What was the best DS game of 2009?

I'm going with Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story on this one. I've loved the franchise ever since it started on the GameBoy Advance and they always retain the same humor in new engaging storylines while tweaking the gameplay a little each time to keep it fresh. A must buy.

Although I loved Phantasy Star Zero and thoroughly enjoyed Spirit Tracks, I have to give this vote to Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story. Although the game was a bit on the easy side, I was captivated from start to finish. This game is a wonderful package of great game play (do we expect anything less from Nintendo) and ingenious writing. There are so many quote worthy lines in this game it is unreal, most of which are spouted out by our spiky shelled friend himself. The concept of controlling the Mario Bros from inside Bowser and controlling the brute throughout the over world was wonderful. I must say, by the end I actually preferred playing as Bowser instead of the plumber duo. It was a great ride that felt over too soon to me. Here's hoping I find more games in 2010 that bring me as much joy as this one did.

Just looking back at this old poll. Turns out that here on the forums Spirit Tracks was the favorite DS game last year. Not one vote for GTA: Chinatown Wars, which ultimately became Ninfest's Game of the Year 2009.

A GTA game for GoTY? FAIL

Bowers inside story ftw

I should recant my vote for Spirit Tracks, game sucked IMO.

I thought you loved it?

No, def. never said I loved it. Traveling by train is fail, as are the stupid stylus only controls.

Hmm, you should play fire emblem. lol

Is it as brutal as Radiant Dawn???

Honestly, I think radiant dawn is the hardest fire emblem I've EVER played. And I've played every single American Release. I even tried playing the japanese famicom version you have.

I haven't played a bad Fire Emblem game yet. Haven't played Radiant Dawn or the new DS title yet though.

Well, the game Radiant Dawn isn't bad per say, but... damnit all its hard as balls.

Yeah Radiant Dawn isn't terrible. In fact it's one of my favorites for being so difficult. I'm the type of gamer who likes to be challenged and not pampered. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, is easy as hell. Out of the 30 or so missions I played, i maybe had to redo 3? and The final level was not one of them, which is lame. When you can beat a final level without any difficulty then ya know the game is kinder spiel.