RF Generation: Features

From the Microvision and Mattel sports toys from the late 70's to the DS and PSP, handheld gaming has been around in one form or another for 30 years. In this week's List 'em, we take a cue from the weekly feature and bring attention to favorite handheld toys and games from the past and present. How many times Tetris will show up on lists, no one could guess. Without further ado, here's my top 5:

Tetris DX (GBC) - As with most "DX" versions of Game Boy games, it was much improved. Easier to look at, colourful, and had a faster pace which I prefer over the original. This game still gets played on an almost daily basis. In fact my cart is so worn out I may have to buy another copy that doesn't look so shabby.

GO Raceway (Misc. Handheld) - I suppose you could substitute this game with any one of the hundreds of generic LCD racing games. Gameplay was simple: Move left, right or back to center to avoid traffic as the game speeds up and increases difficulty. Fancier versions have a pit-stop or even a turbo button as part of the game. I chose this one because I have it CIB and it'll remind me to submit pictures of it this week.

Clubhouse Games (DS) - An awesome compilation of games ranging from Koi Koi, Backgammon, Chess, Solitaire even parlour games like Darts and Bowling. With 42 different games on one cartridge and the ability for multiplay using local Wi-Fi and a single copy, this is probably the best bang for buck deal the DS currently offers. It has mission Modes, unlockables, even customizable settings for each game. I could go on and on about this game but instead I'll tell you to buy this game immediately. In fact this game for the right person could be worth buying a DS for alone.

Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (GBA) - I could have chosen any of the Zelda Game Boy games and it would've made for a good list. The GBA port of Link to the Past is every bit as good a game, but I play that one on the SNES and the new grunting noises they added to Link when he swings his sword in the GBA version seem a bit out of place to me. In any case Minish Cap is my choice because it takes the formula of LttP as well as Link's Awakening, polishes the gameplay and makes for a good sized adventure longer than most while somehow managing to keep the franchise fresh. It even adds collecting elements to the game that for perfectionists add extra hours to the game after they had beaten it and between dungeons. If you haven't played this yet and are looking forward to Phantom Hourglass this fall, I suggest you buy this one as well. Any Zelda fan will not be disappointed.

Batman Returns (Lynx) - The first Atari Lynx game I had ever played, it left a lasting impression because of it's quality and presentation worthy of any handheld game I have played since then. Games like this always remind me of how much of a shame it is that the Game Boy had such a lead over the market. The potential for superior systems like the Lynx and even the Game Gear was sadly under-used. Even beat-em ups on the GBC have a hard time comparing to this game. An excellent use of a license, this game is fun, has good sound and great animations, a worthy title to add to anyone's collection and a good reason to buy a Lynx.

Runner up: Karnov (Tiger Handheld) - I have no idea how I got this game as a kid, but I played the hell out of it. It always seems like someone has a Tiger Handheld story, well this game would be mine. Soon I'll be tracking down a copy again and it may be that if I had posted this a year from now it would be a top 5 game in place of one of the one's already there. But sometimes nostalgia plays funny tricks with your mind and I have no idea if I even like this game anymore, guess I'll find out soon enough.

Well my friends, it's your turn now, List away!