We already published the list of best DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best DS shooter games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the DS definitely has a great library of shooter games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the DS and shooter 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. Touch the Dead
- Release Data: DREAM ON STUDIO/Eidos Interactive, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Touch the Dead lacks any sort of originality, but it definitely has a place in the Nintendo DS line-up.
It’s a straight-forward, fun, intense action game that does a decent job of what it sets out to do, even if that’s just to steal the House of the Dead idea.
#24. 007: Quantum of Solace
- Release Data: Vicarious Visions/Activision, 2008
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Despite the small problems that Quantum of Solace has, it does a lot right on the DS.
In the end, Quantum of Solace is a very good movie-to-game adaptation, and it’s highly recommended to any type of James Bond fan, either casual or diehard.
#23. Point Blank DS
- Release Data: TOSE/Namco Bandai Games, 2006
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Light Gun
Not only it’s a pretty well rounded title and will suit gamers who enjoy a quick five minute blast of entertainment, this game also poses as a great time filler.
However, you’ll find it hard to play this game for extended periods of time unless you have someone to play against.
#22. Operation: Vietnam
- Release Data: Coyote Console/Majesco, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Tactical
It should come as no surprise that Operation: Vietnam‘s production values are pretty low, given that it’s a budget game.
Nevertheless, the corners were cut in the right areas, and consequently the game looks decent enough overall and never slows down.
#21. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – Autobots
- Release Data: Vicarious Visions/Activision, 2009
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
All of the features make for a solid package, but the gameplay does feel repetitive and unfair at times.
Revenge of the Fallen is clearly meant for big fans of the license, but it is still a solid game on its own.
#20. Disney’s Chicken Little: Ace in Action
- Release Data: DC Studios/Buena Vista Games, 2006
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
If you’re getting a game for yourself, or for a kid who’s a little older, go ahead and give Chicken Little: Ace in Action a try.
It may not be the best game in existence, but it certainly puts in way more effort than most licensed titles.
#19. GoldenEye 007
- Release Data: n-Space/Activision, 2010
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
GoldenEye 007 is a good companion to the Wii version, or even the developer’s other DS first-person shooters.
The directed single-player experience is fun, and is at its best when you’re sneaking around, silently taking out enemies.
The multiplayer might be more of a Call of Duty than GoldenEye 64, but it still carries some nostalgia.
#18. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – Decepticons
- Release Data: Vicarious Visions/Activision, 2009
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen isn’t exactly a must-have title, but it will certainly satisfy that itch to experience gigantic robotic combat in a handheld title.
The game definitely has its issues, but at the very least, it’s a satisfying action game and represents the Transformers franchise well enough.
#17. Nanostray
- Release Data: Shin’en/Taito Corporation, 2005
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
Nanostray‘s pretty graphics and catchy music will quickly win over fans of space shoot-’em-ups.
However, it’s not perfect by any means and is let down by a few issues, but it still remains a worthy addition to the DS library, especially if you love the genre.
#16. Metal Slug 7
- Release Data: SNK Playmore/Ignition Entertainment, 2008
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
Regardless of the platform, it’s good to see Metal Slug in action with all of the same old intense gameplay that has made it such a hit for decades.
Still, while Metal Slug 7 suffers visually due to hardware limitations, it still retains the most vital component of the shooter franchise, which is the funny and chaotic gameplay.
#15. Glory Days 2
- Release Data: odenis studio/Ghostlight, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
Glory Days 2 mixes together a light blend of 2D side-scrolling shooter action, tactical combat, and modern real-time strategy convention into something that feels unique.
For the most part, the action and the strategy are never taxing, but the constant juggle between deploying units, capturing bunkers, and rescuing civilians keeps the game constantly engaging.
#14. Little Red Riding Hood’s Zombie BBQ
- Release Data: EnjoyUp Games/Destineer, 2008
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Rail
Little Red Riding Hood’s Zombie BBQ may be a rather simplistic shooter, but the game offers plenty of depth.
While serious shooter fans will not be spending much of time with this game, everyone else will likely get some good playtime out of it.
#13. Bionicle Heroes
- Release Data: Amaze Entertainment/Electronic Arts, 2006
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Bionicle Heroes for the Nintendo DS is a solid first-person shooter, but the lack of online capability ultimately limits its replayability.
If you’re a fan of the Bionicle franchise or think you’d enjoy playing through an exceptional single-player campaign in a technically impressive first-person shooter, you should definitely check it out.
#12. Call of Duty: Black Ops
- Release Data: n-Space/Activision, 2010
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Black Ops is similar to prior Call of Duty games on DS, but the improvements made to the campaign and wealth of extra features make it one of the best of the series.
The numerous modes and options may not be hot across the board, but the strong campaign and multiplayer options provide a memorable blast through the Cold War.
#11. Moon
- Release Data: Renegade Kid/Mastiff, 2009
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
In short, if you’re a fan of first-person shooters on Nintendo DS, you really only have a few decent options, and Moon is certainly among them: it looks and sounds great, has a well put-together story and controls very smoothly indeed.
#10. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – Mobilized
- Release Data: n-Space/Activision, 2009
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – Mobilized brings the war to modern times once more while sticking to the same winning formula.
Shooting, manning stationary guns, and getting behind the wheels of some heavy machinery are all part of the classic Call of Duty package and DS owners aren’t missing out on the fun.
#9. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- Release Data: n-Space/Activision, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
The thing with this game is there’s a ton of diversity in the missions and weapon sets, and the local four player multiplayer is fun.
For the most part though, Call of Duty 4 is an impressive, immersive, entertaining pocket experience that truly feels like a miniaturized version of its console counterparts.
#8. Nanostray 2
- Release Data: Shin’en/Majesco, 2008
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
This game is targeted at hardcore shooter fans who like a good challenge.
Its unforgiving difficulty, even on the easiest setting, makes Nanostray 2 hard to recommend for anyone else.
Even so, its production values are apparent and its mechanics are solid, making it a good selection for fans of the genre.
#7. Call of Duty: World at War
- Release Data: n-Space/Activision, 2008
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
With its awesome sound design, diverse gameplay, great pacing, and fluid visuals, Call of Duty: World at War is a great package and easily one of the best first-person shooters ever developed for a handheld system.
The multiplayer might still be worth trying, but it’s clear that the single-player campaign is the main reason to play this version.
#6. Geometry Wars: Galaxies
- Release Data: Kuju Entertainment/Sierra Entertainment, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Top-Down
In the end, Geometry Wars: Galaxies proves its worth.
The content added with the galaxies mode and the multiplayer functionality adds a lot of depth to the experience.
If you were a fan of the original game or just like intense shooters, Geometry Wars: Galaxies fits the bill.
#5. Big Bang Mini
- Release Data: Arkedo Studio/SouthPeak Games, 2009
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
Big Bang Mini is an excellent shooter with an innovative control scheme that will please newcomers and veterans alike.
To fully experience each level’s uniquely awesome aesthetic and face the delightfully clever end boss, you simply must play the game all the way through.
#4. Bangai-O Spirits
- Release Data: Treasure/ESP Software, 2008
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
If blasting apart enemies with giant robots sounds like your cup of tea, then look no further than Bangai-O Spirits.
After completing the short tutorial missions, you’ll have to shoot your way through over 160 levels full of enemies.
In addition to the crazy amount of levels included, this game also has a level editor which was revolutionary for its time.
#3. Space Invaders Extreme 2
- Release Data: Taito Corporation, 2009
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
Sure, it’s a bit of a letdown that Space Invaders Extreme 2 doesn’t do much that’s different from the first game in the series.
However, if you’ve never had the opportunity to experience the first Space Invaders Extreme, this sequel is a good way to kill time.
#2. Metroid Prime: Hunters
- Release Data: Nintendo Software Technology/Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Despite some caveats, Metroid Prime: Hunters is an excellent multiplayer game and easy to recommend to anyone who enjoys FPS action.
The single-player is also well worth a playthrough, despite its limitations, if only to take in the story and unlock all the hunters for multiplayer action.
#1. Space Invaders Extreme
- Release Data: Taito Corporation, 2008
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
Space Invaders Extreme is a very good example of how to update a classic game.
The gameplay has been improved, and multiplayer adds a whole new dynamic to the experience.
Basically, the game is right for anyone who enjoys fast-paced, arcade-style shooters with a retro twist.
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See also: Best GameCube Games & Best Wii Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which DS shooter game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
