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Must Have Handheld Games!

• By Tracy Erickson
• June 03, 2008 21:15 PM PST
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Dozens of handhelds, thousands of games, and countless AA batteries. From Game Boy to the PSP, GamePro chronicles some of the best portable games ever made.

One of the worst-kept secrets in the game industry is that handhelds are simply more popular than home consoles. Handheld gaming might not pack the sizzle of new-gen consoles like the PS3 or Wii, but like Shakespeare said, the play's the thing. After almost 20 years of handheld gaming, there are literally thousands of worthy portable games to play. How do you distill the gold from the crap? GamePro's making that question easy. We've crafted the definitive, ultimate, end-all be-all handheld system guide. Some of these games are classics, others are addicting, and still others are just plain weird. But every single one is worth your time - so to prepare for our definitive handheld game guide, you might want to grab a soda, a notepad, and a credit card: this could get expensive!

Silent Hill Origins | PSP

What Silent Hill Origins lacks in originality, it certainly makes up for in scares. Nothing comes close to this disturbing handheld thriller. As a prequel to the console games, Origins sets a macabre stage for the series with its gritty graphics, horrific scenes, and psychologically taxing gameplay. Without a doubt, the only game on our list that'll have you screaming like a little girl...but still begging for more. Now that Silent Hill made a successful jump to the PSP, we're hoping Resident Evil will eventually do the same.

Drawn to Life | Nintendo DS

This one's perfect for the kid in all of us. Drawn to life is a simple, charming game where players use the DS's touch screen to draw their own character, accessories, and items. It's a simple, pleasing game that combines side-scrolling platform-jumping action and an RPG-style village for buying items and unlocking levels. A fun, creative game that, for once, almost perfectly leverages the DS's touchscreen.

Field Commander | Playstation Portable

Blatantly pulling from the Advance Wars play book, Field Commander deploys a similar style of turn-based strategy gameplay. A more realistic presentation and online gameplay establish it as a must-have for PSP owners, even if it doesn't hold the same cache as Nintendo's series.

Beats | PSP

Yeah, we've got the Beats and it's easy to understand why -- slick, yet simple graphics combined with basic button-pressing rhythmic gameplay ala Guitar Hero. The real showstopper is playing to your own MP3 collection; just drag-and-drop your iTunes folder and Beats does the rest. The low, low price (five bucks) makes it a steal. Only available through the PSP's online store.

Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice | PSP

The second Pursuit Force game lets you to literally take justice into your own hands. As a renegade cop, you take down baddies using any means possible from high speed chases to acrobatic shootouts. A totally crazy action-packed game: just wait until you land on an enemy's hood to take him out!

Metal Gear Ac!d | PSP

Solid Snake's turn-based adventure slithers onto our list with surprisingly good card-based tactical gameplay. It's not a "true" Metal Gear per se, as complicated rules prevent easy espionage. But once you crack its secrets, you won't want to drop Ac!d. (Oh, I see what you did there... -Ed.)

Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony | PSP

No need to agonize over where to get your handheld hack-and-slash fix because Dungeon Siege has you covered. Scantily clad elven women and beefy barbarians lead you through gorgeously-designed dungeons to bash all manner of monsters to mush. Tons of magic weapons, equipment, and spells provide move than enough incentive to trudge through the chaotic world of Aranna. The handheld iteration of the series isn't perfect, but that doesn't keep it from being a satisfying hack-and-slash RPG.

Final Fantasy I | PSP

This sharp re-make of the original NES Final Fantasy is almost as interesting as a historical document as it is a game. An old-school RPG to the core, Final Fantasy I could be faulted for its random battles, one-dimensional story, and simple character development... yet this game sparked a role-playing genre craze that thrives to this day. There are more polished RPGs available, but playing the original Final Fantasy is like listening to the first Ramones album: you can just feel the genius, even if the presentation isn't perfect. A must-play for dedicated RPG fans.

Dementium: The Ward | Nintendo DS

Checking out GameCock's Nintendo DS debut is worth it for survival horror fans looking for something beyond Silent Hill Origins. While not graphically advanced and possessing a rather ham-hocked story, it still manages to dish out some entertaining frights. You wake up in a haunted hospital that's occupied by wandering surgical abominations. The visuals are good, but the audio is simply outstanding. A flawed gem that never saw a proper retail release.

Trauma Center: Under the Knife | Nintendo DS

Become a stylus surgeon in this unique game that has paddled the adventure genre back to life. At the heart of its gameplay are surgical procedures that harness the touch screen in creative ways, such as slicing out tumors or tying off arteries via taps and swipes of the touch screen. But as a young physician, your tongue needs to be as sharp as your scalpel in order to pass intense grilling from patients and superiors. It's a bit text-heavy at times, but Under the Knife's pacing is perfect for those long, lonely bus rides to school. It's like a book, only better.

Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney | Nintendo DS

The long arm of the law touches Nintendo DS in this crazy courtroom adventure. Playing as legal eagle Phoenix Wright, you're tasked with using the DS's touchpad to route out criminals via clever logic and creative reasoning. An off-the-wall adventure that won't get any objections from us.

Metroid: Zero Mission | Game Boy Advance

Space diva Samus Aran returns to Zebes in this colorful remake of the groundbreaking NES original. The gameplay is vintage Metroid -- blasting aliens, collecting suit upgrades, and prowling corridors -- but the beautiful production values make it shine.

Neopets: Petpet Adventures: The Wand of Wishing | PSP

Don't let the cutesy brand fool you--The Wand of Wishing offers some of the best hack-and-slash role-playing of any handheld game out there. Long loading times frustrate the experience, although by all other accounts it's a decent RPG. Pick this up if you're in need of a solid dungeon crawler.

Hotel Dusk: Room 215 | Nintendo DS

Low-key personality keeps Hotel Dusk from being as popular as either of the above series. Stay a night with this film noir-styled adventure though and you're sure to come back for more. As long as you're willing to work through a few unintuitive puzzles, Hotel Dusk deserves a deposit.

Doom RPG | Mobile

Hell goes hack-and-slash in this mobile take on the classic first-person shooter. Trekking through a possessed Martian base involves turn-based battles that retain the first-person perspective for which the series is known. An unusual, but great RPG that was designed for mobile phones.

Alien Syndrome | PSP

SEGA's out-of-this-world RPG got panned on its release, but dig deeper and you'll still find an enjoyable dungeon crawler. Fans of hack-and-slash RPGs will adore the high-tech weaponry and old-school, item-collecting charms.

Jam Sessions | Nintendo DS

If you've got one hand in your pocket, then the other one must be flicking the stylus across Jam Session's virtual guitar string. Less a game than a digital music maker, one of this game's key features is the ability to record your own tunes. You can play more than a dozen different pack-in songs, although the small track list will have you saying saying gimme more, gimme gimme more.

Age of Empires: Age of Kings | Nintendo DS

Ensemble Studios' genre-topping strategy series hits the DS, and it's surprisingly addictive. Traditional strategy mechanics such as resource collection and technology trees give the turn-based battles in Age of Empires a nostalgic feel, and the touch-based controls are loosely analogous to the original PC interface.

Animal Crossing: Wild World | Nintendo DS

Nintendo's kid-friendly take on The Sims goes wild in its touch screen translation. Fashion, interior decorating, and gardening are the order of the day in this non-violent social simulation. An impressive array of customization options for your animal avatar, along with great online interaction features set Animal Crossing apart from other portable games. Expect to sink a lot of hours into building your character, as Animal Crossing's only draw is all the free time it demands.

Phase | iPod

It comes as no surprise that the only iPod game worth owning comes from the musical masterminds that brought us Rock Band. Taking music stored on your iPod, Phase lets you tap the click wheel to the beat as icons flow down the screen in rhythm. A little derivative to be sure, but being able to play to your own music rocks. You'll find it on iTunes.

Nintendogs | Nintendo DS

Nintendo let the dogs out when it released the first bonafide hit for its dual screen handheld. All of a sudden undesirable chores like walking your pup and scrubbing his mane were cool again thanks to an adorable assortment of digital dogs. Imaginative use of the touch screen to play games with you little one, as well as utilization of the microphone for vocal commands set Nintendogs among the most sophisticated handheld games ever made.

ATV Offroad Fury Pro | PSP

After the poor reception of PSP launch title Blazin' Trails, hardly a glance has been shot at its amazingly improved sequel. Ridin' dirrty is a pleasure in ATV Offroad Fury Pro thanks to tight controls that make competing in its lengthy career and online multiplayer modes a breeze. Simply put, it's among the best off-road racers on any platform.

Drill Dozer | Game Boy Advance

Sharing the same shoulder button-focused controls as LocoRoco, Drill Dozer has you guide a living drill bit through obstacles and enemies. It's a bizarre, yet surprisingly solid platformer screwed out of attention during the dull final days of the Game Boy Advance. The good news is, it'll play on your DS!

Crush | PSP

You'll be up until the early hours of the morning playing this inventive platformer starring an insomniac that must navigate tricky 2- and 3D stages. A simple press of the L button crushes a 3D level into a side-scrolling 2D perspective, making for some mind-bending platforming. An underappreciated game that deserves a little love.

Ridge Racer | PSP

Drifting to PSP at launch, Ridge Racer still manages to be one of the greatest launch titles for any system, as well as the tightest realistic racer available on a handheld (well, until Gran Turismo hits the PSP). Superior control, detailed visuals, and a wealth of options set the bar high for portable racing. The lack of online play is regrettable, although the superb quality of its driving mechanics keep it in pole position.

Mario Party DS | Nintendo DS

Partying with a plumber and his toadstool-popping Princess sounds sketchy, but if you let loose your expectations you're bound to enjoy Mario Party DS. A great assortment of mini-games and single cartridge multiplayer supporting up to four players make it the best installment yet in the long running series.

Twisted Metal: Head On | PSP

The only game on our list that lets you barrel through the Eiffel Tower as a psychotic clown behind the wheel of an ice cream truck, Twisted Metal has as much morbid appeal as hard-hitting vehicular action. Once you master the squirrelly controls, you're sure to smile barreling through the wreckage of fellow players online.

Worms: Open Warfare 2 | Nintendo DS, PSP

Nearly drying up with a string of lackluster installments, Worms finally squirmed their way to multiplayer perfection in Open Warfare 2. Online play on both DS and PSP make it the best in the series for multiplayer competition. Better graphics and a bigger screen give the PSP version an edge.

Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron | PSP

Online competition for up to 16 players provides a new hope for handheld Star Wars games. Large maps, a slew of character customization options, and rock-solid performance are good enough reasons to keepthe Force in your PSP.

Pixel Junk Monsters | PSP

A fantastic game, though its Remote Play restrictions mean the cost of entry is high; currently you need a PS3, a downloaded copy of the game, and a PSP with access to a WiFi hotspot. Though playable on the PS3, Pixel Junk Monsters excels as a PSP game because it's simple and cute. As a tiny shaman, you set up cannons, arrows, and flamethrowers to blast away at incoming waves of bumblebees and golems. Endlessly addicting, even when played on the PSP's small screen. Available for download on the PSN store.

Geometry Wars Galaxies | Nintendo DS

Geometry Wars is still the best game on Xbox LIVE Arcade, so it's a natural choice to make the jump to the DS. You pilot a tiny starship fighter through waves of geometric enemies, blasting in all directions with taps on the DS's touch screen--It's clunky at first, but gets easier with practice. Galaxies adds new perks over its predecessor, including an upgradeable "pet" and hundreds of unlockable levels.

LocoRoco | PSP

Now every boy (and girl) can have a blob of their own thanks to the gelatinous platforming action of LocoRoco. This cute and creative game has you guiding miniature globules through colorful stages, using only the PSP's two shoulder buttons to tilt your surroundings. Loco Roco is far too short for its own good, but its saccharine-sweet soundtrack (voiced by singing children) will echo in your head long after your PSP is powered down. An overlooked gem - don't miss it!

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories | PSP

Vice City Stories doesn't offer much different from its predecessor other than its tropical setting, but that shouldn't keep you from getting in on all the action. Exploring the crime-ridden streets of Vice City taking on action-packed missions is loads of fun, even if visiting Liberty City ought to be your first priority.

Picross DS | Nintendo DS

This crossword-like puzzler makes fantastic use of touch screen controls. Loads of mind-bending puzzles, a full editor, and online play give Picross DS immense value. It's a good thing too, as the game's incredibly addictive quality will have you going back to it months after purchase.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong | Game Boy Advance

Mario's old rival sticks it to him again in this wacky platformer. Focusing on a blend of arcade-style platforming and straight up action, Mario vs. Donkey Kong takes side-scrolling platforming in a creative new direction that influenced dozens of games that followed. Challenging stages, random reflex-based mini-games, and a kooky sense of humor will have you going bananas for this innovative game.

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 | Game Boy

Mario's nasty adversary makes his solo debut in this crazy action-platformer. Donning various caps allows for a wide-range of abilities, which are key to progressing through superbly designed side-scrolling stages. True to Wario's greedy character, only the best players can locate every piece of treasure hidden throughout the dozens of levels.

Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc | Game Boy Advance

Failing to garner much attention upon release, Rayman's third outing is unquestionably his best. The limbless hero traipses through challenging 2D levels packed with bizarre enemies and obstacles in between special 3D racing stages. A sleeper hit worth seeking out.

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