It’s that time of the year again… when we all gather around and dance like little school girls in anticipation for all the upcoming releases in the new year! Sure we might not know much of what actually IS being released, but we know a little, and it’s enough to fill in a top ten with our ‘Most Anticipated Games of 2008′! Nintendo’s mighty handheld had a terrific year sales-wise, but super high quality games were few and far between. There were a couple hits, but for a platform in it’s third year, there needed to be more AAA games. 2008 looks to solve the situation as there’s already a number of incredible looking games on the way. Thus, nWaffle presents, the Top 10 Most Anticipated DS Games of 2008!

10. Dungeon Explorer: Warriors of Ancient Arts

Alright, maybe it’s the long hours huddled around our Wii playing five player Dungeon Explorer in the middle of the night, but this game looks damn fun. Your job is to restore peace to the land of Westoria by discovering the ancient arts and fighting evil. Characters are customizable with hundreds of different pieces of equipment and spells. The real fun though comes from the games Gauntlet-esque multiplayer. You can get three other friends together and go on an epic, fun, and occasionally comical monster slaying adventure. While it may not be the creme of the DS crop, it DOES look like a pretty solid title.

Expected release: February 2008

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9. Sonic RPG

Now here’s one we don’t know much about. It’s Sonic, it’s an RPG, and it’s being made by RPG juggernaut Bioware. Not a lot of information, but certainly enough to get excited about! Really, that’s all the details anybody has, but given Bioware’s awesome track record with RPGs it’s difficult not to be jumping out of our pants just a little bit. Hopefully we hear more on this anticipated title VERY soon.

Expected Release: 2008

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8. Final Fantasy Tactics A2

The first Final Fantasy Tactics changed strategy RPGs as we know them, and the Game Boy Advance sequel was a fantastic game as well. This third installment looks to continue the tradition of excellence. The series is renowned for its excellent job system, allowing you to fully customize every single character any way you like. In fact, there’s now over fifty different jobs and five hundred different abilities, a strategy RPG gamers dream come true. Keep an eye out for this one from Square-Enix!

Expected Release: Mid-2008

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7. The World Ends With You

Another Square-Enix RPG (get used to it, there’s more), this is a completely original title. Your character gets a text message telling him that the world will end in seven days, and that he is it’s only hope. The title is based in Tokyo, and focuses a lot on urban Japanese culture, such as clothes and food. Oh, and kicking monster ass with magic in a real time battle system. Story details are scarce, but the awesome art style and intriguing premise have us excited to see more. Plus, it’s being developed by the team behind Kingdom Hearts, one of the Playstation 2’s finest RPGs.

Expected Release: Spring 2008

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6. Insecticide

Insecticide is a cool looking action/adventure/shooter and one of the first games to be published by the group Gamecock. If you remember a while back, they’re the guys who announced they would publish a ton of completely original titles from indie developers. The game combines equal parts shooting action and detective work which utilizes the DS touchscreen to make for a unique experience. You work as the action detective in a world completely over run by giant insects. Solid 3D graphics and a Tim Schaefer-esque art style make it easy on the eyes as well. While it’s hard to judge a game from a new developer, this is one to keep an eye on in early 2008.

Release date: February 26th, 2008

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5. Tales of Innocence

Though not officially announced for a North American release, we can’t help but be excited for the latest Tales RPG from Namco. Awesome 3D graphics coupled with a stellar soundtrack and full voice acting will at least make it a force to be reckoned with on the presentation side. Add in a deep story and exciting real time battle system and you have a winner. If you haven’t played a Tales game before, the battle systems are made out to be like a 2D fighting game except with RPG elements. It really is a nice change from the typical turn based system. We can only hope that Namco decides to localize this title.

Expected release: 2008 (hopefully)

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4. Final Fantasy IV

Square Enix strikes the list again! This time with the remake of one of the best RPGs of all time, Final Fantasy IV. FFIV is a classic in every sense of the word, and the remake is holding true to the original design while completely updating it for a new generation. Cecil and the rest of the crew return in beautiful 3D, the story is getting expanded on, and there are all new FMV cut scenes to expand the experience even more. Square has also included a bestiary and jukebox to add more replay value to a lengthy story. FFIV was a hit when it was first released on the SNES, and there’s no reason why this DS remake won’t be any different.

Expected release: Q2 2008

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3. Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword

You might’ve read Shaan’s hands-on with Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword back in December. If you didn’t, here’s the summary: it rocks. Amazing graphics, fluid touch screen control, crazy action, massive boss fights… Tecmo is pulling out all the stops for the DS installment of this classic series. The coolest feature is that the game is controlled almost entirely with the stylus: running, jumping, throwing shurikens, slashing with your sword… even ninja magic requires you to draw shapes on the screen. And it all works wonderfully. This could easily be one of the top DS games of the entire year.

Release date: March 25th, 2008

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2. Advance Wars: Days of Ruin

Since the release of Advance Wars on the Game Boy Advance, this little turn based strategy title has exploded in popularity. After an underwhelming first installment on the DS, the series returns, and boy does it look to make up for it. The story (and color pallette) have taken a turn toward the dark side. The game is set in a post apocalyptic future where the last of mankind is fighting over the few resources still available. The biggest new addition is online Wi-Fi play with anyone in the world. Along with this is the ability to create your own maps and exchange them online with anybody. Add to this another lengthy single player campaign and the usual local multiplayer and this is a title you could be playing until this time next year.

Release date: January 21st, 2008

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1. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates

Square Enix owns the list with four games, including the top spot with Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates. This incredible looking action RPG has been set for release for a while now, and it’s looking to live up to the hype. Along with the single player adventure, up to four players can team up for a completely seperate multiplayer adventure as well. The need for teamwork will make for a completely unique multiplayer experience on the DS. Couple this with Square Enix’s reputation for incredible presentation and you have a recipe for success. Characters are also completely customizable, giving a massive amount of depth to a huge game. Ring of Fates lands this March, and you can bet we’ll all be in line the first day to pick it up!

Release date: March 11th, 2008