The Nintendo DS, a legendary handheld console that brought gaming to a new level of portability and accessibility. Among its impressive library of games, fighting games stood out as a popular genre, offering a unique blend of competition, strategy, and excitement. In this article, we'll dive into the 7 best fighting games for the Nintendo DS, showcasing the cream of the crop that will satisfy your inner fighter.
Getting Ready to Rumble
Before we begin, it's essential to acknowledge the Nintendo DS's limitations in terms of processing power and control inputs. Despite these constraints, developers managed to create fighting games that were not only enjoyable but also surprisingly deep. From iconic franchises to innovative newcomers, the DS's fighting game library offers something for everyone.
7. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
This classic fighting game needs no introduction. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 is a faithful port of the arcade original, featuring a massive roster of 23 characters, including the infamous Scorpion and Sub-Zero. The gameplay is fast-paced, and the controls, although not perfect, are responsive enough to satisfy your Mortal Kombat cravings.
Pros and Cons
• Faithful port of the arcade original • Large character roster • Fast-paced gameplay • Controls can be clunky at times6. Bleach: Dark Souls
Based on the popular Bleach anime and manga series, Dark Souls is a 2D fighting game that showcases the franchise's unique blend of action and fantasy. With a vast array of characters, each with their unique abilities and Bankai transformations, Dark Souls offers a rich fighting experience that will appeal to both fans and newcomers.
Pros and Cons
• Faithful adaptation of the Bleach franchise • Large character roster with unique abilities • Engaging storyline • Gameplay can feel a bit shallow at times5. Naruto: Ninja Destiny
Another anime-based fighting game, Naruto: Ninja Destiny, offers a fresh take on the popular Naruto franchise. With a unique cel-shaded art style and a robust roster of characters, Ninja Destiny provides an exciting fighting experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Pros and Cons
• Unique cel-shaded art style • Robust character roster • Engaging storyline • Controls can feel a bit stiff at times4. One Piece: Gigant Battle!
Based on the beloved One Piece anime and manga series, Gigant Battle! is a fast-paced fighting game that features a massive roster of characters, each with their unique abilities and Devil Fruit powers. With a unique art style and addictive gameplay, Gigant Battle! is a must-play for One Piece fans.
Pros and Cons
• Massive character roster • Unique art style • Addictive gameplay • Controls can feel a bit clunky at times3. Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2
A sequel to the original Supersonic Warriors, Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2 offers an improved fighting experience with new characters, stages, and gameplay mechanics. With a robust roster of 18 characters, each with their unique abilities and transformations, Supersonic Warriors 2 is a must-play for Dragon Ball Z fans.
Pros and Cons
• Improved gameplay mechanics • Robust character roster • Unique transformations and abilities • Controls can feel a bit stiff at times2. Jump Super Stars
A crossover fighting game featuring characters from various Shonen Jump franchises, Jump Super Stars is a dream come true for fans of anime and manga. With a massive roster of characters, each with their unique abilities and special moves, Jump Super Stars offers an unforgettable fighting experience.
Pros and Cons
• Massive crossover roster • Unique art style • Addictive gameplay • Controls can feel a bit clunky at times1. Bakugan: Battle Brawlers
Based on the popular Bakugan anime and toy franchise, Battle Brawlers is a 2D fighting game that showcases the series' unique blend of strategy and action. With a robust roster of characters, each with their unique abilities and Bakugan partners, Battle Brawlers offers a fresh take on the fighting genre that will appeal to both fans and newcomers.
Pros and Cons
• Unique blend of strategy and action • Robust character roster • Engaging storyline • Controls can feel a bit shallow at timesWhat are the best fighting games for the Nintendo DS?
+The 7 best fighting games for the Nintendo DS are Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, Bleach: Dark Souls, Naruto: Ninja Destiny, One Piece: Gigant Battle!, Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2, Jump Super Stars, and Bakugan: Battle Brawlers.
Are these games still available for purchase?
+Yes, most of these games can still be found for purchase on online marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay. However, some titles may be harder to find or more expensive due to their rarity.
Can I play these games on other Nintendo consoles?
+No, these games are exclusive to the Nintendo DS and are not compatible with other Nintendo consoles such as the Wii or 3DS.
With this comprehensive list, you're ready to embark on a fighting game adventure like no other. Whether you're a fan of anime, manga, or just great fighting games, the Nintendo DS has something for everyone. So, which game will you choose first? Share your thoughts in the comments below!