Metacritic.com: Nintendo DS Reviews

76% Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter

2009-08-16T10:31:23-04:00

Critic Score: 76%
Release Date: 2009-10-27

In Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for Nintendo DS, players draw their own heroes, be it humans, animals or multi-limbed creatures, and embark on a brand new adventure aboard a Turtle Ship to defeat the evil Wilfre and restore color to the Raposa civilization. Players have the ability to morph their hero into a blob or a spider, adding more gameplay and allowing for players to play each level a variety of different ways. The game’s Action Drawing Tool gives each color special properties when drawing objects into the game to help solve puzzles and progression through the game. Along the way, they collect coins and color drops to unlock a variety of content, including challenges and quests, customization options and hero abilities. In addition, the game’s multi-player aspect allows players to trade heroes, weapons, items and accessories with friends. [THQ]

71% Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop

2009-08-16T10:31:21-04:00

Critic Score: 71%
Release Date: 2009-10-20

Mama is back, and she's traded in the trowel for the truffle in Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop! The stylus becomes the ultimate cooking utensil as players chop, grate, slice, stir, spread, sprinkle, roll and more through over 200 mini-games. The new box art and 10 screens included with this email show Mama making candy apples, donuts and more - a mere fraction of the new recipes available throughout the game. Additionally, six gameplay modes keep players on their feet, as they learn from mistakes in "Let's Cook" mode, compete with up to 3 friends using local wi-fi play in "Time Challenge" mode, and keep a scrapbook of favorite dishes in "Picture Diary" mode. While progressing through the game, recipes go from simple to difficult and dishes advance from small to large, but Mama awards players who learn with bronze, silver or gold medals based on the quality of their cooking! [Majesco]

74% WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010

2009-08-16T10:31:45-04:00

Critic Score: 74%
Release Date: 2009-10-20

The best-selling fighting videogame franchise returns to the virtual ring with the most authentic, entertaining and portable simulation of WWE programming to date. Featuring innovative new gameplay controls, an engaging Story Mode and an extensive array of unlockable content, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 delivers a compelling experience unique to the Nintendo DS. It’s the player’s world now. [THQ]

62% Biggest Loser, The

2009-08-16T10:31:18-04:00

Critic Score: 62%
Release Date: 2009-10-06

Now you can become "The Biggest Loser" in the comforts of your own home! Shape and tone your body with our interactive fitness video game. Our amazing trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels guide you along the way with their expert advice and their unique motivation styles. Choose a 4, 8 or 12 week program and The Biggest Loser fitness game builds a workout and nutrition plan for you so you can reach your fitness goals. Trust us: it's not just a workout for the thumbs, it's a workout for the entire body - and the entire family. With the Nintendo DSi and DS, you'll find a convenient way to stay focused on your regimen - even when you're on the go! Want to know how much that burger will cost you in calories, or what exercises you can do easily without equipment when you’re on vacation? All of that information and more is right in your hands. [THQ]

57% MySims Agents

2009-08-16T10:31:35-04:00

Critic Score: 57%
Release Date: 2009-09-29

In MySims Agents on the Nintendo DS players are agents assigned by their agency to help the mayor stop a notorious thief from stealing an ancient treasure. By searching for clues, solving intricate puzzles and matching wits with the thief, gamers can protect the treasure and the town! Along the way they can talk to their favorite MySims, sharpen their agent skills with 10 different mini-games, and search through underground caverns for clues to the thief’s undoing! [Electronic Arts]

63% Bakugan Battle Brawlers

2009-10-21T00:00:25-04:00

Critic Score: 63%
Release Date: 2009-10-20

Bakugan is based on the story of Dan and his friends whose lives were forever changed when mysterious cards fell from the sky. Creating a game from the cards where powerful creatures known as Bakugan battle, it wasn’t long before they discovered that their hobby was much more than just a simple pastime. Utilizing special game cards Bakugan battle masters roll spheres onto the cards, which activate and transform into Bakugan “battle brawling” action figures. [Activision]

85% Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes

2009-10-01T00:00:23-04:00

Critic Score: 85%
Release Date: 2009-11-17

Might & Magic Clash of Heroes is the first puzzle adventure RPG game from Ubisoft.It is inspired by the famous Heroes brand and set in the Might & Magic universe. With a manga art direction it has been re-mastered into a glorious 2D environment. As a prequel to Heroes V, 40 years before, Might & Magic Clash of Heroes is set across five different regions of Ashan (a part of the Might & Magic world). Live an exciting adventure as you play 5 different heroes, alternate between exploration in various maps and battle in turn-based puzzle games, in order to accomplish your quest. [Ubisoft]

74% Metropolis Crimes

2009-10-15T00:00:27-04:00

Critic Score: 74%
Release Date: 2009-10-01

Crime has been spreading in the city like a plague. Police is either swamped or corrupted and honest citizens have no choice but hiring private eyes to solve open cases. Among them, many crooks are thriving. Red Johnson is not one of them. With his talent and his many tools, he's determined to win the war against crime, even should he confront the highest official authorities. [Ubisoft]

81% Art Style: DIGIDRIVE

2009-10-06T00:00:22-04:00

Critic Score: 81%
Release Date: 2009-10-02

[DSiWare; Also known as "Art Style: INTERSECT"] A remake of an old GameBoy Advance title known as DigiDrive, originally produced by Q Games of Pixeljunk fame. [Nintendo Life]

77% Nostalgia

2009-08-16T10:31:36-04:00

Critic Score: 77%
Release Date: 2009-10-22

Set in an alternate-reality version of 19th-century Earth, Nostalgia casts you as Eddie, a headstrong Londoner who amasses a group of memorable companions to traverse the world in his steampunk-inspired zeppelin. As you navigate the open skies, you'll explore mysterious foreign locales, slay all manner of fantastical enemies, complete a variety of thrilling quests, and ultimately, save the world from unfathomable evil. [Ignition Entertainment]

53% Witch's Tale, A

2009-08-16T10:31:45-04:00

Critic Score: 53%
Release Date: 2009-10-06

When young witch-in-training Lidell accidentally unleashes an ancient evil upon the world, she must revisit the lands of classic fairy tales to free them from the clutches of the Eld Witch. Intuitive touch screen controls put the magic at your fingertips. [NIS America]

53% Women's Murder Club: Games of Passion

2009-08-16T10:31:45-04:00

Critic Score: 53%
Release Date: 2009-09-22

In Women’s Murder Club: Games of Passion, players step into the investigative shoes of the Women’s Murder Club members, Lindsay, Claire and Cindy, where they investigate a string of seemingly unrelated murders as they unfold. Beautiful women go missing and turn up dead around every corner, and the clues point to the least likely of suspects. With engrossing, story-driven gameplay and thought-provoking mini-games, Women’s Murder Club: Games of Passion lets players immerse themselves in a classic Patterson mystery as they examine locations for clues, and interrogate witnesses and suspects alike. A distinct mix of hidden object and puzzle gameplay, Women’s Murder Club: Games of Passion lets players become a part of the Women’s Murder Club. Additionally, a unique DSi feature allows fans to create their own mystery by utilizing the DSi camera! [THQ]

81% Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games

2009-08-16T10:31:32-04:00

Critic Score: 81%
Release Date: 2009-10-13

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games takes players to Vancouver, Canada, host city of the official 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This gaming experience invites players of all ages and skill sets to face-off in some of the most intense winter competitions available for the Nintendo platforms. Developed by SEGA of Japan, under the guidance of Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games takes players to lifelike Olympic venues where they can choose from a legendary cast of playable characters, including new faces to the series. This fresh gaming experience features completely new Olympic Winter Games events from the official competition schedule including Alpine Skiing and Speed Skating. Tailored to the specific system controls, Nintendo DS and Wii gamers enjoy completely unique experiences thanks to each platform having its own specific gameplay features and modes. Players of all skill levels enjoy the intuitive controls of both the Wii and Nintendo DS systems, in both single and multiplayer gaming modes. The Wii game offers an even richer multiplayer experience offering co-op and competitive gameplay where the Nintendo DS brings an intense competitive element using the Nintendo DS wireless capabilities. Additionally, one of the new features to be found in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is the inclusion of the Wii Balance Board which can be used in some events featured in the Wii version, allowing for a more interactive and realistic gaming experience. [Sega]

51% Spore Hero Arena

2009-08-16T10:31:41-04:00

Critic Score: 51%
Release Date: 2009-10-06

Building on the success of Spore Creatures for Nintendo DS, Spore Hero Arena catapults Nintendo DS players into a 3D galaxy filled with fun, intense arena-based combat. Players create a unique gladiator Hero creature and guide it from planet to planet as they fight dangerous enemy creatures and complete special missions, collecting new parts and abilities, gaining upgrades along the way. In the quest for combat, they seek out to defeat each local champion and unlock special abilities that benefit their Hero. By combining special abilities, parts, and upgrades, players create a fighting style of their own in hopes to stop an evil force and save the galaxy. Spore Hero Arena also features multiplayer capabilities as players can battle with up to three friends locally or play with a friend over Wi-Fi. [Electronic Arts]

80% Phineas and Ferb

2009-08-16T10:31:36-04:00

Critic Score: 80%
Release Date: 2009-02-03

Inspired by the top-rated animated series seen on Disney Channel and soon to debut on Disney XD, Phineas and Ferb for Nintendo DS invites fans to play as the characters Phineas and Ferb in a series of wacky, fun-filled adventures. As Phineas and Ferb, players can build the world's most outrageous roller coaster from their backyard to the city; create a humungous snow ride from a snow cone machine - in the middle of summer; and hop behind the wheel of a monster truck and navigate through a muddy obstacle course. Along the way, players can use cool gadgets and objects that give them special powers. They also can complete unique mini games and puzzles such as Welding, Wind Blaster, and "You’re so busted!" mini games with Candace in order to advance through levels. Many other popular characters from the Disney series join Phineas and Ferb throughout the game. Fans can play as "Agent P" the family pet platypus who leads a double life as a secret agent. In the game "Agent P" encounters the infamous Dr. Doofenshmirtz and battles him in a 1-on-1 challenge. Tattletale teenage sister Candace is always lurking and ready to tell Mom about the boys’ latest caper. Plus, Isabella, the Fireside Girls, Baljeet and others make appearances throughout the adventure. The game also features DGamer, Disney’s online community designed exclusively for Disney gamers. DGamer allows players to engage with other Disney game players in a secure online community via their Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or online at www.DGamer.com. The service allows users to log into their DS and online accounts to create and customize a unique 3-D avatar and persistent profile. Kids can chat, view user profiles of their DGamer friends, and post high scores to leaderboards. [Disney]

72% DiRT 2

2009-08-16T10:31:22-04:00

Critic Score: 72%
Release Date: 2009-09-08

(Also known as "Colin McRae: DiRT 2" in the UK/EU) DiRT 2 takes racing games to a new level with thrilling new race types, striking locations, big event atmosphere, and a peerless line-up of super-charged speed machines, each selected to deliver spectacular, fast-paced racing. Taking players on an exhilarating World Tour, DiRT 2 delivers over 100 stunning events, including aggressive, multi-vehicle races and intense solo challenges, set in the most diverse and demanding real-world environments. From the muddy tracks of the Malaysian rainforest to spectator-packed stadiums in London and Los Angeles, racers compete in contemporary off-road race disciplines covering Rallycross, Trailblazer, Raid, Landrush, and Rally. Embracing the culture and new heroes of modern off-road racing, DiRT 2 features an exciting line-up of the best new rally drivers - including the multi medal-winning Subaru Rally Team USA driver Ken Block alongside Travis Pastrana, Dave Mirra, and Tanner Faust, who help players build their racing career. [Codemasters]

70% Hero's Saga Laevatein Tactics

2009-09-24T00:00:20-04:00

Critic Score: 70%
Release Date: 2009-10-13

The Story So Far: When a strange girl hands Ernesto, the young prince of Valencia, a mysterious sword and tells him to save his friends, he thinks nothing of using the magical blade to fight off an undead attack. Little does he know that such a small choice will spark a war that will rage across the continent of Yulamecca and beyond. Command your forces into one of several formations, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Harness The Power of The Einherjar! Collect all the Vaettir Arms (180+ Arms to find!) scattered throughout the game and strike fear into the hearts of your foes with the awesome power of the Valhalla Break! Ad-Hoc Goodness! Using the power of ad-hoc wireless connectivity you can trade items with your friends, rent out your heroes to aid friends in need, or battle them for fame and glory. Create An Unstoppable Army. Equip different weapons to change the class, abilities, and appearance of your soldiers! Choose wisely to unlock the legendary secret class. [Aksys Games]

48% Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky

2009-10-14T00:00:28-04:00

Critic Score: 48%
Release Date: 2009-10-12

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is the newest installment in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon video game series. The game expands on the fun found in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness. Players be a Pokémon and team up with a partner Pokémon. Together the two set out on an adventure of exploration and discovery, ultimately saving the world from destruction. With additional Pokémon to be, new “Special Episodes” and enhanced communication features, this is a grand adventure with a moving story and stunning finale. This game is a great starting point for players to enter the world of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and for returning players to discover even more secrets. [Nintendo]

83% Dragon Quest Wars

2009-09-29T00:00:20-04:00

Critic Score: 83%
Release Date: 2009-09-28

[DSiWare] DRAGON QUEST WARS is a grid-based strategy game featuring all of your favorite quirky DRAGON QUEST monsters. Choose from several modes and get ready for battle. While the rules are simple, strategy is the key to victory. The game features single-player and DS Wireless Play, as well as battles with foes worldwide via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection. (Broadband Internet access is required for online play.) [Square Enix]

68% Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road, The

2009-08-16T10:31:45-04:00

Critic Score: 68%
Release Date: 2009-09-29

The Wizard of OZ: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road is an RPG inspired by the beloved tale of Dorothy and her magical journey through the Land of Oz, showing a unique new perspective on what happened after reaching the end of the Yellow Brick Road. The game takes players through the endearing adventure of protagonist Dorothy and her lovely dog, Toto, turning these charming characters into classic RPG heroes. A tornado suddenly strikes a small farm in Kansas, savagely uprooting Dorothy and Toto with just one gust. After hours of dancing around in the bushel of wind, the pair eventually settles in an unfamiliar countryside. It is here Dorothy learns that the only way to return home is by following the ominous voice calling out to her to the end of the Yellow Brick Road. On her journey, Dorothy encounters some unlikely characters who eventually decide to join her on her quest. Dorothy and Toto, together with their newfound companions - the Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man- embark on an enchanting voyage filled with many obstacles. Upon reaching the castle at the end of the Yellow Brick Road, the group learns from a mysterious wizard that the magical land has been taken over by four evil witches that are running amuck. Dorothy and her friends are tasked with defeating the witches with a return trip to Kansas as the reward, but is this new mission beyond the Yellow Brick Road everything it appears to be? [XSeed Games]

67% Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2

2009-08-16T10:31:32-04:00

Critic Score: 67%
Release Date: 2009-09-15

The "greatest Super Hero action/RPG of all time" is back with the world’s largest army of heroes and villains in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2. Incorporating elements of the acclaimed Marvel Civil War storyline, the game allows players to choose their side and team up with revered heroes and villains, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, Iron Man, Deadpool, Venom, Green Goblin and Captain America. Players can combine characters’ powers and unleash astonishing new attacks. [Activision]

55% Sudoku Ball Detective

2009-08-16T10:31:42-04:00

Critic Score: 55%
Release Date: 2009-08-18

Sudoku Ball Detective is Sudoku with a twist: play your favourite puzzle game in a completely new, entertaining detective scenario, and experience multitudes of challenging puzzles to solve a mysterious crime! An exclusive Sudoku ball design adds even more to your Sudoku experience. Inspired by murder mystery games and famous English detective stories, in Sudoku Ball Detective the player takes the role of a detective in a small town where a murder has been committed. It is up to you to find the murderer, by completing different styles of Sudoku puzzles representing separate stages of the investigation: Search clues, pick locks, investigate evidence in the lab, and chase your suspect. [Playlogic]

59% Blood Bowl

2009-08-16T10:31:18-04:00

Critic Score: 59%
Release Date: 2009-11-01

A brutal team sport unfolding in a parallel fantasy world based on Warhammer and American football, Blood Bowl invites gamers to form a team of players from races including: Orcs, Elves, Humans, Dwarfs and many other fantasy creatures, and launch themselves into battle in the bloodiest of arenas. This strategy sports game combines a fine balance of tactics and bone crunching action! The game offers two game modes. The first, which is fully real time, offers spectacular gameplay with intense battles between blocking linemen and daring displays of agility of players leaping and dodging through opponents tackle zones, while powerful spells and dirty trick special plays are unleashed across the field. All this creates a highly charged atmosphere. Of course, since it is sometimes difficult to keep an eye on the entire field at once, the game's interface offers different tactical and strategic setups, while the AI is responsible for managing the players on the field. The second game mode, an actual turn-based game, is a treat for players of the original board game because it is an exact replica of Games Workshop's tabletop masterpiece. The original rules have been faithfully reproduced, and it contains all of the devices, strategies, play and rhythm of the original game. [Focus Home Interactive]

54% Bleach: The 3rd Phantom

2009-08-16T10:31:18-04:00

Critic Score: 54%
Release Date: 2009-09-15

In this exclusive storyline, exciting details are revealed about the BLEACH universe from before the start of the anime series. The story highlights the close partnership between two fraternal twin Soul Reapers, Matsuri Kudo and her brother Fujimaru. In fierce battles. For the first time, players create and command their own team of eight Soul Reapers. In team-based battles, players decide where to place their team on the campaign map and also how to customize their character’s powers with the experience points they received. With exciting revelations and a lot more choice, strategy and cooperative gameplay, BLEACH: The 3rd Phantom thrills fans and newcomers to the series. Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS. Gamers choose between two playable lead characters for two unique gameplay experiences with over 30 hours of gameplay in Story mode alone. Team-based Gameplay. For the first time in the series players create and command their own team of eight Soul Reapers. After Experience Points are earned in battle, the player can choose how to grow their team’s special abilities in different ways. Tactical Turn-based Campaigns. Players strategize where to place their team members on the campaign map, and also what skills/strengths each of the seven characters will possess. There are over 50 characters that can be selected to join in battles, each with their own special attacks and some with Bankai. After completing Story mode, players continue to power up their team in BLEACH Tower mode which contains 30 levels. The game also contains a wireless multiplayer mode for two players. While playing through Story mode and BLEACH Tower mode, players find rare BLEACH items including Health Boosts, Spiritual Pressure enhancements, weapon items and hard-to-find BLEACH characters. [Sega]

66% Hardy Boys: Treasure on the Tracks, The

2009-08-16T10:31:27-04:00

Critic Score: 66%
Release Date: 2009-09-08

Ride the Rails to Royalty and Treasure in Russia. You, as the Hardy Boys, are invited onboard the Royal Express traveling from Paris to St Petersburg to follow the mysterious trail of the Romanov Family treasure. Take a ride on the Royal Express to track down the lost clues of the Royal family in the great cities of Europe. Play as both the Hardy Boys and a mysterious female spy. Track down clues hidden in paintings. Explore Paris, St. Petersburg, Warsaw, Vienna, and Prague. Solve puzzles and play fun mini-games. [Sega]