Compilation games are usually old games that are packaged into one for the more modern audience and the older fans of the classics. The Nintendo DS (DS) is great for these collections due to its portable nature. Several games are better than one. Here are the seven of the best compilation games on the beloved console.
Best nintendo ds compilation games
7. Midnight Play! Pack
The Midnight Play! Pack is a collection of games including Bowling, Solitaire, Block Breaker Deluxe, Pool, and Poker. While most of the games in the pack are decent, they may not stand out as particularly special or better than other available versions. But as a whole, this is a solid package of games .
Block Breaker Deluxe is the best game on this package. This game is incredibly skill-based, so better practice. In this game, players face five adversaries, each with 10 unique levels to conquer. The Siren introduces a random level generator, ensuring a non-repetitive experience.
The game features a Shop where players can purchase gifts and paddle upgrades. Upgrades are unlocked by giving specific gifts to a lady with a Jet Ski, and then players can buy them at the Shop. The game supports stylus and directional pad controls. The extensive statistics tracking adds to the whole gaming experience.
6. Sonic Classic Collection
The Sonic Classic Collection may not be the best representation of the classic Sonic games. Yet, it is one of the few compilations on the DS that is worth playing. There are four classic Sonic games: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and Sonic and Knuckles, with additional features like lock-on capabilities and the ability to play as Knuckles in Sonic 2.
The original Sonic the Hedgehog, released in 1991, is a faithful emulation on the DS, offering the authentic experience of the original Sega Genesis version. The rest of the package is pretty decent especially with the enhanced graphics, and additional playable characters.
This compilation also preserves the original games' glitches, maintaining an authentic feel. This is pretty nice especially for those who like to speedrun. Even the controls replicate the original Sega Genesis experience, with the X button having no function due to the Genesis controller's three-button design.
Bonus features include a gallery showcasing various Sonic images, although the relevance is questioned. The Sonic Classic Collection is recommended for its portability, allowing fans to experience these iconic Sonic titles on the go.
5. Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits
The Konami Classics Series: defies the common pitfalls of classic compilations. Unlike many others that feature a limited set of games with minimal adjustments, this collection offers fifteen titles, each flawlessly emulated without any alterations to the original code. The absence of touch controls for these arcade classics sets it apart from misguided attempts by other developers who insist in utilizing the touchscreen for classic games. Imagine playing these classics through a touchscreen--that would be a mess.
The lineup of games includes a mix of familiar titles from the Game Boy Advance Konami Arcade Advance release, such as Scramble and Yie Ar Kung~Fu, alongside surprising additions like Gradius, Road Fighter, and CONTRA. Despite concerns about how certain games with vertical resolution would transition to the DS, the collection manages to preserve the arcade-perfect experience.
The DS compilation introduces various universal options, allowing players to customize controls, screen layout, difficulty, lives, and wireless play for supported titles. It goes beyond expectations by providing extensive extras, including promotional material, arcade board images, and the innovative ability to tweak arcade switches from a special screen. The Record Game feature allows players to record their gameplay, offering 100 "Blocks" of data to showcase their skills or create speedrun videos.
4. Atari Greatest Hits: Volume 1
Atari Greatest Hits: Volume 1 another acclaimed classic game compilation, featuring 9 classic arcade games, 41 Atari 2600 titles, a trivia minigame, and additional content like arcade flyers and manuals. The inclusion of the rare Bradley Fighting Vehicle trainer, along with features such as saving high scores and both single- and multi-card multiplayer, are incredible feature sets.
Impressive design, sleek menus, and smooth transitions between screens are this compilation’s visual flare. Both raster-screen and vector-screen games displayed well. The sound, being simple, is rightfully fitting as it contributes to the retro compilation's nostalgic appeal. The controls, often challenging in arcade compilations, provide an excellent experience, especially with the touchscreen advantage.
The gameplay, catering to arcade purists, offers emulated titles with complete control over difficulty settings. The arcade section stands out, featuring titles like Asteroids, Battlezone, Centipede, Gravitar, Missile Command, Pong, Space Duel, and Tempest. The 2600 games are considered good time wasters, though not all may be equally engaging. The only criticism is the split between two volumes when all games could potentially fit on a single cartridge. Still, the game is regarded as an impressive retro collection, recommended for fans of score-based gameplay, casual gamers, and hardcore arcade enthusiasts.
3. Mega Man Zero Collection
Capcom faced challenges in the handheld Mega Man gaming landscape during the transition from the Game Boy Advance to the Nintendo DS, particularly after the release of Mega Man Zero 4 in 2005. The subsequent release of Mega Man ZX, although a great game maintaining elements from Mega Man X and Zero, was considered by many as inadequate to succeed Mega Man Zero. In response to the declining popularity of handheld Mega Man games, Capcom decided to port four critically acclaimed Mega Man and Game Boy Advance titles to the Nintendo DS. Despite the absence of explicit demands for such ports, the decision was deemed a wise move, especially considering the newer DS models lacked a Game Boy Advance slot.
Gameplay in the Mega Man Zero series is praised due to its notorious difficulty for a Mega Man title. In this series, players control Zero, facing challenging levels and difficult bosses, requiring precision and strategic mastery. The games introduce various customizable systems, including the Cyber Elf system and the ability to customize Zero's skills, weapons, and forms. Additional features like the Easy Scenario cater to beginners, making the collection accessible to a broader audience.
The music and sound adhere to the high standards set by previous Mega Man games. The port job for the DS enhances sound quality, providing a clearer and more immersive experience. The storyline stands out in the Mega Man universe, set a century after Mega Man X, revolving around Neo Arcadia's extremist measures against Reploids, leading to a resistance movement and plot twists that unfold across the four games. The Mega Man Zero Collection introduces new elements such as Mod Cards for Mega Man Zero 3 and character art by Toru Nakayama.
2. LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
It is not just in recent history that LEGO games and movies are great pieces of entertainment. Even before the 2010s, LEGO games are great games to play. This particular series ingeniously combines the Star Wars universe with the playful world of Lego. It saw the release of a compilation on multiple platforms, including the Nintendo DS. Despite potential graphical limitations, the DS version stands out as a terrific handheld gaming experience, offering a comprehensive collection of all previously released LEGO Star Wars games.
The storyline, encompassing all six Star Wars movies, is faithfully recreated through short, humorous animations of key scenes. The game allows players to follow Anakin's journey from a pod-racer to a renowned Jedi, participating in iconic events such as the destruction of the Death Star.
Gameplay revolves around the Mos Eisley Cantina, serving as the central hub for accessing the six movies, hints, and collectibles. Each movie is broken down into scenes, with players progressing through levels, collecting studs (in-game currency) and unlocking characters. LEGO aesthetics add a unique touch, requiring players to build switches and other elements from LEGO pieces.
Controls are straightforward, with basic movement, jumping, attacking, and character-switching functions. While there are minimal touch screen interactions, the simplicity of controls contributes to an accessible and enjoyable gaming experience.
The difficulty is balanced, offering an enjoyable challenge without being excessively frustrating. Boss fights and levels maintain creativity, allowing players to relish the Star Wars experience with the freedom of infinite lives.
1. Legacy of Ys: Books I & II
Playing an Atlus-published Ys title on a Nintendo handheld feels surreal, marking the return of Ys to Nintendo hardware in North America. Legacy of Ys compiles the first two games in the series, based on the PlayStation 2 Ys I & II Eternal Story, itself derived from the Windows PC Eternal versions. Unique to North America, this compilation features both games on a single DS game card.
Ys follows Adol Christin, a skilled swordsman, embarking on two distinct adventures. In Ys I, Adol investigates incidents in a seaside town, while Ys II sees him on a floating island unraveling the mystery of ancient books. Ys Book I & II is revered for its action-RPG perfection, and Legacy of Ys on DS preserves this excellence. Quests seamlessly blend into one cohesive experience, featuring breathtaking scenery, memorable dungeons, and satisfying combat with level-grinding integrated into exploration.
Notable changes include the replacement of the classic "bump system" combat with a button-press sword swing, providing a more accessible experience. The game is notably easier than previous Ys titles, with enemies having enhanced abilities to compensate. The addition of a persistent area map to the DS's bottom screen aids navigation, particularly in complex dungeons.
The Legacy of Ys competes with Ys I & II Chronicles on the PlayStation Portable, with the latter offering smoother graphics and superior audio. Nevertheless, Legacy stands out for its accessibility, making it an appealing recommendation for Ys newcomers, while longtime fans will appreciate the differences and unique aspects of this release.