Your Top 10 Handheld Games

i don't think we've ever had a top 10 hand helds list on tnl. let's see how this goes.

in no particular order

links awakening - gb: i spent a whole summer in high school trying to beat this. i think it's my fave zelda game, too.
mega man 5 - gb: it was cool to have all new bosses. the charge fist thing was fun, too.
metroid 2 - gb: fave metroid game. i'd love to see a remake.
mega man battle network 3 - gba: out of all the bn's i've played i spent the most time with this one. things became more balanced in later titles but this one's still my fave.
king of fighters r2 -ngpc: best controls on a handheld fighter ever. even with only 2 buttons.
atro boy omega factor - gba: fun and challenging. i'm glad the dificulty was adjusted for the us release.
yu-gi-oh eternal duelist soul - gba: first yu-gi-oh video game i got into. it was cool to put in the codes of cards i owned to get them in the game.
etrian odyssey - ds: still playing through the bonus area on this one. i'll get #2 some day.
sonic rush - ds: i still play this when i just wanna play a good sonic game. and i like the music.
mega man powered up - psp: i was trying to stay away from ports/remakes but this feels enough like a new game. playable bosses are the best thing ever.

Ironically for all kinds of reasons you guys know, I think this is a great thread. I had to give my list a lot of thought, but here it is (in alphabetical order only):

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles (PSP): A competent remake of the best old school Castlevania, along with the best new school Castlevania, on the same disc.

Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions (PSP): Based on the way the genre and the series are headed, it's unlikely that this classic will supplanted as my favorite in both lists.

Krazy Racers (GBA): I actually bought this one on both Japanese and American GBA launches. In terms of classic series, nearly all of my favorites are in Konami's stable. This game took them all, added some great Mario Kart-esque gameplay, and kicked ass on the new (at the time) GBA.

Ninja Five-O (GBA): I might overlook this game if it didn't represent perhaps the last great 2D action game that will ever be made. Mega Man 9 (and 1-8, X-X4, etc.) can go fuck itself. This is one genre where Konami (and acquired Hudson) can out-do the masters at Capcom every time.

Ninja Gaiden (Lynx): Thinking back to the days of hearing Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" playing through my tiny Lynx speakers still makes me crack a smile. What a great system in 1989 and an underrated game to boot.

Ridge Racer (PSP): You coudl debate which is better between this and its sequel, but the bottom line is that the original did the seemingly impossible and made a driving game really work on a portable... though I will give a shout out to Checkered Flag on the Lynx.

SNK vs Capcom: Match of the Millennium (NGPC): Fighting is possible on portables. Wow. Of course, that statement comes with the caveat that they must have the NGPC's "click stick", which has, depressingly, never been copied. Being the first game to blend the only two fighting publishers that matter helped too.

Super Mario Land (GB): I loved the variety of the original portable Super Mario. It wasn't the greatest platformer, but, like Ridge Racer and SNK vs Capcom, it was a proof point that the genre could be done with the TV being optional.

That's it. I'm saving two spots for Contra 4 and Metal Slug 7 in the unlikely event that I decide to acknowledge their existence in the future. An honorable mention goes out to the Phoenix Wright series.

Great thread idea that's coming at a great time for me. I've bought 137 GB/GBC games in the past 2 weeks

These are in no particular order.

Advance Wars Days of Ruin (ds) - This is my all time favorite handheld series and I chose to pick only one of the 4 games, my personal fav, although each one is good enough to make the list.

Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lion (psp) - I couldn't imagine ever playing through this beast again when I had put close to 100 hours into on the PS1 version back in '98. But making it handheld changed that and I put almost that much time into it again this year. Most of those hours occurred while simultaneously watching MLB games, my favorite thing to do while playing a handheld game.

Ninja Five-O (gba) - Like Yoshi said, this is perhaps the last truly great original 2D action game. And not only is it the last, it holds it's own with the best of the best in the genre.

Super Mario Land 2 Six Golden Coins (gb) - I absolutely love all the GB & GBC Mario/Wario Land games but 6 Golden Coins was and still is my favorite in the series.

Donkey Kong '94 (gb) - I've completed this game at least a dozen times over the past 14 years and it's still just as fun with each playthrough.

Metal Gear Solid (gbc) - The single game that made a GBC worth owning at the time and it's also the peek of what the system was capable of. This beauty took a 2D Metal Gear game and added in most of the improvements the 3D sequel added to the series.

Final Fantasy Adventure (gb) / Sword of Mana (gba) - Forget all the Zelda titles, this is my favorite game in the genre. I was hooked on it as a child and I fell in love with it again when I picked up the GBA remake.

Castlevania AoS (gba) - Outside of SotN this is my favorite title in the "metroidvania" series of games.

Dragon Quest IV (ds) - Square Enix took my one of my top 3 favorite jRPGs ever and improved on it in every way.

Ridge Racer (psp) - Like Yoshi said, this game made racing really work on a portable. Add in the fact that the Ridge Racer series is the only non-kart racing games that I really love and this deserves a spot on the list.

I've only recently started playing portable games again. I did some QA on a PSP game, and that poisoned my view of the system forever, so there's probably some obvious omissions (like DracX Chronicles). In no order:

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2 (DS): The best Tactics game I've played so far, a total geekout for those that like to manage all their little guys and play with them in battle. Extremely comprehensive and well thought-out systems, really nice production values, crazy amount of content, and challenging AI. The only complaint I have is that the main story is on the same level of tripe as FFTA, but the hundreds of sidequests are well-written and flesh out a pretty enjoyable universe.

Advance Wars - Days of Ruin (DS): I think Timber summed it up pretty well.

Fire Emblem - The Sacred Stones (GBA): While I think the Advance Wars games are better designed, I ultimately enjoy the leveling and persistant units in FE more. Great animations and enough strategic options and builds to elevate it beyond its paper/rock/scissor mechanics.

Castlevania - Order of Ecclesia (DS): While SoTN is more robust overall, OoE has nicer graphics and voice-work, more challenging enemies and bosses, a solid gimmick, and decent level designs. I've only been through it once though, I may feel differently on another play-through.

Castlevania - AoS (GBA): Solid in every way, but definitely just SoTN-lite to me.

SNK vs Capcom - MotM (NGPC): This has been explained plenty enough.

Puzzle Quest (PSP): I've only played the XBLA version, but if it's just like that then it's pretty much the perfect sort of portable game to me.

Other games I remember fondly but haven't played recently:
- Castlevania series (GB)
- Gargoyle's Quest (GB)
- Metroid II (GB)
- Final Fantasy Adventure (GB)

Your list is irrelevant unless Ninja Five-O is on it. Seriously, the best GBA game ever made and probably the best portable game ever.

In no particular order:

Fire Emblem (GBA) I love this style of strategy RPG.

Road Blasters (Lynx): I played this game more than any other on the Lynx. I like the feel of this version, over the console version on Midways Arcade Treasures.

Golden Sun (GBA): One of my favorite RPGs on the handhelds and I like it more than most of the RPGs on the SNES.

Metroid: Fusion (GBA): It's not quite as good as Super Metroid, but it's still a great Metroid game.

Pinball of the Dead (GBA): Pretty amazing game of pinball, considering the hardware it's on.

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (GBA): It may not be the best Castlevania game, but it's still a pretty fun game.

Advance Wars (GBA): This was the first title I'd bought for my GBA and it was the title that turned my interest towards the handheld.

Namco Museum (GBA): Galaga on the go = :tu:

Gradius Galaxies (GBA): The game has a couple of levels I wouldn't call great, but it's still a solid chapter in the Gradius series.

Zelda: Oracle of Seasons (GBC): A fun trip back to the 8-bit days of Zelda.


Honorable Mention:

Blue Lightning (Lynx)
Zarlor Mercenary (Lynx)
Zelda: Minish Cap (GBA) : I still haven't opened it, but we all know about this one. ;)

This thread is really making me wish I had Ninja 5-0.
I suppose for the sake of ease and "pure portableness" we're leaving the Turbo Express and Nomad out of this.


Tetris - Must be on here. The tug of war mode + Wifi makes the DS version the winner in my book.

Space Invaders Extreme - Proving that stuff with "Extreme" in the name doesn't have to suck. DS again.

Contra 4 - Duh.

Castlevania OoE - Best of the original portable Metroidvanias. Bringin' back the difficulty! If I owned a PSP chances are Drac X takes this spot. But I don't.

Mario Golf GBC - Stupid-addicting for some reason in ways that the GBA game wasn't.

SNK Vs Capcom MotM - Duh.

Metroid Zero Mission - Awwwyeahhhhh.

Blue Lightning - It has to be on here for historical reasons.

Double Dragon Advance - The best hand held beat 'em up. And the best Double Dragon.

Zelda Minish Cap - Beats out Awakening and the GBC outings in my book.

Jawbreaker/Bubble Pop - On my Windows Mobile Phone. I could play for hours a day on "shifter".

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

Your list is irrelevant unless Ninja Five-O is on it. Seriously, the best GBA game ever made and probably the best portable game ever.

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Shinobi II: The Silent Fury > Ninja Five-O

I tried not to include straight ports or remakes on this list. As much as I love War of the Lions and the Rondo remake, I don't really think they belong here.

In no order:

1. Ninja Five-O (GBA): I'm glad I looked at Yoshi's list before composing mine, because I too might have forgotten this one. The last great pure 2D platformer, brilliantly executed, and extremely challenging (I still cannot beat the time trial on 1-3).

2. Blue Lightning (Lynx): This Afterburner-style shooter is better than Afterburner itself. Watching it in motion really shows what the Lynx is capable of. Too bad the Lynx never had enough titles like this. Of course, it's also too bad that Atari was run by lobotomized chimpanzees.

3. Revenge of the Gator (GB): One of the greatest video pinball games ever. It's just a fun, silly, endlessly replayable little game. The title sequence, with its ultra-catchy music and dancing gators, still sticks in my mind.

4. Ultimate Ghosts N Goblins (PSP): Great 2.5D tribute to the most difficult platformer series of all time. Perhaps a little too difficult, however.

5. Astro Boy: Omega Factor (GBA): Treasure's best handheld game, with epic boss battles that are the hallmark of this revered developer.

6. Wario Ware: The first and still the best entry in the series. This game embodies a lot of the negative stereotypes of so-called casual games, but its microgames successfully encapsulate tasty gameplay nuggets for easy swallowing.

7. Todd's Adventures in Slime World (Lynx): This game is enormous! It's far better than the Genesis port, in my humble opinion. I played the shit out of it when I was a kid.

8. Lumines (PSP): Great puzzle game for zoning out, just enjoying the music and the pretty colors. Not a bad versus game, either, if you have a friend with a PSP.

9. Space Invaders Extreme (DS): I really don't like the DS very much, but I love this game: very simple, elegant, and addictive. Great music and visuals, too.

10. Advance Wars: Days of Ruin (DS): I admit, I haven't played this game as much as I would like, but Advance Wars + online play = win.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

Your list is irrelevant unless Ninja Five-O is on it. Seriously, the best GBA game ever made and probably the best portable game ever.

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Agreed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cheebs

Contra 4

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is horrible.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NeoZeedeater

Shinobi II: The Silent Fury > Ninja Five-O

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I am going to download this rom and if this is not true you will have to turn in your legend card not really but your street cred will take a major hit

i was veeeery close to putting double dragon advance on my list. thought i'd stick with things i've played a little more though since i've only had the game a few weeks.

Contra DS (DS)
Double Dragon Advance (GBA)
GG Aleste (GG)
The GG Shinobi II (GG)
Judgement Silversword (WSC)
Ninja Five-O (GBA)
SaGa (GB)
Seiken Densetsu (GB)
Shining Force Gaiden series (GG)
SNK vs Capcom (NGPC)

My short list:

Ninja Five-O (GBA)

STUN Runner (Lynx)

Neo Turf Masters (NGPC)

Card Fighters (NGPC)

SNK Vs Capcom (NGPC)

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

I am going to download this rom and if this is not true you will have to turn in your legend card not really but your street cred will take a major hit

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As long as more people play it, I'm happy. The GG Shinobis are better than they initially appear to be. They seem like watered down Genesis games at first but using different ninjas for different tasks makes for some cool non-linear design that separates them from the console games.

Even Shou, a man who picks bizarre shit like a WSC game has Ninja Five-O on his list. I love it.

I'll try to slap together a list later.

Advance Wars 2 (GBA) - The ideal progression of the first game's formula. Dual Strike went way over the top with the tag team attacks and multi-faction battle stuff, and Day of Ruin lost the War Room and the exuberant charm that gave the series its identity.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (GBA) - Fun story with a fantastic and hilarious translation, and the upgradable, branching battle system was great. My first time through I lost my save right near the end of the game, yet I wasn't really broken up about having to go through it all again, and did so immediately. I can't think of a lot of games I would have felt the same about.

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (GBA) - If it weren't for the GBA visuals this would be unflinchingly recognized as SotN's better. The progression and structure of the castle is far and away the most fluid of any of the Metroidvanias.

Megaman Maverick Hunter X (PSP) - Usually I'm underwhelmed by 3D remakes of 2D games, but this was spot-on. The Vile campaign and the 30 minute OVA were really neat extras.

Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA) - The next best thing to Super Metroid.

Ouendan (DS) - Superb rhythm game, really fun input method and great charting.

Polarium Advance (GBA) - Great puzzle game perfect for quick sessions. The GBA version is a lot better than the DS one for some reason.

Megaman Powered Up (PSP) - Perfection of the classic Megaman formula, retardedly big heads aside. The level creator and online level sharing was super-great, although no user rating system made it hard to fish out the good ones. If there were any justice in the world, this would have been brought to XBLA/PSN instead of Megaman 9.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2 (DS) - Yeah, the story's tripe, but the battle system is a lot more enjoyable to me than most SRPGs. The varied races somehow make me much more interested in unlocking all the jobs than I'd normally be, too.

Wipeout Pulse (PSP) - It's Wipeout on a portable.

Honorable mentions: Wario Ware Twisted, Fire Emblem, Ninja Five-O, Kirby's Pinball Land, Crisis Core: FFVII (notable because I hate FFVII), Pinball of the Dead, Megaman Zero 2, Loco Roco, Puzzle League/Dr. Mario, DK '94, Space Invaders Extreme, Metroid Fusion, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee

Bacon, did you ever try Daigasso on DS? It is better than Ouendan, even if it is more traditional.

In no order:

Mario's Picross (gb)

Metroid Zero Mission (gba)

God of War: Chains of Olympus (psp)

Castlvania PoR (ds)

Final Fantasy VI (gba)

Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga (gba)

Metroid 2 (gb)

Advance Wars DoR (ds)

TMNT Fall of the Foot Clan (gb)

Yoshi (gb)

I'll have to revise this list when they come out with Imagine: Butt Sex for the DS.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

Bacon, did you ever try Daigasso on DS? It is better than Ouendan, even if it is more traditional.

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Isn't Daigasso basically a "make your own music" type of deal? I'm no musician.

In no particular order, I did try to single out from each of the handhelds I've owned.


Capcom vs SNK Cardfighter's Clash NGPC
Qwirk GB
Rampage Lynx
Shinobi II Game Gear
Mazes of Fate GBA
Etrian Odyssey II DS
~ Drill Dozer ~ GBA
Shining Force...Dark Dragon GBA
Contra 4 DS
Lights Out Game.com

I find myself playing portables more and more lately, so this is definitely a list I can get behind.

These are just the games that popped into my head first, in no particular order, and none of them are ports:

Mega Man Battle Network Series (GBA/DS)- This is probably my favorite portable game series ever. So absolutely awesome, it pretty much hits everything I want from a game.

Metal Gear Ac!d 2 (PSP)- Super rad card battling action. The first game in the series can hardly compare to the sequel.

Fire Pro Wrestling (GBA) - I played these games before ever playing the other versions. Great for a few minutes of fun.

Mario Golf (GBA) - The best (mario) golf game ever. Slick rpg elements make it the king.

Pokemon XXXXX (GBA/DS) - I don't know what pokemon game is my favorite, they are all pretty awesome. I have a fondness for the original games because of the pokemon list, but the gameplay in the later games in the series is much better.

Pokemon Trading Card Game (GBC) - I just played this for the first time in the last year or so. What a great, fun little game.

Card Fighters Clash (NGPC) - Until I played the MMBN series, this was my favorite portable game of all time. A classic.

SNK vs. Capcom Match of the Millennium (NGPC) - The best portable fighting game ever.

Monster Hunter 2 (PSP) - One of the best non-ccg portable gaming experiences I've had recently. So great and criminally overlooked.

Legend of Zelda the Minish Cap (GBA) - Short and sweet. Charming graphics, story, and some vaguely new Zelda elements.

1. Metroid Fusion GBA- Not as much love as Zero Mission but the better game IMO. Samus' suit loss made sense this time, the X were a better enemy than Pirates, Metroid, or Phazon, and the entire game had a great sense of tension. Surprisingly different atmosphere to each game too. Zero Mission feels almost serene, Samus digging into the musty ruins of Zebes. Fusion is a disaster movie with cues from several Sci-Fi classics.

2. Kirby Canvas Curse DS The best thing Kirby will ever be in, Jungle Beat's quirky platformer portable counterpart.
3. Metroid Zero Mission GBA
4. Digidrive GBA- So damn simple, even the art style but very addictive. Hard to explain to a casual observer though.
5. Contra 4 DS- Beautifully adapted, even the 3D sections loved the terminator fight
6. Space Invaders Extreme DS
7. Dotstream GBA- All the Bit titles were decent, great idea for a racer
8. Metroid Prime Pinball DS A big fan of themed pinball titles, cannot get into Pinball of the Dead or Pokemon though. Prime's tables can be sparse but that's my only big complaint.
9. Castlevania:OoE DS- The level structure is a bit odd, but this feels more complete and balanced than other portable Vanias. Wish it had more attention to detail like SotN or DoS.
10. Meteos DS


Honorable mentions: Etrian has been incredibly addictive and one of the few portable RPGs to keep me glued, haven't finished it yet though. Ninja-50 is great....but I need to replay it on DS, the SP kills my hand on this. Zelda: Link's Awaking is one of the best games in the series and one of the few I've bothered to finish. Also enjoyed Snoopy's Magic Trick and Final Fantasy Adventure on the old B&W brick.

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Originally Posted by bbobb

Even Shou, a man who picks bizarre shit like a WSC game has Ninja Five-O on his list. I love it.

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I wanted to put a WS game on my list so badly, but I just couldn't justify it. :cry:

Shit. I just remembered that Mario Golf on GBA definitely at least deserves an honorable mention.

Whoa, I didn't know they made a GBA one like that. The GBC one is easily one of my favorites (list coming), the RPG-y mode was amazing.

Pretty much the same game, just nicer graphics.

(same meaning gameplay, not same meaning straight port of the gbc game)

YOu guys nailed most of my faves but 2 :

Planet Puzzle League- Tetris Attack with tons and tons of chaining ! Online play ! Decent graphics but sadly no Tetris Attack music. I fell in love and waged many a battle against people from bbobb's 'hood. Only thing that pulled me away was Poker Smash.

Warioware:TWISTED- When I had an old school GBA, I would play this game like crazy. Collecting all the little things was compelling in a basic way, esp all the little games. Ski jump and homerun hitter was passed around with friends on more than one occasion.

Donkey Kong GB - Keeps all of the elements that made the original fun while adding some new elements to the mix. Excellent platformer with some puzzle elements.

Legend of Zelda Link's Awakening GB-Very well done handheld version of Zelda that has a charm to it that is unmatched by later Zelda games, especially the Capcom ones.

Space Invaders Extreme DS-It's EXTREME. One of the many well done updates of SI and one of the best handheld shmups out there.

Tetris GB-Excellent version of Tetris that is great for on the go.

Mega Man GB games, aside from II - I, III, and IV are excellent games with the classic robot masters, all new levels (I love how the levels are redesigned and allow you to do stuff that you couldn't do in the NES games like using the charge beam on the eggs in Gemini Man's stage), and nice remixed versions of the NES tunes. V is an excellent all new game for the GB. They all rock, so it's hard for me to choose.

GG Shinobi II - Great on the go Shinobi that combines elements of the Super Shinobi games with elements from Mega Man.

Racing Gears Advance GBA - A very well done handheld racing game with lots of cars to choose from and a high level of challenge.

Advance Wars Days of Ruin DS - ditto on the previous posts

Wario Ware Twisted GBA - Well done micro game collection with a "gimmick" that works. Great fun with some unlockables that are as fun as the main game.

Super Mario Land GB - I like how it plays in a style similar to the first SMB with a more fantasy style theme. Fun levels, new enemies, great music, and some nice shmup stages.

My list is not without caveat; I haven't played Mother 3 yet.



10. Car Battler Joe (GBA) - For the uninitiated, CBJ is basically stat-heavy RC Pro AM driven by a Poké-schlock narrative with an emphasis on building and customizing your car. I haven't dusted this one off in a few years, but I almost literally could not put this down the first time I played it. My GBA was practically stapled to my palms that summer.

9. ~ Drill Dozer ~ (GBA) - For the uninitiated, what the fuck is your excuse?

8. Osu! Tatakae Ouendan (DS) - Handily the best of the trilogy. A more cynical player might even call it the only good one!

7. Rondo of Swords (DS) - This game is a little map variety and a leaner skill list and away from being number 1.

6. Super Mario Land (GB) - Any of the SML/WL games could've fit here, but I really liked the submarine levels in the first one.

5. Cardfighters Clash (NGPC) - I actually think the sequel is a bit bloated and lacks the intensity of the simpler original. CFC Live would be unbelievable.

4. Pokemon Pinball Advance (GBA) - The best pinball game of all time. I've been playing this on and off for years and still haven't caught all of those little jerks.

3. Rhythm Heaven (GBA) - There's something about playing Rhythm Heaven that feels different than playing anything else. It isn't exhilarating like a Rockband or beatmania, and it's not relaxing like a puzzle game, it's more like a feeling of relief. It's almost as if it scratches a part of my brain that I didn't even know was itchy.

2. Kururin Paradise (GBA) - I used to think the original was better. I was wrong. KP is a rare example of a game that not only stands up to the inclusion of a bunch of minigames into its source material, but is actually better for it. My favorite Eighting game!

1. Donkey Kong (GB) - This might be the best videogame ever created. As great as Braid was, its levels don't even scratch the surface of the design that DKGB pulled off some 13 years ago.

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Originally Posted by A Robot Bit Me

5. Cardfighters Clash (NGPC) - I actually think the sequel is a bit bloated and lacks the intensity of the simpler original. CFC Live would be unbelievable.

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I'd love to see this happen, but I doubt my strategy off initially playing cards that had 100 points less than the other players cards in order to makes his characters be only able to hit for 100 and build up my SP would get me far against real people. Worked great against the computer though.

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Originally Posted by Bacon McShig

Isn't Daigasso basically a "make your own music" type of deal? I'm no musician.

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Nope. It is a very traditional music/rhythm game, except there are 8 instruments you can play per track. You can co-op too (locally) with others so you can literally form a band a la Rock Band.

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Originally Posted by Grave

Whoa, I didn't know they made a GBA one like that. The GBC one is easily one of my favorites (list coming), the RPG-y mode was amazing.

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The GBA one wasn't as good as the GBC one IMO.

I actually meant to type GBC but blew it.

Klax (Lynx) - My favourite puzzle game of all time. There's a reason I use the Klax hand and spiral as my avatar when not owling it up. The Lynx port is spectacular.

WarioWare Inc.: Mega MicroGame$ (GBA) - Probably the best pick-up-and-play title ever. It's fun for one minute or twenty.

Ninja Five-O (GBA) - If this appeared on the SNES or Genesis, it would be regularly cited as one of the best action/platformers ever. Being on GBA and really crappily distributed (it's one of the rarest domestic GBA titles) has harmed its chances of recognition but not its quality.

Final Fantasy Adventure (GB) - Just amazing. A perfect action/RPG. Great graphics for the platform (though not quite as detailed as Zelda), the best music on the system, and stellar gameplay make this one of my favourite Game Boy games.

Donkey Kong (GB) - I bought this game loose, expecting a decent port of the arcade game. Imagine my expression when Donkey Kong got back up after the fourth screen and hauled ass into a new set of levels. This is the bar by which all puzzle-oriented platformers should be judged.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis (DS) - The lolwut entry on my list. It's like Lemmings, but also has a fair number of indirect platforming elements. The level editor really gives it legs once you've exhausted the (quite lengthy) campaign. A very unique game that really plays to the strengths of the system. Fantastic music remixes, too.

WipEout Pure (PSP) - The best handheld racer ever. A godsend after the disappointing WipEout Fusion. Pure brought WipEout back with style and substance. The new absorption mechanic really added to the strategy of the game and helped curb weapon use, leading to a more (heh) pure racing experience. I love this game so much that I own three copies in order to use all of the DLC parceled out to each region.

Gunpey EX (WSC) - Pretty much the reason I own a SwanCrystal. A really fast and frantic puzzle game. Simple but a great test of twitch skills. Were the PSP and DS Gunpey titles any good?

SNK vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium (NGPC) - The best handheld fighter ever. (not that there's a great deal of competition) It may not be the most technical or balanced game out there, but it's just plain fun. Silly dialogue, random minigames, and really cute SD characters add to the goofiness. It really feels like the developers had a ball making the game.

Space Invaders Extreme (DS/PSP) - My runner-up for GOTY this year, actually. The classic Space Invaders formula (which, contrary to popular belief, has evolved over the years) + Rez-inspired presentation + fairly complex scoring system = handheld shmup paradise. I slightly prefer the DS version over the PSP version thanks to the paddle support, online multiplayer, and leaderboards, but you really can't go wrong with either one.

Ketsui DS
Drill Dozer (GBA)
Golden Sun (GBA)
Castlevania: OoE (DS)
Astro Boy: Omega Factor (GBA)

I am surprised so many people put Astroboy on the list. That game was alright, it looks good and all but the repetitiveness really soured the experience for me.

That would have been an honourable mention for me, had I remembered it.

It's a fantastic game but even the rebalanced NA difficulty annoys me. Normal is too easy, hard is too hard.

Still, I loved the way it gave you a reason to play through it a second time. And the real ending was just amazing.

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Originally Posted by bVork

WipEout Pure (PSP) - The best handheld racer ever. A godsend after the disappointing WipEout Fusion. Pure brought WipEout back with style and substance. The new absorption mechanic really added to the strategy of the game and helped curb weapon use, leading to a more (heh) pure racing experience. I love this game so much that I own three copies in order to use all of the DLC parceled out to each region.

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I was waiting for someone to mention this game. This is what sold me a PSP in 2005 and made my long overnight shifts with nothing to do tolerable that summer. It didn't help that when I wasn't working overnights I was still playing it way too late into the night, too. When people say that nobody got portable racing right but Namco, I can't help but feel that they probably overlooked this one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kidnemo

Mega Man Battle Network Series (GBA/DS)- This is probably my favorite portable game series ever. So absolutely awesome, it pretty much hits everything I want from a game.

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had a chance with starforce yet? i've only played the first. it's pretty solid but i'm still in favor of original bn. i'll pick up 2 eventually.

and from what everyone is saying i need to play me some ninja five-o.

Mario Golf (GBC) - one of the only GBC games worth a damn

Mario Kart Super Circuit (GBA) - plays a lot like my most played SNES game

Ridge Racers (PSP) - good looking game with shitty rubberband AI

Tetris (GB) - always deserves a mention, also one of the few GB games worth a damn

Mortal Kombat (GG) - lightyears ahead of the market leader

Quote:

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Originally Posted by A Robot Bit Me

9. ~ Drill Dozer ~ (GBA) - For the uninitiated, what the fuck is your excuse?

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I pretty much quit buying GBA games by the time this one came out. I might buy it if I see it selling for $10.

~ DRILL DOZER ~ GBA- As much as i loved this back in 2006, i have started playing again and it is better than i remember! I'm even trying for Hard mode. Anyone who says Drill Dozer is easy has not played hard mode. I haven't played enough to say, IT COMPLETELY CHANGES THE GAME! but it does make the player think a lot more.

Yoshi's Cookie GB- I received this game for not failing school. Really! The deal was i get A's and B's, but i was so bad at concentratin'! This reward for poor behavior thing did not teach me well. Yoshi's Cookie was a fun game anyway.

Match of the Millenium NGPC- I don't like fighting games, but i like this! Aside from Vampire Savior, it's my favorite ever. Yoshi is correct, click stick makes it work!

Rhythm Tengoku GBA- So i can be more desu ne than Robots. Wario Ware games were fun, but got old fast. RhyTen, however, did not! I still play every now and then.

Diagasso Band Bros. DS- This one's fun but it gets tough! Barbara is still the hottest Intendose character, beating out even Peach and Daisy.

Final Fantasy Adventure GB- I used to play this once every two years and finally sold it this year. And now... yeah, i wish i still had it! The simplicity made it completely replayable and the silly melodramatic story just works!

Kirby's Pinball GB- NO, SSJN, KIRBY'S PINBALL IS THE BEST video PINBALL GAME OF ALL TIME. Seriously, the regular Kirby games need to go away. They're nowhere near as good as the Kirby's Not Dreamland games.

Digidrive GBA- This is a good, simple back to basics game. I wish the Digistyle games succeeded and we got more little experiments like this!

Solomon's Club GB- Another old-schoo game i enjoy playing once every few years. The puzzles are tough! Wish that old Adventures of Lolo game was released state-side!

Super Mario Land- SML is still the strangest game in the series, even more than SMB2. I really wish Mario could be strange and new again.

Mario Kart Advance (GBA)
Ninja Five-0 (GBA)
Hajime no Ippo (GBA)
Ketsui Death Label (DS)
Contra 4 (DS)
Korg DS-10 (DS)
Metal Slug 7 (DS)
Bangaioh Spirits (DS)
SNK vs Capcom (NGPC)
Double Dragon Advance (GBA)

I'd probably feel comfortable listing any DS game I own with the exceptions of the 2D platformers (not bad, just not GOAT material), Tecmo Bowl Kick-Off, and Puyo Pop Fever or whatever it's called.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kidnemo

Pretty much the same game, just nicer graphics.

(same meaning gameplay, not same meaning straight port of the gbc game)

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You would think so (talking Mario Golf GBC Vs GBA). But for whatever reason I just find the GBC version better. And not by a little, either.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bVork

Gunpey EX (WSC) - Pretty much the reason I own a SwanCrystal. A really fast and frantic puzzle game. Simple but a great test of twitch skills. Were the PSP and DS Gunpey titles any good?

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I really like the PSP one, neat Lumines-esque presentation. Too bad unlocking all the skins legit is practically an impossibility (You'd have to play about a 3-hour session with no deaths), but you can download a save from GameFAQs to remedy that. Haven't played the DS one, but it's largely regarded as inferior to the PSP one.

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Originally Posted by Finch

Digidrive GBA- This is a good, simple back to basics game. I wish the Digistyle games succeeded and we got more little experiments like this!

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The series has resurfaced on Wii as the "Art Style" series. So far there's been remakes of Orbital and DialHex (now called Orbient and RotoHex), and one totally new game, Cubello (which is super-awesome, one of the most overlooked and underrated games this year). They're only $6 each, too. Support them so we can get more!

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Originally Posted by Cheebs

You would think so (talking Mario Golf GBC Vs GBA). But for whatever reason I just find the GBC version better. And not by a little, either.

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U CRAZY.

Mario Golf was great for the time but a Mode 7 golf game seems rendered pretty well obsolete in comparison to something like Hot Shots.

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Originally Posted by Bacon McShig

Mario Golf was great for the time but a Mode 7 golf game seems rendered pretty well obsolete in comparison to something like Hot Shots.

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rpg elements and neato story mode > graphics

I keep thinking about this list, and I keep thinking that I must be crazy for knowing that I'd have to put the DS homebrew TGM3 remake thing on it. But it's the best portable Tetris in existence, so whatever.

Phoenix Wright would definitely be on there.

Probably ~ Drill Dozer ~ , too.

I'm having serious trouble thinking of this list.

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Originally Posted by Kidnemo

rpg elements and neato story mode > graphics

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I'm not just talking about graphics. One lets you zoom right up on the area you want to, allowing to get a better idea of placement, one lets you only see the course from an overhead view 100 feet in the sky. One's putting mode allows you to read the green's topography from tiny slopes to large bumps, one overlays a bunch of arrows that allow only the most cursory of information and don't convey any nuanced variation at all. There's a huge fundamental difference between the two, gameplay-wise.

You're right.

In one of them you can buy new clubs with gold and experience.

No, I'm pretty sure you can do that in both.

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Originally Posted by Finch

Digidrive GBA- This is a good, simple back to basics game. I wish the Digistyle games succeeded and we got more little experiments like this!

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They've continued the Bit line as Artstyle on the DSi download service. First two games are Decode ( puzzle game with digital style numbers) and Aquario ( 2 screen puzzler, seems based on color). Japan only right now.

Quote:

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The series has resurfaced on Wii as the "Art Style" series. So far there's been remakes of Orbital and DialHex (now called Orbient and RotoHex), and one totally new game, Cubello (which is super-awesome, one of the most overlooked and underrated games this year). They're only $6 each, too. Support them so we can get more!

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aw, man! i don't have an intendose weese. If i get one i will get those games.

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They've continued the Bit line as Artstyle on the DSi download service. First two games are Decode ( puzzle game with digital style numbers) and Aquario ( 2 screen puzzler, seems based on color). Japan only right now.

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that sounds fun! i hope it is a thing that happens in the United States!

I hope it doesn't happen here and Nintendo releases a compilation of games on a normal DS cart. Remember that you won't be able to play 卐 ~ Drill Dozer ~ 卐 on the DSi.

Nobody should play GBA games on anything other than a Micro.

that is the truth

Metroid Fusion
Castlevania Aria of Sorrow
Castlevania Dawn of Sorrow
Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga
Wario Ware Twisted
The Legend of Zelda DX
Picross DS
The Legend of Zelda the Minish Cap
Mother 3
Pokemon Diamond

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Originally Posted by GameFreak

Metroid Fusion

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Fusion? Really? Why? I thought it was the worst Metroid out there. The linear structure and frequent conversations made it feel very un-Metroid, and that is a very bad thing.

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Originally Posted by bVork

Fusion? Really? Why? I thought it was the worst Metroid out there. The linear structure and frequent conversations made it feel very un-Metroid, and that is a very bad thing.

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It's fun I like the story, graphics and sound. Best 2d Metroid since Super I beat it lots of times to get every ending and find all the secrets. I enjoyed it more than Zero Mission.

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Originally Posted by GameFreak

I enjoyed it more than Zero Mission.

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You're insane.

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Originally Posted by Bacon McShig

Nobody should play GBA games on anything other than a GameCube GameBoy Player.

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Fixed

No wonder you have such a distaste for portable gaming. That thing must be bitch to fit in your pocket.

I have next to no use for portable gaming. I want my games on my TV. The PSP does it; The GBA does it; Fuck the DS.

WarioWare Twisted is best played on the Game Boy Player.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bacon McShig

Nobody should play GBA games on anything other than a Micro.

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I'll wear out a few jean pockets with the DS rather than arthritis twenty years down the line.

Quote:

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Fusion? Really? Why? I thought it was the worst Metroid out there. The linear structure and frequent conversations made it feel very un-Metroid, and that is a very bad thing.

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Metroid 2 was pretty linear as well, it seemed more maze-like with the mud graphics. Fusion is a bit more action oriented, benefited from good pacing though. As far as the conversations, I thought they handled it well, better than it's closest counterpart Corruption.

Here we go, in no particular order.

-Ninja 5-0
-Wario Land 4
-Metroid Zero Mission
-Contra 4
-Trauma Center: Under the knife
-God of War: Chains of Olympus
-Mario Kart DS
-Zelda Phantom Hourglass
-Castlevania CotM
-Gargoyle's Quest

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Originally Posted by sleeve

is horrible.

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You are insane!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Finch

Kirby's Pinball GB- NO, SSJN, KIRBY'S PINBALL IS THE BEST video PINBALL GAME OF ALL TIME. Seriously, the regular Kirby games need to go away. They're nowhere near as good as the Kirby's Not Dreamland games.

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I can't believe I forgot about this game. It may have sucked more hours of my life away than any other game on my list besides Oblivion and Rush. Probably my favorite pinball game ever (besides the Lord of the Rings arcade machine) and one of the best handheld titles definetly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pineapple

my favorite pinball game ever besides the Lord of the Rings arcade machine

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Only the Funhouse is real.

Guess you guys never got lost in the Twilight Zone.

2 others were Medieval Madness and the T2 machine with the gun for the launcher.

There was a Funhouse machine at a comic book store around the corner from my house as a kid. I got so good at the game I maxed it out. They had a tournament there once for all the arcade machines and I didn't have to compete to win the pinball one. Elliot (the owner) just gave me $10 credit to the store so someone else could win.

ahaha it's like you got paid to take a dive.

In no certain order:

* Ketsui Death Label - It may not be a full arcade version of Ketsui, but this still is good. You can even go straight to Doom. Enjoy blasting him to hell the first three times, then face his wrath on the final two rounds.

* Mr. Driller 2 (GBA)

* Mr. Driller Drill Spirits

* Salamander Portable (PSP) - Especially for Xexex.

* Contra 4 - It is not "horrible". It's actually better than the 3D PS2 titles from KoJ.

* Ridge Racer (PSP) - As Yoshi said- it's a racer that works well on a portable. The soundtrack is amazing with BGM from Aya, Megaten, sanodg, J99, and many others.

* S.T.U.N. Runner (Lynx) - Simply amazing. None of the 16-bit systems could handle it (look at the heinous mess that resulted on Race Drivin' for Genesis and SNES). The Lynx version nails the game play, has a lot of the voice samples, and holds a smooth frame rate.

* Tetris TGM Terror Instinct (NDS Doujin) - A Tetris game that will kick your ass. Probably the hardest Tetris game you'll ever see since the Tetris Guidelines are taking away the challenge from the latest installments. Once you've beat Master mode, get ready for 180+ piece per minute madness with Shirase. Shame this got C&D'ed to death. Arika should've asked for a Tetris Guideline exemption, taken this into their hands, and finished it up for retail.

* Double Dragon Advance (GBA) - A good beat'em up for a portable with improved graphics over the arcade. One more reason to thank Nintendo for the GBA Player on Gamecube.

* Star Soldier remake (PSP)