Collections: DS and PSP

Hey g1s, Big D here with another episode of Collections! Now last time I showed off 3 collections in one episode, my Gameboy, Gameboy Color, and Gameboy Advance collections. So today, I thought I would go ahead and finish up my handheld gaming collections with my Nintendo DS and Sony PSP games. You'll notice that these two collections are definitely bigger than the three featured in my last blog, so I hope ya'll enjoy it.

Alright so to kick things off we're going to start with my Nintendo DS collection. I've had the DS Lite almost since it's release, so you would think my library of games would be huge. Well it isn't too big because there just aren't that many games I want for the DS. That number is increasing though, so my collection will probably almost double within the next year.

Trace Memory:
This was one of my first DS games, and still the only original copy that I own. I began my DS collection with Super Mario 64 DS, Animal Crossing Wild World, and Trace Memory. My brother lost SM64DS, and I lost ACWW (it and my entire original blue DS fell out of my pocket while riding a bike, and disappeared into the sunset). Trace Memory is the only survivor left. This game tells a pretty cool story in an interesting way. For the most part it's a mystery/puzzle game, but a little different. Using the DS's unique capabilities, this game offered something that had not been done before. While the style may have been improved in Hotel Dusk (made by the same company), Trace Memory holds a special place for me. It was my first DS game that I was POSITIVE I would never sell. I played this game from start to finish, enjoying every second. The music was cool, the graphics were great, the setting was gripping, and the story was decent. My only real complaints is the story was a bit wonky with a few unanswered questions, and that the game was way too short.

The Sims 2:
It may be hard to believe, but this game is INCREDIBLY fun on the DS. Reason being? They didn't try to recreate a Sims game on the DS. Instead they created an entirely unique game. Your car breaks down in the desert, the manager of a hotel in a random town has run off leaving you a note. He gives you the hotel to make successful. The game contains the same crazy characters and sense of humor of other Sims games. The gameplay is ENTIRELY different though. There's a story to follow, and missions to do. You slowly unlock new rooms in your hotel allowing more mission access, more ways to make money, or just new rooms to decorate. I really enjoyed this game a lot, and it's a shame not more people have played it. It really is a great game for the DS.

Kirby Squeak Squad:
I've gone to, and joined, many sites in my lifetime and I still haven't found a gaming site that appreciates this pink puffball of wonder. Kirby is featured in some of the best 2D platformers of all time, but still people don't give him credit. Kirby Superstar for the Super Nintendo is even my favorite video game of all time (TOP 100 Games of All Time: 10 through 1: http://screwattack.com/node/8349). So when I heard a new platforming style Kirby game was coming out on the DS, I got pumped. When I finally got my hands on it, I wasn't disappointed. It was another GREAT Kirby game, maybe a little on the easier side than some past games but still awesome. The game has it all, the graphics, music, gameplay, and addiction. I seriously couldn't put this game down until I completed it 100%.

Animal Crossing Wild World:
Aaah, number 44 on my TOP 100 Games of All Time. If you wanna check that out, here's the link:
http://screwattack.com/node/7128
While the game is EXTREMELY similar to it's predecessor on the Gamecube, it does have it's differences. The core of the game, for the most part, remained in tact. All they really added were further ways to customize your character, house, and town. You could argue that the game is the exact same, but why fix something that isn't broken? When ACWW came out, I was still playing Animal Crossing on my Gamecube, so I STILL wasn't bored with the formula. While I believe the new game, City Folk, may be pushing it I still pop this game into my DS more than any other game I own. It's incredibly addicting and a blast to play with friends.

The World Ends with You:
There are a ton of RPGs available on the DS, from original titles, to remakes, to ports, there is no shortage of RPGs available on the DS. So why do I only own one? Because if you own this game, you don't NEED any other RPG! The World Ends with You is a completely original idea by Square Enix using the DS touch-screen AND dual screen functionality. The only thing I haven't seen them use so far is the microphone. The World Ends with You is an incredible game with a killer soundtrack, addicting gameplay, deep and thought provoking storyline, and some serious graphics for the DS hardware. For more on my thoughts on The World Ends with You, check out my Daily Game Fix dedicated to it:
http://screwattack.com/node/5588

Resident Evil Deadly Silence:
Easily the best game available on the DS, but also my second favorite game of all time. For more on that, follow this link:
http://screwattack.com/node/8349
Resident Evil Deadly Silence is an absolute flawless remake of the original PSX game, Resident Evil. While many consider the Resident Evil on the Gamecube as the perfect remake, I think it's almost a completely different game. This game feels like the original, but with all of its flaws fixed. It handles so perfectly on the DS, and the dual screen comes to use by providing a map that also displays your health. It kind of reminds me of the VMU on the Dreamcast version of Resident Evil Code: Veronica. During gameplay, it would show your vitals on the VMU screen, letting you know your health condition at all times. Adding in simple gameplay mechanics, and giving you the choice between Rebirth or Classic mode makes this game an absolute MUST HAVE for any DS owner.

RUMBLE PAK:
It was $10 on clearance at Walmart, so I bought it....that's pretty much it, haha.

Alright, so that sums up all of my Nintendo DS collection. Now keep in mind, all of these collections I'm showing are all still expanding, but here is a rather large one. My PSP collection is pretty big now, and there are still a few games I plan on getting for it. I really like my PSP, even more so than my DS, and I think my selection of games shows it!

Def Jam Fight for NY The Takeover:
This game is meant to take place before Def Jam Fight for NY for the PS2, Gamecube, and XBox. As far as the story goes, it doesn't really portray this very well. It almost feels like this game was the prototype that became the console games. It's still a fun game, but it takes a more Arcade style on this version. Adding in a few new ways to do damage like, mounted attacks and throwing sand makes the game a different experience. While the previous title really focused on using all of your attack methods, this one really sticks to mostly striking. If you liked the original, you'll enjoy this game, but not nearly as much.

MTV jackass the game:
I'm a HUGE fan of the Jackass show, Wildboyz show, Viva La Bam, the movies, all of it! If it's Jackass related, chances are I like it. So when I heard a game was coming out, I was skeptical, but I knew I had to play this game. It turned out to be an absolute blast! While it is a bunch of mini-games, some are based off of real stunts from the show. You actually get rankings in each mini-game by trying to pull off 5 different challenges. It's a lot of fun trying to get 100% on this game, and a challenge too. This game is perfect for the PSP, but I hear the DS version is pretty bad. I'd suggest this game for portable gaming, but it isn't worth playing on your PS2.

Darkstalkers Chronicle The Chaos Tower:
When I bought this game, I only had one thought in mind, "Oh crap, this game is rare!" It's a bit hard to find, but isn't worth too much money yet. I don't really care for this game, or this franchise, but it's still fun to play once in awhile. That is...it WAS until I got Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max. That game blows this one away, but hey...I don't really own this game to play it. I'll probably sell it sometime in the future for a quick buck.

Manhunt 2:
Before making the decision to get this game, I did my research. After a ton of reading, I realized that this game could work perfectly fine on the PSP. I was worried that the PS2 version would be the only way to go, but I was wrong. This game doesn't need a L2 or R2, works great on a handheld, and almost feels like it was built for the PSP. The levels usually aren't too lengthly, and the game has just the right amount of cinematics for a portable game. After buying it I was planning on getting the PS2 version, but I quickly was satisfied with this version. If you've been looking for a game to play on your PSP, I'd strongly suggest this title. It's got a cool story, good graphics, fun gameplay, and a creepy atmosphere. This game rocks!

Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories:
When I got this game, I already had it for the PS2. So why did I get this version? Well two reasons really. I wanted to play this game on the system it was originally made for, and also the multiplayer. I'm not big on multiplayer, but my girlfriend and a friend of mine both had this game, and I wanted to try it out. The game was cheap, so I picked it up. The multiplayer was an absolute blast, and for some reason I'm incredibly good at it. I eventually decided to replay the game so I could unlock all of the multiplayer extras. I found out that I prefer the PSP layout of controls for this game WAAAY more than any of the console versions. It's so simple on the PSP, it fits the game perfectly.

PoPoLoCrois:
I bought this game because of the quotes on the back:
,"A fun, old school RPG with the quirky look of 16-bit sprites fancied up with modern technology"
- Game Informer Magazine
,"I couldn't put the game down...There is a slew of console RPGs released every year that aren't nearly as good as PoPoLoCrois."
- Game Informer Magazine
These quotes are entirely false. The game is extremely bland, and feels incredibly rushed. The only reason I haven't traded it in yet is because I payed $10, and they're offering me $1. Screw that. While the battle system is fun, I wouldn't suggest this game to any RPG fan or PSP owner. Maybe I needed to get a bit further for the game to improve, but from what I had played it doesn't seem like there is much there.

Mega Man Powered Up:
Mega Man Powered Up, also known as number 96 on my TOP 100 Games of All Time list (http://screwattack.com/node/6611), is definitely one of the best Mega Man games out there. While I prefer Mega Man 3, X, and X4...I've gotta say Powered Up is definitely the best Mega Man title in recent history. I'm surprised with all the PSP to PS2 ports (yes, I said PSP to PS2...not PS2 to PSP) that Powered Up hasn't made it's way over yet. I would sell a TON of copies. My only problem with this game, isn't even with this game. I'm just pissed Powered Up 2 isn't out yet!

Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX:
I knew I wanted this game once it was released. Not because it was SFA3, because I don't really like that game (I prefer the second one more), but because it's awesome to have a SF game with ALL the characters on a handheld. And it's true. I've had tons of fun playing this game so far, and what's the best part? I got it for $10 NEW at EB Games. Heck yeah, totally worth it.

Power Stone Collection:
This is another game I bought, not so much because I wanted it, but because it's rare. While I did actually want this game, I bought it more due to it's rarity. It's a fun game, and the Power Stone style of fighting actually works EXTREMELY well on a portable device. The action is short and sweet, and perfect for on the run gaming. Not to mention the game looks great, and doesn't seem to be any different from the original games. If you can find this game, pick it up, it's worth whatever you pay (Unless it's above $30). For more on this game, check out the episode of Daily Game Fix dedicated to it:
http://screwattack.com/node/4749

Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel:
This isn't a game, but an interactive graphic novel. There isn't much to say besides I got it for my Metal Gear Solid collection, and that it's a graphic novel of the original MGS. It's cool, but I haven't sat through the entire thing yet.

The Silent Hill Experience:
I bought this for collection purposes as well. There are two graphic novels on here, neither of them are that good. A cool thing available on here are about 20 or 30 songs from the games, hand-chosen by the directors of the games as their favorite pieces. Also, they've got several interviews with the creators of the Silent Hill franchise and Silent Hill movie. It's pretty cool, but probably could have been extras on the Silent Hill DVD rather than a separate UMD.

Silent Hill Origins:
Aaah...the BEST Silent Hill Game of all time. While it isn't my favorite, SHO provides the best way to play a Silent Hill game. The controls are smooth, the game is scary, the gameplay is awesome, the music rocks, and the storyline is great. This game is so good that it ranked number 30 on my TOP 100 Games of All Time list, which you can find here:
http://screwattack.com/node/7429
In my opinion, this game is enough reason to own a PSP. It really is THAT good. Although, with it available on the PS2 now, it kind of makes this version of the game a little less valuable.

Metal Gear Ac!d:
This game is very interesting, especially for MGS fans. This game has almost no connection and is nothing like ANY other Metal Gear game. I still liked it though. Somehow this game was able to take card-based strategy, and strategy RPG elements, mix'em together, and produce something that I actually like. Both of those genres aren't my preferred game types to play, but they blend beautifully in this title. I feel like these games are ignored by too many people, and really deserve a lot more attention than they are receiving. MGA and MGA2 are both awesome games. For more on this game, check out this Daily Game Fix episode:
http://screwattack.com/node/6318

Metal Gear Ac!d 2:
There isn't much to say about this game that I didn't say above. This is definitely a more comic book feel for the series, especially with the cel-shaded graphics. The game is awesome, and it's a real shame so many people choose not to play these games. They're seriously awesome. No replay value, but the games still rule.

Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops:
I'm a little torn on this game. It wasn't bad really, but it definitely wasn't that great. I feel like they took MGS to portable very well, but I'm not sure I agreed with other aspects of the game. Capturing soldiers, traveling to locations, the drawn cut-scenes...none of that really sat well with me. I felt a yearning for something more the whole time I played this game. While the final boss battle was cool, and the storyline of this game was good, it just felt like it was never 100%. A decent PSP game, but I'd choose many titles over it, including the Ac!d games.

HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER!

I decided to go ahead and feature this "collection" in this blog as well. My VIRTUAL BOY COLLECTION!!! Oh yeeaaaah, hahaha. I only have one game, and I haven't even played it.

Red Alarm:
All I know about this game is what the Angry Video Game Nerd spoke of it in his Virtual Boy review. My cables for my Virtual Boy have gone missing, so I haven't even been able to test the game out. My girlfriend gave me this game after finding it laying around, and admittedly said she was never going to play it. So that's it, hahaha. Oh yeah, sorry that the picture is so blurry. I tried several times, and it wouldn't come out NOT blurry. I guess the Virtual Boy game was hurting the camera.

Well that wraps up this episode of Collections! I hope you enjoyed my DS and PSP collections, and if you've got anything to say, PLEASE feel free to do so. Also, I'd love to see what you guys have got, so make a blog of your own collections as well. Make sure you tune in next time to Collection when I show off my collections for my current gen consoles. That's right, I'll show off my 360, PS3, and Wii collections. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you next time...on Collections.