When the Nintendo DS was first released, I considered it a “console for kids”. I was in middle school and moving away from Nintendo. The PSP was released around that same time and thought that seemed way more mature and cool. Now, I love the DS and bummed I didn’t have one then.
The DS relied on gimmicks sometimes and some of the games were very kid-like, and also for adults with their cooking games and puzzles. Horror games on the DS sounded kind of funny to me, so I decided it would be a fun article to research.
Alien: Infestation
We are starting the list with a banger of a game. Alien: Infestation takes the popular Alien license and turns it into a Metroidvania. For being a 2D game on the DS, it actually does a great job of having horror elements. The game does a great job at building tension and has some legitimate parts that made me jump.
The game takes place after Alien and Alien 3. You and your crew are traveling through space and come upon an abandoned ship floating. You are tasked to go aboard and look for any signs of life. This is a really solid game on the DS that more people should know about.
Dementium: The Ward
You start the game waking up in a ward with amnesia. You are only equipped with a flashlight and nightstick to begin. You travel through this hospital and find that it is abandoned by horrible monsters. You also find staff notes and newspaper clippings that help progress the story.
Gameplay-wise, this game is in first-person. You have to solve puzzles and defeat monsters. You also have a notebook, which is a cool feature because you can write hints and notes using the stylus. This is a unique and strange horror game for the DS that is worth a try!
Nanashi No Game Me
Nanashi No Game Me is a horror game created by Square and requires a fan translation English patch to play, but it is worth it! You play as a student in Tokyo and there is a rumor of a cursed RPG going around. If you don’t complete the game, you will die within 7 days.
The gameplay is split into two different ways. First, you have a 3D world that you traverse with the D-Pad and touchscreen to solve puzzles in the real world. The second part of the game is the actual 8-bit RPG that is cursed. This is a really unique game and worth it to check out! There is also a sequel if you like it.
Theresia
Visual Novels are not my type of game at all. This game also has puzzles, which is another genre I don’t really like. For someone who does not find appeal in this at all, I still think it was pretty cool. Theresia takes place in the first-person point of view. It starts with you being thrust into the middle of a land that is at war and not much more details, you need to discover details.
Being a psychological horror, the game has you facing a lot of personal dilemmas throughout the game. Once you complete it, you can replay it as another character that will unravel more of the lore and story. Again, as someone who doesn’t like this genre, I still found it to be a fun one.
Resident Evil: Deadly Silence
Have you ever wanted to play the original Resident Evil on your Nintendo DS? Well, this is exactly what that is. The game has a classic mode, which is the original story we all know. It has a few enhancements, like touch controls for some of the puzzles. There is also ReBirth mode that adds more enemies and more puzzles that take advantage of the features of the DS like touch and microphone.
Finally, this game has multiplayer! You can play with up to 4 players in a cooperative online game mode and a competitive one. Despite being on a Nintendo handheld, this is one of the best versions of Resident Evil you can play.
If you want more spooky season recommendations, check out my Hidden Gem Retro Horror Games and Games Based on Horror Movies!
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