So this is Part Two of my recommendations for josei fans who are looking for games to play on the Nintendo DS/3DS. It can be tricky because as young women there’s not really many developers who directly target our demographic. Luckily for us though, our numbers are growing, and we’re getting more and more recognized as time goes on. So I’ve compiled a list that attempts to bring together games that would appeal to any josei fan, as well as being fun games to play. I’d never recommend something I personally dislike! So let’s continue this list, I’ve got 10 more games/series up my sleeve! Check out Part One here if you missed it!
Fire Emblem Series
Fire emblem has quickly become one of my favourite handhelds as it has great titles for both the DS and 3DS. They’re Tactical Role-Playing Games set in a fantasy medieval setting. On the DS you’ll find a remake of the very first Fire Emblem game (originally on the famicom). You can finally learn about the infamous Prince Marth and his exploits in this game titled Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon. The touch controls allow for smooth gameplay that’s easy to maneuver through. There’s also Fire Emblem Awakening on the 3DS which I’ve previously reviewed. It’s a great title for anyone new to the series. I recommend these games because they do a great job at bridging both female and male players by having a large female cast who all wield swords and kick butt (which isn’t always common in North American games). The stories are also large in scale, and the tactics element leaves you satisfied with just enough of a challenge to keep you going. If you like rpg’s and are looking for something new to try or you love large-scale stories with heroines and dragons, then check this series out! You won’t be disappointed.
Harvest Moon
This series has a lot to offer for both newcomers and old veterans of the series. They’re simulation role-playing games where your aim is to rebuild the farm, find love and eventually have children. Intermixed is addictive gameplay as you farm crops and take care of the livestock. It’s a laid back game but it’s adorable and addictive. The simulation aspect is welcome for any quasi otome fan, and you have lots of potential bachelors at your disposal. The customization and options involved make for new experiences with every game, and as each title adds in new elements, every game is a new experience. If you’re picking up Harvest Moon DS, make sure to get DS Cute as it features a female protagonist instead of a boy in the regular DS version. You can even travel to an island in two of the DS titles, Island of Happiness and Sunshine Islands (which is a nice change of scenery compared to the other titles). And speaking of changing scenery….
Rune Factory Series
Akin to the Harvest Moon series is its fantasy counterpart, Rune Factory. There are 3 titles available for the DS as well as an upcoming title on the 3DS Rune Factory 4 which is slated for October this year. As the subtitle suggests, it’s much the same experience as Harvest Moon, just in a fantasy setting. You’re still farming and picking out your future husband, but this time instead of livestock they’ve opted for monsters. This involves an RPG style element to the game which is kind of a neat addition for those who are looking for something more challenging than Harvest Moon alone. It’s another fun series that it great to truck around with you and play when you’ve got a little time to spare. The main storylines are fun and fulfilling and the series overall is a satisfying experience.
Rhythm Heaven
I love me some rhythm games! This game had me addicted for quite a while with its simplistic yet adorable art style. The gameplay is also quite simple itself, following a semi Warioware experience. Using simple instruction you had to tap, swipe and more to the beat. It can get really challenging as you play through. If you liked Warioware, or you like rhythm games this is a fun one to add to your collection. It’s really cheap to find nowadays too so if you’re finding out about this title for the first time you should be able to snag it for less than $10 bucks used.
Love Revo
Another guilty pleasure game I’ll admit. This one’s a bit different though. You’re not only trying to find the love of your life, you’re also trying to lose weight. It’s a kind of shallow concept, but not all the guys in this game judge you for your looks. It’s another simulation dating otome game, but it adds something new to the genre. There’s not many translated otome games for the DS, and this is one of the few titles you can find. The translation patch can be found here. If you like otome games and are looking for a decent handheld one then give this title a try.
Final Fantasy Series
Every josei girl likes herself some good rpg’s. The DS is great as it’s handheld, allowing you to take your addiction with you. On the DS you can find some original Final Fantasy titles as well as some remakes of titles that never originally made it to North America. There’s also a continuation of the Crystal Chronicles series for DS (originally on the Gamecube) so if you’re a fan of the original, they’re worth checking out. These titles are known for compelling storylines as well as challenging gameplay. They all follow a level-based system although not all are turn based (check out the Crystal Chronicles series for that). If you’ve overlooked any titles it’s worth checking out the list available for the DS. Gokusaishiki is currently working on a translation of Blood of Bahamut which is a Japan exclusive. So even if you thought you’ve played them all, anticipate this release!
The World Ends With You
This is a Square Enix title that utilized the abilities of the touch screen with an interesting battle system on the DS. It’s set in Shibuya Japan, and features anime-style art that is gorgeous. It’s a differently paced rpg which makes for a nice change if you’re into rpg’s but are looking for a new experience. You play as an anti-social teenager (appropriately wearing headphones) in ‘Games’ that involve the after life, and coming back to life or transcending into a higher existence. It’s a strange plot, but appropriately so as the game has a strange and unique feel to it. If you enjoy rpg’s and are looking for a new title then give this one a shot!
Radiant Historia
Another rpg for the DS, but a welcomed addition is Radiant Historia. It’s done by Atlus,so you know it’s going to be good. It’s turn based so the battle system doesn’t stray from anything too unfamiliar, but it has a twist that makes the story very interesting. You can travel between times, past and future and relive moments in order to make new choices. So for those who want to live out different outcomes can go back and fix prior choices. It makes for a refreshing take on rpg stories, as often times we have to make choices and then live with them. Finally we can have all the options at our disposal! It’s a really cool feature and the game has an interesting story already, as it’s focused in an alternate fantasy reality. If you’re into fantasy games or like the idea of time travel then definitely pick this one up!
Okamiden
A sequel to the awesome title on the Wii Okami, this time around you’re following Amaterasu’s kin, Chibiterasu (an appropriately adorable name). Instead of the wiimote this one opts for the DS stylus, where you slash and use different strokes to attack and solve puzzles. The art style is colourful and cute as it goes mini for the handheld. It’s a bit of an unknown title, as was its predecessor so if you’re curious about either game, they’re both fun ones to try out. The Celestial Brush which is used to affect the world in which you play within is much more fluid this time around as the stylus and touch screen are more precise. If you like problem solving games with a bit of action mixed in then check this one out. It’s a visual treat.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Series
Atlus is prolific with its jrpg’s while they continually bring out more awesome titles that are worth playing through. This series is a side story of sorts to the Shin Megami Tensei series (which is also worth checking out as well). Their games span over many consoles as well as a few titles on the 3DS for those who are looking for more that this series has to offer. This one however takes a step in a different direction by being a tactical game where you move squads and make strategic choices in order to defeat the enemy. The story is compelling as it revolves around a mystery which can only be brought to a close by finishing the game, so of course it has you playing through in order to see it through to the end. I personally love tactics games, and this one is a turn-based one (similar to Fire Emblem) so you can take your time plotting out your victory. I’ve never had trouble loving an Atlus title, so if you love mystery stories or tactical games definitely pick this one up.
So that’s Part Two of my josei games list on the DS/3DS. I hope I gave you some ideas for you to try out. To buy a DS system or many of the games is now much cheaper, and although these games are upwards of 5 years old, they’ve aged nicely and often times their art is spectacular and not limited to the handheld’s capabilities. So give it a shot even if the system is new to you, the amount of good titles on the system is worth the investment!
Christina
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