We already published the list of best DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best DS beat ’em up games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the DS definitely has a great library of beat ’em up games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the DS and beat ’em up 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.
#10. Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: The Genie & the Amp
- Release Data: Sensory Sweep/D3Publisher, 2006
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
As usual with licensed games, fans of the Hi Hi Puffy Amiyumi Show will probably enjoy this game a good bit more than the average gamer.
The Genie & the Amp makes good use of the DS touch screen, but it’s still something that could have been done via the buttons instead of the touch screen.
#9. Dynasty Warriors DS: Fighter’s Battle
- Release Data: Koei, 2007
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Take this little quiz.
Question 1: Are you a Dynasty Warriors fan?
Question 2: Do you have a couple of buddies with DSs?
The results of this quiz should pretty much let you know whether or not you’ll enjoy Dynasty Warriors DS.
Answer “no” to both and you probably don’t have much of a reason to play this.
#8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Dual Sympathy
- Release Data: Natsume/Bandai, 2006
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
Dual Sympathy is action-packed entertainment. The bosses are great and the story is wonderful.
But you may only feel the need to play through this game twice, and it’ll barely take two hours on the first try.
With that in mind, know that this is a good game, but don’t get it if length means anything to you.
#7. Naruto: Ninja Council 3
- Release Data: Aspect/Takara Tomy, 2007
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
If you’re crazy for Naruto and simply want to make some mischief with your favorite characters, then you should be able to enjoy the frenzy of fists and fan service that this game dishes out.
Just make sure you convince your friends to get the game so you can take advantage of the multiplayer party mode.
#6. Tokyo Beat Down
- Release Data: Tamsoft/Success, 2009
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
It’s repetitive and doesn’t advance the beat ’em up past classics such as Double Dragon or Streets of Rage—but it honestly isn’t meant to.
If you’re willing to let these concerns go and enjoy the sterling translation work that gives this game a personality unlike any other, then rewards await.
#5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3: Mutant Nightmare
- Release Data: Konami, 2005
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Mutant Nightmare manages to capture the old-school feel of the NES original and that’s a great thing but it also lacks a number of things that could have made this game far less frustrating.
It’s abundance of levels is something to cheer about, and if you can get past the repetitive battles, weak visuals, maybe go play it.
#4. Xiaolin Showdown
- Release Data: Razorback Developments/Konami, 2006
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
All things considered, Xiaolin Showdown is a decent beat-’em-up that will probably satisfy fans of the show it’s based on.
You have to wonder, however, just how awesome the game might have been if the developer had only taken the time to iron out the kinks or to implement a co-op mode.
#3. Eragon
- Release Data: Amaze Entertainment/Sierra Entertainment, 2006
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Eragon for the DS is a game so ambitious and huge, absolutely refusing to scale down its console-like design that it’s recommended in spite of its many flaws.
Easily-frustrated gamers may be put off by some things, but those looking for a solid action title might find something very special here.
#2. Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
- Release Data: Griptonite Games/Activision, 2010
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Shattered Dimensions is not the greatest Spider-Man game of all time, but it absolutely ranks among the best on a handheld unit.
You may find more content and bigger thrills in some other titles, but you really can’t go wrong with this one if you’re a Spider-Man fan on-the-go.
#1. Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble!
- Release Data: Clover Studio/Capcom, 2005
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble is a good place for the beloved superhero to break into handheld games.
The action is familiar enough to appeal to fans, but thanks to the inclusion of the touch screen features, it’s also different enough to offer a new experience that make this game worthy of adding to your collection.
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See also: Best GameCube Games & Best Wii Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which DS beat ’em up game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
