This charming sequel to the beloved PS2 classic Okami translates the celestial brush mechanic perfectly to the DS touchscreen. Set nine months after the original, you play as Chibiterasu, the adorable wolf cub offspring of Amaterasu, partnering with various child characters to restore nature's balance once again. The brush mechanics feel like they were always meant for the DS, as you literally draw magical symbols to affect the world around you.

The visual style is nothing short of miraculous on the DS hardware, successfully translating the original's distinctive sumi-e ink painting aesthetic to the portable's more limited capabilities. The colorful world springs to life as you restore nature, with vibrant blooms of flowers and trees marking your progress. The soundtrack builds on the original's Japanese-inspired compositions with gentler, more playful arrangements that perfectly match Chibiterasu's adventurous spirit.

What earns Okamiden a spot on any DS must-play list is how it adapts a console experience to portable form without compromise. The levels are thoughtfully designed for shorter play sessions while still capturing the exploration joy of the original. The partner system adds new puzzle dimensions, requiring you to separate from your human companion and navigate them through areas Chibiterasu can't reach. The story stands on its own while thoughtfully expanding the Okami mythology in touching ways that sometimes rival the emotional impact of the original. For fans of action-adventures with unique gameplay mechanics and artistic vision, Okamiden represents one of the DS's finest experiences, proving that the system could deliver scaled-down versions of console experiences that sometimes improved upon their inspiration through perfect use of the touchscreen.

This collection of timeless board and card games might seem like a simple concept, but its brilliant execution makes it one of the DS's most-played titles. With everything from Chess, Checkers and Backgammon to card games like Blackjack and Solitaire variants, plus quirky additions like Bowling and Darts, there's something for every mood and player.

The clean, approachable visual design focuses on clarity rather than flash, making each game instantly recognizable and playable. The pleasant background music creates the perfect atmosphere for thoughtful gameplay without becoming distracting. Sound effects are subtle but satisfying, providing useful feedback for moves and victories.

What makes Clubhouse Games an essential part of any DS collection is its perfect understanding of portable gaming habits. These classic games are ideally suited for quick sessions while waiting for a bus or winding down before bed. The touch controls are intuitive across all 42 games, making them more accessible than their physical counterparts in many cases. The difficulty options for AI opponents ensure that both newcomers and veterans can find an appropriate challenge. The multiplayer options deserve special praise – single-card download play means only one person needs to own the game for everyone to join in, making it the ultimate social DS title. For sheer value and replayability, few DS games can match the hundreds of hours of gameplay packed into this unassuming collection. It's the digital equivalent of having a well-stocked game cabinet in your pocket at all times.

This explosive entry in the long-running series perfectly adapts Bomberman's frantic multiplayer action for portable play while adding substantial single-player content. The core gameplay remains gloriously unchanged – place bombs strategically to blast walls and opponents while avoiding getting caught in your own explosions – but the customization options and adventure mode add welcome depth.

Visually, the game strikes a perfect balance between 2D gameplay and 3D presentation, with colorful environments and expressive character models that bring personality to the little bomb-layers. Explosions are particularly satisfying, with colorful blasts that fill the screen without obscuring the critical gameplay elements. The upbeat soundtrack keeps energy high during matches, while sound effects provide essential gameplay feedback that experienced players will use to track bomb timers.

What makes Bomberman 2 stand out in the crowded DS library is how it caters to both solo and social players. The substantial adventure mode features puzzle-like level design that transforms the simple bombing concept into a genuine challenge of skill and planning. The customization system lets you collect and equip different parts to change your Bomberman's abilities, adding RPG-like progression to the formula. Of course, the multiplayer remains the star attraction, with local wireless battles supporting up to eight players from a single cartridge – creating some of the most chaotic and laugh-filled gaming sessions possible on the system. For pure pick-up-and-play fun with surprising depth beneath the surface, Bomberman 2 represents one of the best iterations of a classic formula that feels perfectly at home on the DS.

This sprawling space opera RPG from Platinum Games (yes, the Bayonetta developers) offers one of the most ambitious experiences on the DS. Set across two galaxies with over 200 unique star systems to explore, you'll recruit crew members, customize massive spaceships, and engage in tactical space combat while navigating a complex, politically charged narrative spanning decades.

The visual presentation makes clever use of the DS's limitations, with striking character portraits during dialogue and simplified but effective 3D models for the space combat segments. The sheer variety of ship designs you can create is staggering, each with distinct visual identity. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with sweeping orchestral themes that capture the grand scale of your interstellar adventure and more intimate pieces for character moments.

What earns Infinite Space a place among the DS's finest RPGs is its uncompromising depth and scale. The ship customization system alone offers more complexity than some entire games, allowing you to alter every aspect of your fleet's performance. The combat system initially seems simple but reveals impressive tactical depth as you master positioning, timing, and special maneuvers. The narrative deserves special praise for its mature themes and willingness to explore how characters change over long time periods – something rarely attempted in portable games. With potentially 100+ hours of content, multiple endings, and New Game+ options, it offers a level of immersion typically reserved for console RPGs. For players seeking a genuinely epic space adventure that respects their intelligence and rewards their time investment, Infinite Space represents one of the most ambitious and rewarding experiences in the DS library.

This time-traveling entry in the Mario & Luigi RPG series brings baby versions of the famous brothers into the mix for some of the most creative puzzle design and combat mechanics in the franchise. When a mysterious alien race invades the Mushroom Kingdom of the past, present-day Mario and Luigi must team up with their infant counterparts in an adventure spanning two time periods.

The sprite work is absolutely gorgeous, with expressive animations that convey more personality than many fully voiced games. The way the adult and baby brothers interact through movement alone is consistently delightful. The environments pop with color and clever details that reward exploration. The soundtrack perfectly complements the time-travel theme with variations on familiar Mario tunes that shift between past and present versions.

What makes Partners in Time worthy of any DS collection is how it leverages the system's unique features without feeling gimmicky. Controlling four characters simultaneously could have been cumbersome, but the button mapping (babies to X and Y, adults to A and B) becomes second nature quickly. The timing-based combat system builds on previous games with new combo attacks that require precise coordination between all four brothers. The dual-screen setup is used brilliantly for puzzles that span both time periods simultaneously. The writing deserves special mention for its genuine humor – the contrast between the experienced adult brothers and their innocent baby selves creates countless charming moments. For fans of RPGs with unique battle systems and puzzle-solving exploration, Partners in Time represents one of the most creative and polished experiences on the DS.