes out next year, give your platinum DS to your wife when you buy yourself the black one!)

Wireless multi-player meteos is the bomb. Er, well, rocket.

From my understanding, there is already a black DS version in Japan - so I'll import it. ;)

[trebor]

This is drool-worthy IMO...

http://image.lik-sang.com/content/nintendo-ds/nds_black.jpg

It is one sexy beast.

[Gadfly2317]

This is drool-worthy IMO...

http://image.lik-sang.com/content/nintendo-ds/nds_black.jpg

It is one sexy beast.

Well there you go. . . import the damned thing already! Lik Sang is excellent, the DS is not region specific (it lets you set-up the language in initial set-up.) You know its just empathy. . . I'm not the devil doing the temptation thing. As a fellow Nintendo fan, I know how much you would be digging on this thing.

It looks like Mario Kart online is your big draw though. At least you always know if they don't bring the black over here this fall you can turn to Lik Sang (unless its a limited edition color that is sold out by then!)

They'd be smart to do a full line of colors for the holidays. I'm a sucker. I'd definitely consider trading in my platinum for that sweet-assed ebony.

[Glockstar]

Ok, so it's not so much a game per se, but, I'm looking forward to...a Black/Onyx colored version of the DS.

Glockstar actually has directly influenced my decision in color choices. Just hearing that Glocky was so disappointed in the electric blue DS color kinda made me realize that since I'm being so patient in buying a DS in the first place, I might as well get myself a color I really want.

Sorry.

But yeah, I am not happy with this color. I looked at that skin Gadfly linked to... I'm trying to picture it on this Electric Blue one...but... I... can't... quite... picture it.

I've even been thinking about painting it. Seriously. I'll even do it my damned self, if that's what I gotta do.

The Black/Onyx one does look cool. But, honestly, between that and the standard Silver it's six/one half-dozen/the-other with me.

I can't remember who it was that said it, but I'm agreeing with them: an iPod/360 white would be the coolest. That's the color I want!

If it's no sweat to import then it looks like you'll have your Black for sure, no matter what. Though I'd bet money that they'll come out with it here in time for the holidays. They'll do some new color for sure - this I know.

I'll even bet that Target does their special Limited Edition Red.

And while I'm betting... :D... I'll bet that there's a new bundle-type dealio for the holidays too! My cystal ball tells me that they'll be giving away a free game with system purchase - and it'll be from a choice of, like, four... maybe even five.

[trebor]

I've even been thinking about painting it. Seriously. I'll even do it my damned self, if that's what I gotta do.

Err...don't do that. Unless you are a master at painting tiny, intricate electronics, that is.

Better you should just hold onto it and then trade it in when a color you really want is released rather then ruining it and having an expensive piece of junk.


The Black/Onyx one does look cool. But, honestly, between that and the standard Silver it's six/one half-dozen/the-other with me.

I can't remember who it was that said it, but I'm agreeing with them: an iPod/360 white would be the coolest. That's the color I want!

Lik-Sang has a iPod white colored DS for import. It's available right now.


If it's no sweat to import then it looks like you'll have your Black for sure, no matter what. Though I'd bet money that they'll come out with it here in time for the holidays. They'll do some new color for sure - this I know.

I'll even bet that Target does their special Limited Edition Red.

And while I'm betting... :D... I'll bet that there's a new bundle-type dealio for the holidays too! My cystal ball tells me that they'll be giving away a free game with system purchase - and it'll be from a choice of, like, four... maybe even five.

I checked a bit further and it appears that the Black DS won't be releasing until next year - in NA or Japan. So, unfortunately, it's likely I won't be getting the color I really want by the time I need to buy a DS.

Although I am certainly keeping my fingers crossed for this holiday season and the plethora of holiday deals your crystal ball is seeing.

[Glockstar]

Err...don't do that. Unless you are a master at painting tiny, intricate electronics, that is.

Better you should just hold onto it and then trade it in when a color you really want is released rather then ruining it and having an expensive piece of junk.

Yeah... you're right. :(

-

Lik-Sang has a iPod white colored DS for import. It's available right now.

You mean this one...

http://image.lik-sang.com/images//large/nintendods-jap-white.jpg

... :D

Actually... that "Pure White", that's not the exact color I was thinking of. I don't know, maybe I was wrong in lumping the iPod and 360 Whites together. I like that 360 White. No, I love it. Well... I think I do; I haven't seen it in person, so...

Anywho, yeah, so far I still like that Pure White one the best. But it's not worth the loss of cash. $170?! Of course, that is out-the-door (price includes shipping - until the end of August anyway). Ehh, I have no desire - no need - to take my DS out into public right now anyway, so until I do, I guess, this Blue will do.

- - -

Oh yeah, sometime inbetween my first post and this one I made the decision to get Advance Wars. (Don't ask me when or how). I've committed to it. I'm looking forward to it. 3 more weeks...

[trebor]

Oh yeah, sometime inbetween my first post and this one I made the decision to get Advance Wars. (Don't ask me when or how). I've committed to it. I'm looking forward to it. 3 more weeks...

Don't know if you have played the GBA versions of Advance Wars, but if the DS version is as good as them you'll be converted. They are wonderful games, to be sure.

I lean more towards Fire Emblem, since it in many ways is Advance Wars in a fantasy setting, with an actual storyline, and deeper strategy, but I do truly love Advance Wars as well.

[Gadfly2317]

Anywho, yeah, so far I still like that Pure White one the best. But it's not worth the loss of cash. $170?! Of course, that is out-the-door (price includes shipping - until the end of August anyway). Ehh, I have no desire - no need - to take my DS out into public right now anyway, so until I do, I guess, this Blue will do.

- - -

Oh yeah, sometime inbetween my first post and this one I made the decision to get Advance Wars. (Don't ask me when or how). I've committed to it. I'm looking forward to it. 3 more weeks...

Advance Wars is the game, man. I hope you are love it as much as I did. I hate I make a recommendation that doesn't pan out.

Now on this Blue thing, come on! Since when is there anything wrong with metallic blue, even if Black or White might be cooler? Since when does it matter what people think anyway? Tell you what, you should go out in a pink corset and black thigh high boots and a cowboy hat. . .and to hell with anyone that doesn't like it. And that way, you won't have anyone noticing what color your DS is.

[Glockstar]

Yeah, I never heard anyone ever complain about Advance Wars.

Actually, I thought about getting the first one many times. But I had (actually still have) that Tactics Ogre game, and thought having the two would be a little redundant. Even if only a little. And even though AW might be the better game, I thought I'd stick it out with TO. Well, that's what I thought for the longest time anyway. By the time I thought otherwise I had reached a point where I didn't want to get involved with something new.

-

Hey, you guys - and CK too - and Aylmer too - you're experienced with these Strategy-RPGs, let me ask you something... how many levels are there - as, like, an average - in these games?

[Gadfly2317]

Yeah, I never heard anyone ever complain about Advance Wars.

Actually, I thought about getting the first one many times. But I had (actually still have) that Tactics Ogre game, and thought having the two would be a little redundant. Even if only a little. And even though AW might be the better game, I thought I'd stick it out with TO. Well, that's what I thought for the longest time anyway. By the time I thought otherwise I had reached a point where I didn't want to get involved with something new.

-

Hey, you guys - and CK too - and Aylmer too - you're experienced with these Strategy-RPGs, let me ask you something... how many levels are there - as, like, an average - in these games?

I can speak for Advance Wars. . . I believe there was 150 maps. I don't remember how many levels/maps in the main story mode, but you could purchase maps in the War Room for single player/multiplayer, with a lot of customability for these battles, including weather settings and "Fog of War" which hides enemy units from you unless you have units placed within visibility range.

Add in the ability to make custom maps that are as complex (or moreso) than the ones provided with the game, and you are talking essentially infinite maps. And you can get really creative, coming up with campaigns that set you as primarily naval and your enemy primarily air based, etc. Level designing is fun and easy in Advance Wars. . .its like a really cool set of Legos.

I assume Fire Emblem, a similar Tactics Game, has a LOT of Levels. Trebor says he still hasn't finished the game despite putting in a lot of time with it. I haven't gotten too far into Fire Emblem because the DS games have been distracting me, but Fire Emblem is really cool. . . its fantasy based, and maybe a little more complex than Advance Wars since your units can also be equipped with items and weapons. I still like FF: Tactics better than fire emblem, there's just such a cool vibe in that game.

[trebor]

Hey, you guys - and CK too - and Aylmer too - you're experienced with these Strategy-RPGs, let me ask you something... how many levels are there - as, like, an average - in these games?

Fire Emblem has 32 levels, I believe, in the standard campaign. When you beat the first campaign, you unlock a branching campaign that is almost identical to the original, but it is from a different character's perspective and has several additional battles. The deal with Fire Emblem is that between each level completed there are cut-scenes that carry the story along, so when you play through another characters perspective the cut-scenes change as well, or so I'm told.

All told, including the "hard" modes, I believe you can play through the game roughly 5 times before exhausting it. It has a multiplayer mode too, but it isn't nearly as robust as the one in Advance Wars.

I've been playing the standard campaign for over a year now, on account of the fact that I'm really OCD and don't want any characters dying - but I had to have some killed on just so I could move on with the game, since it was taking me too long. F.Y.I - when a unit is killed in Fire Emblem, they are gone...for good.


I assume Fire Emblem, a similar Tactics Game, has a LOT of Levels. Trebor says he still hasn't finished the game despite putting in a lot of time with it. I haven't gotten too far into Fire Emblem because the DS games have been distracting me, but Fire Emblem is really cool. . . its fantasy based, and maybe a little more complex than Advance Wars since your units can also be equipped with items and weapons. I still like FF: Tactics better than fire emblem, there's just such a cool vibe in that game.

Interesting. I've heard that FF:Tactics is an amazing game, but I haven't gotten around to playing it. I'm so addicted to Fire Emblem that it would be redundant to get into it, I guess.

[Gadfly2317]

Interesting. I've heard that FF:Tactics is an amazing game, but I haven't gotten around to playing it. I'm so addicted to Fire Emblem that it would be redundant to get into it, I guess.

I think they are different enough to not be redundant. FF: Tactics is not very linear, you can wander the map, and buy missions at the tavern, and side quests to send characters off on. The character/item options are daunting. It is REALLY in depth, and an excellent game to keep in your DS's GBA slot (you've got have SOMETHING in there just to keep the dust out.) I've done about 20hours of FF: Tactics and barely scratched the surface of the game. You should be able to find it dirt cheap used. If Square does a DS version of this game, that's it, I'll probably have to give up console gaming altogether.