7 3DS Games that Deserve your Attention, (That Aren’t Named Zelda.)
3DS owners might be crying over the lack of high profile releases since launch. Sure, there’s a lot of hype surrounding the upcoming release of Ocarina of Time 3D, and don’t forget that Star Fox, Mario and Resident Evil are all lined up to appear on the 3DS by year’s end as well. So… what are we supposed to do until then? Relax, dear gamer. Before you sulk in the corner over the $250 you spent to play games that aren’t out yet, here are a few under the radar games that will hold you over until the blockbuster season.
7. BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2
Not one to let Street Fighter IV hog all of the fighting game spotlight, the sequel to last year’s BlazBlue title looks to successfully bring another HD fighting game to the 3DS. From the creators of Guilty Gear, BlazBlue continues the trend of over the top characters, an awesome soundtrack and fast, technical fighting that fans have come to expect by now. Throwing in new modes, the three DLC characters and extending the already lengthy story mode, the only thing missing will be online. Even still, gamers who are winding down with Street Fighter might want to give this a look.
6. Dream Trigger 3D
No, it’s not so much a dream as it is an acid trip captured on screen. Dream Trigger is hard to explain. It’s part vertical shooter, (i.e. Raiden and 1942,) part Lumines and part Rez to bring a truly unique title to the growing library of 3DS games. Not to mention that it’s the first game I’ve seen to use the 3D effects as a functional game play component as opposed to just throwing the gimmick in as a visual effect. Out of all the games on the list, Dream Trigger should be out by the time you read this, so expect a review soon if I don’t start seizing by then.
5. Cubic Ninja
The 3D effects get all the attention, (and why wouldn’t it? It’s in the name,) but the system can do a lot more to stand out. No other game seems to showcase the new gyroscope as much as the upcoming Cubic Ninja, where players will guide their character across obsticle filled stages by tilting the handheld. Super Monkey Ball played with the idea, but this is the first game designed around the function. Oh, and building stages to share with friends seems to be all the rage nowadays, so look for that when Cubic Ninja arrives. And no, it won’t really turn mannequins into real women…
4. Bit. Trip Saga
Why buy separately when you can combo it up? Bit. Trip Saga looks to compile all of the excellent Bit. Trip games from the WiiWare service and bring them to 3DS owners on one tiny cart. Fusing rhythm with more traditional concepts like platforming or Pong, each game has its own style while keeping up with the sprite based theme. If you’ve already bought them, there might be little reason to pick this title up, but knowing that most gamers seem to ignore solid titles on WiiWare, chances are it’ll be a surprising new experience. If nothing else, seeing the main character will remind you of that awesome time when you unlocked an achievement for finding him in Super Meat Boy.
3. Cave Story 3D
Here’s another WiiWare title on the list. Not just WiiWare but Cave Story can be found on DSiWare and for free online to boot. So why am I telling you to buy a retail copy of the game that’s infinitely more expensive than free? How about a completely remade title with 3D characters and stages? How about new levels? Or new playable characters? Fact is that Cave Story 3D deserves the support, especially considering that it’s such a well made action platformer with an entertaining story, charming characters and brilliant level design… all made originally for free by ONE GUY! If that doesn’t do it for you, there’s always Prinny.
2. Mega Man Legends 3 Prototype
Ever wonder who the hell that mech driving girl with the lego people is from Marvel vs Capcom 3? Well, now is a great time to become reacquainted with the Bonne’s. It’s been over a decade since Mega Man Legends, the 3D Action RPG has come out with a new release, but when the eShop is finally available, (pending any more month long delays…) gamers will be able to download Prototype, which is acting as a prequel to the actual third game. Introducing new mechanics, a new character and the first taste of Legends in quite a long time, it’s a no brainer for Mega Man fans to check it out. Oh, and you better, because Capcom is pulling a Phoenix Wright and holding Legends 3 hostage based on Prototype’s success. Mega Man’s strongest power might be strong arming.
1. Dead or Alive Dimensions
There have been a handful of games that have come close to recreating the gaming experience of a current gen console on the 3DS, but in typical Team Ninja fashion, they’re looking to push the envelope right out of the gate. Making its triumphant return, you have to see this 3D fighter in motion to believe it. Trailers make the game look like it runs almost as smooth as DOA4 on the 360 did, (as long as the 3D is off,) and the game is promising an expansive story mode, new playable characters, online support and Streetpass functionality. Oh, and there’s one more thing… free DLC! While the frame rate is said to drop when in 3D, it’s a small price to pay if the game can recreate, (or even expand,) the HD gaming experience.
So what do you think? Are my picks way off? Was there something I missed that should be here? Or am I grasping? Either way, there’s room for more than one star in this 3D universe and the above titles are sure to keep hungry 3DS owner satisfied in the months to come.
