18 June 2010

Forgotten Classics: DS

This is the first in the hopefully regular series in games that you should check out for each console. I'll not be going over the games that you SHOULD have for each console. For the DS, the games you should have are New Super Mario Bros., Mario Kart DS, Brain Training, Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/HeartGold/SoulSilver.

So onto the first game...or is it games..... Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan (押忍!闘え!応援団)

Developer: INIS
Released: July 28, 2005

The first game that I believe that everyone should play is in fact in Japanese. Don't let that put you off though as there is an English quasi sequel in the form of...

Elite Beat Agents

Developer: INIS
Released: July 13, 2007 (UK)

So how do you play these games? These games are rhythm games that use the touch screen to tap or swipe in time with the music. Both games control the same and both are a lot of fun.

Why should you buy them? They are very addictive to play, they follow the mantra of "easy to play, hard to master", and they do get difficult. But the real charm is their quirky humour. The games do have a definite Japanese feel to them, from the characters exaggerated anime styling, to the manga style song/story intros.

It's very clear that there is a lot of love given to these games though. Rather than recycling animations when the theme didn't fit, Elite Beat Agents in particular, changes the intro too the song you'll be oh so familiar to by the time you reach them that it makes you sit back and smile.

Songs chosen for Elite Beat Agents, are quite varied, though the fact they're covers is a bit disappointing though these games did come out in a time before we were spoiled by Rock Band and Guitar Hero's track lists.

If you're a fan of rhythm games like your Guitar Heroes and your Rock Bands, and want a unique experience that can only be replicated on the DS, then the best bet it to pick up a copy of Elite Beat Agents. If you enjoy that then go on and pick up a copy of Ouendan.

Here's the kicker though, as good as these games are, they never sold that well. Ouendan did well enough to garner a sequel, but any thoughts of a sequel for Elite Beat Agents seems unlikely to happen with Microsoft tapping them to churn out endless songs for Lips. But as it is, enjoy these games as they are, the best rhythm game you can pick up for your DS.

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