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G4 TV’s X-Play recently reviewed “Castlevania Judgment” for the Nintendo Wii:

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and also G4 TV’s X-Play reviewed Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia for the Nintendo DS

“A fun and very Japanese rhythm game that quickly gets frustrating as you progress.”

TITLE: ONTAMARAMA (Japanese title: おんたま♪おんぷ島へん/Ontama Onputouhen)

DEVELOPER: Noise Factory

PUBLISHED BY: ATLUS

CONSOLE: Nintendo DS

RATING: E for EVERYONE - Cartoon Violence

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Ontama, Onpu Island’s musical spirits, are being captured! It’s up to you to top, circle and blow enemies away! Can you master the beats and return music to the island?

Groove to rock, hip-hop, jazz and more!

Unlock new songs, new items and new ontama!

Challenge yourself with 3 play modes and multiple difficulty levels!

“Ontamarama” (or Ontama Onputouhen) was released in the US in the Summer of 2007. As interest for past ATLUS games are at an all time high and knowing that print runs are often low for ATLUS games, “Ontamarama” was a game that was immediately in my video game hunt list.

I’ve had my share of purchasing rhythm games in Japan and I learned that when it comes to rhythm games you either play it for the enjoyment, the party game to share with friends and enjoy the music and there are those who just love the sheer challenge because many rhythm games feature ridiculously difficult levels.

“ONTAMARAMA” is a game that features manga-cute characters, voice acting and schlocky music (not licensed songs or J-Pop either) in which someone is capturing “Ontama”, these puffy, almost ghost looking musical spirits. You manage to find one Ontama and as you try to help it and make your way through the island, you come across a variety of challenges from those who want your ontama.

Each of these people you challenged are brainwashed or forced to work for the main bad guy of the game but challenge them and beat them, you get through the map to the next level. If you don’t, you lose.

GAMEPLAY:

The gameplay during competition against rivals features your ontama and your opponents ontama (or musical notes) on the top. On the top is a bar where you see different colored ontamas sliding to the left. On the main screen is you will see ontamas show up primarily in blue, green or orange colors. And you use the directional pad or buttons) to sync to the top sliding bar (the clef) when the otama reaches this big ball.

See a lot of ontamas show up with the same color, you use the stylus to draw a circle around the group.

When there are too many ontamas, during battle, you get to use a blow command that eliminates the ontama. Of course, these are quite limited.

The challenge is to watch the screen and click or circle the ontama or group of ontamas while using your directional pad to sync and play a note.

The difficulty is that too many ontamas can show up on screen (especially if they are different colors and next to other different colored otamas) and you can easily get a screen filled with ontamas and lose a battle.

There are a variety of modes:

STORY: This is the main game where you can play the character of the boy named BEAT or the girl named REST. Advacing through story mode will add new modes and items to the store. And if you clear story mode once, new things happen in the background if you play in hard mode.

After beating a rival/challenge, like most rhythm games, you are given a letter grade and of course, you want the better score for points to use at the shop or if you just love the challenge and enjoy achieving the best score.

TUTORIAL: Standard tutorial on how to play the game.

FREE PLAY: Pick and play songs you cleared in story mode.

CHALLENGE: Play 4 preset songs in a row

SHOP: Buy songs and items with points acquired during the game

CONTROLS:

After you click on the ontama, with your stylus on screen Look at the top bar and when the ontama slides to this ball, you use your direction pad. If it’s a green note you hit right; blue note, you hit down; red note, you hit up and orange note, you hit left.

You can also use the A/B/X/Y buttons instead of the directional pad.

GRAPHICS:

The character designs are anime or manga-like. Cute characters. Colorful setting and since it’s a rhythm game, graphics don’t really come to full play.  If anything, your eyes are on the screen busily trying to convert ontamas to musical notes.

AUDIO:

The music is standard synth or guitar music. There are variety of music that you compete in but the only stage where I found the music to be cool is the goth mode but everything else was ok. No vocals. No J-Pop or licensed music.

Overall, for me, any rhythm game from Japan that is quirky is appealing. I expected rhythm games to be difficult and “ONTAMARAMA” is very difficult and challenging as your progress through the game.

There is an easy level mode that removes a lot of the major challenges of the game and people can easily breeze by and win items and points but those who love rhythm game challenges and the difficulty of it, and like quirky Japanese rhythm games are the ones who will dig it the most.

Especially those who want to receive every item and get perfect rankings.

Otherwise casual gamers who don’t play as much rhythm-based games will probably yank their hair out as they try to play hard mode.

I’ve beaten the normal mode for both characters but once playing hard mode, things get insanely difficult and with so many ontamas thrown into the screen, I swear I think my eye and hand coordination must be off because I’m losing all the time.

I know there are those who thrive on these difficult challenges and this game may be your cup of tea.

In terms of replay value, With so many items that can assist you during your challenges, it definitely helps. Items available at the shop such as increasing the breath command to easily wipe out otamas, increase of performance gauge, stylus line increase, less damage/guard. There are other items that you can purchase that eliminate notes as they approach the clef. By playing a lot and getting the points, it will definitely help you in your quest in beating those difficult levels.

But all in all, to me, the music is not great but as a rhythm game, it is challenging and it is fun. Average game at best for me. Again, it’s very difficult in hard mode but if you are looking for a rhythm game on your Nintendo DS that is challenging and fun, you may want to give “ONTAMARAMA” a try.

+ Enjoyable and very fun to play

+ Interesting concept and utilization of the Nintendo DS via the stylus and breath command.

+ For those looking for a challenging and difficult rhythm game on the Nintendo DS, this game is for you!

+ Replay value. Once beaten in normal mode, for those that want the better score or to get 100% items, you can do that.

- Difficult. Hair-pulling, piss you off, throw your Nintendo DS on the ground difficult in hard mode.

- Music is not that great.

“A Japanese anime-style tactical RPG game with a fun and engaging storyline but with an average at best gameplay. Still, one of the more interesting tactical RPG games on the Nintendo DS”

TITLE: Luminous Arc

DEVELOPER: Marvelous Interactive

PUBLISHED BY: ATLUS

CONSOLE: Nintendo DS

RATING: T for TEEN - Alcohol reference, language, mild fantasy violence, suggestive themes

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Protect the Light, Condemn the Dark!

A millennium of peace is about to be torn asunder by the spread of darkness. A war with the witches 1,000 years ago nearly destroyed the planet and now they have returned. Character designs by Kaito Shibano, music from Yasunori Mitsuda and solid storylines combine to give tactical RPG fans the kind of portable gaming experience they’ve been craving!

I have to admit that ever since playing “Final Fantasy Tactics” and “Disgaea” on the Sony PSP, I’ve been purchasing nearly every Japanese strategy/tactical RPG that has come out for all the consoles and I realize that there some gems and there are some clunkers.

For many years, I avoided the anything tactical or strategy-based RPG to come out. But since playing these games, I’ve been like fanboy-ish and purchasing not just the Japanese games but even going back and purchasing hits on the PC of U.S. games.

l I really love the strategy and the challenge (and thrill) of beating a difficult group of enemies and then enjoying the various systems, may it be weapon or armor-based, financial base… you name, I’ll enjoy it my own way. And balance that with an engaging storyline and I’m all up for it.

With Atlus announcing the second “Luminous Arc” by Marvelous Entertainment to be released in 2008 in the US, I figured that I better kick things into gear with the first game, which I bought when it first came out.

Since its release, I have been level grinding for many, many, many hours (I tend to focus this style of gameplay with RPG’s) before getting into full-story mode.

The main storyline revolves around the Garden Children. A group of orphans trained by the Arc Knight Heath to fight monsters and follow their goal to condemn the witches who have appeared in the world after being sealed for a thousand years.

As the Church prepares battle, the Garden Children prepare to battle with the witches. The Garden Children are:

Alph: The leader of the Garden Children and dedicated to the goals of the Church and follows the footsteps of Heath. Fights with a sword and uses rifle-based skills.

Theo: Alph’s younger brother. A bit naive and a young kid but excellent with a bow and arrow.

Leon: The oldest member, a bit cocky and the guy who gets all the girls, with the exception of Garden Children member, Cecille. Uses a sword but is very powerful and like his father “The Lion King”, has some really cool skills.

Cecille: A priestess dedicated to the church. The healer.

Saki: A ninja who collects intelligence data. Very professional and mature. Uses various magical, skill attacks.

Nikolai: Loves Cecille but infatuated by witches. Gets on the nerves of the Garden Children but joins to offer his knowledge on witches. Has the ability to improve stats of members during battle and able to do long distance attacks.

And of course, these are just a few of the characters that you get to play. As you progress through the game, you meet various characters who you get to control and each have their own cool, special ways of attacking.

So, the many characters involved definitely enhances the game as well.

Each character and witch also opens up a special attack called “Flash Drive”. You have a meter and when a character does a certain action (like increasing tech or speed during battle), your meter goes up and you unleash a powerful attack or cause status ailments to enemies.

Assigned to help the Garden Children is a maid named Lucia who Alph finds out is a witch and encounters with other witches. But what happens when the Garden Children find out that like humans, not all witches are evil? What will happen when the Church forces the group to continue with their goal to eliminate the witches? Will Alph and team follow or will they end up going against the church that raised them?

GAMEPLAY:

Similar to other JRPG tactical games, the battlefield shows enemies and when it’s your turn, using that character you move (as far as that character can go) and plan which direction they are going to go and assign your 5-8 characters to that direction. Have them use an action to battle or use magical skills or to heal.

Throughout the game, there is a storyline which allows you to shop for better weapons, armor and accessories. Or talk with various people and possibly get more items. Also, a library with detail from the witch or church perspective of the battle between the two.

Shown is a map where you can battle in certain areas (aka keep level grinding over and over) and go to the next village for which the next storyline begins.

After each battle, you can talk to a member of the team and build a relationship and get “Philia” points and after each battle is a short story titled “Kopin”. Mysterious creatures that live with witches. Touch the screen and certain things may happen.

Then there is Vitae - Appraisal and Imbuing. Vitae are stones that have the power of the Rune and you can add these stones to weapons or armor to strengthen effects and abilities.

MULTIPLAYER BATTLES: You can do multiplayer battles with another player that has a “Luminous Arc” cartridge and participate in battles with up to eight units. This will open once reaching Chapter 13.

EXTRA DUNGEON: A hidden extra dungeon is available but is not relevant to the storyline.

NEW GAME +: After finishing the game, everything can be carried over to a new game and this is for those who want to get better intermission screens with the characters and earn more Philia points

CONTROLS:

With your stylus, you can assign where your characters go. The only problem that I found is that you can’t rotate the battle screen. You can move up, left, down and right but when monsters and your team are together. Because you can’t rotate, selecting that enemy during battle becomes cumbersome and you may end up selecting your own character that will get the brunt of a hit or magical spell.

So, because of that…. “Save often”.

And of course, selecting the actions, skills, magic, flash drive or using an item during battle.

GRAPHICS:

The anime-style illustrations are pretty cool with character designs by Shibano Kaito. known for his work on PC games and trading cards. Cool to see the animated opening sequence. The cut-scenes are not animated but various illustrated still shots. The in-game battle are fine for a tactical RPG, nothing major. The use of the “flash drive” shows an animated sequence but nothing super.

All in all, I really enjoyed the character designs for “Luminous Arc” and Shibano’s artwork is just beautiful to look at.

AUDIO:

When I first started the game, it was cool to get the J-Pop theme at the beginning and then to find out that many of the cut-scenes include full audio. That was pretty cool!

The audio featured is in English. That would have been cool if the Japanese audio was included but with the amount of dialogue included, not sure if it could all fit in a DS flash card.

OVERALL:

So, far I’m halfway through the game. I think that perhaps I’ve spent too much time level grinding because the enemies are fairly easy for me to beat. One or two-hits and they are dead and really, there is no really strategy like I had in other tactical RPG games.

I just go all-offensive and really never had to use any defensive measures. Hopefully, things change as I further progress but without any real strategy at this time, the game is too easy and cumbersome.

If anything, the storyline and the characters are engaging and so far has kept me in. I really like the storyline and the variety of characters introduced, that will join your team.

All in all, I have been enjoying “Luminous Arc”. It’s not a deep storyline but I like the fact that it has a fun, humorous and lighthearted storyline but as you progress, you can tell things are getting darker.

I like the fact that you get more and more people with their own skills to join your team but I felt so much time was taken to level grinding and I’m a patient man but I feel like my patience of level grinding was starting to wear thin.

If anything, the engaging storyline, the ability to develop relationships (or stronger friendships) with your teammates depending on your answer is pretty cool.

But so far, so good. A bit easy so far but I think things should get a bit more challenging. The controls (of selecting an enemy when it’s populated with a lot of enemies or your own people was the only problem. But very minor.

All in all, the overall gameplay for “Luminous Arc” is enjoyable, not in the same level as “Final Fantasy Tactics” or “Disgaea” but still quite fun.

I will have a more in-depth review after I complete the game.

+ Many cool characters, unique storyline, cool attacks

+ You meet many characters who you can play as the game progresses.

+ Audio during most of the cut-scenes

+ Definitely cool for additional gameplay for multiplayer or after you beat the game

- Minor control issues

- Not much strategy as I would of hoped. The game is fairly easy if you are a level grinder but probably challenging if you don’t put time into level grinding.

- Level grinding is tedious because you literally play the same map, same enemies, same positions each time.

“Kunio makes a return to the US as with the whole Nekketsu and Hanazono gang for the latest installment of ‘Super Dodgeball’ for the Nintendo DS”

TITLE: SUPER DODGEBALL BRAWLERS

DEVELOPER: MILLION

COMPANY: ARKSYS GAMES/ARK SYSTEM WORKS

CONSOLE: Nintendo DS

RATING: E for EVERYONE - Cartoon Violence

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The Perfect Game for Multi-Player Mayhem! Compete in a traditional game of dodgeball against a friend or take part in a multiplayer street brawl with up to 8 players with a single game card.

Over 100 Ball-Busting Special Attacks! Dish out a variety of pain with over 100 special attacks with their own special animations and effects, like the Cactus Attack and Panda Shot.

If there is one video game series that I have always been fond of, it’s the Nekketsu series which has had over 20 or so games in Japan.

The Nekketsu series has its ties to the arcade machines but many more people who were playing video games back in the NES days will remember Technos fighting classics such as “Renegade”, “River City Ransom” and “Crash n’ the Boys” and “Nintendo World Cup” (of course, of all the Technos games released in the arcade and consoles the most remembered is “Double Dragon”) , games that were localized heavily in the US and never really carried the Nekketsu name but fans new by the superdeformed brawlers that it was a Nekketsu game with its hero Kunio of Nekketsu High School.

From various sports games such as soccer and basketball, the most popular was the Dodgeball series. “Super Dodgeball” was one of those games that sucked a lot of quarters from gamers at the arcade and those with an NES back in the day, this game was just one of the most enjoyable sports games to own on the system.

The object of the game is a four vs. four battle in dodgeball which you have two buttons, throw and pass. Press both buttons and you can jump (and then jump and throw). By using the directional pad, you move your character around and then by stepping back, dashing and using a specialized attack.

Of course, part of the excitement of a Nekketsu game is fighting. And with crates, bananas, bombs and missles, you can use those weapons to your advantage against high power teams.

The releases of Super Dodgeball has not changed since Technos has gone out of business. Fortunately, former employees of the company formed “MILLION” and Million has since released two Dodgeball games. One for the GameBoy Advance and for the Nintendo DS with “SUPER DODGEBALL BRAWLERS”

GAMEPLAY:

“SUPER DODGEBALL BRAWLERS” features several modes:

• Tournament
• Vs. Match
• Brawl
• Locker Room
• Options

In “Tournament mode”, you can choose one among two dozen or so on the country list or play Kunio’s Nekketsu High School team or Riki’s Hanazono High School team. And similar to the original NES version, the USA is the team to beat with an S rating while Kunio’s team has a B-rating and Riki’s team with a C-rating.

Where the arcade version allowed for controlling up to six players and the NES with three, fortunately the DS allows for the control of all four players. Each player has its strength and weaknesses (you have seven people in your team but four can play. You can switch teammates if you want) and when you play, you see a bar on top of the screen for each player.

If one of your players gets hit by the opponent with the ball, they lose a bar and when they lose all their bars, they are eliminated from the game.

With each win, you get money and the money can be used to shop for various items which can boost power, agility, stamina, catching, defense, etc. and can be equipped for that character.

You compete in seven matches, get to the semi-finals and then to the finals and win the tournament.

In “Vs. Match”, this allows you to use your team and go against other countries.

In “Brawl”, this is pretty much an all out brawl where only the best survives. People in your team/school vs. other rivals. Grab chains, bottles, baseball bats, trash cans or the dodgeball in a fight. Last one standing is the winner. And this feature allows 8-players to compete in multiplayer action with one DS card.

In “Locker Room”, you can create your own original team and characters.

For “Options”, mainly just audio changes.

CONTROLS:

With “SUPER DODGEBALL BRAWLERS” for the Nintendo DS, there is really no use for the stylus. This is all about fingerwork. The only use for the touchscreen is to activate a major attack. Although, for those who are newbies may be looking towards a site like GameFaqs to learn how to activate a move because the manual, despite being a bit thick (because it’s in multiple languages), really doesn’t go into how moves are done.

I’m not really disappointed that there is no stylus usage because really, this game is all button-work.

GRAPHICS:

Well, “Super Dodgeball” is not a grame that you are looking for great graphics. Especially when the characters are super-deformed. In fact, people might think its comparable with what was released on an SNES console. But all in all, the game doesn’t look outdated or pixely.

I will say that for some reason, I felt that backgrounds were being reused a lot during the matches. Part of the fun of the NES games if I can recall was that each country had its own special background and I felt that some countries competing areas were just redundant.

MUSIC:

Like the original game, you do hear music specifically made from that country and I have to admit, I recall the original NES version, the music sticking in my head. But really, for the Nintendo DS version, I don’t think I really listened (nor did I really pay attention) to the music all that much.

OVERALL:

So, all in all, “SUPER DODGEBALL BRAWLERS” is an enjoyable game that will help pass the time for a short time.

I emphasize “short” because I literally have breezed through the game in probably a half hour’s time. Fortunately, you can select easy, normal or hard difficulties and to add to the gameplay, you can create your team for hours of fun (note: you have three saving blocks).

As for multi-player, this is one of the major positive aspects of the game. The ability to go against others via DS wireless or DS Download Play. The game is not wi-fi in the sense that you can compete against people all over the country though. So, you can compete against friends in a match or via brawl.

A lot of the reviews have been average at most for “SUPER DODGEBALL BRAWLERS”. For me, there are several positive aspects that made me enjoy this game.

1. Kunio/Nekketsu fans will be stoked to finally play the guy and fellow high school mates and rivals in this game and hopefully this will be a beginning to possibly more “Nekketsu” releases in the US.
2. Back in the 80’s, especially with sports games on the NES, one of the games I loved to play were Jaleco’s “Bases Loaded” baseball games, Tecmo Football, SNK’s “Little League Baseball” and Technos “SUPER DODGEBALL”. Mainly because you played teams that are not “official licensed teams” and you sort of feel a bond with the team, noticing their strengths and weaknesses and take them to the tournament and just winning.
3. “SUPER DODGEBALL” is just an overall fun game.

With that being said, as much as I enjoyed the game, I wish there was more planning that goes into the tournament mode. That would be wonderful if in a later installment, we actually see somewhat of a season play. More than eight games.

There have been exciting sports games from Japan such as “Tennis no Oujisama: Crystal Drive” which has you going against various schools but as you progress, they get harder and harder.

I really do believe there is potential for this game for some innovating gameplay because its more or less almost the same game twenty years later. I would like to see MILLION really spruce up the tournament mode.

And of course, the possibility to go Wi-Fi against others around the country would be awesome.

But of course, that all comes down to the company and what MILLION can afford to do.

Last but not least, I’m not sure if this game had a low print run but there have been reports of people around the country having difficulty finding this game. Hmm…

If anything, I hope MILLION continues to release more Nekketsu games. There have been Nekketsu collections released for the Game Boy Advance and I would be curious if they followed CAPCOM’s “Ace Attorney” direction and tweaked those collections for the Nintendo DS because I’m actually up for that.

All in all “SUPER DODGEBALL BRAWLERS” is an fun game, a bit short but for what I was expecting to get, that’s what I got. Wished there was a bit more innovation in game play since the 1988 original’s NES release but take what you can get and I’m stoked to have a Nekketsu game stateside.

+ Nekketsu/Kunio is back!

+ Enjoyable and very fun to play

+ Multiplayer with a single card

+ Great game for busy people! Matches can last less than ten minutes.

- You will probably beat tournament mode in a half hour or less and locker room/create your own team mode a few hours.

- Not much innovation since the original 1988 NES release

- The manual is not going to help newbies all that much

- Would be great to have wi-fi competition with people nationwide

“Stylish, unique and very fun to play. For those who dig Japanese pop culture and artsy games, will definitely enjoy this game. From a unique storyline to capturing a side of Shibuya on a video game never seen before. Highly recommended!”

TITLE: The World Ends With You

CONSOLE: Nintendo DS

RATING: TEEN - Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Welcome to Shibuya…

Wake up, shaken up, plastered on asphalt

Phones can’t block the voices of the masses

Seven days left between you and Death

Better race, place, Reapers won’t give up the chase

Welcome to Shibuya in the latest video game release for the Nintendo DS by the folks at SquareEnix. The game was developed by the team (Jupiter and Square Enix) behind the successful “Kingdom Hearts” games and features character designs by Nomura Tetsuya and Kobayashi Gen.

Many are familiar with Nomura’s work from his character designs of “Final Fantasy VII, VIII and X”, “The Bouncer”, “Parasite Eve” and of course, “Kingdom Hearts”.

The game focuses on the character Neku, a pessimistic, anti-social type of person who somehow ends up in the alternate side of present-time Shibuya. For those familiar with the anime “GANTZ”, you can see where I’m getting at (sans the licky licky dog and the carnage).

Neku doesn’t know where he is but he knows that he has these mysterious pins and meets a girl named Shiki who is also in a similar predicament as Neku and both learn that if they don’t complete missions within seven days together, they will be erased (killed) by the Reapers.

Nevertheless, Neku and Shiki go through Shibuya taking on monsters known as “noise” and accomplishing their missions.

GAMEPLAY: The main parts of the game is based on “pins” which are literally buttons that allow a character to use a special move. By fighting more monsters, you build your pins level. So, for example you have pins such as “pyrokinesis” which allows you to use your stylus and by dragging an empty space on screen, you create a path of flames.

“Thunderbolt” allows an enemy to be struck by lightning, “Force Rounds” which is shooting a bullet at a monster, “Shockwave” allowing to slash an opponent and countless number of pins that allow you to use a variety of special attacks.

So, during a fight with a monster, on the top screen is Shiki and the bottom is Neku. A glowing green ball randomly highlights a character from time to time, thus you play both characters.

By winning, you build up your level and stats.

The overall gameplay in a way kind of reminds me a little of the NES game such as “River City Ransom” (Downtown Neketsu Monogatari) when it comes to the city sequences and shops which increase stat attributes. The cool thing about this game is that it mimics Shibuya with the crowded city dwellers walking around. You get Hatchiko the dog, you get the AX-Shibuya concert hall (know as AX-East), 109 known as 104 and many more Shibuya-references

Where “RCR” had a variety of stores in that game, “The World Ends With You” also features a variety of stores in Shibuya that allows you to purchase clothing and food to increase stats.

And of course, because it’s in Shibuya, that means you can hit trendy shops, expensive shops and gothic lolita shops. Some clothing only are unlockable if you complete certain quests, some clothing also give points. May it be defensive, offensive, health or some sort of increased attribute.

And the names of the people working at the stores are a play on names of popular Japanese performers. Tak Kimura, Yumi Sheena, Aily Ueno, Ayu Hamaguchi and the list goes on.

GRAPHICS: The world of UG (Underground) Shibuya and the fact that they incorporated the crowdedness of people walking through Japan and each character, even minor characters all in different outfits and stylish. Very Shibuya-esque. The overall environment of the buildings and street corners are very fun to see on this game. But most of all, Nomura and Kobayashi’s character designs are just really artistic.

SOUND: The sound is pretty cool. You do get a bit of the audio of the characters but during a battle or just walking around Shibuya, a full song is playing in the background. In fact, the game features a variety of songs which was great to see done for this game since Shibuya lifestyle is also big on not just style but also music. The main song is sung by J-pop artist, Jyongri and features a variety of musical artists for this game.

CONTROLS: This game requires you to use a stylus. When you see multiple “noise” monsters on screen, using the stylus, you are constantly clicking on the screen when the monsters are around to send a lightning bolt, bullet or some offensive attack on them. But once you get a hang of the controls, the game becomes much easier.

Currently, I’m on the 4th day of the game and enjoying it immensely.

Personally, I’m glad that Square Enix released this game in the US. It’s so different from their “Final Fantasy” and “Dragon Quest” games that I hope that this will be a beginning of a series that will spawn several more “THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU” sequels or unique games by the creators.

I really enjoyed the J-pop references to the names of the characters and the style of fashion clothing offered from the ingame stores.

But I still have more game to go but so far, putting several hours into this game already, I’m really enjoying it. The game features unique gameplay, cool character designs and just the overall game because it is so different.

So, for what I have played so far, I’m enjoying it a lot and this is a game that Japanese music fans, Japanese pop culture fans wouldn’t want to miss. Even those who dig Japanese style of video games. This one is very cool

So, for my first glance of several days and hours playing this game, my first impression of this game is very much positive. I’ll back with a full review after completing this game. But so far, I’m enjoying the heck out of this game!

+ Unique game. Fun, trendy, stylish, cool character designs and great gameplay!

+ Captured the cool, trendy and capturing the crowded but yet cool side of of Shibuya and allowing the character to try on Japanese fashion but also the various clothing stores was cool to see!

+ Easy to pick up and learn

+ The music actually are songs sung by the artist. No midi or instrumentals.

- The price. The price of this game is $39.99 for a DS game. This alone, may sway people to not want to purchase it because it’s expensive for many gamers.

- No option to select to Japanese dialogue

TITLE: ADVANCE WARS: DAYS OF RUIN

PLATFORM: DS

DEVELOPED BY: INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS

DISTRIBUTED BY: NINTENDO

GAME INFO: Wireless DS, Multi-Card Play

RATING: E for Everyone, Language, Mild Violence

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

For me, there are some video game series that are must-get when released. One of the series that I’m just totally into is “ADVANCE WARS”.

The popular tactical warfare game is back and like previous installments, I am hooked!

From the first two games on the GameBoy Advance to the step up into DS territory with “Dual Strike”, I have been highly anticipating the release of “DAYS OF RUIN” because not only are we getting a brand new storyline and new characters but the ability to design, upload and trade custom maps via Nintendo WiFi Connection and much more.

According to Nintendo, “Advance Wars: Days of Ruin” features a new group of COs and supporting characters, as well as a new setting. After a terrible asteroid strike that leaves few survivors, the world is in chaos. Toxic dust clouds are choking out the food supply. New diseases strike without warning. Terror runs rampant as people do whatever is necessary for their own survival. Against this background, one small band fights to restore human dignity in a world gone mad, but the mission seems impossible. Their own country is being led by a dictator. Their former enemy thinks only of revenge. And behind the scenes, a scientist with unbelievable power dreams of eliminating the human race once and for all.

The main characters are Will.  A former student of the Rubinelle Military Academy and the sole survivor who is found by Brenner, the commander of the 12th Battalion and Lin, a lt. and second in command to Brenner.  Will saves a mysterious girl named Isabella but you start to realize that there may be more to this girl.  Overall, the storyline is very well planned.  To see how people react when being the only survivors, how one would survive with only so much food, what happens if one gets sick and just the fear of a new world and how some people become twisted when reaching for power.

Game-play Modes:

• Single-player: Players battle their way through a lengthy campaign and the twists and turns of the main story.
• Free Battle: Players challenge themselves or up to three friends on more than 170 two-, three- and four-player maps. When playing with friends, players use one Nintendo DS and pass it among players.
• Battle: Fight up to three other players on more than 170 maps via local wireless communication or Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Each player must have his or her own game card.
• Design Room: Players use the touch screen to design their own maps, controlling every aspect from troop placement to terrain features.
• Trade Maps: Link to a friend via local wireless communication or Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and swap topographical masterpieces.

Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Multiplayer has always been the backbone of the Advance Wars game play, and the addition of playing via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection makes it even better. Here’s a brief overview of the online experience:

• Exchange Friend Codes with a close circle of military geniuses, then declare war against one of them over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. While battling, players can communicate with each other using full voice chat.
• Players pit their skills against the world as they take on random players. They can choose to fight against people of their own skill level or engage whoever dares to take them on.
• Advance Wars: Days of Ruin contains one of the most robust map-creation systems ever seen. Use the stylus to paint and create the perfect map, then send it to a friend for a test run. It’s easy, fun and very, very addictive.

I’m really enjoying this game and I know there is a lot of gameplay value, especially with the additional training missions and I’m looking forward to seeing how much they packed into this game.

So, far I’m on chapter 13 and I’m enjoying every minute of it.  Especially, the twist and turns in the storyline.  Wow!

If you enjoyed the previous games, you have no reason not to get this one.  It’s also a good starting point because “DAYS OF RUIN” introduces new characters and brand new storyline.

I highly recommend this game because even for a few hours of playing it, it’s an incredible game which will have you replaying each level just to get that S ranking or A ranking and of course opening more maps and more characters.  Very cool!

With so much attention on the next gen consoles and a lot of us enjoying the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP, although many have decided to say goodbye to their Game Boy Advance (GBA), I for one haven’t.

There are a lot of games out there for the GBA and many that are on sale at your local video game store that for many gamers, there are some awesome games that many of us continue to hunt for.

But as I look on the Internet for top GBA games, I realize that the majority of the list have one thing in common, the majority of the games on those lists were developed or published by Nintendo (so, your not going to see “Golden Sun”, “Final Fantasy”, “Fire Emblem”, “Drill Dozer”, etc. included on this top 33 list).

I have to agree that the majority of the awesome games that I love which happened to be on the GBA are from Nintendo and I really don’t disagree with the various top GBA lists online because you can’t go wrong with many of the Nintendo developed or published games.

But I wanted to do something different. To offer a list of my top 33 GBA games that are not developed or published by Nintendo and giving those of you a chance to look for really awesome games that you may be able to still find at your local game store and many of them that are probably under $14.99 (used).

Before I list my top 33 (note: the number is just a lucky number of mine – hint: Dallas Cowboys), I just want to say that many of you who are part of our J!-ENT audience may be wondering how many imports we are going to include on this top 33. The answer is none.

As much as I would love to include “Rhythm Tengoku”, “Tennis no Ojisama”, the various “Kunio” related games, “Mother” and more, the truth is that buying an import for a GBA game is an expensive hobby and even through eBay, they are expensive new or used.

So, with so many GBA games available at the store and many used for such a great price, I decided that no imports are going to be included on this list.

The other thing that I will also need to mention is that when it comes to series, instead of having multiple “Final Fantasy”, “Street Fighter”, “Sonic the Hedgehog”, “Mega Man” games listed on the list, I’m just going to pick one from that series, my personal favorite to determine where it goes on the list.

Granted, not everyone is going to agree with my top 33 but that’s ok. If there are other games that you recommend, please comment on it because the goal is to give people a chance to search and find cool GBA games out there that they may not be familiar with and again, if they don’t have a GBA or a GB Micro, the fact that they can still play them on their Nintendo DS is awesome.

So, let’s begin the J!-ENT TOP 33 GBA GAMES (not developed or published by Nintendo):

#33 – DRAGON BALL Z: SUPERSONIC WARRIORS

Developed by Banpresto
Published by Atari
Released in 2004

With the release of “Dragon Ball Z” way back for the SNES, I have always been a big fan of the import fighting games in the series. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line, similar to “Mega Man”, the series has been whored out to the consoles in unimaginable proportions and instead of good games, we have games that are just made because there is an expectation that DBZ fans will buy anything with DBZ on it.

But for each console, I do buy one DBZ game and for the GBA, there really is only one game that I highly recommend and that is “Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors”, a fighting game worthy of DBZ fans attention.

Play as 15 characters and it’s pure out DBZ fighting with many modes and also alternate endings. The best DBZ game on the GBA!

#32 – JET GRIND RADIO

Developed by Vicarious Visions
Published by THQ
Released in 2003

I have been a big fan of the “JET SET RADIO” series and loved it for the Sega Dreamcast and hoped that people would dig it for the XBOX but unfortunately, “JET GRIND RADIO” hasn’t really done all that well in the US which is a shame.

Now Vicarious Visions, developer of the very popular Tony Hawk series (which I will say right now will not be on this top 33), had their hands in creating the GBA version of this game. So, naturally this game incorporates those Tony Hawk elements into the game in the “JET GRIND RADIO” setting.

I love the series and the atmosphere and music is what makes the original games so exciting. There is only so much you can do with the GBA but fortunately; the GBA does feature several extra modes that make it a game worthwhile.

I still hope the game is created for the next gen consoles but from the looks of it at this time, it appears the final “JET GRIND RADIO” game of the series will be on the GBA.

#31 – METAL SLUG ADVANCE

Developed by SNK PLAYMORE
Published by SNK
Released in 2004

You know, its interesting because there are “Contra” fans and then there are “Metal Slug” fans, in my opinion both are classics and I happen to enjoy the latter much more.

So, here we are with “Metal Slug Advance”, a difficult side scrolling shooter and like the popular Neo Geo series, you encounter many enemies and insane vehicles coming after you.

The graphics are beautiful and they make gaming a little easier with a life bar because the enemies that you encounter, they get insanely difficult. Also, the game incorporates a battle card system which allows for powerful weapon power-ups. Unfortunately, despite being a “Metal Slug” game, the original characters are not on this game. But it didn’t bother me all that much.

The game is short. There are only five levels in the game but that is if you can make it that far because it is a challenging, difficult game. It all comes down to your patience, persistence and determination which are needed to beat a “Metal Slug” game.

#30 – GT Advance 3: Pro Concept Racing

Developed by MTO
Published by THQ
Released in 2003

Of course, “Mario Kart” is a favorite for racing game on the GBA but since we are not including any Nintendo games, I enjoyed GT Advance 3, a Japanese racing game featuring Japanese cars released in the US. So, it’s a glorified rice rocket video game for your GBA. Sweet!

“GT Advance 3: Pro Concept Racing” featured modding your car, includes a drifting mini-game and for the first time in the series…a battery save.

#29 – Iridion II

Developed by Shin’en
Published by Majesco Games
Released in 2003

This decision was actually hard for me to make. I love the “Gradius” series and grew up with that game but I felt it was ultimately frustrating to play (and later buy the collection for the PSP which was a lot cooler).

So, for spaces shooter, I have to say that “Iridion II” was an entertaining space shooter for the GBA. Over 200 enemies, each stage has 2 bosses and 16 levels. But most of all, it controls well and for a shooter especially on the GBA, that’s important.

#28 – Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django

Developed by KCEJ
Published by Konami
Released in 2004

I will have to say that I struggled buying both “Boktai” games. I loved the fact that it was a game that was produced by Hideo Kojima of “Metal Gear” fame, that it was a Japanese RPG and that it featured a special technology (incorporates a solar sensor) that allowed the main character Django power up his solar gun when you play the game in sunlight. Yes…sunlight.

So, that was a killer for me because I mostly play games at night, nor do I play games in the sunlight. But I gave both games a try and I enjoyed the second game quite a bit. It’s a cool RPG game that definitely incorporated something new but because it requires the player to play this game in sunlight, it is evident by sales that this was a game breaker despite it doing well in Japan.

But because you can find both games under or around $10 used, it’s worth checking out!

#27 – SONIC ADVANCE 2

Developed by Dimps Corporation
Published by Sega
Released in 2003

I grew up with Sonic games and I remember telling myself a zillion times when I was younger that “Sonic” was the ultimate game and each time getting my ass handed to me because it was so challenging on the Genesis.

Now that the first three games are out on GBA, it’s great to see Sonic out and it was hard deciding which should I select for the series. I enjoyed “Sonic Advance 3” but I felt that “Sonic Advance 2” was much more enjoyable. I probably have to chalk that up to nostalgia but also because the game stays sorely in my mind for how incredibly difficult it was.

I know that most people would put Sonic on top of their list but similar to “Super Ghouls and Ghost” and even games like “Megaman” and for hardcore gamers, the most difficult games stay in their mind, especially if you successful beaten the game.

I enjoyed the “Sonic” series but I have yet to beat this game. Grrr…

#26 – Mega Man Zero 4

Developed by Inti
Published by Capcom
Released in 2005

There are way too many “Mega Man” games on the GBA and I know sticking Mega Man not in the top 10 will offend the hardcore Mega Man fans. But in deciding which game that I played in the “Mega Man” series that should be in this top 33 was difficult. I think that the first game in the Zero and Battle Network games could be worthy for what it introduced.

But in the end, I chose “Mega Man Zero 4”, the final in the Zero series and the fact that the Z-saber weapon is effective and now you have the Z-knuckle which allows you to steal an opponents weapon that allow you to have different effects. I thought that was nice to have.

Also, I think this game will provide a good challenge challenge although not as insane as old school Mega Man games but I found the “Zero” games much more to my liking than “Battle Network”.

#25 – rebelstar: Tactical Command

Developed by codo games
Published by Namco
Released in 2005

I am a sucker for tactical RTS games and my favorites on the GBA game that I spent a lot of time on are the “Advanced Wars” games from Nintendo.

But on the PC one of the classics that you will hear over and over again is “X-com”, in fact, die hards believe it to be the best RTS game ever made and have been wanting a sequel and wishing for one for the longest time.

The brothers who made the game have decided to make a sequel for the GBA with a game titled “sigmastar: Tactical Command”. Now, hardcore “X-com” fans have a problem with this game but I understand their arguments. But I take it for what it is and for what it is, I found it entertaining.

The game is very challenging and very fun. In fact, some of the visual aspects of the characters remind me of “Advanced Wars” at times. And for the price of $19.99 (and cheaper on the used market), definitely give this game a try.

#24 – ULTIMATE CARD GAMES

Developed by Cosmigo
Published by Telegames, Inc.
Released in 2004

I know, I know… some of you may be wondering why a card game is on our top 25. Well, if you haven’t read… this game has received very good reviews and critically loved. Why is that? Well, there are always board or card games that can always preoccupy ones time and everyone knows someone who is addicted to playing solitaire on their PC, PDA, etc. to pass time.

The same with “Ultimate Card Games”, if you want to play a quick game of Black Jack, Poker, the childhood card games such as Hearts, Bridge, Go Fish, Gin Rummy and so much more. My gosh, for solitaire freaks, there are so many various solitaire games included that it’s indeed the ultimate card game for the GBA.

Also, to make things even more attractive is that you can play multiplayer with just one cartridge and linked play with four players with one cartridge. Also, it’s a game that I was stoked that my wife could easily get into on travel trips.

#23 – KONAMI COLLECTOR SERIES: ARCADE ADVANCED

Developed by KCEA
Published by Konami
Released in 2002

When Konami released their collector series for the GBA, I was very stoked because I was very ticked that the Namco and Midway collections were cool but nothing spectacular. When I purchase a collection, I like to find that either the company is going all out by including many games for each volume or adding something special, that extra incentive that makes the collector’s series stand out.

With “Konami Collector Series: Arcade Advanced”, you get six games: “Frogger”, “Scramble”, “Time Pilot”, “Gyruss”, “Yie Ar Kung Fu” and “Rush’n Attack”. But to make things more exciting is by entering a code on the main screen, some games have an enhanced graphics mode or give you extra lives, levels or characters.

This game truly stands out as one of the coolest collector series on the GBA.

#22 – FIRE PRO WRESTLING

Developed by Spike
Published by Bam Entertainment
Released in 2001

In this day and age where “WWE Smackdown vs. Raw” dominates the consoles, one of the most intriguing wrestling games from Japan made it stateside to the US called “Fire Pro Wrestling”.

This game is not an arcade wrestler, nor is it a game about storylines, it’s a difficult and challenging strategy wrestling game that is all about practice and right timing. It’s a game that features over a hundred wrestlers (some are based on WWE, Japanese and Mexican Wrestlers but also incorporating UFC style and much more) but each with its own unique ability that in the beginning, the game may seem so damn hard that you have to set the computer AI to level 1 but once you get the hang of the moves and learning how to outwit your opponents is when you start to see how truly awesome this game is.

#21 – MAX PAYNE

Developed by Rockstar Leeds
Published by Rockstar Games
Released in 2003

“Max Payne” was one of the biggest PC games that people loved on the consoles. How can you not love a story about a detective who is on a drug case and because of his investigations, the druggies kill his family and now the cop wants payback.

I have been looking for a game on the GBA that is targeted for a mature audience and it was great to have that with “Max Payne”. Now when people think of shooters on a GBA, makes you want to say “yeah right!” It’s understandable but instead of going the first person shooter route, the developers decided to go isometric.

Which means you are seen running around with the camera above and shooting at the enemy. I’m just amazed of what they were able to cram on a GBA game, even the narratives have audio (although highly compressed) but nevertheless, an enjoyable game.

#20– FINAL FIGHT ONE

Developed by Capcom
Published by Capcom
Released in 2001

I’ve always been a fan of the “Final Fight” game. I used to spend a lot of quarters on this game and when it came out on SNES, I was happy (well, except that it didn’t have Guy). The story of a city that has been corrupted by crime bosses. Now the Mayor Haggar’s daughter has been kidnapped and thus you can play either her boyfriend Cody, her father Haggar or Cody’s best friend, Guy.

But this game is possibly the best version of the first “Final Fight” game out there. You get the three characters, the graphics look great and surprisingly, two unlockables include the ability to play as Street Fighter Alpha Guy and Cody. Now that’s awesome!

#19 – DOUBLE DRAGON

Developed by Million
Published by Atlus
Released in 2003

Double Dragon is a classic and when I powered up to hear the theme song, I knew that this game was going to be a blast. The game revolves around twins Billy and Jimmy Lee who are in a crime infested area looking for Mariann (Billy’s girlfriend) who was kidnapped.

Part of the allure of Double Dragon is the levels and characters. Back in the day, “Double Dragon” was a game that many people played in the arcades and on the consoles but with Technos going under in 1995, people have waited for a “Double Dragon” game and what Atlus gave back to fans was a portable version with exclusive characters and more levels.

#18 – The King of Fighters EX2: Howling Blood

Developed by Marevelous
Published by Atlus
Released in 2003

I’m a big fan of the “King of Fighters” series and have been collecting anything related to KOF since the 1995 game. Actually, have been a hardcore SNK fighting game fan for the longest time and to have “King of Fighters” for the GBA was awesome.

For my choice of what KOF game should be highlighted in the top 25, I have to give it to EX2: Howling Blood. Many new characters, over 20 characters in all and because of the smaller screen, the sprites and overall look of the game looks great.

The fighting is fast and fluid but of course, pulling moves off the GBA is difficult enough and to make things worse is that King of Fighters has always been known to have the cheapest bosses in fighting game history. But KOF fans expect that crazy difficulty that comes along with a KOF game. Great visuals and cool fighting game for the GBA.

#17 – STREET FIGHTER ALPHA 3

Developed by Crawfish Interactive
Published by Capcom
Released in 2002

It always appears that I tend to buy every incarnation of “Street Fighter Alpha 3” and I still have not gotten over it.

Part of the difficulty for me was which “Street Fighter” should be selected on the top 25. “Super Street Fighter II: Turbo Revival” or “Street Fighter Alpha 3”. Granted that SSSFII has better controls but give “Street Fighter Alpha 3”a play through and you’ll see how much the game has to offer versus SSSFII.

I pretty much got used to the control scheme and look at it as a handicap for me trying to pull of middle attacks on a GameBoy Micro. But all in all, the vast amount of characters and unlockables make “Street Fighter Alpha 3” a fighting game winner.

#16 – SIGMA STAR SAGA

Developed by WayForward
Published by Namco
Released in 2005

You know, each time I played a shooter like “Gradius”, “R-Type”, “Ikaragua”, I always said to myself, wouldn’t it be awesome if the game included an RPG element. A shooter/RPG, wouldn’t that be grand?

Well, “SIGMA STAR SAGA” is just that. Let me just say that the game has a love it or hate it feel to it. As you can guess, for it to be in my top 33, I loved it.

Not only did it bring back those “U.N. Squadron” (Area 88) memories of playing the shooter over and over in a city atmosphere and getting killed, it also has an RPG element that and a storyline that I found intriguing.

Most RPG players that never played a shooter since “Space Invaders” or “Defender” are probably not going to like this game for its shooter elements but for those who embrace both and have the patience to deal with both, “SIGMA STAR SAGA” may be to your liking.

#15 – RIVER CITY RANSOM EX

Developed by Million
Published by Atlus
Released in 2004

One of my favorite games of all time from the NES was “River City Ransom”.

A game that got me addicted to all Kunio-related games. Over a decade later, we get the remake of the popular game which puts super deformed guys to go up against rival gangs from different neighborhoods while trying to look for a girlfriend that is being held hostage by a gang leader.

Part of the original allure of the game was the ability to go to shopping areas in Japan (or in this case River City) for items and learn special moves and get to use those beat up moves against the bad gang members.

This game is a remake and graphics have been enhanced for the GBA. There are a few minor differences between the original NES release and GBA version. One of the noticeable differences is the move sets which the GBA has more. You have a charge attack.

“River City Ransom EX” also features saving of data of your character but still if you get beaten or shut your Game Boy Advance off, restarting you will start all the way from the beginning.

“River City Ransom Ex” features an edit mode which allows you to create your own character but all-in-all a great job in seeing the game come out stateside.

#14 – BOMBERMAN TOURNAMENT

Developed by Hudson
Published by Activision
Released in 2001

Bomberman is one of those games that if you grew up with it, you are more than likely always looking forward to a new release. “Bomberman Tournament” for the GBA is definitely worthy of game that fans of the series should look forward to because not only does it incorporate the single player vs. computer battle but the game also features the multiplayer frenzy battles ala link cables.

But the game’s shining moment is that it also incorporates a quest that is an RPG that is along the same vein as the Zelda GameBoy RPG games but also incorporates Pokemon type of gameplay features as well. Can you believe that… a Bomberman RPG on the GBA. Wonderful!

#13 – Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories

Developed by Jupiter Corporation
Published by Square Enix
Released in 2004

Kingdom Hearts was one of the coolest RPG’s made for the PS2. I would never expect combining the “Final Fantasy” characters with Disney characters would be an enjoyable game but it was.

“Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories” is like Kingdom Hearts 1.5 which sets you up for the second game on PS2. Many people said you don’t need to play this GBA game to enjoy part 2 but I’m going to tell you right now, if you are going to invest so much time in playing Kingdom Hearts and enjoying its storyline, you will feel an emptiness of not playing this game.

Unlike the RPG game which allows you to slash or use magic against the enemy, this game utilizes a card battle. In the storyline in this game, Sora and friends end up in a castle where their attacks are eliminated and all attacks are card-based. That is, each card shows how powerful the slash will be or what kind of magic attack will be used against an opponent. Sounds like Yu-Gi-Oh but it’s really not. You’re not going against another card player, you’re just selecting the best card to enable a certain attack.

All in all, an enjoyable game that I highly recommend playing if you enjoy the first game.

#12 – Yggdra Union

Developed by Sting
Published by Atlus Co.
Released in 2006

The game probably did not make a blip in most gamer’s radar since it came late in the life of the GBA and many have moved on to playing games on their DS or PSP.

From Atlus comes “Yggdra Union”, a strategy RPG game (from the creators of “RIVIERA: THE PROMISED LAND”) that if you enjoy “Final Fantasy Tactics”, “Fire Emblem”, “ and “Disgaea”, you probably may get into this game as well.

The gameplay mechanics for “Yggdra Union” is similar to most sRPG games where you move your characters on a grid. Beforehand, you have cards that feature offensive and defensive attacks. Which you select before entering a map. Then it’s all about battling and trying to keep your unit morale up and you can see massive battles as your further into the game which is quite impressive.

The game is very entertaining and unlike “Fire Emblem”, you won’t lose a character if yo die. Although not the best strategy RPG’s on the GBA, it’s still worth owning.

#11 – Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town

Developed by Natsume
Published by Natsume
Released in 2003

“Harvest Moon” is one of those games that make gamers wince when people mention that they are playing it. Why is that? Well, the game revolves around taking care of a farm, taking care of the garden, raising animals, etc.

But there is much more than that and with “Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town”, the game features taking part in horse races, festivals and you control a guy who returns to his hometown to take care of a farm that his deceased grandfather has left him. But because its all rundown and the animals have died, the mayor of the town is willing to give you a four years to show that you can take care of the farm, if not, well…you lose it.

In a way, some people may describe it like “Animal Crossing meets the Sims” but not quite. This aspect does happen when you have to give gifts to the girl you are interested in and hope you can build your relationship but the game has a lot more going for it other than farming and developing relationships that this game is actually an awesome game for the GBA.

All in all, the game is a nice change of pace of what is out there on the GBA, it’s different and addictive that if you give it a try, it may be your kind of game.

#10 – NINJA FIVE-O

Developed by Hudson
Published by Konami
Released in 2003

Do you dig games like “Ninja Gaiden”, “Shinobi” or “Bionic Commando”? Well, “Ninja Five-O” is the game that you are looking for on the GBA that has those side scrolling, hack and slash elements.

Let’s face it, the game didn’t do well. Not only did it have the ugliest cover, it wasn’t even marketed. In fact, the reason why this game has done so well is because reviewers were the first to chime in on how cool this game is and this game became a hit for those who enjoyed those old school ninja games.

Cool gameplay, cool animation and cool music. The game is easily the definitive sleeper hit on the GBA and if you ever see this game at your local game store used, I recommend picking it up!

#9 – GUNSTAR SUPER HEROES

Developed by Treasure
Published by Sega
Released in 2005

Fans of Treasure have waited a long time for a new “Gunstar Heroes” and a “Guardian Heroes” game to come out for the consoles and sure enough, Treasure Co., Ltd. was working on both a “Gunstar Super Heroes” and “Advanced Guardian Heroes” game for the GBA.

“Gunstar Heroes” has earned its reputation as one of the finest side-scrolling run-n-gun video games to come out for the Sega Genesis and established Treasure as one of the coolest developers to create quality games.

The game is not a remake but a lot of the enemies and even some bosses make their return from the original game. Another cool thing is despite the levels being short, you could play as one of two characters with each having their own storyline.

It’s great to see the return of “Gunstar Heroes” and the game is beautiful, intensive and exciting like the original despite having a bit less features than the original Sega Genesis game. It’s still worthy of a purchase and new or used, you can find this game low in price at your local video game store.

#8 – DUKE NUKEM ADVANCE

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Developed by Torus Games
Published by Take-Two Interactive
Released in 2002

It’s a little weird to put a first person shooter game on the top 10 because a lot of people can’t fathom a FPS on the GBA nor playing one on a GBA.

But with games like “Ecks versus Sever” and “Doom” showing that FPS can be done (not as lovely graphic wise) but it can be done on the FPS and can be quite enjoyable, there is only one shooter that deserves to be in the top 33 and that’s “DUKE NUKEM ADVANCE”.

The game was able to incorporate really awesome gameplay, lots of weapons and able to capture the excitement of “DUKE NUKEM”. And as people continue to wait for eternity for the next “DUKE NUKEM” game, if you are able to find a copy of this GBA game, give it a try. You’ll be surprised of what they were able to incorporate in an FPS game for the GBA.

#7 - Astro Boy: Omega Factor

Developed by Treasure
Published by Sega
Released in 2004

When word came out that Treasure was developing “Astro Boy: Omega Factor”, it was quite interesting to find out that the company was going to take on a video game based on one of Japan’s oldest anime characters (Tetsuwan Atom) from the 1960’s.

Personally, a game that features a character created by Osamu Tezuka caught my attention but when Treasure’s name was attached as developer. Knowing the quality of games to come from Treasure, especially the popular “Gunstar Heroes” for the Sega Genesis and “Guardian Heroes” for the Sega Saturn (note: Both games by Treasure returned for the GBA), I was very excited for “Astro Boy: Omega Factor” and the game does not disappoint.

The gameplay is fast-paced and quite frenetic at times but the weapons that Astro Boy has in its disposal is sweet! With awesome combos and special attacks combined with great control and beautiful graphics for a GBA game, I was very impressed with what Treasure was able to accomplish on the GBA. Very impressive!

#6 – RIVIERA: THE PROMISED LAND

Developed by Sting
Published by Atlus Co.
Released in 2005

“RIVIERA: THE PROMISED LAND” is one of the shining RPG’s to be on the GBA. Unlike other RPG’s where you walk around in different lands, “RIVIERA” has your character(s) going into a path which you decide which weapons or accessories to take with you, find secret paths and participate in turn-based battles but unlike RPG’s, there are no random battles and no need to worry about money.

In fact, the game revolves around your character earning trigger points (from battles and the better you do in battle, the more TP you get) which allow you to activate certain points in the game.

I would have scored this game higher but as of this time, a better “remixed” version for the Sony PSP which features voice acting (English and Japanese) is out and if you own both portable consoles, of course, I would recommend the PSP version. But if you don’t have a PSP, I still recommend “RIVIERA”. It’s a beautiful, fun and enjoyable game with a cool storyline that doesn’t disappoint.

#5 – SUPER DODGEBALL ADVANCE

Developed by Atlus Co.
Published by Atlus Co.
Released in 2001

I love Super Dodgeball and when it was first announced that a game would be coming out for the GBA, I couldn’t wait. I was awaiting Kunio and his band of big head, small body compatriots and experience the same excitement that I did back in those old school NES days.

But alas, Kunio was not to be found and I didn’t purchase the game when it came out because I felt all sour grapes about it. When the game was available used, I picked it up and what do you know… I enjoyed the game a lot!

The game is of course modernized and the gameplay of competing against different countries is there and the option to create your own team is there as well.

There is multiplayer modes and great control that really, it’s a highly enjoyable game to play on the GBA and worth picking up if you can find it!

#4 – SUMMON NIGHT: SWORDCRAFT STORY 2

Developed by Flight-Plan
Published by Atlus Co.
Released in 2006

An awesome Japanese RPG game that comes at the end of the GBA’s life is “Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2” and interesting enough, many are bringing brought out by Atlus.

There are quite a bit of RPG’s for the GBA but many are remakes of games that appeared on consoles before. So, it’s cool to get several games unique to the GBA coming out even though many people have moved on to the DS or PSP.

One thing that I enjoyed about this game is its humor and the interaction with the characters (and yes, characters that you care about). You get a game that features a an addictive storyline, cool, colorful graphics and also incorporates weapon crafting (and your weapon breaking) and overall a light-hearted game that may not break new ground among all the RPG’s that have/are coming out for all consoles but nevertheless, an enjoyable game that stands out on the GBA.

#3 – Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis

Developed by Quest
Published by Atlus Co.
Released in 2002

With with “Final Fantasy Tactics” not on this list because its published by Nintendo, in the top 10, I give “Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis” the nod for being a cool tactics game on the GBA.

But imagine a game where you can have up to 32 characters from different classes such as soldiers, ninjas, warriors, dragons, etc. and in training mode, have them battle each other to level them up.

“Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis” came out earlier than many of the games on this list but gameplay aside, this game is addictive and you’ll find yourself putting around 40 hours or more on this game alone. It’s that fun!

“Tactics Ogre” has received its reputation of being one of the well-enjoyed tactics game on different consoles and with the GBA is no exception. If there is one problem is that it being an Atlus game, like many Atlus games released several years ago, the game is going to be hard to find.

#2 – SUPER ROBOT TAISEN 2: ORIGINAL GENERATION

Developed by Banpresto
Published by Atlus Co.
Released in 2006

What can I say about “Super Robot Taisen 2: Original Generation” but Wow! The whole “Super Robot Taisen” series has been going on since the SNES days and in Japan, dozens of games have been released on multiple consoles and have been popular.

Unfortunately, none of them have been released in the US and fans had to resort to importing the games but fortunately, Atlus decided to localize “Super Robot Taisen” and now two games have been released on the GBA.

The game is known for being a mecha-RPG which features many characters, a complex storyline but exciting gameplay. The game features long dialogue and you can find yourself reading the text and just being interested in all that’s going with the storyline. But the gameplay is what its all about and that is where this game truly shines.

Mecha games have really been accepted in the US by gamers as they have in Japan. Here in the US, we have had cool RPG games such as “Front Mission” but we have also have had multiple Gundam games (which many have received poor reviews) that people can often be wary of purchasing a mecha related game.

But I can tell you right now, “Super Robot Taisen 2: Original Generation” is an enjoyable, addictive RPG game that tests your wits on what strategy you will employ with pilots and variety of mechs. Definitely a long awaited “Super Robot Taisen” game I in the US and a great game to come at the end of the GBA’s life.

#1 – CASTLEVANIA DOUBLE PACK: Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance and Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

Developed by Konami
Published by Konami
Released in 2006

I’m so stoked that Konami made this decision easier for me because I love both “Aria of Sorrow” (2003) and “Harmony of Dissonance” (2002) as separate games on their own. But in 2006, Konami made the surprising move by releasing both games ala one cartridge titled “Castlevania Double Pack”.

If the double pack did not exist, “Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow” would ultimately be my selection for #1 but with both games released on a double pack, you get two awesome games at an incredible price. Can’t beat that!

Because each game has been sold separately for a high cost, gamers who stumbled up on “Castlevania” had the opportunity to own both games for a low cost and even lower now if you can find it used.

But of these two games, “Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow” is just a true masterpiece (great graphics and quite stylish, great gameplay and literally a great game overall) and one of the best games ever created in the whole “Castlevania” series (definitely has to be in the top 3, in my opinion at #2 right after the PS2 classic “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night”) and it happens to be on the GBA!

With “Persona 3″ on my PS2, close to beating “Dragon’s Aria” on my PSP, “Etrian Odyssey” on my DS and “The Longest Journey” on my PC, I’ve definitely found some way to put some time in for “Mario Tennis Power Tour” on the GameBoy Advance.

Actually I beat the game within several hours in a two-day period. Like most Mario sports type of games, the game is quite easy to learn. Great for people who are busy individuals because you can save whenever you want and play from where you last left off.

Been jonesin’ to play a tennis game but I’ve been stuck on doubles on “Tennis no Ojisama” for the Nintendo DS and to tell you the truth, not familiar with the newer tennis games for the console systems since the original “Top Spin” was released for the XBOX (and I love that game!).

Nevertheless, “Mario Tennis Power Tour” is about you playing a boy named Clay or a girl named Ace. You can play singles or doubles but the main storyline is about a group of masked tennis players kicking butt in the game and beating the top player at tennis school.

Once you gain control with the game, you train, go against people in the competition ladder for Junior, Senior and Varsity and the points received after accomplishing a succesful training regiment to beating a competitor can be used to build up your serve, stroke, volley or top spin.

As you advance and get into hardcore training, you can then build up your power shots.

There have been criticism for this game with “not enough Mario”. Similar to the awesome Super Mario Golf for the GBA, you are going against non-Nintendo characters. Until you beat the game, then you get to go against the Nintendo characters that you are famliar with such as Mario, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, etc.

All in all though, the game is fun. There is replay value because during the main tournament, you face certain opponents that you can open up the first time but opponents that you haven’t opened up, you can try to open them up in further competition or even try competing in either singles or doubles play.

All in all a fun game and for a Nintendo GBA game, its one of the few that you can find a good reasonable price for ala used.

Check it out!

What can I say? I’m addicted to the anime series “BLEACH” and what I enjoy even more are the video games.

When it came to anime games featured in video game 1-on-1 battles, I have to admit that the “BLEACH” DS and PSP games have been very fun and entertaining and yes, worth owning.

Of course, the first DS game received a lot of hype because it was developed by the company TREASURE known for classics such as “Gunstar Heroes” (Sega Genesis), “Radiant Silvergun” (Sega Saturn), “Wario World” (GameCube), “Ikaragua” (GameCube) and many other titles, TREASURE similar to Nippon Ichi and Atlus has a cult following of gamers who just love their games.

This takes us to their fighting game “BLEACH” for the Nintendo DS.

With many fighting games on the DS teetering to absolute suckage (with the exception of both “Jump Superstars” and “Bleach” games of course), “BLEACH” is a fighting game that features the cast of the popular anime series. And this anime series has A LOT of characters surpassing even “Dragon Ball Z”.

The game is a 2D fighter which utilizes top and bottom areas and with each character given different fighting characteristics and special moves, your character is given support cards that can enhance battle by giving you a better offense or defense, give you more health, increasing your Reiatsu & Reiryoka spirit meters (that allow you to perform your special moves), etc. So, imagine fighting an opponent but the rules for that certain level are to fight with less health or to not press a certain button, etc.

You get the story mode (for a lot of characters), arcade and vs. modes, points won can be used to purchase more clothing or support cards and the best part of all, is to play people online via wi-fi.

At the time, the DS was the way to go for a “BLEACH” game and the first game did not disappoint.

Now, here we are in 2007 and the second DS game titled “Bleach DS 2nd: Kokui Hirameku Requiem” is out.

WHAT IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DS 1st and DS 2nd?

Well, the main thing is that there are 40+ characters in the game. So, you can imagine that story mode is definitely longer this time around.

Also, because so much has happened in the anime and manga series for these characters, much different movesets.

WILL I BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND IT ESPECIALLY SINCE I CAN’T READ JAPANESE?

Yes, for the majority of it, you should be able to find out. It may be tricky for some characters (esp. if you haven’t watched the series or read the manga) because some are healing characters and one level is about healing people onscreen. Another level features characters that jump from top plane to bottom plane continuously and you realize the level is about how who can