We already published the list of best DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best DS adventure games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the DS definitely has a great library of adventure games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the DS and adventure games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Again: Interactive Crime Novel
- Release Data: Cing/Tecmo, 2010
- Genre: Adventure » Visual Novel
Again is a combination of various things, from crime shows to adventure games, but it seemingly takes the bad parts of all of them.
As it is, the game isn’t up to scratch as either a book or a game, and combining the two has done it no favors.
#24. Flower, Sun, and Rain
- Release Data: h.a.n.d. Inc./Marvelous Entertainment, 2009
- Genre: Adventure » 3D » Third-Person
At its heart, Flower, Sun, and Rain is an excellent adventure game that deals with a lot of complex themes, but it’s unfortunately dragged down by the poor graphics, awful camera, and sometimes incomprehensible puzzles.
But if you can look past these flaws, you’ll find a cool, engaging, and frequently comic mystery that only gets deeper and deeper.
#23. Crime Lab: Body of Evidence
- Release Data: City Interactive, 2010
- Genre: Adventure » General
Overall, while it does have its flaws and the gameplay itself isn’t terribly exciting, the developer have done well to create an enjoyable adventure game with Crime Lab: Body Of Evidence.
With its engaging storyline, it’s a unique title and one game fans of the adventure genre should take into consideration.
#22. Miami Law
- Release Data: Hudson Entertainment, 2009
- Genre: Adventure » General
Miami Law is a short, straightforward graphic adventure game with an over-the-top plot and a ton of diversionary minigames.
But if you’re in need of a brief portable adventure or have always wanted to be that cop who’s a danger to himself and everyone else on the force, Miami Law may be worth playing.
#21. Scooby-Doo! Who’s Watching Who?
- Release Data: Human Soft/THQ, 2006
- Genre: Adventure » 3D » Third-Person
Scooby-Doo! Who’s Watching Who? has a few frustrating features and while this design isn’t the most praiseworthy effort from a technical standpoint, the bottom line is that it’s still a pleasant ride.
So feel free to take a ride in the Mystery Machine, and find out for yourself just who it is who’s watching Doo.
#20. LifeSigns: Surgical Unit
- Release Data: Spike, 2007
- Genre: Adventure » Visual Novel
LifeSigns: Surgical Unit is a surprisingly good game.
The main character is likeable, the other characters are suitably interesting, the surgical gameplay is a success, and some of the branching paths are cool.
It does stumble in a few areas, but it is a suitable adventure for the Nintendo DS, and an operation worth undergoing.
#19. Touch Detective
- Release Data: BeeWorks/Atlus, 2006
- Genre: Adventure » General
With its simple gameplay, it is hard to become bored with it, especially since the game is made to be played in short bursts as the cases are not that long.
Touch Detective’s old-school, slow-paced gameplay may not be for everyone, but fans of the genre will enjoy the quirky aesthetic and witty story.
#18. Freshly-Picked: Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland
- Release Data: Vanpool/Nintendo, 2007
- Genre: Adventure » General
Most of this game is definitely fun, but some aspects tend to get very repetitive and annoying, which might lower your enjoyment of the game the longer it goes on.
But still, it’s definitely worth playing through the game in its entirety.
#17. The Hardy Boys: Treasure on the Tracks
- Release Data: Her Interactive/Sega, 2009
- Genre: Adventure » General
Sometimes the puzzles are too easy, sometimes repetitive, but they do require the same kinds of thought processes one uses in more challenging games.
This game is recommended for any 10-12 year olds who want to get into adventure gaming, or any parent who’d like to introduce their child into the genre.
#16. Teenage Zombies: Invasion of the Alien Brain Thingys
- Release Data: InLight Entertainment/Ignition Entertainment, 2008
- Genre: Adventure » General
Even with some issues taken into account Teenage Zombies remains a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Navigating the levels is a joy and the satisfaction of successfully completing a particularly taxing section is considerable.
If you’re a fan of games with a twisted sense of humor then this is virtually guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
#15. Time Hollow
- Release Data: Tenky/Konami, 2008
- Genre: Adventure » Visual Novel
Those who place a value of gameplay over storyline above all else will find Time Hollow a shallow and sometimes empty experience, yet in some ways they would be missing the point.
This is a game that focuses tightly on character development and a gripping storyline exploring time travel that is hard to stop experiencing until the end sequence.
#14. Touch Detective 2 1/2
- Release Data: BeeWorks/Success, 2007
- Genre: Adventure » General
Touch Detective 2 1/2 is essentially the same as the original title, albeit with some brand new cases and puzzles.
If you were a huge fan of the first game, then Touch Detective 2 1/2 is right up your alley.
However, if you didn’t enjoy the first game, then chances are you should probably skip out on the second journey.
#13. Trace Memory
- Release Data: Cing/Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Adventure » Point-and-Click
Trace Memory serves up an interesting story with a handful of inspired puzzles that are all too quickly conquered.
Fans of adventure games seeking a quick fix and a new sort of mind-bending puzzle-solving will enjoy this game while it lasts, but making it last is one puzzle that this game doesn’t quite figure out.
#12. Elebits: The Adventures of Kai and Zero
- Release Data: Konami, 2009
- Genre: Adventure » 3D » Third-Person
The vibrant and childish graphics accompanied by the game’s simple difficulty may point to the game being suited for younger audiences, but anyone can love The Adventures of Kai and Zero.
If you never had the opportunity to play the original, do yourself a favor and pick up its sequel.
#11. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice for All
- Release Data: Capcom, 2007
- Genre: Adventure » Visual Novel
Fans of the original game will certainly enjoy the sequel, but even they will probably feel somewhat let down.
If you’ve never played a Phoenix Wright game before, the first game is clearly the better of the two, so you’ll want to start there before picking up Justice for All.
#10. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
- Release Data: Capcom, 2008
- Genre: Adventure » Visual Novel
The gameplay and static looks of Apollo Justice are just as we’ve seen them before, and the music is both familiar and new, but Apollo Justice retains a lot of the charm Phoenix Wright held before it, and adds to the series’ legacy.
#9. Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth
- Release Data: Capcom, 2010
- Genre: Adventure » Visual Novel
The Ace Attorney games are popular for a reason.
With fantastic writing, clever jokes, and genuinely interesting stories, they’re easily among the best adventure titles around.
Although referred to by some as a spin-off, Miles Edgeworth still has practically the exact same gameplay as all previous games, just with added investigating.
#8. Hotel Dusk: Room 215
- Release Data: Cing/Nintendo, 2007
- Genre: Adventure » General
Hotel Dusk isn’t going to appeal to everyone—its plodding, actionless nature is certain to turn off those looking for more visceral entertainment.
However, if the idea of a slow-burning, character-driven noir adventure sounds like it’s up your alley, Hotel Dusk is too good to be passed up.
#7. Last Window: The Secret of Cape West
- Release Data: Cing/Nintendo, 2010
- Genre: Adventure » General
Overall, Last Window won’t suit everyone’s style.
It’s a lot slower than similar games on the DS, and one that requires time and patience to get through and this isn’t helped by the text-heavy nature of the game.
However, it makes notable improvements over its predecessor, resulting in a rewarding experience that will keep you occupied for many hours.
#6. Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – The Director’s Cut
- Release Data: Revolution Software/Ubisoft, 2009
- Genre: Adventure » Point-and-Click
Broken Sword is quintessentially what a point and click puzzle solving adventure should be: a harmony of gameplay, graphics and music which creates a masterpiece for all to enjoy.
Obviously, the game’s slow pace and progression will not appeal to all audiences but give way to its charm and almost anyone will enjoy this treasure.
#5. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Trials and Tribulations
- Release Data: Capcom, 2007
- Genre: Adventure » Visual Novel
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Trials and Tribulations brings this three-game story arc to a satisfying conclusion.
If you’ve played and loved the first two Phoenix Wright games you’ll be plenty happy with Trials and Tribulations. It’s a good game. Case Closed.
#4. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
- Release Data: Capcom, 2005
- Genre: Adventure » Visual Novel
This is a game of wit and humor that appreciates the player’s intelligence and greatly rewards their accomplishments.
It is full of moments where you will marvel at your achievements or cringe as your case starts to fall down around you.
These moments are what makes Ace Attorney highly impressive for a point and click adventure with still visuals.
#3. Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors
- Release Data: ChunSoft/Spike, 2010
- Genre: Adventure » Visual Novel
999 is stunning.
It sports a captivating plot driven by a fantastic cast of characters, a satisfying mix of puzzles and interesting mathematical, scientific and philosophical quandaries to ponder.
The game more than makes up for its imperfections, however, and in the end, it creates a truly gripping, great experience that you owe it to yourself to try.
#2. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
- Release Data: Capcom, 2011
- Genre: Adventure » General
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a rare title.
Its inventive and addicting gameplay was clearly built in such a way as to place maximum value on the DS touch screen.
However, the best thing to be said about Ghost Trick is that there isn’t much negative to say.
Simply put, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is an absolutely amazing title.
#1. Professor Layton and the Curious Village
- Release Data: Level 5/Nintendo, 2008
- Genre: Adventure » General
Professor Layton and the Curious Village combines exploration, story, and logic puzzles to make for a truly unique, entertaining, and even educational experience.
Don’t be fooled by the game’s box art into thinking this is just some silly game for kids; it’s a must-own game for any puzzle adventure fan.
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See also: Best GameCube Games & Best Wii Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which DS adventure game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
