Top 5 DS Games of 2011

The 3DS may have been the big handheld release this year, but the DS didn’t fade away without some big releases. Sneaking in before its successor launched, the DS enjoyed several fantastic games with a handful of other excellent titles following late in the year. From ghostly murder mysteries to classic RPGs, the DS had a little bit of everything in 2011.

Embark on a quest to rid the world of evil with Chibiterasu and a variety of helpers.

5. Okamiden
Okamiden had big shoes to fill when it was released; Okami is a massive cult-classic, inspiring fiercely loyal fans who appreciate its unique and artistic approach to an adventure game. Okamiden is much the same, just pocket sized. It retains all the humor, charm, and style of the first game, and most importantly puts the Celestial Brush to great use on the touch screen. Brush and stylus are a natural pair, leading to easy access to fun-filled puzzles and battles. Though the game is somewhat lacking in terms of combat and the controls leave a few things to be desired, the adventure as a whole is every bit as smart and addictive as its predecessor. Okamiden is a worthy successor that offers a sprawling, unique adventure on the go.

Indiscriminate destruction is no match for Layton's puzzle-solving prowess.

4. Professor Layton and the Last Specter
Over the past few years, Professor Layton has become something of an old friend, and one I look forward to revisiting each year. The latest in the series keeps up the consistent level of quality in terms of story, puzzles, and presentation, making Professor Layton and the Last Specter another excellent title in the series. This game also benefits from breaking away from the typical plot points of the last three games and serves as a treat for fans of the franchise by showing Layton and Luke’s first mystery together. What makes Last Specter particularly special, though, is the inclusion of London Life, a completely separate life simulation game packed with content. It’s quite a divergence from the main puzzle formula, but a welcome one, adding extra game length value in an adorable, tiny package.

Ghost Trick's beautifully designed scenery looks even better in motion.

3. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
It’s a flat out crime that this game didn’t garner more attention when it was released. Whether it was because it was released so early in the year or the fact that the 3DS was right around the corner, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective seemed to slip in under the radar. But if you haven’t played it, you’re missing out on a fantastic murder mystery story, clever puzzle-based gameplay, and a sleek art design that lends itself to beautifully smooth and stylish animation. Sure, some of the puzzles are a little too trial-and-error based and therefore a bit dull, but a well crafted story goes a long way, and the twists, turns, and revelations of Ghost Trick are absolutely delightful, and constantly drew me in to play a bit more and see more of the mystery unfold.

A bustling city center is the latest setting for Pokémon training.

2. Pokémon Black/White
Pokémon has always been a force to be reckoned with, and though I haven’t indulged in the series for the past few years, Black/White brought me back with its mix of fresh ideas and classic game mechanics. First of all, the brand new batch of Pokémon is a breath of fresh air but also gives the player that classic feeling of discovering and training mysterious creatures that have endless potential. Other slight changes like rotation battles and the more urban setting contribute to the fresh face of Black/White while maintaining the core experience of raising a variety of pocket monsters that provide each player with a unique adventure. By all accounts, Pokémon Black/White is another strong entry in the series and a brilliant adventure for Pokémon trainers new and old.

Pushing and pulling foes makes every battle in Radiant Historia gripping.

1. Radiant Historia
Compared to the other high profile games on the list this selection may seem like a dark horse, but Radiant Historia deserves all the praise and recognition it receives. Simultaneously traditional and modern, Radiant Historia is a perfect blend of familiar gameplay concepts turned on their heads to create a new, vibrant RPG that is as fascinating when you’re facing down monstrous bosses as it is when you’re level grinding in a field. The time traveling elements are put to brilliant use not only in the gameplay but also the story, which carries a beautiful and somber tone that is complemented with an emotional, melancholy soundtrack that cannot help but leave an impression on the player. The gorgeous and detailed graphics put the final touch on Radiant Historia as not only a unique, beautiful, and all around fantastic game, but as my favorite DS game of the year.

Check back tomorrow for my top 5 Wii games of 2011!