The 10th Hour 3.28.08: Top-10 Portable Games

Posted by Derek Robbins on 03.28.2008

Our favorite games typically take place on a console, but what about those times when consoles aren't available to us? This week, 411's Derek Robbins breaks down the top-10 portable games ever.

Hello and welcome to the 10th hour! As always, before I get started, there are a couple of things that I'd like to hit on first.

-So I got Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core. The game has a pretty good story so far, but the combat, at best, can be summarized as: lackluster. It's okay, but nothing at all special. I'd say it's a mix of the worst parts of Kingdom Hearts and the worst parts of Final Fantasy XII. At about six hours in, I'd say it's looking like a 7.5-8.0 game. Good, something the fans will like, but nothing really spectacular. I have to question Gamespot giving it a 9.0. I assume they're just giving it a good score because nothing any reviewer says will prevent the hardcore FF VII fans from picking this up. Maybe my experience will change before I reach the end, but who knows at this point. I think the leveling up system is PURE BULLSHIT though, so…I wouldn't count on it.

-I've been playing a lot of Brawl lately (This just in, sun rises in the east) and I've come to the conclusion that Ike is a character that beginners can pick up and play easily. Once they get better at the game though, they can move on to other, more ‘skillful' characters. That's just what I think, though. I have very few people on my friends list who use Ike, but on With Anyone I see one almost EVERY match. And almost every match they suck. Well, as long as they "fight for their friends."

-Sunday is Wrestlemania. Monday is OPENING DAY FOR THE CUBS! This will be the best two-day span ever!

-I'm going to give credit where credit is due. Vincent Chiucchi wrote a pretty good column detailing the highs and lows for Sega consoles. Click here to check it out.

Alright, enough of that. Let's get on to some reader feedback.

Reader Feedback

This first one is from dAVE!!!. As always, their stuff is in italics and my response is in a glorious neutral font. On an aside, sorry if I didn't include the appropriate number of exclamation marks, dAVE.

I have a hope that with downloadable content, we'll soon stop seeing yearly
releases like Madden. A guy can dream can't he?

Well, that would be some dream. I could actually see it happening if it wasn't EA, but…it's EA! They milk their franchises for all it's worth and churn out crap year in and year out. They make money grubbing an art form.

Next, let's hear from Sean McCabe.

Fair list, but I disagree with the Silent Protagonists part. If anything,
there's more games that try to force a personality on the protagonist that fail
and make them totally unlikeable.

I only have this to add - the Gaming press, most Gamers, and most games. And I
wonder why people call me grumpy? XD


Someone else mentioned "gamers" in their post, too. Now honestly, I kinda like the dorkier gamers. I have been one for most of my life, after all! That said, the frat boy gamers that claim Halo is the GREATEST GAME EVER get on my nerves. The rest of them are okay, but…maybe I'm just a really, really tolerant person? I couldn't agree with you more on the press though. I think you're including G4 in there, but I figure I'll mention them specifically. Do they honestly think gamers like that garbage? Hmph.

Here we have one from Tony Dorian


Another thing I hate is overhype. Developers going on about how great and
groudbreaking this will be and then you play it and feel so let down. 24/7
mode in SD vs Raw 2008 comes to mind.


No kidding. Fable comes to mind right away for me. That game promised the world! Thousands of different outcomes, a lifetime of playtime! Yet it was probably the most linear game ever. As for 24/7 mode…I agree 100%. The season mode was pure garbage and I had to force myself to complete GM. When I LOVE the actual gameplay and I have to force myself through a mode you know you've gone and fucked something up.

Next, Viggen chimes in with this nugget.

Precision jumping has to be in the top 10. Best example being the end of
metroid. I just finished pumping a million missles at the brain while getting
destroyed from all sides then I have to jump up 2 pixel wide stones all the way
to the top, with a time limit no less, was maddening.


AGH! I try to block those sorts of things out, but you just keep dragging bad memories back! What's wrong with you, V? Precision Jumping is the devil incarnate and should have been given a spot on my list. Don't you hate when a game controls especially bad (in the jumping game at least) and it STILL forces you to jump precisely? Sometimes, I think game developers want mass gamer suicide.

Ike…… who is addicted to ellipses adds this nugget.


Ike is like Bo Jackson in Tecmo Bowl.

Though I'm not sure that I agree totally – while both are over-used Bo Jackson was broken as hell, Ike not so much – I laughed when I read this.

Jason denotes:


I don't mind QTE's, and God of War did them better than you're giving them
credit for. In every boss fight I can remember, you did in fact have to use
your skills to wear them down first. It was only then that the QTE happenned,
and was more an interactive finishing sequence. This was great because one of
my peeves is anticlimactic finishes to boss fights. In Ninja Gaiden Sigma I
had used various weapons and my sword on a huge boss with a long lifebar, only
to finish it with a shuriken to the ankle! It's just as bad in fighting games
where a tiny strike can finish someone off, especially when they're blocking.
I agree about backtracking and nominate POP Warrior Within as the worst
offender. You HAD to repeat areas, including a long one an astonishing four
times. Just awful. Total agreement on EA and originality. Down with Madden,
long live Okami!


Honestly, I may have been too hard on God of War because the game is over-rated as hell. It's just the same stuff over, and over, and over. That said, I can see why you'd like it then. Anti-climactic boss finishes are a bit troublesome, especially when you are eager to fight said boss. So QTE can be useful for that. Too often it seems that QTE comprises the MAJORITY of the boss fight, which really pisses me off.

As for Warrior Within…I've never played it. I've only played the original Prince of Persia and I suppose I'll keep it that way for a little while…though I've heard the story is really good.

WTF loves Oblivion and makes sure to note:

Anyone, and I mean anyone who hates Oblivion, need not talk about video games.


Oblivion is a game I will admit is well made, but…it's just not for me. I have a problem with WRPGs and this one did nothing to fix that problem.

John adds:

While I certainly can relate to #10 (I hate that owl too), the one on this list
I agree the most with is the stupid silent protagonist, especially in RPGs.
This is the main reason I can't have Chrono Trigger as the greatest RPG of all
time (I've got it fifth behind Final Fantasy VI, Betrayal at Krondor, Xenogears
and Final Fantasy X). It's a shame, since all of the other characters were
excellent, as was just about every other element of the game. As far as
Earthbound goes...I'm only about halfway through it, and I haven't picked it up
in over a month after blowing through the first half in a couple weeks (not a
good sign because I usually can't put great RPGs down, even if I shouldn't have
time to play them). Frankly, I'm underwhelmed, and I disagree with the notion
that Ness is a "good" silent protagonist. I'm not sure those exist in
RPGs. Other less story -driven games can get away with it, but RPGs and
adventure games can't. I guess I'll have to beat the rest of the game
eventually to make a final verdict on it, but from what I've seen so far, I
think Ness and the Earthbound in general are somewhat overrated. The story just
isn't doing anything for me. It's not a bad game, but it's not a classic either.


The points in the game that I referenced in support of Ness were towards the end. I can see you thinking that about Earthbound when you're only halfway through, but I think the best – and most memorable – parts of the game come towards the end. The final boss is especially memorable as I would best surmise it as: "A mind fuck". I would say play through til' the end, and if you still don't like it…I respect your opinion because you at least gave the game a fair shake.

Maffew has some nice words to share –


I usually just use 411mania for the wrestling news, but I'm reading more of the
games sections thanks to columns like this. Nice column!

I'd add unskippable credits to the list if I was God or something. And the
Street Fighter II revisions (That are still going on!!) and the PS2 Metal Gear
Solids could support point 7.


Well that comment means a lot to me! Thanks, I'm glad you like what I have to write.

As for the other portion: credits that can't be skipped really don't bother me. I usually use that time to browse the internet or…pay attention to see who was behind the game. Especially if I LOVED it. Also, as for the Street Fighter II revisions: Totally agree. It was a revolutionary game but Capcom about milked it for everything, didn't they?

This next comment is from a Guest. We'll call him Croix

Same Game, Different Year!!!

Sports games tend to be the root of this problem because they must release a
new entry each year.

That is a problem that I have with many types of games (sports, rpgs, etc).
They don't want to try anything new.

Developers are too afriad to try something new. It is always about the bottom
line. Trying something new is risky. They want to do something that will make
them money. No more, no less.

I guess that is why I hate certain JRPGs. They don't want to try anything new
(I'm looking at you LO).


I actually agree with everything you have here. Game Developers don't want to try anything new because the market isn't really receptive to them. Why should Nintendo make a new game with a new concept when it can sell a ton off of a Mario game that plays a lot like other Mario games? If more gamers took chances, perhaps things wouldn't be the way they are?

JRPGs are offenders to this as well, but…I'm a sucker for story so I usually stick around. D'aww.
This final comment is from twf's sdc


You can stand my recaps... I'll take that as a compliment.

I love Brawl. I've got to unlock Jiggly, Toon Link, Snake, ROB, and Wolf
still, and I haven't even started Subspace Emissary yet. I've been mostly
playing Classic and matches primarily for taking pictures when I've played the
past few days.

Ike is so ridiculously overpowered that his big kill move isn't even necessary.
At least he isn't fast or a very good jumper.

I like playing friends online, but the lag... I'm not great to start with, but
the lag makes me much worse. Some of the people I play with are several
thousand miles away though. The weird thing is when I play the anonymous
matches, there has never been any slowdown except when my connection goes
spazzoid.

I'll send my code when I remember. I'll also explain my anti-Jigglypuff bias.
You can decide if it reasonable, or at least coherent.

Now then, to a few of the topics at hand, in random order.

I think most silent protagonists should be able to talk. Link is an
interesting case though. While I'd like Link to have a speaking part, I can
see why he doesn't. The games themselves are a solitary quest and not having a
voice lends something to that for me personally. It somehow adds a degree of
loneliness to things... maybe it's just me. Toon Link shows a ton of
personality though.

I didn't mind Dragon Quest VIII's hero being a silent protagonist. He was
pretty expressive. Golden Sun's Isaac... not so much.

Backtracking is something that becomes brutal if I'm more than a few hours into
a gaming binge, but if it's within the first four or so hours, I can handle it.

EA EA EA EA... what are we gonna do with you? Recycle aluminum cans and
newspapers, not last year's video games. I don't want my Madden '08 to be made
from 98% Madden '07. Or '05.

My brother mentioned that a lot of people were unhappy about the changes to
Final Fantasy XII's gameplay, and even said himself that, while he did like it
quite a bit, he would've enjoyed it more if it was it's own game, and not a
Final Fantasy.

Being a Melee pro... that seems like the idea of playing a children's card game
as a life and thing that is frequently mocked in Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Abridged
Series.

Ah, Ness riding Feraligatr, does it get any better than that?


Lag has gotten so much better for me. I guess I don't complain about it because I win a lot though. I was kind of nervous about Brawl online because I didn't know if I'd be good or not. Luckily, I turned out damn good so it's not really a fear of mine.

Link having a speaking part would ruin him for many a' fan. What if Nintendo made him unlikabe? You can't offend that Zelda fanbase!

I'd also like to mention that you are the first person I've seen bash Isaac. And I am SO glad you did. Holy crap is that guy over-rated. Most silent-protagonists show a little personality but he doesn't even show one iota. What a waste of space. I was so glad he didn't make the Brawl roster.

Also, glad you liked the Ness picture. I had to ask for that sucker to get drawn for me. Combining Feral and Ness is like a dream come true!

I should also note that XII was my favorite Post-IX Final Fantasy.

I would like to comment on more, er, comments…but I don't have the space for it. So sorry! There were people who expressed their dislike of Majora's Mask and I'd just like to denote that it was one of my favorite Zeldas. Maybe I'm odd.

Okay, let's get started!

Top-10 Portable Games

Man, I really need a banner. Hah, I guess I'll have to make one for next week.

This week, I rate the top-10 portable games of all time. There are a couple of rules, though. Games that I deem to be STRAIGHT UP ports with little to no change are in-eligible. This removes all the Super Mario Advance titles from contention. I should also mention that I am lumping some franchises together. This is to create some list diversity.

One other rule is, sadly, that the game MUST have received a North American release. This removes Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2 and what would have been number one – Mother 3. Too bad for me! My little Lucas will have to fight another day…

Other than that, everything is fair game so let's get started!

10-) WarioWare (GBA) - Before Nintendo started to make a new WarioWare with every single gimmick that they could think of, there was the original. I think that through time, a lot of us have forgotten just how fun and addictive that this one can be. Essentially you play through hundreds of microgames that last literally seconds a piece. Through every one, you do something different. These could range from actions such as jamming on the A-button to dodging things with the directional pad. Now if you've never played the game before, you could be thinking that this is rather easy. I wouldn't blame you either, if it STAYED that way. Luckily the game speeds up as you get better and what once seemed like a simple minigame becomes a game that requires a knee-jerk reaction to beat. In essence, one could consider this the perfect portable title. There was no story line and it was intended for short bursts of play. Say you were waiting for a bus and needed an easy way to pass five minutes. You could easily down a couple of rounds of WarioWare, have fun, catch your bus, and not feel obligated to "find out what happens next". A lot of people may question this games inclusion, but I feel that in its simplicity lies excellence. It's a game you can play every day and very seldom will it get old. I've never seen a game with such replay value since the Smash Brothers franchise. I think that if you've been holding back on trying this game out, you need to lose your inhibitions and give it a go. There's also one other plus: You won't look like a total ass if you play this game in public. That's got to add something, right? Really, try playing "twisted" in front of people. I bet you'll be getting some inquisitive looks…

- It's impressive when the worst thing about a game is the star's wardrobe.

9-) Final Fantasy Tactics Advance (GBA) - A lot of people rag on this game for whatever reason. They seem to think that because it has a more kid-friendly story that it can't hold up to the "deep" story of Final Fantasy Tactics. This couldn't be any more wrong, if you were to ask me. In fact, until the PSP release of the re-translated Final Fantasy Tactics I would have deemed this better than the original. Why? Well, I feel that it features all of the tactical gameplay that you love, but it adds a new twist. Laws. These laws force you to create new strategies on the fly to beat places. No longer could you rely on your same ol' strategies to win games, but you'd actually have to think of new and interesting ways to win. As if that wasn't enough, the story – no matter what anyone says – is fantastic. It deals with escapism in a very interesting way and can lead to some truly deep conversations. No offense to the previous Final Fantasy titles, but they really never generated any "deep" conversation for me. Sure, I could talk about ‘em, but they never got me to think. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance actually made me think about real life, and I liked that. It's refreshing. So when someone tells you that the story is simple, don't listen. Look deeper than the surface and you will find something that is truly magnificent. This game was about as good as it got on the Gameboy Advance – from the graphics and the story to the gameplay and sound – and I would certainly advise giving it a shot. Don't let any of the negativity you may have heard cloud your mind. This is, without a doubt, worth a shot.

- I don't care HOW bad things are back home, you're going there!

8-) Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions and Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness (PSP) - The first ever tie in 10th hour history! Let me explain my reasoning here – I wasn't sure it was proper to include these games separately as they ARE indeed ports. The thing is, they both offer enough differences that they feel like totally unique experiences to me. So, I decided to be fair I would only have them take up one spot. What makes Final Fantasy Tactics different is one, and one thing only. And it's huge. The original FF: T featured perhaps the worst translation in videogame history. As fun as the game was, the story was just trash…which was a shame, because it really hurt its legacy. Sure, you have the hardcore Final Fantasy fans that still stand by it, but…it's only the sort of thing a true fanboy would love. This new translation is actually coherent and makes the game fun again. I actually have a purpose through fighting! Now, I won't lie – I enjoyed single player of FF: TA more. The thing is, as a GAME…I feel that FF: T is technically better so I'm going to give it the rub this time. The main reason I feel this way is that the multiplayer options are more fleshed out. They were existent in FF: TA, I just feel that FF: T topped that game in that regard. On top of the fancy new translation are some beautiful cut scenes with top-notch voice work. While some people consider cut scenes to be a bit gaudy, I felt that it enhanced the experience here.

- An example of the improved CG.

Now onto the game it tied with: Disgaea. If you haven't played Disgaea yet, you really need to. It has a unique sense of humor and also features witty writing. I've said this before, but I don't usually laugh when I play a game. I don't know what it is, but for some reason I don't feel game creators convey humor particularly well. With Disgaea though, I was actually found myself laughing several times, which is refreshing. The entire story isn't the best, but it IS enjoyable. Now, if you haven't touched the PSP version you may wonder what makes this game so different than the PS2 version, and the answer rests in one of the game modes. "Etna Mode" is unveiled after you beat the game and allows you to play through a scenario where Etna kills Laharl instead of waking him up at the beginning. It retains the wit of the original campaign and for any fan of the series, I'd say definitely play through it. I haven't mentioned it yet, but if I had to decide which game had the best voice acting among all games, I would choose Disgaea. Simply amazing vocal work. NIS releases a new tactical RPG each year, but I still find that this one and La Pucelle are my favorites. Yes! I made it through a Disgaea recap without mentioning "horse wieners"! …oh wait. Damn.

- So cute...

7-) Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (PSP) - Konami did something rather puzzling when the PSP first came out. With the PSP's ability to play enhanced graphics, fans were hoping that a portable Metal Gear Solid would be unleashed at some point. And it was! Unfortunately for fans, they were card games. Well, card games is sort of a bad word. It was a bit like a tactical RPG, but with cards. They were fun on their own right, but not what gamers were hoping for. So, we finally get what we're hoping for in Portable Ops, and I have to say…it's an awesome game. It acts as a direct sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3 and puts you back in control of Big Boss. Now what makes this game different is that, like Metal Gear Solid 2, Snake isn't your only playable character. You have the option to build a sizable army and play through the game's various areas with multiple people. This creates scenarios where you go into hiding as someone and play as a different character to get a task done. It seems a bit complicated at first, but once you actually play it, it's actually one of the more unique Metal Gear Solid games out there. The story, the gameplay, and the music are all excellent. While a lot of fans have qualms about playing as someone other than Snake, I feel that this game executes it well enough where it doesn't really matter who you play as. It's just damn fun. Is it as good as any of the console Metal Gear Solids? I think not. I would say that it is the most unique of the lot and, on its own merits, is a wonderful game.

- About time they released a portable Metal Gear Solid game that PLAYS like Metal Gear Solid.

6-) Advance Wars Franchise (GBA-NDS) - I guess it should be pretty obvious by now, but I absolutely dig tactical games. So it really shouldn't come as any surprise that Advance Wars gets its own representation on this list. The goal of the game is to simply defeat the other army as best you can. You can do this through one of two means – by simply destroying all of their troops or by capturing their base. The concept may be simple, but the execution is not. Each unit you create has its own strengths and weaknesses and, when on the battlefield, the game can play a lot like Rock, Paper, Scissors. Even then though, if you think strategically enough…you can win even if you're out-manned. I like having to think when I play a game. As if that wasn't enough, there is yet another aspect of the game that I love. Depending on which commanding officer you choose, there are different ways to play. This is interesting because in most games like this your "officer" will play like every other officer, but with a different special move. That isn't the case here, as each person's units has different attributes. Are you a long distance, strategic sort of dude? You should play as Grit! Comfortable in a "Fog of War" setting? Would you rather the battle be fought through best use of recon? Sonja is your gal. Is brute strength your thing? Then Max is your main! It may seem pretty small, but this kind of strategy can win or lose you a game. While Advance Wars won't win any awards for writing or story, the series is, without a doubt, one that you should be playing. For your on-the-go strategy fests, you really can't do any better.

- Who knew such a simple game could be so fun?

5-) Ace Attorney Franchise (GBA(Japan)-NDS) - This seems to be the sort of game that you either love or hate. Definitely count me in the "love" category as I cannot get enough of Phoenix Wright. Without a doubt, this game has some of the best storylines and characters of any portable out there. When you think of the most memorable videogame characters out there, more often than not they come from consoles. Console gaming, after all, is more about long-term play sessions unlike the portable scene. The Ace Attorney franchise overcomes these odds by having some of the best characters in gaming history. All of this, and I haven't mentioned the actual gameplay yet! Essentially what you need to do is pay close attention to everything. Even the most minute of details can help you in the courtroom. You scrounge up evidence to try to prove your client innocent. I don't know how to explain it, but it feels really exhilarating when you get your person off the hook and have your opponent – the prosecutor – running scared. This game may not be for everyone as there are copious amounts of text and the game is played through said test. That said, those who stick it through will be rewarded with a rich, beautiful sounding game full of story, wit, and fun. Should they be releasing a new one each year? …I'm not sure, but I am sure that if they continue to be top notch, I don't mind it one bit. As long as the cases can leave me on the edge of my seat, I say: "Bring it on!"

- One of the best gaming soundtracks ever.

4-) Mario Kart DS (NDS) - Mario Kart is probably my favorite racing franchise of all time. I'm not a fan of realistic racers, and my second favorite racing franchise – F-Zero – can be just too damn hard sometimes. When I say that this is probably the franchise's best iteration, the reaction may be cold. After all, the original Super Mario Kart was one of the most endearing games of all time, but…Mario Kart DS takes the best parts of each of the past Mario Karts and puts them into one game. It includes great graphics, smooth control, intriguing tracks of new AND of old and it is also a load of fun to play by yourself and with others. If I had one complaint, it would probably be about the online community. It seems in every match you will find someone who snakes to gain victory. While this wouldn't be bad if EVERYONE did it (and I admit, I'm guilty of using it just so I can win every once in a while), the fact is everyone doesn't. Races can be horribly one sided and less fun that way. That's why I recommend simply gathering play codes and playing amongst friends. If you know you're in for a somewhat decent match-up then the limitations of online are lifted and the nuances of what makes it great can be truly appreciated. Never before could you play Mario Kart with a friend from far away, and finally – thanks to this game – you are able to. Just like with Smash Brothers, I feel this is a feature that – even if it didn't turn out the best – I am glad that they included. Until the wii version of the game comes out, and maybe perhaps after…it's hard to come up with an argument as to why this Mario Kart isn't the best of the bunch.

- Hopefully the wii version will improve on this one.

3-) Metroid Fusion (GBA) - It might come as a surprise to some of you reading that I have a Metroid game so high. This is because I have stern dislike for backtracking and Metroid tends to force a lot of that on you. This game though…this game I could forgive. The backtracking was GREATLY reduced in this game and this made the experience rather interesting. The story that unfolds is probably the best one told through a Metroid game in my mind. This is all amplified by the presence of the game's main antagonist SA-X (or Samus Aran X). Whenever it appears, it feels like the games tone drastically changes. It goes from an adventure game to almost like a survival horror. You NEED To avoid SA-X at all costs, and I think it does a lot for the tone. I really appreciated this change in gameplay. I feel a bit like an old record at this point, as I have said the same about a lot of games on this list, but this game has some pretty solid music. I've always felt that the Metroid soundtrack has been top notch and this one was no exception. One of those games you plug your headphones into and happily listen instead of turning the volume all the way down. Ya' gotta love that. Essentially, if you've played a side-scrolling Metroid you know what you're getting into here. The whole game is made better by the lessening of the importance of backtracing, and hopefully you'll feel the same way. This is the quintessential portable Metroid title. Will it replace Super Metroid as your favorite? Probably not. You could certainly do worse on the road, though.



2-) The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons (GBC) - On May 13th, 2001 something really odd happened. For the first time ever, two Zeldas were released on the same day. This was during the age of "pokemon" when two different versions of a game typically meant that they were the same game with very, very subtle differences. The thing is, this wasn't the case for these two! Oracle of Ages and Seasons were completely different games! I have to admire Capcom, who developed these two titles, for not simply taking the easy route on this one. For me, the key differences between the two – other than the ability to change the seasons or time period – would be the playing style. Ages was centered around the puzzles. It seemed like it took me more time and effort to beat the game than it did for Seasons. Seasons, on the other hand, seems more action based. For those Zelda gamers who wanted more combat or to get things done quicker, there was Seasons. Both games were top notch, but if there was a choice between the two, Ages seems to be the one to go with. I like having to think and focus to get my task done. It makes the end result seem like something that required work to achieve, and that is something quite admirable. Seasons fans, absolutely nothing is wrong with your game, but as a Zelda title I'd consider it only slightly worse. To give encouragement to play each game, they allowed for some connectivity. Once Ages or Seasons was beat, you could link up to the opposite game. In doing this you could fight the ultimate final boss, Ganon. Normally, a company would be slighted for this sort of action. Having to play through two games just to get one ending does seem a little absurd. Well, it's easy to forgive considering both Ages and Seasons are different games. To this day, a portable Zelda title has yet to achieve the excellence that these two achieved on the gameboy color. Though Phantom Hourglass came close, that game's ending really ruined it. So, until the next one…for your "Zelda on the go" needs, these two will have you covered throughout the seasons and ages.

- I generally prefer younger looking Link designs. Am I weird?

1-) Pokemon Franchise (GB-NDS) - Is it really that much of a surprise that Pokemon got the nod here? Without a doubt, it is the most successful portable franchise of all time. Do you want to know how successful it is? The highest selling franchise of all time is Mario. That's quite suitable. Mario helped save gaming in the mid-80's. Guess what's second, though? Pokemon. For a series that many deem "too kiddy" for them, Pokemon sure has a lot of older fans. What makes the pokemon series great is the emphasis on customization. In a lot of RPGs, there is only one way to play. Only one ultimate weapon. In Final Fantasy VII, the best weapon for Cloud, without a doubt, was the "Ultima Weapon". That's great, really it is…but pokemon goes beyond that. There isn't a single pokemon that is the best, and through training and strategy…even the most ‘useless' pokemon can pull of wins over the best of them. That is something. The customization also allows for various ways to play. A team can consist of the users favorites, or it can consist of pokemon that they deem superior. It's up to the trainer, not the game, and that's something special. To ensure that you're thoroughly addicted, on top of this customization is the sheer amount of replayability. Hundreds and hundreds of hours can be blown on this game simply by collecting. Now, there are a lot of people who don't get it. Maybe they never played pokemon because they simply deemed it to be too kiddy? Their loss. Pokemon is easily one of the most accessible games on the market. There have been people, such as myself, who have been playing the franchise for ten years. No matter what your opinion is, if a franchise can hook people for that long it is truly impressive. Complaints can be raised about the series never changing that much, but…why bother? They add a hundred different monsters a game and still somehow manage to have a semblance of balance. For a short while, Pokemon dominated the market and with good reason. Now it's not as dominant, but it has a place in the hearts of those who remembered it when growing up. Put simply, this is a game that you need to play at least once.

- Pokemon AND Team Fortress 2? Can it get any better?

Honorable mentions: Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, Wario Land 3, Pokemon TCG, Zelda: A Link to the Past, New Super Mario Brothers, Lumines

This was a pretty hard list to write due to the sheer number of portable titles. I'm wondering what your opinions are? Please note, I consider Tetris ineligible considering that it's been on every fucking system ever. So if you're angry about the lack of love for your favorite L-block, I am sorry.

As for next week, I have no idea what's coming. It'll be something, I'm sure.

I'd also like to take this moment to announce that I'll be starting a second column next week. It's an interesting concept. You'll just have to wait to see what it is!

Well…that's it for this week. As always, if you want to praise, yell, talk about baseball, politics, etc…e-mail me at [e-mail] or [e-mail] your choice. Or simply leave a comment below.

In the words of Jim Rome: "I'm Out".

Til' the Crossroads