Puzzle games for the DS...Best?...Worst?

[Crazy Climber]

Hello

I have recently discovered that I am in to puzzle games. As much as I try to play Zelda and Castlevania I think puzzle games end up being the only games I keep coming back to. I was wondering if you guys could help me with which DS puzzle games are the best and which ones I should run away from. Heres the ones I have played and really enjoyed.

 

Zoo Keeper

Tetris DS

Honeycomb Beat (a suprisingly fun game)

Polarium

Meteos (and Disney Meteos also)

Brain Age (not really a puzzle game but close enough)

 

Any must haves I'm missing out on, also any advice on any duds would be great too. I took a chance on Honeycomb Beat and liked it but it doesn't always work out that way

[n8littlefield]

Puzzle Quest is phenominal. It's basically a turn based Bejeweled fighting game and absolutely glorious. I highly, highly recommend it. Can be a bit of a pain to find a copy I've heard (I found it at Best Buy).

 

I'm curious - what is the gameplay on Honeycomb Beat like? I could definately see myself picking up a copy.

[Gregory DG]

Tetris DS is awesome. Online Wifi!

 

There's Bust-A-Move, but I don't think it's all that good.

 

Then there's also Magnetica, which is a version of Ballistic from the same designers. (Zuma copied the original idea.)

 

And while I don't think it's a puzzle game exactly, Advance Wars DS really reminds me of a very broad game of chess. Probably my favorite game on the system so far.

[SpendTooMuchOnAtari]

I'll second Magnetica, I really enjoyed it. I'm also into puzzle games and like the games you listed Crazy Climber. You may enjoy Pogo Island, it's kind of a puzzle game but also has a word game and some others. You can actually earn tokens in the game and then log onto pogo.com, transfer them and enter the drawings for cash with them.....I know, slim chance of actually winning real cash but it's possible.

 

Also, I have Quick Spot but I haven't opened it yet. It looks really neat, from what I can tell, it's a game where you try to spot differences in pictures. You know, like in the kids magazine "Highlights" or perhaps from the little menus given to kids in restaurants.

I don't know though, like I said, I haven't opened it but it looks like it may be better for 2 players.

[Crazy Climber]

Puzzle Quest is phenominal. It's basically a turn based Bejeweled fighting game and absolutely glorious. I highly, highly recommend it. Can be a bit of a pain to find a copy I've heard (I found it at Best Buy).

 

I'm curious - what is the gameplay on Honeycomb Beat like? I could definately see myself picking up a copy.

Honeycomb Beat has fast gameplay and can be a little hard to learn. The part that I really enjoy is the puzzle mode where you solve different puzzles with no time limit. I would compare that part of the game to Polarium. The other mode is kind of like a DS version of Lumines, not exactly like it, they are 2 very different games but kind of the same feel.

I was wondering about Puzzle Quest, I am going to get that one now

[Crazy Climber]

Tetris DS is awesome. Online Wifi!

 

There's Bust-A-Move, but I don't think it's all that good.

 

Then there's also Magnetica, which is a version of Ballistic from the same designers. (Zuma copied the original idea.)

 

And while I don't think it's a puzzle game exactly, Advance Wars DS really reminds me of a very broad game of chess. Probably my favorite game on the system so far.

I didn't know they made a Bust a Move for the DS. I like that game on the old Neo Geo. Do you just think the DS version is not that good or do you not like the game at all for any system? Just wondering if just the DS version is a dud.

[Crazy Climber]

I'll second Magnetica, I really enjoyed it. I'm also into puzzle games and like the games you listed Crazy Climber. You may enjoy Pogo Island, it's kind of a puzzle game but also has a word game and some others. You can actually earn tokens in the game and then log onto pogo.com, transfer them and enter the drawings for cash with them.....I know, slim chance of actually winning real cash but it's possible.

 

Also, I have Quick Spot but I haven't opened it yet. It looks really neat, from what I can tell, it's a game where you try to spot differences in pictures. You know, like in the kids magazine "Highlights" or perhaps from the little menus given to kids in restaurants.

I don't know though, like I said, I haven't opened it but it looks like it may be better for 2 players.

Ahh Magnetica, I was also going to ask about that one but forgot the name. That one does look cool, I think I will look for it along with Puzzle Quest. I heard Quick Spot is cool but is over quickly, I'll probably still buy it though

[Jess Ragan]

Tetris DS is awesome. Online Wifi!

 

There's Bust-A-Move, but I don't think it's all that good.

 

Then there's also Magnetica, which is a version of Ballistic from the same designers. (Zuma copied the original idea.)

 

And while I don't think it's a puzzle game exactly, Advance Wars DS really reminds me of a very broad game of chess. Probably my favorite game on the system so far.

I didn't know they made a Bust a Move for the DS. I like that game on the old Neo Geo. Do you just think the DS version is not that good or do you not like the game at all for any system? Just wondering if just the DS version is a dud.

 

It's not. He may not like it, but I LOVED it. It's the best BAM game in years, thanks to a return to the series' original art style as well as stylus control that makes the gameplay more user-friendly and spontaneous than ever before. You pull back a slingshot to fire the bubbles, rather sloooowly cranking a lever like in the previous games.

 

A puzzle game that really DOES stink on the Nintendo DS is Gunpey Reverse. You arrange tiles on the screen to form jagged horizontal lines. The game's ridiculously easy... the only challenge comes from not slipping into a coma while you're playing it.

 

JR

[BrianC]

 

I didn't know they made a Bust a Move for the DS. I like that game on the old Neo Geo. Do you just think the DS version is not that good or do you not like the game at all for any system? Just wondering if just the DS version is a dud.

 

They didn't just make one, they made two, Puzzle Bobble DS (Japan only) and Bust a Move DS/Hippatte Puzzle Bobble. Both are good, but Bust-A-Move DS has too many puzzle levels that rely more on luck than skill. I prefer Puzzle Bobble DS. It has better graphics and music, while still keeping the classic Bubble Bobble theme. It has better puzzle design and some nice features like a "DS Mode" with ? mark bubbles that give power ups. Bust-A-Move DS/Hippatte Puzzle Bobble has better stylus control, but both games can also be played with the D-pad.

 

Here is a link to a page for Puzzle Bobble DS.

 

A puzzle game that really DOES stink on the Nintendo DS is Gunpey Reverse. You arrange tiles on the screen to form jagged horizontal lines. The game's ridiculously easy... the only challenge comes from not slipping into a coma while you're playing it

 

Even on the hardest mode? That contradicts what I heard about the game (from multiple sources, not just reviews). I heard it's challenging. I haven't played it, though. I hope it's not another Minna de Puyo Puyo/Puyo Pop GBA (a game where reviews said it was hard, despite it's extreme easiness). However, I have heard that Trion Cube is ridiulously easy.

Edited April 24, 2007 by BrianC

[Gregory DG]

I didn't know they made a Bust a Move for the DS. I like that game on the old Neo Geo. Do you just think the DS version is not that good or do you not like the game at all for any system? Just wondering if just the DS version is a dud.

I love Bust-A-Move since the first version that appeared on the Neo. I didn't like the controls, either the loose stylus control or the wild joystick controls. Neither are all that accurate. Plus with the lower resolution, it's harder to get the bubbles high into the playfield if it has to pass by other bubbles.

 

It's so-so, I just think the controls ruin it.

[NE146]

Hello... no one mentioned PICROSS DS? It's probably one of my all time favorite DS titles at the moment!

Yes there's only the jap import at the moment.. but soon the euro version with english in it (I think) is coming out May 11 So that's the one to get if jap menus are a problem for you

 

Posted by Cyhwuhx:

 

Just got a (Dutch) press-release for Picross DS by Nintendo themselves. To be released May 11th (around €30 like Brain Training).

 

It has:

- Picross Mode: normal picross with 300 puzzles. unlocks touchscreen mini-games.

- MyPicross: editor for your own puzzles which can be traded locally or via NFWC.

- Daily Picross: daily snack-pack of picross puzzles (like in Polarium Advance). Unlocks No X's, Error Search and Memory modes.

 

Includes skin and multiplayer options both locally and via NFWC!

 

Oh, and let me just add that if you were a fan of Mario Picross.. then this is the same pedigree. You can even download Mario Picross puzzles and play them and they even have remixed music from the game

Edited April 24, 2007 by NE146

[n8littlefield]

We have Magnetica as well, very fun. We got hooked on the Psone version of Ballistic so we jumped on it quick when the DS version came out. Just saw Quickspot in the stores and almost grabbed it, but I've been slightly obsessive about playing Puzzle Quest lately and downloaded Battle Lode Runner on the Wii so I figured maybe I'd wait to pick up another game

[SpendTooMuchOnAtari]

A puzzle game that really DOES stink on the Nintendo DS is Gunpey Reverse. You arrange tiles on the screen to form jagged horizontal lines. The game's ridiculously easy... the only challenge comes from not slipping into a coma while you're playing it.

 

JR

 

:!: Ah-Ha, Gunpey is another DS game that I have but didn't open yet and perhaps won't now. I got it really cheap and just picked it up.

 

Does anyone have Pogo Island? I really like it but I have odd tastes in games sometimes.

[Damon Plus]

Is Gunpey really that bad? I´ve only heard negative comments about it.

[Chickybaby]

Just bought Pogo Island but haven't opened it yet. Zookeeper is awesome! Just bought Disney Meteos, BRain Age and Big Brain Acadamy as well as the 4 in one games for the DS. Clubhouse Games are pretty fun. I was noy impressed with Rub Rabbits that someone gave us.

 

Puzzle games are one of my favorite type of game whether on paper or virtual that I always go back to. My other favorites are in first pinball, followed by shooting and fighting.

 

The "March of the Penguins" game is basically Lemmings with Penguins instead just as a random FYI.

 

Great thread btw and thanks for the ideas as I've been looking for something new.

[SpendTooMuchOnAtari]

Just bought Pogo Island but haven't opened it yet.

 

Do it, everyone's doing it, you know you want to, it feels so good, don't you want to be cool?

 

 

Just joking around.

 

Really though, crack that baby open Chickybaby, I think you'll like it and if you have your DS hooked up to the net, be sure to go to pogo.com and sign up so you can transfer your tokens.

 

Good call with Clubhouse Games, it's a good one too.

[n8littlefield]

How is March of the Penguins? I knew it was basically Lemmings with tuxedos but does it actually play well? I'd totally buy it if the gameplay is decent.

 

I agree w/ Clubhouse Games as well. Great selection of games.

 

We have Zoo Keeper, but I find that I never actually go back to play it since there are so many other great puzzle games that offer more variety. It's really fun in multiplayer though.

 

Meteos never really clicked for me, but I'm tempted to try the Disney version anyways, just to see if the ability to move the blocks sideways and the addition of Lilo & Stitch makes it better

[Chickybaby]

How is March of the Penguins? I knew it was basically Lemmings with tuxedos but does it actually play well? I'd totally buy it if the gameplay is decent.

 

I agree w/ Clubhouse Games as well. Great selection of games.

 

We have Zoo Keeper, but I find that I never actually go back to play it since there are so many other great puzzle games that offer more variety. It's really fun in multiplayer though.

 

Meteos never really clicked for me, but I'm tempted to try the Disney version anyways, just to see if the ability to move the blocks sideways and the addition of Lilo & Stitch makes it better

 

There's something satisfying about that *plink* noise while playing zookeeper although the faces the animals make sort of looks like they are being porked if you get my meaning.

 

I'm not impressed with March one bit - I just happen to love penguins and lemmings so it seemed like a good combo at the time and I would probably have bought it even if I knew the game sucked for those reasons mentioned above. It didn't suck and looking at it after discounts we paid a bit over $12 used so the price was right so to speak.

 

Oddly, lol, the backrounds and the sideways thing were the reason I wanted to try it/Disney Meteos as well and hoping the game will impress me more.

 

We're waiting on Risk/Clue/Perfection/Aggravation/ Mouse Trap, Uno/Skip-Bo/Uno Freefall , Battleship/Trouble/Sorry/Connect 4, Quick Spot, and the Disney Meteos from Amazon and won an auction with the Brain Age, Big Brain Acadamy, Metroid Prime Hunters, Mario DS, and Trauma Center for $62 after shipping on Ebay. I think they will keep me busy for a while. I didn't realise just how many games,lol, until I typed it all out.

 

 

I've had a Pogo account by default for quite a few years since AOL partners with Club Pogo. Although I found myself playing Yahoo games more frequently then Pogo.

[Jess Ragan]

We have Zoo Keeper, but I find that I never actually go back to play it since there are so many other great puzzle games that offer more variety.

 

And all those other puzzle games have better sound. Sweet merciful crap, I've never heard worse music in my entire life! I'd rather listen to a Yoko Ono or Bjork album!

 

JR

[NE146]

We have Zoo Keeper, but I find that I never actually go back to play it since there are so many other great puzzle games that offer more variety.

 

And all those other puzzle games have better sound. Sweet merciful crap, I've never heard worse music in my entire life! I'd rather listen to a Yoko Ono or Bjork album!

 

JR

 

Well if you like Zookeeper in any capacity then definitely get Puzzle Quest. Of course basically it's Zookeeper (or Bejeweled as it may), with all the RPG elements that really draw you into the game a lot more than Zookeper would Heck, it's the hottest puzzle game around at the moment!

 

However, I actually prefer playing the PSP version of Puzzle Quest.. bugs or not.

[Jess Ragan]

If it's got better sound than Zookeeper, I'm sold!

(wish I could find a place that sold it...)

 

JR

[SpendTooMuchOnAtari]

If it's got better sound than Zookeeper, I'm sold!

(wish I could find a place that sold it...)

 

JR

 

If you are referring to Puzzle Quest, you can have it for retail with no shipping at Amazon. You have officially now found a place that sells it......

 

LINK TO PUZZLE QUEST

[Crazy Climber]

Is POGO ISLAND made by EA? I have not purchased an EA game for about 2 or 3 years now, I refuse to buy there products. I will lift the ban maybe just once though if it's a really cool game

[Chickybaby]

Is POGO ISLAND made by EA? I have not purchased an EA game for about 2 or 3 years now, I refuse to buy there products. I will lift the ban maybe just once though if it's a really cool game

 

Why don't you just put this one in the "don't ask don't tell" pile.

[n8littlefield]

Oddly, lol, the backrounds and the sideways thing were the reason I wanted to try it/Disney Meteos as well and hoping the game will impress me more.

 

We're waiting on Risk/Clue/Perfection/Aggravation/ Mouse Trap, Uno/Skip-Bo/Uno Freefall , Battleship/Trouble/Sorry/Connect 4, Quick Spot, and the Disney Meteos from Amazon and won an auction with the Brain Age, Big Brain Acadamy, Metroid Prime Hunters, Mario DS, and Trauma Center for $62 after shipping on Ebay. I think they will keep me busy for a while. I didn't realise just how many games,lol, until I typed it all out.

 

We have Uno/Skip-Bo/Uno Freefall. It's actually not bad, but nothing I'd pay full retail for. The Uno/Skip-Bo games are rather dull in presentation and the music is horrible. I actually had a stint where I was completely addicted to the Freefall game though - it's pretty well done. I bought it for the wife for $20 and I'd say that was fair if you really like Uno and Skip-Bo (which my wife does).

 

Oddly there's a pirate themed card game in the Sims 2 casino that's very fun as well.