We already published the list of best DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best DS management games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the DS definitely has a great library of management games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the DS and management 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. Harvest Moon DS Cute
- Release Data: Marvelous Entertainment, 2008
- Genre: Strategy » Management » Business / Tycoon
Harvest Moon DS Cute definitely doesn’t reinvent the wheel since it still retains the same farming-type gameplay that nearly every Harvest Moon title has.
In the end, Harvest Moon DS Cute is a simple but engaging title that will pull you right back in to the farming lifestyle.
#9. Harvest Moon DS: Island of Happiness
- Release Data: TOSE/Marvelous Entertainment, 2008
- Genre: Strategy » Management » Business / Tycoon
Harvest Moon DS: Island of Happiness has a lot of potential to be good, if you are willing to put in the time to have it pay off.
However, do not be misled by the cute graphics or sickly sweet characters; this title is for people who are willing to work for entertainment.
#8. Zoo Tycoon 2 DS
- Release Data: Altron/THQ, 2008
- Genre: Strategy » Management » Business / Tycoon
Zoo Tycoon 2 DS is a decent choice for a management game since it has all the features of a good simulation game, but shortens it to be able to play for couple minute increments.
For newcomers, Zoo Tycoon 2 DS is a simple, decently paced title that still has a good amount of hands on interactivity.
#7. Harvest Moon DS
- Release Data: TOSE/Marvelous Entertainment, 2006
- Genre: Strategy » Management » Business / Tycoon
If you’re a dedicated fan of the series, that might sound great, but it’s difficult to justify getting it when there isn’t anything significantly “new” about it.
For newcomers to the farming life, Harvest Moon DS is as good a place to start as any, although it doesn’t measure up to other DS games in terms of presentation and features.
#6. SimCity DS
- Release Data: Aki Corp./Electronic Arts, 2007
- Genre: Strategy » Management » Government
In short, SimCity DS is a well polished and enjoyable city simulation game for the DS.
From start to the end, the whole system is ridiculously addictive and well executed.
For those who like planning and statistics, this is an essential game; there are countless hours of enjoyment to be sought through this title.
#5. Air Traffic Chaos
- Release Data: Sonic Powered/Interchannel, 2008
- Genre: Strategy » Management » Business / Tycoon
At its most challenging moments, Air Traffic Chaos is a real test of your time-management skills, but only rarely does the game ever feel like a chore.
More often, you’ll be sucked in by the game’s deceptively simple gameplay, compelled over and over to give a scenario another try.
#4. Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar
- Release Data: Marvelous Entertainment, 2010
- Genre: Strategy » Management » Business / Tycoon
Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar is a strong title for the farming franchise, with the addition of the eponymous market bringing a nice weekly structure to proceedings.
The ability to save games only at the day’s end is the only noticeable flaw, and if you’ve enjoyed previous games in the series, there’s no reason you won’t like this one too.
#3. SimCity Creator
- Release Data: Electronic Arts, 2008
- Genre: Strategy » Management » Government
Most of the superfluous features of the console version have been ditched, and the Mission mode has been streamlined giving the game a more cohesive feel.
The DS version of SimCity Creator is great for newcomers to the city-building series, and different enough to be worth a look from fans.
#2. Theme Park
- Release Data: EA Japan Studio/EA Games, 2007
- Genre: Strategy » Management » Business / Tycoon
If you’re a fan of simulation games or enjoy creating theme parks or managing funds, Theme Park is an excellent port from the original PC game, and it plays amazingly well on the Nintendo DS.
Despite the lack of true new content and any form of multiplayer, Theme Park proved to be simultaneously challenging and interesting.
#1. Harvest Moon DS: Sunshine Islands
- Release Data: Marvelous Entertainment, 2009
- Genre: Strategy » Management » Business / Tycoon
Harvest Moon DS: Sunshine Islands rarely puts a foot wrong, controls well and teases you with enough new items and areas to convince you to play through just one more day, and it’s definitely the strongest title in the series on the DS.
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See also: Best GameCube Games & Best Wii Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which DS management game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
