Top Handheld/Mobile Picks

GameCore is CBSNews.com's video game column written by William Vitka, Chad Chamberlain, Lyndsey Hahn, and Alejandro K. Brown.

These are the handheld/mobile games we like the most.

Nintendo DS
Advance Wars: Dual Strike
Rated E for Everyone

We were starting to wonder when a game besides Nintendogs would really take advantage of the DS's dual screen, but our fears were laid to rest when Advance Wars came out. This game is surprisingly deep, has nice - if cartoony - graphics, a smart AI system, a million different ways to play, multiplayer, and a fantastic campaign. You cannot go wrong with Advance Wars.

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Rated T for Teen

If your DS fanatic already has the hit Mario Kart DS, go for Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow. The latest in the series started on the GameBoy Advance continues with great gameplay, improved graphics, and playability that utilize the unique hardware of the DS. This action hybrid is a classic that will have your DS user truly going for that coveted "Level 99."

Mario Kart DS
Rated E for Everyone
It's this season's "Killer App" for the Nintendo DS. It has the solid game play, easy to use controls, intense cartoon-combat racing action that Mario Kart veterans have been waiting for while still being very accessible to newcomers to the genre.

Trauma Center: Under the Knife
Rated T for Teen

Don't just play doctor, be the doctor. As Derek Stiles, you have patients, doctors, and demands to adhere to under strict time limits and health meters. Your Nintendo DS stylus becomes all the necessary tools to perform surgery such as making incisions, extracting tumors, suturing, and medicating. Innocent lives are in your hands in this innovative game.

PSP:
Infected [Read Review]
Rated M for Mature

We love zombies. As if it weren't clear enough, we REALLY love zombies. Infected has zombies. It also takes place in New York City. We love our hometown. It also has great voice acting and over-the-edge comedy. These are all very good things. Mix in satisfying blood and guts, third person gameplay, and you've got a damn fine title. Not for kids.

Kingdom of Paradise [Read Review]
Rated T for Teen

Kingdom of Paradise draws heavily on eastern mythology as the background setting for this action/role-playing hybrid. Use your swordsmanship and magic wielding prowess to avenge your clan and restore your honor. The ability to actually create different attack combos from the myriad of tiles you will collect throughout your travels really lets you tailor how you choose to do battle. An interesting battle mechanic will keep players hooked to this game for quite some time.

SOCOM: U.S NAVY SEALs Fireteam Bravo [ Read Review ]
Rated M for Mature

Not picking this SOCOM title would be a sin. Bringing all the action and adventure to your PSP, Fireteam Bravo is a phenomenal game. The good folks at Zipper Interactive have managed to preserve virtually every aspect of gameplay from the PS2 version. Even the headset talking commands are in this game! A cool crosstalk capability makes having SOCOM 3 for PS2 an extra treat. Fireteam Bravo is a much needed pick for your military enthusiast.

GBA
Gunstar Super Heroes
Rated E10+ for Everyone Age 10 and Up

Don't think we've forgotten about you GameBoy Advance owners. If you have not picked up Gunstar Super Heroes, you are missing out on one of the finest action games ever made for any system, Period! Fast pacing, faster shooting and an even faster set of reflexes will be the only things bringing you to the end of this action packed game.

Mario Tennis: Power Tour
Rated E for Everyone

If you can't get out and actually play tennis, then picking up Mario Tennis: Power Tour is the next best thing. In this sequel to Mario Tennis for Game Boy Color, players have to train hard in the Royal Tennis Academy if they want to be champions. Players gain experience and improve skills through lessons and tournaments. But in the end, they have to beat Mario at his own game if they want to rise to the top of the ranks.

Mobile Phone
Doom RPG

Following the same model that made the original Doom an instant mega hit, Doom RPG is great on the go and is fun. As a Marine sent to Mars, you battle all sorts of creepy things along with demons from Hell. Doom RPG is a sort of hybrid mix of Doom 3 and the original Doom series, featuring weapons from Doom II, and of course the super shotgun is back for more action. Really worth a try!

Pac-Man

Namco has been pushing their mobile arcade games pretty heavily, and with good reason. We already know what these games are and they do not disappoint. And besides, does it get any better than old, reliable Pac-Man?

Pool Pro Online

This game is great for playing against live opponents across phone lines or by yourself. Even better, William got to play this with Namco's Kenji Hisatune. He lost, of course, but it was still fun.

By William Vitka, Chad Chamberlain, Lyndsey Hahn, and Alejandro K. Brown