NINJA GAIDEN: DRAGON SWORD
When Team Ninja announced that they were working on a Ninja Gaiden title for the DS, most people were skeptical about how well the series would translate to a handheld, especially the DS. The series was built on fast action, smooth gameplay, and lightning-quick controls, which most DS titles have been lacking.

It turns out that Team Ninja was up to the task after all, creating the most fast-paced game on the DS and hopefully laying the groundwork for action games to come on Nintendo's handheld.

THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU
Square Enix puts the little handheld that could through its paces in this excellent new action RPG from Final Fantasy VII character designer and Kingdom Hearts mastermind Tetsuya Nomura.

With high production values, an involved battle system and a great story, The World Ends With You is a refreshing and often ground-breaking take on an increasingly stale genre. It's not for the faint of heart, but if you've got the time to invest, this is amongst the most rewarding RPGs you're likely to find, on portable or console.

PUCHI PUCHI VIRUS
If you'r looking for a something other than Metoes or a mind enhancement title for your Nintendo DS then you need look no further than NIS America's upcoming puzzler, Puchi Puchi Virus.

Read on to find out just how a puzzle game that doesn't rely on falling blocks or cascading combos has ended up shining as one of the DS's finest.

DRAGLADE
Do you like hitting things? Do you like music? Do you like collecting? Do you like mad hair that defies gravity? Do you like stories that make your head hurt?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, then Draglade, the universe's first beat action, anime-styled fighting game may well be for you.

TEENAGE ZOMBIES: INVASION OF THE ALIEN BRAIN THINGYS
The world is being invaded by nasty alien brain thingys, so it's natural that our saviours will be... three freshly-dead teenage zombies with a variety of weird and wonderful abilities. Erm, isn't it?

Everybody knows that zombies just want to eat BRAINS, so it does make sense. The question is; should anyone who still has half a brain left actually buy this game or not? Read on, because the answer might just surprise you...

FISH TYCOON
There have been many 'tycoon' games over the years - Railroad Tycoon, Zoo Tycoon, RollerCoaster Tycoon, Casino Tycoon...

Just when you thought they'd run out of things to Tycoon [I always thought that Typhoon Tycoon had a nice ring to it, where you play some kind of James Bond supervillain with a weather machine at your disposal! Ed], along comes Fish Tycoon. Yes, Fish Tycoon. No, we're not making this up! Read on to find out if it isn't just the title that smells a bit, erm, fishy...

UNDERCOVER: DUAL MOTIVES
Phoenix Wright and his new friend Apollo may have brought the traditional adventure game back from the ashes and onto high street shelves, but they still don't quite offer that old school point 'n' click experience.

With a truly traditional interface, Undercover: Dual Motives might just offer the sort of nostalgic hit that's arguably missing from the DS's line up. However, will this be one little undercover agent we wish we hadn't exposed?

APOLLO JUSTICE: ACE ATTORNEY
Do you remember how the final case in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney utilised all of the DS's unique and cool features in an adventure built from the ground up for the system?

Well, here's Capcom's first lawyer 'em up built specifically for the popular handheld. Does it live up to its potential? Alan Martin grabs a gavel and hands down the verdict inside. Members of the jury, how do you plead?

FINAL FANTASY: CRYSTAL CHRONICLES - RING OF FATES
Ever wanted to go on a night out but found that your wallet is as void of content as a Guitar Hero III download pack? How sweet it is when your best mate offers to lend you twenty quid so you can join your friends and enjoy a great night out?

Friendship sometimes goes a long way - and this is the essence of Ring of Fates. A spiritual sequel to Crystal Chronicles, the series has finally found a true home thanks to Nintendo DS Wi-Fi, where you can join three of your mates on the adventure of a lifetime.

PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE CURIOUS VILLAGE
With tough competition on both the adventure (Phoenix Wright, Hotel Dusk) and the Puzzle (Brain Age, Tetris) fronts on the DS, Professor Layton and the Curious Village has a tough road ahead if it wants to stay with the pack.

Fortunately, Layton easily holds his own in both categories, with puzzles that are more engaging than any found in the Brain games and characters that hold up well even against the charming Phoenix Wright. Step inside to learn more about this little gem!