Well, the year has come to an end, so it seems like an appropriate time to arbitrarily rate the video games I have played over the year based on my own preferences. This post will be dedicated to 3DS games, as you might have guessed from the title. There will be a post for Wii U games, but that’s not for right now.
Physical, digital, Virtual Console – any game that was released over the course of the year is up for consideration. Oh, and these are all games that I bought and played. With that said, it’s time for a top ten.
10: Samurai Warriors: Chronicles 3
Here’s a game that seemed to go under the radar – then again, what do you expect with a digital-only release and very little fanfare? Still, a pretty decent hack-and-slasher where you can control your own character and participate in historic Japanese battles, or ‘What If?’ scenarios.
9: Dragon Ball Z: Exteme Butoden
Whilst its roster might not be as expansive as previous Dragon Ball Z games, Extreme Butoden is still a solid experience – though I would expect no less from Arc System Works. Partake in some of Dragon Ball Z‘s most iconic battles, or tackle ‘What If?’ scenarios focusing on specific characters.
8: 3D Gunstar Heroes
Gunstar Heroes was originally released on the Sega Mega Drive (or Genesis for Americans), and it still holds up today as one of the finest run ‘n’ gun games out there. The 3D version enhances it for the 3DS, and adds a few new features too.
7: Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam Bros.
In the fifth game in the Mario & Luigi series, Luigi discovers a book that spews forth the flat people of the Paper Mario universe. Of course, this results in Bowser forming a shaky alliance with Paper Bowser, and kidnapping Peach and Paper Peach. Mario & Luigi team up with Paper Mario in order to try and return the paper people back to their own world. Bros. Attacks and Moves return as per usual, but having three members in the party results in Trio Attacks and Moves. As far as RPGs go, this series is really good.
6: Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson
The busty ninjas return once again, in a game that improves upon its predecessor. The playable characters remain the same, but with a wider variety of costumes and weapons to unlock – though the weapons are merely cosmetic things, they don’t affect stats. You also have the ability to control two characters and switch freely between them in battle, as well as have them unite to unleash special attacks. If you buy the DLC, you can use the series’ only playable male character, chibi versions of the girls and play a sidescrolling shoot ’em up.
5: Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker
An updated re-release of a DS game. This 3DS strategy RPG has you take on the role of a Demon Tamer, fighting against the Septentriones in order to prevent the destruction of the world – or you could fight the Triangulum, who have the same goal. The Triangulum stuff is all-new – a second week of battling demons, with a new character to join the fun as well. It’s just a case of picking which you want once you load up the game. You can also build bonds with your allies, which results more demon fusions becoming available.
4: The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D
A direct sequel to Ocarina of Time, this game is a 3D remake of the Hero of Time’s adventure into the land of Termina. Still the darkest Zelda to date, this game gives you 72 hours to prevent the moon crashing into Termina and bringing everything to an end. Whilst it may only have four proper dungeons, there’s loads of sidequests available which lets you learn more about the people of Termina. Oh, and can’t forget the masks, the most fun of which are the ones that allow you to transform – collecting every last one of them is definitely worth it.
3: Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
Another 3D re-release, though this one is only playable on a New Nintendo 3DS, or New Nintendo 3DS XL. Regardless, it’s a portable version of one of the finest RPGs to exist, focusing on a boy named Shulk as he fights against mechanical beings called Mechon. The game world is huge, and set on two titans – the Bionis and Mechonis. Also notable for having a cast of British actors for the English dub. It’s impressive that the entire game has been stuffed into a tiny 3DS cartridge, though there are a few sacrifices (you’ll need to play the Wii original if you want Japanese audio, for example). Still, it holds up really well and is well worth playing no matter what form it is in.
2: Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX
A rhythm game staring six Vocaloids (plus a guest) in their Nendoroid form. Miku Hatsune, Rin Kagamine, Len Kagamine, Luka Megurine, KAITO and MEIKO are all on hand for you to dress, feed and play with. Oh, and I suppose they sing a few songs as well, in fact (48 to be precise). GUMI is the aforementioned guest – she’ll drop by to deliver items and has a few duets. You can tackle the rhythm part with either stylus or buttons, and if that starts to wear you down, why not partake in some Mikuversi (which you might know better as Othello or reversi), or Puyo Puyo? Also, this game is really, really cute.
1: Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
For my number one game of 2015, it’s all about fighting scaly beasts several times bigger than you and then wearing the stuff you carve off them as armour. This is achieved by wielding weapons that are very large. Yes, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate gets the number one spot for 2015.
The game has more verticality to it, and you can use that height in order to mount your foes. There are a couple of new weapon types, as well; the Charge Axe and the Insect Glaive. The Insect Glaive lets you spring about, making it the best weapon for when you want to mount monsters – it’s probably my favourite melee weapon in the series so far.
Of course, there are new monsters to tackle as well. The first part of the story has the focus on the mysterious Gore Magala, a black beast that is able to spread the Frenzy virus – succumbing to its effects is bad news for those who suffer it, whether they be hunter or monster. Of course, you could overcome them, which provides a boost. The monster on the boxart for Japanese and European versions is the Seregios – a rival for the Rathalos, which is able to fire its scales and inflict the Bleed status. Naturally, there are more new monsters than that, too.
You don’t have to hunt alone, either; you can be joined by two Felyne companions, otherwise known as Palicoes, or you can take the hunt online and form a party with up to three others.
That’s it for looking back in terms of 3DS games. The handheld arguably has the strongest library of any current console, whether they be home or portable.
Looking forward, next year will bring us many RPGs, ranging from Dragon Quest to Stella Glow and that is something that suits me just fine. Actually, I already know what my first 3DS Game of the Month will be for 2016 – but that’s not for now.
Rory Muses 