Forgotten Nintendo DS RPGs

The Nintendo DS is one of the greatest consoles of all time, with a ton of incredible games! Join TVGS as I list and discuss ten of the most over looked and forgotten DS games the system ever received. Many lesser known and under appreciated games released for the ds so let me know your most obscure, lees known and underrated DS games down below!
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[@JohnEternal]

I worked on all of the SEGA titles you shared. Thanks for bringing them back for new players to explore.

[@thatvideogamesshow]

No problem!

[@shock789]

Woah! All?!

[@JohnEternal]

@@shock789 yeah Sands of Destruction, Mystery Dungeon, and Phantasy Star Zero. I was a QA Lead from 2006 to 2011.

[@Slush06]

That’s so awesome man, I will definitely be trying all of them out!

[@switchitup3709]

I missed Phantasy Star zero

[@AzureAware]

I'm so happy to see someone talk about Magical Starsign. It's probably my favorite video game.

[@fanusobscurus4309]

God, Magical starsign has probably one of the biggest tone shifts i have ever seen in a game. Just for a example? You find out that your healing items are actually people, and your robot companion is powered by genocide. And that just a random minor plot point.

[@kjhansonkjhanson6643]

Oh damn I gotta play this now

[@kosmosfan01]

Sold 😂

[@gaming1zanagi-1999.]

Damn gotta play it now XD

[@AngryWhinge]

Yes

[@IceBlueLugia]

The fact that you actually listed 10 forgotten RPGs that many may not have heard of instead of mostly a bunch of first party Nintendo stuff is great.

[@captain_chompers]

It's about time someone spoke of Magical Starsign!! It's such a good game!! I've played through it entirely at least ten times.

[@GamingKick]

Not really into RPGs but the DS had some great hidden gems. Had a great time with Lufia. Recently played Super Robot Taisen OG Saga Endless Frontier! More action and rhythm focused combat and the story never takes itself too seriously. Really unique JRPG.

[@thatvideogamesshow]

Super Robot Taisen is so good!

[@mbii7667]

So how are you not into RPGs?

[@chasesmay7237]

The super robot taisen gba games are both fantastic. I sold mine when I lost my gba, and I wish I had them today lol

[@Opebin]

I loved Lost Magic and Shiren so much as a kid, thank you for showcasing these other games. DS really gave some of the most unique experiences out there, nothing quite like that era since.

[@MrValsung]

For any Kuwazu fans, the definitive versions of SaGa 2/3 have english fan translations available on the DS. I've only played a couple of hours of 2, but I've enjoyed it considerably. Of course, I would suggest starting with SaGa 1 on the Wonderswan, but that may be outside of the scope of this video.

[@Silverman160Zero]

Before getting other emulators on my 3DS, I used to dive from place to place looking for every RPG game on the DS. Way I saw it, RPG's and the DS gelled so well. Being mobile and lightweight makes it so convenient and cozy to play them there. So needless to say, I'll be looking out for each title listed here. Also thank you for bringing up Soma Bringer and Tales of Innocence. Though they have their issues (The lengthy dungeons in Innocence) They are a lot more fun than I first thought. Thanks!

[@ajmohawk2993]

I never really played any RPGs on the DS. But despite that, it’s nice to have you make a video talking about these RPGs to seek out, TVGS.

[@thatvideogamesshow]

Thanks AJ 🙂

[@Satiator123]

You missed out big if you didn't play RPG's on the DS!!

[@TouhouGaijin]

I remember playing Soma Bringer with a patch years ago on a flashcard. Was tons of fun.

[@8BitAlchemy]

Great video covering a wide spread of DS RPGs that completely flew under most folks' radar. I am a huge fan of Valkyrie Profile Covenant of the Plume as well as Magical Starsign so I was thrilled to see them here! Sands of Destruction was one I enjoyed a lot too, that game played so well and has excellent graphics.

[@mikemessick8978]

Great job. Thanks for sharing these classics. Gonna be playing some of them for sure.

[@kosmosfan01]

I'm always happy to see some DS RPG suggestions. I recently finished the Wizard of Oz game thanks to a recommendation from a video and was really glad I was made aware of it as it was enjoyable.

[@theguybrarian]

Tierkreis is a great game. One major grip people had with the game was the annoying protagonist (he speaks so fast and is manic lol) but he mellows out as the game goes on. The story is actually quite dark when you get the the meat of it and it's a huge mind f*ck. I loved it. Also the soundtrack is top tier.....kreis :D I only wish that they elaborated on the multiple squad set up - only happens a few times in the game.

[@leonprohaska2505]

did you find out who the most recent incarnation of the one king was

[@HyouVizer]

Lmfao yea MC sounds out sounding like eng dub speed racer

[@theguybrarian]

@@leonprohaska2505 ill never tell here ;)

[@R.Williams]

I took a break about 3/4 way through Tierkreis because though the story was great and I was enjoying it, the random encounter rate was so high that I got fed up with taking 4 steps and getting into another battle. I keep meaning to go back but have even less patience for that now!

[@theguybrarian]

True that! The trade off is at least the dungeons aren't super long. @@R.Williams

[@Priyatambolisetty]

Thanks bro, with all the retro emulation stuff piling day by day you really are helping us find some gems.

[@thatvideogamesshow]

Happy to help 🙂

[@Nebujin383]

Thanks for all for effort and Videos! PS: I have watched all of your PS1/PS2/PS3/Dreamcast and Gamecube Videos, and i demand more!

[@thatvideogamesshow]

More on the way! =)

[@PlaystationTalks]

I remeber buying Lost Magic cuz it was always cheap and man it was an amazing game. Very under rated.

[@achangedyou1343]

Absolutely love your gaming channel! Keep it up!

[@thatvideogamesshow]

Thanks a lot I appreciate that 🙂

[@ajmohawk2993]

@@thatvideogamesshowYour videos are always a delight, and a travel back into nostalgia.

[@ENZEED]

Thank you. Ive been looking for obscure ds games just now

[@leonboy9388]

Great list. Discovered a couple of games to try put🎉

[@cappu7121]

what an amazing list. Thank you so much!

[@kanstyle]

I think I replayed through Soma Bringer as EACH character, it's very good!

[@dariovargas9477]

I can't find the game translated :((

[@ZeroverseA]

Oooh this is new to me.. Thanks for share this and im immidiately gonna try these game up

[@Thestandingturtle]

I’ve been looking for Lufia: curse of the Sinistrails ever since it came out. I unfortunately forgot its name back then but I remembered the gameplay. Thank you so much!

[@SolamenteTavo]

Loved the video and loved the Digimon World 3 music

[@cobaltssfans]

As a RPG fan I this video is a treasure, thanks for uploading it. Gotta try all of it 😊

[@xelthos2051]

Love seeing Sands of Destruction getting some attention. Really enjoyed the game and the anime. Phantasy Star Zero is amazing as well. All the good stuff of PSO with increased speed and more weapons.

[@Bludvarg]

Always a pleasure to see Lufia be acknowledged out of nowhere.

[@GameCubeGalaxy]

Some really intriguing looking ones mentioned here, but Phantasy Star Zero definitely peaked my interest! Going to look for a copy of that now! Awesome video man!

[@thatvideogamesshow]

Thanks mate, it’s well worth grabbing a copy of you can!

[@zenothkun]

Great list! I've played them all already

[@thatanonwholurksmoar7386]

Kinda stoked that ive played all of these. A few of my favorites from this list is PS0, SoD, Valkyrie profile and ToI. A lot of people should really try these games.

[@killmeasshole]

really love these videos talking about old systems. Made my day as always

[@noble_wine]

I saw Magical Star Sign in the thmubmnail. ❤ Yay! Phantasy Star Zero. I learned about the series from my start from Phantasy Star Universe. Also your playing my fave ost from PSZ.

[@alexgonzalez9053]

I'm kind of missing "Solatorobo : Red the Hunter" in the list, for me personally that's the very definition of a forgotten hidden gem RPG on the DS.

[@ricardohernandezr5765]

Metal max 3 ,and returns 2, fire emblem Mystery of the emblem, seventh dragon , such a great translations by fans on RPG. I remember that the game called Nostalgia was very good, well I liked exploring ruins etc. and no one ever knew about it haha.

[@dudewait462]

magical starsign! so nostalgic, i remember hating this game as a kid for how childish it seemed, but in retrospect, i have good feelings about it

[@yvettestein3511]

I'm so happy I stumbled across this video for the soul fact that Sands of Destruction was on here! I've loved this game when I got it all the way in 2011. Such a good game that nobody ever talks about, truly a hidden gem to get your hands on.

[@Zurenza]

A warning for Magical Starsign. Once you get to the final area, you cant go back. There a hidden super dungeon with a super boss at the end and a bunch of lore, on the first planet you visit. You need to be level 99 to win but its worth dropping a save before you reach the end so you can go back and beat that dungeon.

[@frommyhighhorse206]

So many gems on this list. Ty

[@R.Williams]

I love the Shiren the Wanderer series though my favorite one is Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate. I think that was the latest one. It had mechanics that made it a bit less brutal where I could actually make progress. I gave up in frustration at the first titles in the series even though I really liked them. Izuna: Legend of the Unemployed Ninja is another series like that. I beat the first one but gave up on the second. 😅

[@marph2005]

I forgot the names of half of them, so this is a good reminder for games I always wanted to play haha. :) Other than that, not all of them are entirely forgotten. Phantasy Star Zero for example still has an active community to play online over wiimmfi. I do so as well with some friends, it's still a great game!

[@luismaldonado8299]

Suikoden Tierkreis was the first Suikoden game i know from the saga and i love it!

[@newageBoundhippie]

I love Magical Starsign ( still wish Nintendo had localized its GBA predecessor Magical Vacation too.... )! And man....Soma Bringer deserves a Switch remake/remaster with a worldwide release, always wanted to play it ( along with fellow Japan only releases Jet Impulse, ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat, Chibi-Robo: Happy Richie Osoji, Card Hero, Densetsu no Stafy 4 and Chosojou Mecha MG...plus the just not released in the US Jam With The Band )

[@justinm8454]

Yay a new video of games I have never heard of before 🎉🎉

[@MlLKY808]

Lost magic was a classic

[@zzzoid]

No way that I didn't know about monolithsoft JRPG on DS! Thanks dude!

[@thatvideogamesshow]

Glad you found something new!

[@grinbrothers]

The Nintendo DS was blessed with so many RPGs that it's no wonder some got overshadowed or forgotten. It doesn't help that these videos usually contain a fair few region exclusive games. 0:34 - The contrast is rather hilarious. Usually you're out to save the world in these RPGs. A shame this game never released in PAL territories. 2:42 - I'm usually not a fan of party-based action RPGs, as a big appeal to turn based RPGs is the usage of multiple characters and getting to play as the entire party. Happy to hear that Soma Bringer addresses that though. Whilst it was disappointing to hear it was Japan exclusive, it was nice for the fact to be mentioned. 3:57 - The reincarnation plot line sounds interesting. An given how the Tales series garnered so much popularity after Symphonia, it's surprising to hear that any of them were Japan-exclusive after that point. 7:56 - I remember seeing Lost Magic on the store shelves quite often. Back when the DS first came out, I wasn't particularly enamoured with the touch screen concept outside of turn based games (rather fiddly switching between stylus and buttons constantly and I hate touching screens with my fingers), so I passed it by. Maybe I'll consider it I see it about in future. 11:41 - The online play of a DS RPG is still active? Impressive to hear. 15:45 - So pleased to see Magical Starsign not only feature in this video but also get additional love with the thumbnail feature. It's a great game that I'm thrilled to see discussed.

[@arisamomoka2765]

I still played Phantasy Star 0, i finished it for the second time like, 3 months ago on my DS. I love Phantasy Star, and when i found out about 0 i played it immediately. Funnily enough that's the first Phantasy star i finished, lol. I agree that with every 'best RPG' article and video out there more and more good RPG being forgotten. Thank you for the video, and while i tend to avoid JRPG (because most of them are turnbased), your video makes me want to try most of these games. Cheers!

[@gabriel.p7]

The best way to discover new games and find some others to play! Please, make a "best Sci-fi (Space, Galaxy) games" for DS, PSP, GBA and other consoles!

[@thatvideogamesshow]

Sounds like a great idea for a new series. Will add it to the list, thanks for the suggestion!

[@gabriel.p7]

​@@thatvideogamesshowThanks! 😁

[@fanusobscurus4309]

Infinite Space. A sci fi rpg visual novel FROM PLATINUM. Yes. That Platinum.

[@lionelchanhutheng7671]

Great stuff

[@thatvideogamesshow]

Thanks Lionel!

[@upi6132]

Thanks for "Lufia curse of..." Such a good real time action

[@TheGift137]

I don't remember much from when I played it but I do remember Magical Starsign was loads of fun!

[@nicholaslienandjaja1815]

You might also remember the characters as Trophies/Stickers/Spirits from Super Smash Bros.

[@ilpastor]

I want absolutely play these games! Thanks

[@Khoobus]

It's been a while since I watched your videos! (Exams coming up)

[@thatvideogamesshow]

No worries man, good luck with the exams! 🙂

[@Khoobus]

@@thatvideogamesshow Thanks!

[@nicholasm9346]

I wish I had known about the Star Ocean game. I would have loved it.

[@theelike4302]

Magical Starsign and "light-hearted"... Tell me you didn't finish the story without saying "I didn't finish the story."

[@S_Hyde]

I remember seeing Magical Starsign in a Nintendo Power a long time ago and wanting it really badly. Back then though, I didn't own and couldn't afford a DS.

[@Hatchitis]

Magical starsign is so amazing

[@natronetrapp8040]

Love the new intro music. Whats it from?

[@thatvideogamesshow]

It’s from Hot Shots Golf and the track is from the main menu 🙂

[@Ganesh_nyk]

Never heard of soma bringer looks good though.

[@ridermalak3291]

Suikoden Tierkreis is by far my most favorite DS RPG, in term of story. The graphic might not be smooth at all, i can even say I don't like it as it's being a rough 3D graphic. But it has a classic turn based RPG battle system which i like it, and the cutscenes for the story.

[@HyouVizer]

Played all of these besides the wanderer game wow ✨️

[@macsucktwice]

Always makes me smile when phantasy star gets a shout out

[@tutuexe]

Excelent list!

[@thatvideogamesshow]

Thank you!

[@jiraiya0698]

Forgotten or not Radiant Historia is one of the best games ever.

[@UberOcelot]

Best RPG on the DS

[@sirlezard670]

Not forgotten at all (3ds remake).

[@UberOcelot]

@@sirlezard670 Yeah, but that's more of the same. I'd love a sequel even if it was only a Pseudo sequel like Chrono Cross.

[@jnealamsutera6342]

never heard soma bringer before, heck it looks interesting

[@TheNawaf258]

Wow sands of destruction this was fun hidden gem and very underrated game in fact I did playthrough of this game on my channel

[@shockwave.9749]

The ds lite is one of my top 3 handheld: )

[@marioalvaradosf]

Damn these games look beautiful. I'll definetly play some of these.

[@bigedwerd]

Have you ever played the first Phantasy Star on the Master System? It's rough, but surprisingly good for the time it came out.

[@medunno645]

I think the game was called nostalgia, which followed a group of adventures that reminded me of wild arms in the sky I loved that game and played it straight after sands of destruction. Generally feel that them two games would find a loving home on the switch if they wanted to try and remaster them

[@degreeskelvin3025]

With Eoyuden out ive been thinking abt replaying Suikoden Tierkies

[@blankenstein1649]

is there any way you can share where to find the english translation for soma bringer? that game looks right up my alley.

[@TheRealRidley12]

I don't think this is necessarily an RPG, but one game that I think is pretty underrated is a game called Lock's Quest. It's a pretty neat tower-defense-esque game, and I recommend trying it out.

[@sephiclou362]

You deserve more subscribers

[@thatvideogamesshow]

Thank you! I’ll get there one day 🙂

[@Wayfinder05]

I like your videos and find them relaxing, but you really should use thumbnails that are from the games you talk about.

[@leftyfourguns]

Phantasy Star Zero was the only game in the series that felt like a true sequel to PSO. So many fond memories of that game

[@AzzRushman]

Sands of Destruction also has an anime adaptation (with a sick intro)

[@atleastsomeoneelse]

suikoden tierkreis is on my top games of all time. I made sure i got all 108 stars of destiny

[@XannolcZ]

At some point I realised i stopped paying attention to the actual video because I was jamming to Last Ranker music

[@renren5660]

Fire emblem new mystery of the emblem is so underrated. It is so strange they did not release it outside japan.

[@AngelAOOrtiz]

Where can I download the English patched version of Soma Bringer?

[@XionSteel]

Lost magic vaguely reminds me of witch's wish though that game was less tactical and more rock paper scissors as you made up your own spells while assigning them to a drawing. Lufia on the other hand i do own and though its fun to do active combat while switching between all the character, and fighting the sinistrals which are big enough to take up both screens. The game itself however is a little samey, the bosses that are not the sinistral fights are just recolors of regular enemies and the cool cutscenes in the snes version are all cringe in the ds version since they need to try to include all the characters (Dekar and Tia dont leave the party in this version), creeping into frame behind enemies, sometimes crawling to sneak up on them.

[@julioaguirre7181]

some of these cant even be forgotten if i never had the chance to see them lmao

[@astrawby]

I'm a simple man, I see magical starsign, I upvote 😌

[@thatvideogamesshow]

Good taste!

[@vodkaffee4856]

i alwasys wanted to try sands of destruction

[@maxalmonte14]

I've been scrolling the comments 10 minutes, where's the list guy!?

[@hhaammzzaattaarraaff3313]

Knights in the Nightmare is the greatest hidden gem on the DS

[@drag0nchampi0n]

I would play sands of destruction as long as I don't have to have the bear dude in my party.

[@nobalkain624]

As much as I love Valkyrie Profile, I could not make it through this one due to the difficulty.

[@BossBasher]

You got a song list 👀?

[@fiftyten84]

Soma Bringer. Still annoyed that game never got localized. Still fumbled my way through it

[@emannuelsepulveda7259]

Suikoden tierkries is goated

[@Fossilfighters123]

i remmebr lost magic being SO hard

[@cappu7121]

omg yes. especially the bosses! literally wanted to rip my hair out

[@ricardohernandezr5765]

I don't remember if it was the fact that I played as a child but I couldn't finish it, I got stuck in a fight with many dragons, at least it was after enjoying it

[@peeclairbakerabdl]

Luminous Arc

[@davidrodrigo9674]

Lufia is a great action RPG

[@Takxicity]

Sands of destruction Valkyrie profile covenant if the plume Soma bringer Tales of innocence

[@friednoodle6582]

Ah yes, Covenant of the Plume where my morality was tested for power. Welp, it's safe to say I always ended up with the bad ending because I refused to sacrifice anyone.

[@joyconboyasmr6499]

I don't remember the DS graphics being this pixelated.