An RPG Bonanza: The DS Hits the Motherlode - Part 1: Attack of the Ports

This console generation, home to high definition gaming and wii-mote waggling, genres like shooters have seen an explosion of interest with games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Gears of War, Resistance: Fall of Man, Killzone 2, Halo 3, and much more. While that’s all well and good for shooter fans, there are some gamers that have been all but left in the cold. Let’s face it, not everyone enjoys shooting things in the face. What about RPG (that’s role playing games for the uninitiated) enthusiasts? This generation, there has been very little in the way of RPG’s and while the future release of Final Fantasy XIII may help change that much like its predecessor VII did for the Playstation, it still doesn’t change the fact that there is a major RPG drought at the moment. What’s a gamer to do? Enter the Nintendo DS.

Launching over five years ago, the DS has consistently shown that it is THE system for RPG’s with over forty games in the genre available and even more scheduled for release next year. In an effort to help fellow RPG enthusiasts, Rekuru will be highlighting the RPG’s for the DS all month long in a regular weekly segment.

This week, we look at some of the many ports and remakes for the DS. While you may have played some of these in the past, many of these classic gaming gems now sport improved visuals or other additional content that more than make them deserving of another play-through. And for those gamers who haven’t played these games, there’s no better time than now to do so. So what’re you waiting for? Crack that DS open and get your quest on.

A port of what is largely considered one of the greatest role playing games ever, Chrono Trigger makes the transition from the Super Nintendo to the DS exquisitely with added features like an extra dungeon, animated cutscenes grabbed from the playstation re-release, and more. If you’re one of the few role playing philistines that haven’t played Chrono, this should be at the top of your list.

The only game on this list that’s a port of a port, Disgaea DS is actually a port of the PSP version of the PS2 version of Disgaea. Confused? Don’t be, because luckily, little has been lost in the transition. There is literally hundreds of hours-worth of content here for you to dive into in this fun and hilarious strategy-RPG.

The beloved Japanese phenomenon Dragon Quest hits the DS with the fourth entry in the series. Originally released here in the US as Dragon Warrior IV on the original Nintendo in 1992, this remake sees revamped 3D visuals, dual screen display, and more. If you have yet to jump onto the Dragon Quest bandwagon, Chapters of the Chosen is a better place to start than any.

The next entry in the Dragon Quest franchise, Hand of the Heavenly Bride is widely considered one of the best in the series. Also sporting new 3D visuals, V takes players on an epic quest spanning years and adds the ability to recruit monsters to fight with, a feature which would later spawn the Dragon Quest Monster series.

Final Fantasy III, originally released for the original Nintendo and failing to make it stateside, makes its US debut on the DS sporting 3D visuals, a CG opening, and more. Admittedly, III will appeal most to old-school RPG fans as there is plenty of required level grinding and other old school conventions to be found.

The last in our list of DS remakes and ports, Final Fantasy IV is also one of the finest on this list. With 3D visuals and a CG opening like its predecessor, IV takes it to the next level with occasional voice acting and in-game cutscenes. Top it off with a riveting tale of betrayal, justice, and eventual redemption, and Final Fantasy IV is a complete package that every RPG aficionado should play.