Consoles have come a long way. Nintendo handheld devices have evolved from the Game Boy to the DS to the Switch, with many more variations in between.Nintendo 3DSand DS Lite were great evolutions to gaming devices, but the nostalgia keeps the originalDSin the hearts of many people.
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There are plenty of games that are well-known, very profitable, and have been adapted to be playable on a variety of platforms. Others are forgotten despite their interesting and enjoyable cover art. Those covers could still entice players to pick up the games for a closer look.
9Ninjatown
Ninjatownis a tower defense strategy game. Peaceful ninjas must defend themselves from enemies if they’re to protect Ninjatown. Like many tower defense games, players place fortifications and weapons so they can survive waves of foes.
The cover ofthis Nintendo DS gameis drawn in a cute art style that contrasts with the game’s main mechanic, combat. The volcano that triggers the game’s plot is shown in the background next to a cute city that looks like mushrooms. A ninja and a wizard stand guard against enemies that look like gummy bears.
8Fast Food Panic
Fast Food Panicfeels likeDiner DashmeetsCooking Mama. Players make dishes, tend to customers, andkeep their restaurants cleanin this simulation game. The focus is on creating quality food quickly to keep people happy.
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The face of the character shown evokes the feeling named in the title: panic. A pot boils over while multiple completed dishes fall from the character’s arms and fly through the air. The cartoon art style works perfectly to give the game a cutesy vibe despite the chaos that’s unfolding.
7Goosebumps Horrorland
Goosebumpsis a horror book series by R. L. Stine where characters end upin scary situationsthat are often supernatural.Goosebumps Horrorlandis a Nintendo DS game based on the book series. In the video game, players must navigate multiple areas of a spooky theme park, play carnival games, complete challenges, and collect monster cards.
Adding to the scary theme of theGoosebumpsfranchise, this cover has a demonic green monster taking up most of the image. In the background, the haunted Horrorland theme park can be seen. Bats fly through the sky and an ominous tentacle wraps around a signpost. The shadowy and dramatic lighting parallels the monster’s glowing green eyes.
6Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers Of Darkness
People are probably familiar withPokemongames availableon Nintendo DSlike Black, Diamond, or Platinum. Lesser remembered games are the spin-offPokemon Mystery Dungeonseries, a rogue-like. In these, players battle through procedurally-generated dungeon floors and team up with other Pokemon met along the way.
TheExplorers of Darknesscover is shrouded in dark blues and black to give it an eerie feeling. Some Pokemon are illuminated and gather around to look into a mysterious chest overflowing with treasure. Other darker Pokemon with glowing eyes lurk in the background of the cover, ready to start a battle.
5LOL: Never Party Alone!
LOL: Never Party Alone!is a multiplayer-only game for two to four players. It’s similar to some of theJack Box Party Packminigames such as Drawful or Quiplash. InLOL, one player asks a question and the others respond with either a written answer or a drawing. The goal is to be the funniest in the group.
This cover is mostly orange, including the wallpaper, furniture, and flooring. This makes the title’s bright pink pop. Around the room are black creatures with large toothy smiles and googly eyes. There are four of them, just like there can be up to four players in the game. All the creatures look like they’re laughing and having a good time.
4Kirby Mass Attack
TheKirbyfranchise is well-known, butKirby Mass Attackis one of the lowest selling games of the main series. It’s a platformer where players use a stylus and touch screen to play. People control multiple Kirbys and move them as a mass to collect fruit andattack enemies. They can even be sent individually to complete tasks like platforming to new locations.
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The cover of this game is action-packed. Multiple Kirbys are shown, some running and others fighting. All of their expressions convey different emotions, and players get to see the Kirbys teaming up on two different enemies. The bright yellow explosions add a dramatic flair to an already explosive image.
3Cooking Mama 2: Dinner With Friends
Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friendshas many minigames, recipes, and a multiplayer mode called “Cook Off.” Players use the stylus to chop, mix, and prepare ingredients to use in dishes. These dishes are given scores and depending on the quality, players will unlock new items.
The cover shows Mama front and center, with people behind her happily waiting to eat. The table is covered in tons of dishes like at a buffet. The image looks like a family potluck or gathering of friends for a dinner party. The sparkle in Mama’s eyes and her enthusiasm let players relate to her excitement, and the dishes on the table show tons of options gamers can getexcited to cook.
2Henry Hatsworth In The Puzzling Adventure
Henry Hatsworthis an action-adventure puzzle game. Henry Hatsworth needs to find the Golden Suit that allows him to control the Puzzle Realm.Players must solve puzzlesto defeat enemies. The game works by players connecting three or more blocks of the same color to make Hatsworth attack foes at the top of the screen.
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The valiant Henry Hatsworth is center stage in this cover. He holds up a sword, ready to fight, while also balancing a cup of tea in the other hand. He wears a suit, bowler hat, and monocle to emphasize he’s a gentleman. He stands atop a variety of colorful puzzle blocks as enemies lurk on platforms in the background.
1Petz Dogz Fashion
ThePetzseries andNintendogsare well-known for letting players adopt, train, and play with animals. They star creatures such as dogs, cats, hamsters, horses, and more. Lesser known than the other versions,Petz Dogz Fashionadds to that by allowing players to dress up their dogs for fashion competitions.
The cover of this game shows a picture of real dogs with glamorous accessories. From a beret and sunglasses to angel wings and a halo, the lights shine bright on these fashionable pups. People might think this isa game about raising dogs, but fame is the real focus.
