MSNBC'S 10 Best DS Games of 2008

MSNBC's editors have seen fit to compile a list of their personal favorite Nintendo DS games of 2008. While the year's end usually sees a flurry of "top 10 best" for each gaming platforms on multiple websites, this list in particular is worth a look for some of its unexpected inclusions.

Only two heavily advertised Nintendo properties, Advance Wars: Day of Ruin and Professor Layton, make the list. Filling out many of the ranks are lesser-known titles: the cute and quirky Ninjatown, the relaxing Soul Bubbles, and the critically acclaimed but under-advertised Lock's Quest. Square-Enix's surprise super-success The World Ends With You also gets a mention alongside the re-release of Chrono Trigger. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia and Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise round out the parade of DS picks. This could well be an invaluable shopping list for those looking for great DS titles they may have otherwise passed up this holiday.