Mario & Luigi 2

The original GBA Mario & Luigi was like a two-player action-RPG you controlled by yourself; each of the famous Bros, was activated by his own button, so getting them to work together in combat and on the world map was key. With the DS sequel, developer Alpha Dream keeps that basic idea but ups the ante: Now baby versions of both brothers join their elder alter egos for a total of four playable plumbers.

That 2 in the title ain't for nothin': The two screens and two groups of two brothers expand the multitasking gameplay of the first M&L brilliantly. For example, one pair might flip a lever on the top screen, lowering a ledge that the bottom pair can help each other over. And with the same people creating and translating the game, we expect more of the hilarious dialogue and Mario-universe in-jokes that made the original so memorable.