It is almost always better to play board games in its actual physical form. But playing them on a Nintendo DS is a great alternative for traveling folks. Here are seven of the best board games on the DS.
Best nintendo ds board games
7. 100 All-Time Favorite Games
100 All-Time Favorite Games attempts to offer a diverse collection of games, aiming to provide a broad spectrum of entertainment for players. With a compilation that spans various genres, from puzzles and strategy to sports and card games, the title endeavors to cater to a wide audience. The game selection includes timeless classics, popular hits, board games, or otherwise, intending to tap into the nostalgia of longtime gamers while introducing newcomers to the vast array of experiences the DS platform has to offer.
The game count is not technically 100 since the collection counts variants of the same game. But still, the sheer number of games this collection includes is enough to be part of this list. Players may not like the fact that the games do not save high score tables, in addition to the very basic graphics. Nevertheless, the games are great to play, which is all that matters at the end of the day.
6. Drama Queens
Well, this is just a surprise entry. This is not your usual board game. This game revolves around a virtual board game where players take on the roles of four girls, navigating through drama-filled scenarios to balance friendships, relationships, and work life.
The objective is to become the most popular girl by gaining and stealing BFFs (Best Friends Forever) from opponents. The challenge involves avoiding "Drama Spaces" on the board while managing social dynamics. It is really difficult to describe the mechanics of the game without messing it all up, so the video provided below should provide more than a glimpse.
5. Monopoly, Boogle, Yahtzee, and Battleship
Atari's compilation of Monopoly, Boggle, Yahtzee, and Battleship leverages all the handheld features of the DS. Released quietly just before Christmas, this game was meant to be a gift for gamers and it does provide entertainment value.
Each game within the compilation has its strengths and weaknesses. Boggle, a word dice game, works well with the DS' touch screen, but the Yahtzee does not. Monopoly, with its intricate rules, delivers a minimal standard experience, enhanced by quirky animations. This is just the basic package of four great games, and that is more than enough.
4. Fritz by Chessbase
Fritz by Chessbase is one of the two chess games on this list. It caters to chess enthusiasts with its extensive features. With a 2000-game inbuilt database and puzzle mode, the game provides a diverse range of games from different periods and engaging problem-solving challenges. Despite thoughtful customization options, such as choosing left or right-handed perspectives and various piece sets, the game falls short in some aspects.
There may be AI consistency issues here and there, but the game redeems itself with enjoyable features like customizable options, engaging puzzles, and a comprehensive database. While Fritz by Chessbase has its flaws, it remains a suitable choice for chess enthusiasts seeking portable gameplay, provided they can overlook the AI's inconsistencies and occasional technical hiccups.
3. Best of Board Games
Best of Board Games is a collection of four renowned classic board games: chess, checkers, mahjong, and yams. There is nothing groundbreaking in terms of the package. It is just an entirely functional one. While Fritz Chess has better treatment of chess with additional features, there are other games that are part of the package. Quantity over quality? Sometimes that is just the way it is.
Many gamers might have missed this game because it was only released in Europe. Now is the time to be familiar with this capable collection of board games. It might not be the best it can be, but it is more than enough.
2. Scrabble 2009 Edition
Scrabble 2009 Edition is the third video game adaptation of the classic word game available on the DS. It is the best among the three, but not that much. There is no need to reinvent Scrabble.
The incorporation of stylus and touch screen controls enhances the interactive nature of the game, closely resembling the tactile feel of placing tiles on a physical Scrabble board. The main game is flawlessly executed, striking a balance in CPU difficulty that ranges from accessible for beginners to challenging for seasoned players. The quick-paced CPU moves contribute to faster gameplay compared to its physical counterpart.
The game provides a thorough explanation of rules and includes various options and game variations, such as timed matches, adding flexibility and depth to the experience. Notably, the dictionary definition for each played word is displayed on the top screen, aiding players in expanding their vocabulary and learning new words. This feature proves particularly helpful when facing CPU opponents, who showcase impressive word choices that challenge players to think creatively.
With its suitability for on-the-go gaming, ability to save matches in progress, and faithful adaptation of the classic Scrabble experience, this DS release proves ideal for car and train journeys. While it may not attract new Scrabble enthusiasts, those familiar with the board game will find Scrabble for DS to be a satisfying and enjoyable rendition of the beloved word game.
1. Chessmaster: The Art of Learning
Chessmaster: The Art of Learning, based on Josh Waitzkin's book of the same name, blends chess instruction with interactive gameplay. The game incorporates Waitzkin's concepts, such as "investing in loss" and "making smaller circles," providing commentary to encourage players to learn from their mistakes. The calming atmosphere and easy-listening music contribute to a positive learning environment. Beyond traditional chess, the game includes entertaining bonus games like "fork my fruit" and "pawn charge," reinforcing fundamental chess strategies in a playful manner.
There are a plethora of modes to cater to the diverse needs of chess players. Quick Game mode provides a casual and learning-oriented experience, allowing players to receive hints, take back moves, and display available positions. The Classic Chess category features extensive tutorials with Waitzkin, covering mechanics and tactics. Players can engage in practice games, matches with specific piece setups for key moments, and even load half-finished saved games. The game incorporates an ELO rating system, reflecting players' chess prowess and providing customizable match settings.
The mini-games within the collection showcase surprising depth by reinforcing chess principles in creative ways. From aligning chess pieces to clear fruit to navigating pawns across the board without capture, each mini-game contributes to a rating and development system. The Chess Puzzle Challenge section introduces a variety of modes with specific objectives, such as capturing a specific piece or finding a checkmate.
This is one of the best chess games ever. So, obviously, this is the best chess game on the DS and the platform has a lot of it. It is polished, instructive and it is just plainly obvious that it is made with a labor of love.