Best rated Adventure Games for DS
Below you'll find an overview of Adventure Games that have received a very high rating based on our reviews, the list is sorted based on highest rated Adventure Game first combined with recency of the review we've done.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective (2011)
Ghost Trick’s innovative control system, complex plot, and compelling gameplay combine to make this an enjoyably spirited DS adventure.
Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box (2009)
Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box keeps the lovely European charm and challenging puzzles of its predecessor intact, with more enjoyable extras this time around. Just mind the particularly shallow story that only loosely ties it all together.
Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars - The Director’s Cut (DS) (2009)
Not quite perfect, this Broken Sword: Director’s Cut is still the best port of an adventure game on the DS to date. Whether experiencing the game for the first time or reliving old memories, there is much for everyone to enjoy in this game.
Professor Layton and the Curious Village (2008)
Buy this game. It’s fun, it’s cute, and believe me: it’ll work your brain more than any “brain-training” game might say it can. Just don't expect the puzzles to meld into the story.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations (2007)
A climactic end to the Phoenix Wright story, Trials and Tribulations is the high point of the series, wrapping together great storylines, dialogue and characters into one portable package. Buy it now before I make use of Franziska's whip.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (2005)
Phoenix Wright takes the best of classic adventures, wraps it up in an engaging package and delivers one great game. With its charming gameplay, excellent use of the Nintendo DS features, truly funny dialogue, intricate plot, and personable cast of characters, this "soon to be a classic" title offers plenty of gaming enjoyment.
Professor Layton and the Last Specter (2011)
There’s plenty more of the same puzzling goodness in this fourth Layton entry. Just don’t expect anything other than the expected.
Last Window: The Secret of Cape West (2010)
The last game by Cing is one of its finest, as Last Window offers more of the same great interactive storytelling as Hotel Dusk and introduces several new improvements.
Rooms: The Main Building (2008)
Embrace the fact that Rooms: The Main Building is essentially just a series of very clever sliders, and you should have an enjoyable time working your way through this unique puzzling diversion.
Jake Hunter Detective Story: Memories of the Past (2009)
The revamped and expanded JakeHunter may still have a few rough edges around its decidedly streamlined gameplay, but it is a satisfying experience for any fan of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler.
Secret Files: Tunguska (DS) (0)
A great handheld port of an already enjoyable game, Secret Files: Tunguska is an engaging rollercoaster of an adventure if you can overlook some questionable puzzle design.
Runaway 2: The Dream of the Turtle (DS) (2008)
Among ports of adventure games for the DS, it’s hard to find much fault with this one. Dream of the Turtle is clearly influenced by classic comic adventures of old, but shows enough personality of its own to make this a genuinely fun and worthwhile game.
Time Hollow (2008)
In spite of some missed gameplay opportunities, Time Hollow is still one of the most intriguing and well-crafted DS adventure games out there.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All (2007)
While not as good as the original, Phoenix Wright and his comrades still manage to entertain and deliver with a fantastic script and engaging courtroom drama. Here's hoping that Capcom will see fit to translate the third game in the series.
Corpse Party (2011)
There’s a reason why Corpse Party is seeing a rerelease at twenty years old: the game’s dedicated fan base has made it an enduring classic. While it is a unique experience even amongst visual novel adventures, players should be aware that its retro elements extend beyond its sprite-based visuals.
Doctor Who: Evacuation Earth (2010)
It’s let down a bit by quality control issues, but Evacuation Earth is largely successful in melding the Doctor Who feel with Professor Layton gameplay.
Professor Layton and the Unwound Future (2010)
The Unwound/Lost Future is another polished Layton adventure for puzzle lovers, although both the challenges and storyline are slightly lackluster this time around.
Again (2010)
Again could have been better, but it’s still a must-play for fans of Cing’s other games—and if you’re willing to forgive some story issues to experience the creative gameplay, it’s worth checking out by any DS owner who enjoys crime drama.
The Hardy Boys: Treasure on the Tracks (2009)
The Hardy Boys’ first DS adventure should appeal to younger gamers, particularly those who read the books, and a few parents might just be tempted to check it out themselves.
