Nintendo DS Fall Preview

The holiday season is looking like another excellent one for Nintendo DS fans. The lineup is filled with long running franchises that offers a little something for everyone from intense action to deep thinking strategy to interactive novels. Nintendo DS's diverse and quality lineup will ensure the system prosperity for many months to come. Here are the top five Nintendo DS games this fall.

5. Front Mission 1st
^{Publisher: Square Enix, Developer: Square Enix, Release Date: October 23, 2007, ESRB Rating: RP}
The Front Mission series features turn-based strategy gameplay with giant robots called Wanzers. The series is famous for the amount of depth in customizing and attacking with your Wanzers. Front Mission 1st marks the first time American gamers get to experience the original game that started it all. The Nintendo DS remake includes additional content such as cameos from the series, new customizations and extra missions.

4. Phoenix Wright: Trials & Tribulations
^{Publisher: Capcom, Developer: Capcom, Release Date: October 23, 2007, ESRB Rating: T}
The Phoenix Wright series has quite a cult following; it's not hard to see why with its funny dialogues, extremely likeable characters and quirky but engaging stories. For those unfamiliar with the game, Phoenix Wright is basically an interactive novel that immerses you in the role of a defense lawyer. Phoenix Wright: Trials & Tribulations will continue the storyline so make sure you play the prequels before jumping in on the third game of the series.

3. Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword
^{Publisher: Team Ninja, Developer: Tecmo, Release Date: November 1, 2007, ESRB Rating: RP}
One of the greatest action game ever made makes its way to the Nintendo DS. Fortunately, Ninja Gaiden loses nothing in the transition from console to handheld gaming. The beautiful graphics (some of the best ever for a DS game) and intense action remains. What's unique about this installment is that controls are done completely with a stylus and you play by flipping the DS by its side. Although it sounds complicated, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword puts the elements together for an excellent experience.

2. Contra 4
^{Publisher: WayFoward, Developer: Konami, Release Date: November 13, 2007, ESRB Rating: RP}
After a long hiatus, the old school Contra series returns exclusively for the Nintendo DS. What makes Contra 4 special is that it is made by fans for fans. You can expect the same awesome music, intense action and incredible cooperative play the classic hardcore series is know for. This time, however, the action takes place in not one but two screens. As a result, Contra has gotten even more intense.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
^{Publisher: Nintendo, Developer: Nintendo, Release Date: October 1, 2007, ESRB Rating: E}
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is a direct sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. Like Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, the game uses the touch screen exclusively. All the classic Zelda elements are in Phantom Hourglass: from the creative puzzles, fun exploration and intense boss battles. The Zelda games are just plain fun and The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is no different; as a result, it is easily the best Nintendo DS game this fall.