A Look at 2010 in Gaming (DS)
A Look at 2010 in Gaming
DS
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The DS has had a great 2009. With releases like Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story, Dragon Quest V, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars and The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks to boast of, we can very safely call this one of the best years the DS has seen so far.
Definitely, this trend of great releases shows no sign of stopping, as it sees the releases of some of the most anticipated titles of all time, including the likes of Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver, Golden Sun DS and Dragon Quest IX.
Like our previous articles in this feature, we will be having an in-depth look at all the games that the DS will be getting in 2010, as it looks all set to dominate the gaming market.
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Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver:
Pokemon Gold/Silver is considered to be the greatest handheld game ever created, second to none, as it incorporated an addictive gameplay system like no other. Quite naturally, players had been craving for remakes to this masterpiece for many years, and as a tribute to all long time Pokemon fans, Nintendo announced Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver.
Set for release in Spring next year, Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver looks all set to right all the wrongs of the original game (if there were any), as it promises a more streamlined, addictive and a much more polished take on the greatest handheld game of all time. We have not been told a lot about this game, but from whatever we have seen in the previews so far, we can very safely say that the game is going to be one of the biggest hits next year.
Golden Sun DS:
Golden Sun is often said to be one of the greatest RPG franchises. After two magnificent instalments on the GBA and having been met with unprecedented critical acclaim, Golden Sun became one of the most revered and acclaimed franchises of all time. Following this trend of great games is Golden Sun DS, the much anticipated title due for release next year.
Nothing so far has been revealed of this game, except for a few bits and pieces of information here and there. All we have seen is a trailer (shown in E3 2009). We do not know if this game will live up to the lofty standards that have been set by its predecessors, but we do know that this will be one heck of a ride.
Dragon Quest IX: Protectors of the Sky:
Dragon Quest is the biggest franchise in Japan. Yeah, even bigger than Pokemon or Final Fantasy, and for good reason. The series has a great track record, and with highly acclaimed games like Dragon Quest V and Journey of the Cursed King, Dragon Quest is, most definitely, one of the top rated franchises of all time.
Dragon Quest IX seems to be following the trend, as it was officially declared by Famitsu to be the most anticipated game in Japan. With its brilliantly huge overworld design, some of the greatest visuals we have seen on the DS and a nigh perfect gameplay system, it is, without doubt, one of the best titles the DS will be receiving next year.
Okamiden:
Okamiden, the follow-up to the highly acclaimed title on the PlayStation 2 and the Wii, is an unholy mix between its predecessor, Okami, and the DS’ very own Zelda series. Okamiden features some of the best control schemes we have come across on the DS, stunning graphics and a very atmospheric experience.
Nothing much has been told about this title as of yet, but with the prestige that the original Okami game has and a promising new adventure, we can safely assume that Okamiden will be one of the highest selling titles next year.
Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie:
Yeah. We’ll be seeing the release of two Dragon Quest games next year. As if two Dragon Quest games in the same year, namely Dragon Quest IV and V, and Dragon Quest IX being released next year wasn’t enough (not to mention the tenth instalment on the Wii, releasing the SAME YEAR), Square is also releasing a remake of the sixth instalment in the series in 2010.
Dragon Quest VI: Realms of the Reverie will be bringing over the classic console title to the DS, as we explore two parallel worlds, while distinguishing reality from illusion and seeking the true meaning of life. While the gameplay formula won’t be changing a lot, and there won’t be many groundbreaking features to boast of, we can safely assume that DQVI will still be one of the most successful games next year, as it is, after all is said and done, a Dragon Quest game.
Dementium II
Dementium: The Ward is one of the most successful shooters on the DS. Being one of the first ‘mature’ titles, with blood, gore and grit, on the DS, Dementium was met with a lot of unexpected acclaim. The much anticipated sequel to this beloved shooter, Dementium II, will be releasing early next year.
Dementium II promises to be bigger and better than Dementium: The Ward in every way. It will be focusing more strongly on storytelling this time around, and will be featuring one of the heaviest and darkest stories on the DS, while incorporating the same stylus and D-Pad combination control scheme from the first game. With some of the best gameplay mechanics and storytelling aspects for any shooter on the DS, Dementium II will surely be one of the biggest hits next year.
More to Look Forward to:
Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey
Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow
Ghost Trick
Sands of Destruction
de Blob
Monster Finder
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
Infinite Space
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That’s all for the DS, people. Check back tomorrow for the PSP’s lineup in 2010.
Also See:
A Look at 2010 in Gaming (Wii)
A Look at 2010 in Gaming (X360)
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