2D arcade games/games like Legend Of Kage 2/Metal Slug/Castlevania on DS??

[JazzFunk]

Yes, just wanting to find out lesser-know 2D side-on platformy, arcade action titles on the DS.

Been playing The Legend Of Kage 2 and it's awesome, 2D supercharged old skool action gameplay all the way.

Despite some decent 2.5D games like GTA:CW, I'm sick of playing games that try to make the DS push out weedy 3D, I much prefer titles that play to the DS's strength - quality 2D.

So, again, does anyone know of any obscure Jap/US/UK/EU 2D DS action games that can hold a candle to Legend Of Kage, Castlevania, Metal Slug 7 etc.??

[JamesS]

It got a bit of a mixed reception, but I rather liked Mega Man ZX. Mega Man, but with a Metroid style big map.

There's also Contra, of course.

[JazzFunk]

^Yeah, I've got those, too. I think ZX has some beautiful graphics, but the game as a whole put me off with the backtracking. Weird, because it really does look and feel lovely.

Surely there must be more of these types of titles out there, especially in Japan?