The Connoisseur's Top 10 DS Games of All Time: 4-2

4. New Super Mario Bros DS

 Screw that, let's go the other way.

Well, to put it simply, this game has everything you'd want out of a 2D Mario platformer on the DS. But you already know that because it's Super Mario. So, for those of you who haven't tried it, all you need to know is that this is one of the DS's best games and that you're missing out. Why isn't it higher on the list? Well, some of the levels are less lengthy than they should be, and I found it a bit easier as compared to some of the other entries in the franchise. But that's about it. You should play this game.

3. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

 Some of the bosses might make you rage.

This was the first of the great DS games that I played. I still regard it as one of the best. This is an excellent Castlevania, on even ground with Symphony of the Night, Circle of the Moon, Aria of Sorrow, and any of the rest. It's a good challenge, has excellent and varied boss battles, great combat and platforming, and much more. I sunk many an hour into this gem. However, I do admit that I haven't played Order of Ecclesia, which I've heard great things about, so perhaps the rankings could change in the future. I didn't try it because I was disappointed in Portrait of Ruin. Anyway, make sure to play Dawn of Sorrow if you haven't already.

2. Advance Wars: Dual Strike

 Jake is all like 'yo yo yo yo yo dawg'

The last two were incredibly difficult to place, but Dual Strike will have to settle for second. It's easily one of the best TBS games I've ever played. My problem with other TBS in the past has always been that they're too slow-paced, especially compared to RTS games. Advance Wars... not so much. The missions move briskly, with great-looking action and loads of strategy involved, whether it be in-battle tactics or choosing the best commanders for the job pre-fight. The only issue is that a veteran of these sorts of games might find the bast majority of the battles too easy. But it's a small issue next to just how incedibly fun this game is. There are plenty of missions to play, along with secret missions, a real-time combat mode in which you control one unit at a time, you vs the AI head-to-head matches with the option of multiple commanders on each team, a survival mode, and much more. There's also a mini achievement system, unlockables that can be purchased with money earned, and even plenty of customization (including map-making). Dual Strike is a game loaded with things to do, meaning there's a huge amount of replayability on top of the superb campaign, and easily deserves its spot so high on my list.