I’m not a doctor, but I play one on DS

The Nintendo DS’ mission of providing unique game experiences has been accomplished, thanks to innovative fare such as the electronic-pet game “Nintendogs,” the surgeon sim “Trauma Center” and Capcom’s over-the-top law drama “Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney.” While we’ve extolled the virtues of “Nintendogs,” here are the latest games:

‘Trauma center’

This medical drama from Atlus lets you use the DS’ touch screen to control the nervous hands of a new surgeon as he attempts to sew up wounds, remove foreign objects and fight health hazards.

Between anime-style cut scenes full of soap-worthy dialogue, players treat cuts and scrapes by gliding the DS’ stylus over a wound. As you get further into the game, the operations become more complicated. Tumor removal, anyone?

“Trauma Center” never feels like work; saving a patient is as fun as saving a princess.

‘Phoenix Wright’

This is no “Law & Order” procedural affair; this is a tongue-in-cheek look at the justice system, with lawyers and witnesses engaging in antics that would never be tolerated or would never occur in a real courtroom. For instance, one trial is saved by the appearance of a ghost that gives the losing lawyer a tip.

As Wright, you handle a ludicrous caseload and perform duties far above what’s expected of a lawyer. You visit crime scenes and confiscate evidence that you can later introduce in a trial without any warning to the prosecution.

Cross-examinations are the meat of the game, as you compare testimony with evidence and expose lying witnesses. There are a few laugh-out-loud moments, but mostly you’ll be left with goofy grins and disbelieving smirks.