Among the diverse library of Final Fantasy games, the Nintendo DS console has housed some true gems that have left a lasting mark on fans. In this article, we embark on a quest to uncover the best Final Fantasy games that graced the DS, where handheld gaming converged with epic adventures.
The Nintendo DS and the Final Fantasy Series
The Nintendo DS is one of the most beloved gaming consoles of all time, and its expansive library of classic and forward-thinking games made it a household name.
One of the most acclaimed franchises to grace the DS was the Final Fantasy series, a classic role-playing game series with expansive world-building and story-telling that has attracted millions of fans around the world.
Final Fantasy has been around since the 80s, and its popularity has only grown over the years. It has been adapted to various platforms, including the Nintendo DS, and has seen a variety of games in its roster. From tactical-based to action-packed adventures, the Final Fantasy series offers something for everyone.
The Best Final Fantasy Games on Nintendo DS
With the Nintendo DS being such a powerful console for its time, it allowed for some of the greatest Final Fantasy titles to be released. Here we’ll explore some of the best titles that graced the DS and made a lasting impression on fans.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates
This action-packed title was released in 2007 for the Nintendo DS. It follows four adolescents as they are sent on a mission to save their kingdom from the mysterious crystals that keep interfering with their lives.
Bringing the multiplayer charm of the Crystal Chronicles series to the DS, Ring of Fates delivered a delightful cooperative adventure for handheld gamers.
Players embarked on a quest to rescue their captured parents, exploring dungeons, solving puzzles, and engaging in real-time combat.
The game’s seamless multiplayer functionality allowed friends to join forces locally or online, further enhancing the experience. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles – Ring of Fates was a standout multiplayer title on the DS with its charming visuals, engaging gameplay, and cooperative spirit.
Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift is a spin-off game that belongs to the tactical RPG subgenre of Final Fantasy. It is a sequel to Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, which was released on the Game Boy Advance.
It follows the story of Luso, a young boy who gets transported to the fantasy world of Ivalice after finding a mysterious book in his school library.
He joins a clan of adventurers and explores the land while searching for a way back home. The game is a tactical RPG that uses a grid-based map and turn-based combat. The game also features a complex job system, a customizable clan system, and hundreds of missions and side quests.
Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales
This charming game was released in 2007 and follows the adorable Chocobo, a flightless bird from the Final Fantasy universe. Players travel through various locations to help the Chocobo and his friends solve puzzles and challenges. The game features a variety of mini-games and card battles.
Final Fantasy IV
Final Fantasy IV is another remake of a classic game in the series, which was originally released as Final Fantasy II in North America.
It follows the journey of Cecil, a dark knight who questions his loyalty to his king after being ordered to commit atrocities.
He joins forces with a band of rebels and allies to stop the evil Golbez from obtaining the crystals and unleashing a powerful force upon the world.
The game is a turn-based RPG with an active time battle system, adding an element of urgency and strategy to the combat. The game also features 3D graphics, voice acting, and new content, such as extra dungeons and bosses.
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings is a sequel to Final Fantasy XII, which was originally released on the PlayStation 2.
It follows the adventures of Vaan and Penelo, two young sky pirates who travel to the floating continent of Lemurés. There, they encounter a mysterious race of winged people called the Aegyl, who are threatened by an evil empire.
The game is a real-time strategy RPG that uses the touch screen to control units and summon Espers. The game also features a new art style that is more colorful and cartoonish than the original Final Fantasy XII.
Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light
Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light is an original game that pays homage to the early games in the series. It tells the story of four young heroes who are chosen by a crystal to save their kingdom from an evil witch.
They travel across various lands and face various challenges and enemies along the way. The game is a turn-based RPG that uses a crown system, which allows players to change their characters’ roles and abilities by equipping different hats.
The game also features a unique art style that resembles a storybook and a dynamic music system that changes according to the situation.
Final Fantasy III
Final Fantasy III is a remake of the third installment in the series, which was never released outside Japan until this version. It tells the story of four young orphans who are chosen by the crystals to restore balance to the world.
They embark on a quest to find their true identities and stop the evil forces that threaten to plunge the world into darkness.
The game is a classic turn-based RPG that introduces the job system, which allows players to change their characters’ classes and abilities. The game also features 3D graphics and voice acting that enhance the presentation.
These are just a few Final Fantasy games released on Nintendo DS. All these titles offer something unique and provide an unforgettable experience for fans of the franchise. The Nintendo DS is the perfect platform to explore the world of Final Fantasy and its many adventures.
Final Thoughts
The Final Fantasy series is beloved by fans all over the world. With its rich, intricate stories, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable characters, it has become one of the most iconic and beloved gaming franchises of all time. The series games have also successfully captured the heart and imagination of gamers across generations.
The Nintendo DS is an excellent platform for playing these games, making them more accessible to the masses. The portability of the console and its ability to store so many games make it an ideal choice for casual and hardcore gamers.
All the games in the Final Fantasy series offer something different and unique. From Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates to Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales, these games are full of exciting adventures, beautiful visuals, and gripping stories. Each game offers an unforgettable gaming experience and an unforgettable journey that will linger in the minds of the players for years to come.
The Final Fantasy series has been around for decades and will keep gamers engaged and captivated for years. With the Nintendo DS as an excellent platform for playing the games in the series, fans of the franchise can look forward to many more unforgettable gaming experiences.
