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3DS game recommendations? (post-Black Friday sale)

RBH

Member
With the recent influx of new 3DS owners due to the Black Friday sale, I was just looking for some 3DS game recommendations.

I've got a few in mind (Mario 3D Land, Donkey Kong, Star Fox), but looking to broaden my horizons.

This is my first handheld since DS Lite, and I'm open to pretty much all genres. I guess I have a preference for platformers, fighting games, and shooters.

Thanks!
 
What kind of games do you like? There are so many good games on the 3DS that it'd be helpful to narrow it down a bit.
 
Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is probably the best game I've played on 3DS, first Zelda game I actually finished, just loved it.
 
The 3DS has a ridiculously strong library. I could list 25+ must have games, easily. Without telling us what kind of game you like I'd have no idea where to start.

Both ALBW and SM3DW are must have though.
 
Pokémon Sun and Moon
Fire Emblem Conquest
Mario 3D Land
Kid Icarus
Luigis Mansion
Zelda Link Between Worlds
Animal Crossing New Leaf

Those are absolute must-haves. Also look into:

Zelda OoT/Majoras Mask
Hyrule Warriors Legends
Kirby Triple Deluxe and Kirby Planet Robobot
Dragon quest 7
Bravely Default
Monster Hunter
SMT games
DKC 3D
Star Fox 3D
Mario Golf
Smash Bros
Mario Kart 7
RE: Revelations
Tales of the Abyss
Xenoblade
Pushmo, Crashmo
Fantasy Life
Mario Maker
Yoshis Wooly World (future)
 
Crimson Shroud
Pokemon Sun
Bravely Default
Stella Glow
A Link Between Worlds
SMT4 and Shin Megami Tensei 4 : Apocalypse
Devil Survivor Overclocked and Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker
Rune Factory 4
Super Mario 3D Land
Animal Crossing New Leaf
Rusty's Real Deal Baseball
Pushmo and Crashmo
Kirby Planet Robobot
Kid Icarus Uprising
 
From this year (actually my 3DS GOTY)

Shin Megai Tensei IV: Apocalypse
Pokémon Sun/Moon
Fire Emblem Birthright/Conquest

I still have to play it, but the last Kirby game would there, too, the Kirby games never disappoint me.

The 3DS has a ridiculously strong library. I could list 25+ must have games, easily. Without telling us what kind of game you like I'd have no idea where to start.


Off-topic but this the reason I am so excited with Switch. Unified Nintendo development teams + japanese third party = GODLY library <3
 
My favourites would include

Zelda LBW
Monster Hunter 4
Etrian Odyssey 4
Fantasy Life
SMTIV
Starfox 64
Zelda OOT 3D
Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars
Fire Emblem: Awakening
Dragon Quest VII.

The library is huge at this point though.
 
Fire Emblem Awakening. And if you like that, then get Fire Emblem Fates Birthright, Conquest, and Revelations.

I really enjoy these SRPGs and they have the options for newcomers.
 
Devil Survivor Overclocked
Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker
Corpse Party
Majoras Mask
A Link Between Worlds
Ocarina of time
Xenoblade
 
Besides the ones you mentioned(of which i wouldn't advice StarFox 3D), i'd recommend:
Kid Icarus
Resident Evil Revelations
Phoenix Wright Trilogy(if you haven't played them) and the newer one Dual Destinies and Spirit of Justice
Rhythm Heaven Megamix
New Super Mario Bros. 2
Xenoblade
 
I just picked up the Game Gear Sonic games. They're on sale. Really good way to break in your new system. Gives you something fun to do with your hands that won't make you go blind.
 
Besides the ones you mentioned(of which i wouldn't advice StarFox 3D), i'd recommend:
Kid Icarus
Resident Evil Revelations
Phoenix Wright Trilogy(if you haven't played them) and the newer one Dual Destinies and Spirit of Justice
Rhythm Heaven Megamix
New Super Mario Bros. 2
Xenoblade
What's the reason?
 
how playable is xenoblade? seems like a lot going on in that game for such a small screen. hows the performance?
 
What's the reason?

Can't imagine what it would be. Star Fox 64 3D is excellent. If you're into rail shooters, definitely give Kid Icarus a go. Gunstar Heroes 3D is an ace shooter/platformer/action madness game.

Also, you have to try Rusty's Real Deal Baseball. It's free to start and probably is the best use of 3D the system has to offer. Incredible game. And my niche recommendation goes to Code Name STEAM. An XCOM lite starring comic book adaptations of heroes from American literature.
 
how playable is xenoblade? seems like a lot going on in that game for such a small screen. hows the performance?
I'd consider myself fairly sensitive to framerate issues and haven't had any issues in the thirteen or so hours I've played. There are moments where it drops, but things have to be getting a bit crazy and I never found it to be a hindrance.

I have never played the original so I don't really have anything to compare it to, but it seems fine considering the hardware limitations.
 
how playable is xenoblade? seems like a lot going on in that game for such a small screen. hows the performance?

I played through the entire thing on 3DS and yes there's a couple of spots where it doesn't run particularly well, but overall I had a blast. I never played the Wii version though so I don't have a comparison
 
Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Kirby: Planet Robobot
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team Bros
Kid Icarus Uprising
Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
Shovel Knight
Animal Crossing New Leaf
 
I'd consider myself fairly sensitive to framerate issues and haven't had any issues in the thirteen or so hours I've played. There are moments where it drops, but things have to be getting a bit crazy and I never found it to be a hindrance.

I have never played the original so I don't really have anything to compare it to, but it seems fine considering the hardware limitations.

I played through the entire thing on 3DS and yes there's a couple of spots where it doesn't run particularly well, but overall I had a blast. I never played the Wii version though so I don't have a comparison

yeah I never played the wii verison but always wanted to check it out. Thanks for the info
 
Can't imagine what it would be. Star Fox 64 3D is excellent. If you're into rail shooters, definitely give Kid Icarus a go. Gunstar Heroes 3D is an ace shooter/platformer/action madness game.

Also, you have to try Rusty's Real Deal Baseball. It's free to start and probably is the best use of 3D the system has to offer. Incredible game. And my niche recommendation goes to Code Name STEAM. An XCOM lite starring comic book adaptations of heroes from American literature.
Thanks for the heads up on Rusty!
 
In an effort to not repeat what others have already listed, Dragon Ball Fusions just came out and its 29.99.

It is a turn based RPG that reminds me of Grandia but also has mechanics that remind of pool?

I found it easy to jump into and the mechanics gradually open up as progress through the game. There is a lot of content too and as far as I know we're still on the base game, but there are updates already planned including online multiplayer.
 
I'll third Rustys Real Deal Baseball. Pretty fun game, plus you get to beef up your bargaining skills.

Mega Man Legacy collection is $7.50 on eShop right now, fisrt six Mega Man games for the price of one SNES game is pretty good.

Speaking of SNES, if you haven't played Earthbound yet it is on the Virtual Console.

I'm a pretty big fan of the Sega Arcade 3D games, Afterburner II and Outrun especially.

Super Mario 3D Land is pretty great, playing it a second time now.

Pokemon Shuffle is free to play, has some money moments, but is a dun diversion. It is pretty good as free if you don't get crazy on it, or don't mind farming Meowth for coins.

I like Fossil Fighters, but guess a lot of people don't care for it. It is like Pokemon with dinosaurs, you excavate bones and the better they are the stronger the dinos get. 3DS one has some quirks to get used to with stances and elements mattering during fights, but I enjoy it.

Fire Emblem is good. Fates is on sale right now on the eShop for $20 and is pretty good, with as much as I've played (30 hours or so).

The Street Pass games are fun for a bit if you get a lot of Street Passes. Pretty sure you get one of the new ones free (or at least it was)

Pokemon OR/AS is pretty good. Haven't played Sun/Moon yet, but they are probably pretty good as well.
 
The only games you will ever need for the 3DS is Shin Megami Tensei IV and its sequel Apocalypse. Legit some of the best RPGs I have ever played. It's literally Pokemon but you can fuse your Pokemon aka demons to make them into a stronger one and let them inherit previous abilities. There is a really great storyline and Tokyo underground with demons ruining amok is something different for a change. Nothing is more satisfying that finally killing that god damn boss you have been having trouble for possibly hours like these guys.
latest


latest

Get those first.
 
In an effort to not repeat what others have already listed, Dragon Ball Fusions just came out and its 29.99.

It is a turn based RPG that reminds me of Grandia but also has mechanics that remind of pool?

I found it easy to jump into and the mechanics gradually open up as progress through the game. There is a lot of content too and as far as I know we're still on the base game, but there are updates already planned including online multiplayer.
Its really good, I agree.
 
Will the 3ds persis after the switch, or will it be retired like Wii U?

Either way new owners, dont sweat it. The existing library is so large and excellent that you'll more than get your money's worth even if no other games came out from now on. Just askin outta curiosity.
 
The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds
Super Mario 3D Land
Kid Icarus Uprising

Are the 3DS first party holy trinity. Goes toe to toe with SMW, Super Metroid, LttP on SNES IMHO.

Incidentally, they are also the best offerings of 3D on the platform.
 
My favourites would include

Zelda LBW
Monster Hunter 4
Etrian Odyssey 4
Fantasy Life
SMTIV
Starfox 64
Zelda OOT 3D
Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars
Fire Emblem: Awakening
Dragon Quest VII.

The library is huge at this point though.

Is Ghost Recon the one that was designed by Julian Gollup? I vaguely remember him being involved with some DS or 3DS game.
 
Posted in the other thread,
But I already had and sold my 3ds XL, had games like Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, Mario 3D land, donkey kong, kirby, etc.

Decided to get a 'new' at 99 bucks, and now I'm looking for the best multiplayer games. Not just the type of mildly entertaining multiplayer modes that most Nintendo games have, but something that's as genuinely fun as playing party games on steam.

Any 4 player shooters, for example?
I'll probably pick up Pokemon, since I haven't played since sapphire.

I had the first Mario Party Island Tour, and found it pretty boring for adults. How's the new one?
 
With the recent influx of new 3DS owners due to the Black Friday sale, I was just looking for some 3DS game recommendations.

I've got a few in mind (Mario 3D Land, Donkey Kong, Star Fox), but looking to broaden my horizons.

This is my first handheld since DS Lite, and I'm open to pretty much all genres. I guess I have a preference for platformers, fighting games, and shooters.

Thanks!

I'll give you a list of 15, anyone will enjoy games - across all genres:

Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds
Super Mario 3D Land
Resident Evil Revelations
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy
Dead or Alive Dimensions
Kid Icarus Uprising
Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon
Pokémon X/Y
Mario Kart 7
Theatrythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call
Fire Emblem Awakening
Kingdom Hearts 3D/DDD
Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D
Kirby Triple Deluxe

A few others:

Resident Evil Mercenaries 3D
Fire Emblem Fates
Xenoblade Chronicles
Professor Layton VS Phoenix Wright
Rhythm Thief
Zelda Majoras/Ocarina 3D
Star Fox 3D
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
Virtues Last Reward 999 Sequel
Animal Crossing New Leaf
Skylanders Spyros Adventure
Style Savvy Trendsetters
Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse
Kirby Planet Robobot

Plus many more!

Posted in the other thread,
But I already had and sold my 3ds XL, had games like Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, Mario 3D land, donkey kong, kirby, etc.

Decided to get a 'new' at 99 bucks, and now I'm looking for the best multiplayer games. Not just the type of mildly entertaining multiplayer modes that most Nintendo games have, but something that's as genuinely fun as playing party games on steam.

Any 4 player shooters, for example?
I'll probably pick up Pokemon, since I haven't played since sapphire.

I had the first Mario Party Island Tour, and found it pretty boring for adults. How's the new one?

Metroid Prime Federation Force, Heroes of Ruin, Final Fantasy Explorers, Resident Evil Revelations are all exclusively meant for multiplayer

Add to this Monster Hunter, with robust online
 
Super Mario 3D Land, Zelda OOT + MM 3D, Dragon Quest VII, Pokemon SuMo, Super Smash Bros 3DS (if you don't have Wii U), Xenoblade 3DS for all the n3DS owners.
 
How is Nintendo as far as eShop sales go? How are the prices typically compared to retail?

How much space does a 3DS game typically take up (i.e. games like Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7).
 
How is Nintendo as far as eShop sales go? How are the prices typically compared to retail?

How much space does a 3DS game typically take up (i.e. games like Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7).

Unsurprisingly, Nintendo is very conservative with sales. The magic number with Nintendo seems to be $10 off.
 
Popular among teens: Monster Hunter

Popular among otakus: Rune Factory

Is that the newest one? How is it compared to the others? Which one's the best? Which one's the best if you've never played, or might already come into playing the game with the feeling you might not like it?
Generations is the newest MH.

If you are a newcomer, then I recommend MH4U over MHG. First because it's less complex, second because it has a better single player campaign and production values.

Both are awesome though.
 
Is that the newest one? How is it compared to the others? Which one's the best? Which one's the best if you've never played, or might already come into playing the game with the feeling you might not like it?

It is the newest one. I can't compare it to the others because it is the first one I really played. Some people whose opinion I really respect said that the newest monster hunter is always the best one for newcomers because they view it as something like an annual sports franchise like FIFA. The last one is always the safest choice.

I was also afraid because I couldn't get into other episodes of the series in the past. What made me change my mind was the demo available on the Eshop (you should try it too) and having started to listen to the 8-4 Play podcast. Those guys love monster hunter. Because of that I also started to watch Gaijin Hunter's videos on YouTube and became a new monster hunter fan.

So I really recommend it, if you play it with an open mind.
 
Link Between Worlds is probably the best game on the system. I also really enjoyed Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, Mario Kart 7, and Pokemon games.
 
Here's that list I always end up posting of the more forgotten/overlooked games which are worth checking out:

Stella Glow
Crimson Shroud
Pocket Card Jockey
Kokuga
Speedthru: Potzol's puzzle
Rusty's Real Deal Baseball
CalcioBit/Nintendo Pocket Football Club
Sega 3D Classics
Gotta Protectors
Aeroporter
Sayonara Umihara Kawase
A-Train 3D: City Simulator
Fallblox/Crashmo
3D OutRun
Etrian Odyssey IV/Untold
VVVVVV
BOXBOY!
Professor Layton Vs AA (this one is known but mostly forgotten about)
Mighty Switch Force
Rune Factory 4
Code Name STEAM
Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure
Harmoknight
Pilotwings Resort

and from another post I made in a similar thread:

Pac-Man and Galaga Dimensions is probably quite solid at whatever price it's going for now, has a port of Championship Edition too.

And Ace Combat: Assault Horizon was another overlooked Namco title. Ridge Racer 3D is also a fun arcade racer with an amazing 3D effect, well worth looking into.

Dead or Alive Dimensions can be found cheap, explains itself well unlike most fighting games (the tutorials are integrated into the story mode cutscenes) and is another remnant of a time when more publishers put their weight behind bespoke handheld games.

Ghost Recon Shadow Wars Superb strategy title in the vein of Laser Squad/Fire Emblem, by a team led by Julian Gollop. Both this and Stella Glow deserve your attention if you like strategy games.
 
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