Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies

Robust multiplayer features aside, Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies is a little low on innovation. However, it nails the traditional Japanese RPG experience so perfectly and so entertainingly that it’s easy to overlook its lack of originality.

The writing is terrific. Filled with drama, jokes, and clever, eloquent turns of phrase, reading through the frequently appearing text boxes is more often than not a joy. The character customization and development system is fun, too. And robust. It’s unlikely any two players will find themselves with characters that look alike or have identical abilities. And the quick battles, in which you take on an ever increasing roster of imaginatively rendered monsters, are filled with satisfyingly strategy without ever becoming too complex. In fact, our only beef is that it’s perhaps a bit too easy for older, more experienced players. Still, we always prefer games to be too accessible as opposed to too abstruse. If your kids like handheld RPGs, you probably won’t find a better one this year.

Online interaction: This game can be played co-operatively over a wireless network, but only locally, not online. Other players will be close by -- likely friends in the same room -- rather than unseen strangers.