In the game, players will partner with a fellow Pokémon to explore and discover their surroundings with the ultimate goal of saving the world from destruction.

If you haven’t played any of the earlier games, don’t worry – it will be super easy to get started with Explorers of the Sky.

Players can choose from 19 different characters to play in the new Special Episodes where they will uncover new chapters in the series’ storyline.  The adventure can be further expanded by trading items wirelessly, “sending a demo dungeon to a friend and accessing special missions.”

Here are a couple screenshots from the game which is available exclusively on the Nintendo DS.

image: Amazon

Post from: EveryJoe

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky

There aren’t a ton of details about this game despite the fact that it was released in Japan more than a year ago but I did learn a few things.  Years ago, a massive earthquake hit and sunk some of the Sunshine Islands.  Now they are in danger and the only way to make things right is to find the magical Sun Stones and raise that sunken land.

Players will be reunited with some familiar characters from Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness but they will also meet new people as they raise the islands, harvest new crops and take care of a variety of animals.  To make it even more fun, players will compete in festivals and, along the way, they might get the chance to fall in love, settle down and start their own family!

The game is available exclusively for the Nintendo DS and is considered suitable for all ages. Check out the screenshots below – it looks like fun!

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“Harvest Moon: Sunshine Islands”

Some that stood for me include Deal or No Deal, LEGO Batman, M&M’s Kart Racing, Big Brain Academy, LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga, Crossword and Brain Age 2

Games like Brain Age 2 and Crossword are always good to have since you can play them over and over and test your mind.  I have to also say that I really love the LEGO series of games and I highly recommend picking up a copy of LEGO Batman, the Star Wars saga or LEGO: Indiana Jones (not pictured).  It’s absolutely silliness and there are LEGO pieces everywhere but that’s the whole point!  Besides, in these tough times, it’s great to be able to pick up a game for less than $20!

images: BestBuy.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Great DS Games for Under $20

I have to admit that, from the description, I’m not completely clear on how this game works but I love puzzle games and Nintendo tends to make the best ones!  I like how simple the graphics are yet the colors are so vibrant!

If you’re just as confused (but interested) as I am, maybe this quick trailer for the game will help clarify a few things.  It looks like you really can create your own solutions to the puzzles so I’d definitely like to try this.

images: Amazon

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Pre-Order “Scribblenauts” for DS

Players will be able to choose from a variety of games including Chess, Mahjong, Sudoku, Backgammon, Texas Hold Em Poker, Solitaire and more.  I think it’s also perfect for saving space since, if one person grows tired, someone else is bound to find something on the disc to pass the time – plus, you can compete against family and friends.

Don’t know how to play any of those “old school” games?  No problem?  There are step-by-step instructions included!  It’s embarrassing to admit but I don’t know how to play Chess.  All three of my kids can and we have this awesome glass kit but I’ve never even tried.  Maybe I’ll have better luck with the electronic version.

image: Amazon.com

Post from: EveryJoe

“50 Classic Games” for Nintendo DS

Starfy is sleeping comfortably in his bed when out out the sky, an astronaut suit-wearing rabbit named Bunston falls through his roof and wakes him up.

As if that wasn’t enough, Bunston’s unorthodox arrival at Pufftop Palace sets off a chain of events and Starfy finds himself using his spin attack to free Bunston from the Dire Pirate Squad.

Starfy soon learns that his new bunny-eared friend has lost his memory and he embarks on a journey to help Bunston figure out who he is and where he belongs.

Fortunately, Starfy doesn’t have to face the dangers that lie ahead alone  he’s got the help of his kid sister, Starly, who might be younger but has skills that her big brother doesn’t.  He’s also got his best friend, Moe, who always tags along, despite regularly trying to discourage Starfy from engaging in his wild adventures.

Believe it or not, this little star has shape-shifting abilities and can transform into any of four characters, each possessing their own special powers.  As Roostar, he can cripple his enemy with his deafening crow.  The Starfright suit allows him to leave fiery droppings.  Starpedo comes in handy since it can navigate through waters with speed and ease and Monstar can make the bad guys cower with his scorching fire balls.

To get a better look at the 2D sidescrolling action, check out the trailer (does it sort of remind you of a Kirby game in any way?):

images: IGN/Amazon

Post from: EveryJoe

“The Legendary Starfy” on DS

Of course, some people don’t want to be found so, in Crazy Chicken’s search for civilization, he discovers that the people of  Atlantis are willing to do just about anything to protect the sunken world.

In your quest for the truth, prepare to battle monks, guards, mummies and octopi along the way through the more than 30 levels.

I couldn’t find too many good screenshots (it can be so hard with these DS games) but I did include the ones I did uncover below.  I was unable, however, to find a trailer for this game so you’ll have to use your imagination a little in terms of gameplay.

images: Amazon/IGN

Post from: EveryJoe

“Crazy Chicken: Atlantis Quest” on DS

As the name suggests, this game is all about puzzles and challenging your mind.  I love these types of games because they are very effective at taking your mind off of your troubles on a stressful day. 

According to the product description, you can:

• Play 1000’s of Sudoku & Picture Logic Puzzles
• Play against the clock in a series of challenges and try to beat the top scores.
• See how you improve in the ‘Challenge Me’ mode with statistics & graphs displaying accuracy, mental power & judgement!

You know, in some ways it reminds me of a less-elaborate version of games like Big Brain Academy (which I love so much that I have to limit the amount of time I spend playing it).  To get a better idea of the gameplay, check out this trailer:

image: Amazon

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“Challenge Me: Brain Puzzles”

This fantasy adventure/life simulation game allows you to attend classes at the Magic Academy where you will learn about the mysteries of magic and the art of casting spells, while building relationships with other students.  I think you will also have the opportunity to learn more about magic from your peers.  It seems like a fun game.

You can create your character by selecting their gender, name and customizing their appearance.  You can also communicate with friends through “magical alphabet” chat by using the Wi-Fi cooperative play.

Watch the game trailer now.  The platform kind of reminds me of Animal Crossing: Wild World:

Post from: EveryJoe

Magician’s Quest: Mysterious Times

image: WB Interactive Entertainment

To be fair, I’m a huge fan of the LEGO games so I might be extra excited about this one. LEGO Batman is my favorite although the ones for Star Wars and Indiana Jones are great (have you seen the upcoming LEGO Rock Band?!?!).

The LEGO Battles game is going to be based on three of the classic LEGO themes – LEGO Space, LEGO Castle and LEGO Pirates.  Ultimately, though, this is a game filled with options.  As with the toys, you’ll be able to customize the characters (there are 55 available in all!) endlessly as they move through one of six distinct storylines and 90 different levels.  I love the fact that there is such variety to the settings, as well.  You can play on land, sea or in the air using 30 different vehicles.  Players can also compete against each other in multiplayer mode.

image: WB Interactive Entertainment

I wasn’t given a firm release date in the email I got from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment but I have read on sites like Gamespot that the game is expected to become available on June 9, 2009.

Post from: EveryJoe

LEGO Battles Coming to Nintendo DS