Over the weekend I made a little purchase. I went shopping around for a new Rock Band drum set, considering the set I have is so thrashed that even the gorilla glue holding the pads together has completely cracked, but it turns out finding a 360 set on its own is nigh impossible. Considering I wasn't interested in getting a Guitar Hero or Ion drum set, I did something completely different. I bought a DS.
I used to be a member of the DS-owning club about five years ago, but for some reason I thought I would be better suited with a PSP, so I traded in the DS. Well long story short, the PSP was stolen, and I've always regretted trading the DS for it in the first place. So after years of seeing incredible games being announced for DS, it feels great to own one again.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Pics or it didn't happen," you say? I'm getting to that. Back on
episode 82 of RetroforceGO!, I won some tasty treats from the crew (thanks again, guys!) which included some amazing pins and Dtoid stickers. The pins I tried to take pics of, but shitty camera phone is shitty, and besides that, this is about my DS. After spreading the sticker love around my laptop and notebook, I had one sticker left over. So a few snips of the scissors later and my DS became a whole lot sexier.
As far as games go, the day I picked it up I got Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia. I've loved every game I've played in the Symphony of the Night motif, and this is no exception. Though I haven't played to far into it and the glyph system takes some getting used to, I'm enjoying it. It might be a while before I get back to it, though, partly because I'm stuck on the Frankenstein-looking boss, but mostly because the day after I picked it up I traded in some games at my local Gamestop to grab a couple more gems to start my DS collection.
These are easily two of the best games I've ever played. Henry Hatsworth is such a charming game. The dialog audio is incredible, the art is amazing, and the story is ridiculously hilarious. I've been wanting to play this game since I first heard about it, mostly just to see how the combination of platforming and puzzle would work, which it does incredibly well. But what really has me hooked is Retro Game Challenge. I've been completely floored by how great this game is. I haven't played too far into this game either, but I've absolutely loved every minute of it. I've only played to Rally King so far, but I'm amazed how well designed all the games are. From the way each challenge is set up, the magazines (complete with cheat codes!) to the comments Arino makes while playing games captures the spirit of retro gaming so well. I really do feel like I've been transported to my childhood days of gaming on the NES.
I wonder though, with games this great, where do I go from here? Any suggestions for future additions to my collection?
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Also, Ace Attorney series. I finished the final instalment a few hours ago, and i'm already begging for more.. The stories and characters blew my mind; well worth playing for the incredibly satisfying final scenes to each game - when you get into it, there's nothing better!
When you say the final installment though, are you talking about the third Phoenix Wright or Apollo Justice?
I didn't think i'd be able to get into Apollo with its new cast, but honestly, its just as endearing as the first three. It also takes that Metal Gear Solid 2 stride, where you're playing as one character, but the real focus is on someone else entirely. Its very cleverly done.
Also, a testament. Ace Attorney 3 is the only DS game in the last year and a half (last being Phantom Hourglass, also reccomended!) that i've spent the full £30 retail price on. When I first got into Phoenix Wright, I never thought i'd spend that much on what seems a simple text adventure, but they're so endearing!