Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

Up until very recently, I called this the best game on the DS, and it's still up there as one of them.

Castlevania is one of the best action game series ever released. This title really delivers. It brings back Soma Cruise from the GameBoy Advance title Aria of Sorrow. Soma is the reincarnation of Dracula, and has control of the evil beasts. He's called upon again, but this time to stop an evil cult who wants to see Dracula return to power and rule the world (and has found other heirs to his throne).

The game is a 2-D action platformer, but with an equipment and experience system that keeps you wanting to level up. You also (randomly with different percent chances) absorb the souls of the enemies you come across and can use their powers afterwards (or powerup your weapons with them). It really gives it a "Gotta Catch 'Em All™" feel from Pokémon.

One of the things that will have you glued to this game is the map. Not only is it awesome to have the map on the top screen and always open, the game scores you based on how much of the map you've explored. Can you get 100%? There are lots of hidden rooms you know (but there might be a soul somewhere that helps you find those!).

Again, I couldn't put this one down for weeks while I finished it. I still pick it up from time to time just to relive the adventure.

By far, a must have title if you own a DS.

Super Metroid

Time for my first Virtual Console Review. I couldn't think of a better game to start this out with.

Super Metroid was originally released for the Super Nintendo. It was the first game (other than the original Metroid to a lesser extent) to give you a gigantic map to navigate where you need to go back and forth to get into new areas every time you find new items. If you enjoy games like more recent Castlevania games and others, you have Super Metroid to thank.

For $8 on the virtual console, you can't beat the fun of this. I played this game when it was first released and not since. I picked it up on the VC about two weeks ago and can't put it down. I'm about 30 hours in, and still don't think I'm too close to the end.

Sometimes frustrating, but always satisfying when you get past those rough areas, this game really delivers.

Super Paper Mario

It's very rare to find a Mario game that isn't good. This lives up to the name.

The Paper Mario series has always been one of my favorites. They use 3-D graphics but make all the scenes and characters flat. When you turn from side to side, you can see how thin they are. Nintendo also throws in a lot of comedy by making jokes about paper. On the GameCube version, you can even fold Mario into an airplane or boat.

The previous versions have been mostly RPG oriented, which I've got no problems with. This one, for the Wii, took a new twist on the series. The game is a 2-D platformer. There's a twist, though: If you can't get through an area, press the A button and the game becomes 3-D and you can find new ways around areas or new items. It really gives you a great brain twister at times!

You can't go wrong with a solid 2-D platforming Mario game, and this is no exception. The 3-D platforming twist adds something unique to this title without being overused.

I can't recommend this game enough!

Yoshi's Island DS

Usually, if Mario is put in a game, it's going to be pretty good. This game is no exception.

If you're thinking about picking this up, the original version (part one) is available on the GameBoy Advance for $20 new, and is a great warm up.

In this game, you play as Yoshi. Mario is a baby, and rides on your back. If you get hurt, he gets knocked off and cries his head off until you can catch him again. There aren't any life bars, but you only have so many seconds to pick Mario up before the baddies grab him up.

The really neat differences between this DS sequel and the original on the SNES/GBA are the dual screen views and multiple babies. The second screen shows even more areas to go. You really have to watch both to know what's going on. The multiple babies gives you some great puzzle style challenges. Mario can see and hit blocks that others can't. Peach's parasol can catch updrafts and let you float around. Donkey Kong can climb vines. Wario attracts coins and other metal objects.

Overall, this is an amazingly fun game if you can get past the babies crying. It's not a must have title, but it's worth picking up if you're just looking for a new game.

The Simpsons Game

On Thursday, I picked up a game that I wasn't expecting much from, The Simpsons Game. I'd heard a lot of negative things about the console version, but a little positive about this one. I was really hesitant since it was made by EA. They've yet to release anything good for a portable system. Either way, I gave it a shot.

To my great surprise and pleasure, this game is amazing! It's a total throwback to early 1990's platform action games. It also has great puzzle elements to it, as well. One level was even a remake of Frogger. Throughout all of this, there are insane amounts of dialog from the characters. Most of the humor is very adult oriented, also. I've never laughed so hard while playing a video game (other than Rayman Ravid Rabbids on my Wii).

My only complaint about this game is how short it is. I'm 25% of the way through it with just over an hour put in to it. That said, I'll happily play it again when I'm done.

If you have a DS, I whole-heartedly recommend picking this title up. Buy it used, though, so you can return it when you finish the game in less than a week. :)