For the old-school gamer ... Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (read our review)

For every catchall, stylus-heavy DS game, there's at least one traditional run-and-jump action title that appeals directly to the experienced player. For these seasoned gamers, there's no better title to buy than Portrait of Ruin. With two customizable vampire hunters and a daunting, trap-filled castle to explore, there are untold hours of solid gameplay just begging to be played.

Online multiplayer modes allow you to trade valuable healing items and rare finds with players from around the world - or you can link up with a friend for a tag-teaming run through a monster-filled cavern. Even when you think there's nothing left to find, one stray magic spell can break down a wall and reveal passages you didn't even know existed. This is the action-adventure game that ceases to end.

Second choice: Yoshi's Island 2