If you’re anything like me you’re always looking for a fun new game to play. There’s tons of pickings out there, and there’s an especially great library for the Nintendo DS. It’s one of my prized possessions and I still pick up some of these titles to replay from time to time. So I’m making a list of DS games that I think any josei would enjoy, whether it be story based, great gameplay, or awesome fanservice. If you own a DS but don’t know where to start purchasing then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get on with the list!

Phoenix Wright Series

What a series! I love this series for its ability to mix great storytelling with compelling gameplay. You play as a lawyer who investigates different murder cases, meeting funny new faces along the way. It’s point and click style gameplay mixed in with detective problem solving, as you must point out the contradictions within different testimonies etc. The art style is done in anime style, so it’s got that eye candy appeal. They’ve also done a manga along side the games which involves different cases separate from the games. There’s also an upcoming title on the 3DS which will be out this fall.

Hotel Dusk/Last Window

Another detective mystery series following a more American protagonist Kyle Hyde, an ex-detective who stumbles into profound mysteries that he must solve. Intermixed is its problem solving gameplay, where you go around looking for objects as well as interacting with different characters where you must coerce them to give you the information you need to move forward. The stories in both games are very compelling, they push you forward to play through the entire game. Although the gameplay is at times troubling, it is always satisfying when you solve the puzzle to move forward. The artwork is beautiful and unique, it’s all done in a sketched style. Any mystery fan would definitely enjoy these games.

Professor Layton Series

This series is amazing, and anyone who loves puzzles/riddles and mystery stories would be hard pressed to complain about it. You follow Professor Layton and his apprentice Luke Triton as they solve mysteries around the world. The art, voice and gameplay is spot on in every addition. It features gorgeous cutscenes in its trademark style, which keep you wanting more. And if you like it that much, there’s even a feature film following a separate adventure from the duo. This series has a lot to offer, and anime fans would appreciate the care and detail gone into the story, animated and otherwise. The puzzles and problems keep you on your wit’s end as their difficulty can be quite challenging! They’ve continued the series on the 3DS with another installation, as well as a side series on IOS. This series won’t be ending anytime soon, and for those who haven’t picked it up, you’re 5 years late so pick one up soon!

Tokimeki Memorial: Girl’s Side Series

I’ll admit, these games are a guilty pleasure of mine. But let’s be honest with ourselves, isn’t a love sim always fun to play through? There’s 3 games in the Tokimeki Girl’s Side series for DS, with 2 already translated into English (unofficially) by different groups. They’re otome simulation games, so you play through as a high school student, spending time studying for school, going shopping and developing relationships. The art style is gorgeous, and the fanservice is there and ooey gooey. They offer many different paths and storylines so those who want more can go through each storyline to see the different endings. If you want to giggle inside then these games are due to please. Download the translation patch for Tokimeki Girl’s Side 1st Love Plus here. And download Tokimeki Girl’s Side Second Story Here. The third installment is still in progress, check out the project forum for it here.

Let’s Yoga

You’re probably wondering why a yoga game would be on this list, but hear me out. It’s actually really good at teaching the poses thoroughly and clearly, and because it’s handheld you can take it anywhere and do it at your own pace. This game got me into yoga as I purchased it on a whim, and I made a routine of using it nightly. It has different modes that offer all different types of lessons. It also has a mode so you can pick out different poses and create your own routine. For anyone new to yoga I’d suggest this over any dvd or classes (for those who want to save money). It’s a great little tool and doesn’t make you look like a tool practicing yoga, as you can do it in the comfort of your own home!

Ouendan Series/Elite Beat Agents

In North America we got Elite Beat Agents a touch rhythm game with fun visuals and addictive gameplay. When I got that game I played it to death, at the time it featured popular current songs that had me bouncing my head up and down. Of course, after I played through all the difficulties and had moved on from the game I discovered its Japanese counterpart Ouendan. Now any josei has a soft spot for Jpop/Jrock and Japanese music in general. So I played through both Ouendan games to death, and found myself scouring the internet to find the original songs that the games covered as they were that catchy. If you love rhythm games and Japanese music then pick these games up; the lack of translation isn’t a hindrance if you’ve played through Elite Beat Agents as the gameplay is 100% the same.

Cooking Mama Series

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not recommending this because women love to cook. That is not true! Just as many men like cooking as women do. So really this game is a universal favourite. But any woman of the josei variety would find this game tons of fun as it has that Japanese flavour to it (no pun intended!). You make different dishes by playing through time restrictive minigames which will have you tapping, swiping and stirring. It’s a lot of fun, a kind of quasi Warioware of sorts with cuter elements. There’s also a 3DS title which I haven’t tried, but I’m sure the premise is very similar. This game is just too cute to not check out. The pink, the flowers, the shimmer, the food, it’s just a bunch of cuteness and awesome.

Ghost Trick: The Phantom Detective

This one is another mystery puzzle game with a gameplay twist. You follow Sissel who recently died and in doing so also lost all his memories. He does however gain the ability to possess objects and observe his surroundings as well as affect them directly. By doing so he has the ability to alter the untimely fates of different characters. This also helps him get closer to the mystery of his own death. Each life he saves plays out like a puzzle, and with a little trial and error you can make it through each level. The mystery aspect is great, and the gameplay keeps you on your toes as it is challenging and addictive. Another well made game that any josei or puzzle fan would love.

Animal Crossing

This is a game that is nostalgic for me. I played it originally on the Gamecube when it first came out, and I’ve played all the subsequent successors that followed. Animal Crossing Wild World on DS, or Animal Crossing: New Leaf on 3DS are 2 solid games that feature many of the same mechanics and the same addicting gameplay. With your own house to customize and create, as well as a whole town of villagers to interact with, there’s a lot to do and many reasons to come back every day and every holiday. Animal Crossing: New Leaf in particular has a lot of fun aspects to it that allow you to get really creative with your town. Its customization and creativity aspect make it a fun game for the josei demographic,a s you can let your creative juices flow and make your house and village unique. Its cute factor is also through the roof so that’s always a plus! And with custom designs you can have a little fun cosplaying different anime characters! It’s a lot of fun, and the possibilities are endless. Check it out if you like simulation games, but are looking for a more relaxing experience.

And that’s the end of Part One! I still have 10 more games/series to recommend which will be coming soon so keep posted! I hope this list gave you some ideas and maybe got you to pull out your old DS again and enjoy all the great titles it has to offer.

Christina