For RPG (role playing games) fans, the NintendoDS is a heaven sent. The Super NES used to be the home for console RPG titles that have captured the world's imagination. With the demise of the said system, RPG titles migrated to the Playstation, and afterwards, to the Playstation 2 where they have experienced what many believe as their glory days.
However, with the current generation of consoles, Japanese RPGs have taken a hit. None of the currently available consoles offer a rich library of RPG titles, leaving fans of the genre hungry, frustrated and desperate.
Thankfully, the NintendoDS has come to rescue us.
The NintendoDS has become the home of Japanese RPGs in the present video gaming age. Just take a look at the following, original JRPGs available in the system:
1. The World Ends With You. What is, perhaps, the most challenging JRPG is possible only on the NintendoDS. The World Ends With You, popularly abbreviated as TWEWY by fans, makes use of both screens of the NintendoDS, both during the exploration and the combat phases of the game. TWEWY is also one of the few JRPGs that are set in contemporary time. The stylish presentation makes this fantastic title truly stand out as not only one of the best JRPGs on the NintendoDS, but also as one of the best and most polished games in any console.
2. Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced 2. Not really a conventional JRPG but a strategy RPG. This turn-based title is a direct sequel to the first Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced for the Gameboy Advanced. Its world is so compelling that it was used as the exact, same world for Final Fantasy XII for the Sony Playstation 2.
3. Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings. Yet another strategy RPG in this list, FFXII: Revenant Wings continues exactly where FFXII for the PS2 left off. The story follows our merry band of sky pirates in their continuing quest of saving the world from impending peril.
4. Rune Factory 2: A Fantasy Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon series has always been a favorite among RPG fans, mainly because it's something different: it simulates real life. With Rune Factory 2, the Harvest Moon series takes on the usual JRPG conventions and produces a NintendoDS game that is as familiar as it is unique.
5. Rondo of Swords. Rondo of Swords is a very original strategy RPG with a totally different kind of combat system that makes good use of the NintendoDS' touch screen functionality. To say that this combat system defines the game is an understatement.
6. Blue Dragon DS. Originally published for the Xbox 360, Mistwalker's flagship property makes its debut on the NintendoDS. It is a remake of the original, but not a direct port given the NintendoDS' limitations. Instead, the Blue Dragon story is rendered in old school JRPG style that fans of the original, as well as new players, will really enjoy.
7. Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume. A retelling of the original Valyrie Profile which first appeared on the PS2. This time, however, instead of viewing the story in the eyes of Odin's soldier, you will be viewing the story in the eyes of the antagonist in the first title, Wylfred.