Best Nintendo DS adventure games

The Matrix has 119 adventure games on file for the Nintendo DS, released between 2004–2012. 23 of them support multiplayer, including 1 with co-op. They're ranked below by legacy score, so the games that shaped the genre on the DS come first, with lesser-known picks further down.

Adventure games focus on exploration, story and puzzle-solving rather than combat. Progress comes from examining your surroundings, collecting items and figuring out how they fit together.

Typical commitment: weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours). Tip: Classic adventure games can be cryptic by modern standards. Take notes, try everything on everything, and save before risky choices.