10 Best Puzzle Games for Nintendo DS

We’ve ranked these DS puzzle games with one factor in mind: FUN. Remember, these are just our opinions. Let us know what you think!


1. Picross DS

This series of challenging puzzles will keep you busy for hours. Use step-by-step logic to fill spaces in a grid and unveil a picture. Relaxing and rewarding. Check out our review.







2. Planet Puzzle League

This game’s slow start is your chance to practice creating combos and chains – skills you’ll need as things speed up. Play against your records, or compete wirelessly with local friends and online challengers. The many modes will keep you satisfied.





3. Professor Layton and the Curious Village

You will enjoy exploring this mysterious village, solving a glorious variety of brainteasers as you go. It’s an adventure game, studded with unique puzzles and intriguing dilemmas. Please see our review for more detail.








4. Meteos

Drag blocks vertically to line up three or more of like color and they launch off the top of the screen. The games are fast-paced and short, but the content is meaty and the space theme is interesting. The original version plays better than the Disney one.






5. Tetris DS

If you like Tetris, you’ll enjoy this well-made version. You’ll find the basic mode we all know and love plus many more exciting options, including online multiplayer.







6. Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords

This is more than a clone of Bejeweled. Story and role-playing aspects, as well as complex and varied puzzle elements, make this a sure-fire thrill.








7. New York Times Crosswords

Crossword puzzle players will love this quality digital version of genuine New York Times puzzles. Losing the mess of paper is a plus, and the puzzles are just as challenging. Modes include wireless play with friends, either co-operatively or competitively.






8. Bust-a-Move DS

Shoot bubbles to join those at the top of the screen; connect three or more of the same color to make them fall away. It’s fast paced and addicting, a must-try for those who have never played before. This version is well done, adding optional touch screen controls.






9. Prism: Light the Way

Arrange mirrors and prisms in the playing field to direct light from Bulboids to the Glowbos. This gets harder as the puzzles progress; you will be very glad there’s no clock on the main mode. A multiplayer mode adds variety.







10. Polarium

Draw a line over a grid of dark and light tiles to flip them and form horizontal lines which disappear. Try to remove the whole array at once. You can make your own puzzles and share them with friends.






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