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3DS

Top 10 3DS Games: Three Years and Running

by Neal Ronaghan - March 25, 2014, 5:40 pm EDT
Total comments: 55

The 3DS is just about three years old. We celebrate by updating our Top 10 list.

On March 27, 2011, the 3DS launched in North America. It was in its goofy taco-like form, but it was out in the wild alongside Pilotwings Resort, Super Street Fighter IV, and Steel Diver.

Since then, we've seen two new iterations (the XL and the 2DS) and a whole bunch of games, including a heck of a lot of good ones. Last year, we made our Top 10 list. Being as more great games hit the 3DS in the past 12 months, we decided to update it.

Keep in mind: the Top 10 list is decided by our staff, and here at NWR, our staff changes and sometimes so do our opinions. This isn't the definitive list of the best games on 3DS. Instead, it's the only list we could sort of agree on (after lots of fighting). We'll show you our Top 10 and then some staffers will chime in with their honorable mentions.

Talkback

AdrockMarch 25, 2014

I only own 10 3DS games and I completed one I don't own. Here's my current list:

1. Super Mario 3D Land. Whatever, haters.
2. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate
3. Mario Kart 7
4. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
5. Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D
6. Code of Princess
7. Resident Evil: Revelaitons
8. Kid Icarus Uprising
9. New Super Mario Bros. 2

I don't have a tenth game (I bought Etrian Odyssey Untold for my brother and I have yet to purchase Bravely Default). I only counted games originally on 3DS so I left the ports of Ocarina of Time and Donkey Kong Country Returns off. Resident Evil: Revelaitons used to be top three, but it has dropped off significantly. As much as I previously lauded Raid Mode, it got boring. Kid Icarus Uprising would probably be higher if I played it more. It suffers due to my laziness. I automatically put New Super Mario Bros. 2 last because it's New Super Mario Bros. 2.

Mop it upMarch 25, 2014

Since I didn't have a DS, I've been using my 3DS more to play DS games than 3DS game since DS games are cheaper. So I don't have very many 3DS games and have played even less; out of the 18 that I have, I've played exactly 10. Here's how I'd order them:

1. Luigi's Mansion 2
2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
3. Super Mario 3D Land
4. Heroes of Ruin
5. Animal Crossing New Leaf
6. Mario Kart 7
7. New Super Mario Brothers 2
8. Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D
9. Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
10. 3D Classics ExciteBike (twas a freebie)

Once I play more games, most of these will probably be bumped off the list. And if I included DS games, only Luigi's Mansion 2 would remain on the list.

Chad SexingtonMarch 26, 2014

1. Fire Emblem: Awakening
2. Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
3. Super Mario 3D Land
...
...
7-10 ???

I'm sure I could find and list 7 more titles for my list, but they don't really matter that much to me.  The gap between my #3 game and whatever my #4 game is, is so huge, it almost doesn't matter.  I had so much more fun playing these 3 games in particular that the rest kind of doesn't matter.

(Surprised Fire Emblem isn't on the other lists that were posted.)

azekeMarch 26, 2014

1. Kid Icarus: Uprising
2. Donkey Kong 94
3. Super Mario 3d Land
4. Yoshi's Island

I have about 20+ of 3ds games and but i didn't played them all and of those i played only these three are Top 10 material.

Pixelated PixiesMarch 26, 2014

My list would look something like this,

1 - Super Mario 3D Land
2 - The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
3 - Fire Emblem: Awakening
4 - Mario Kart 7
5 - Fallblox/Pullblox
6 - Luigi's Mansion 2
7 - Mutant Mudds
8 - Hydroventure: Spin Cycle
9 - Steamworld Dig
10 - Animal Crossing: New Leaf

PhilPhillip Stortzum, March 26, 2014

Can't agree with Bravely Default due to its Chapters 5-8. Nothing but unneeded padding.

Evan_BMarch 26, 2014

I agree, Phil. It's kind of an insult to the player, especially after the first half of the game was so good with that sort of thing.

As for me, I've got... Huh, I've got 13 3DS games. Well, I should clarify- I have 13 3DS games I currently own- a number have been returned to support new releases and the like. I would list them as such:

1) Etrian Odyssey IV
2) Kid Icarus: Uprising
3) The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
4) Resident Evil: Revelations
5) Pokemon Y
6) Shin Megami Tensei IV
7) Fire Emblem: Awakening
8) Mutant Mudds
9) Crimson Shroud
10) Crashmo

Despite having 13 retail titles, I still believe those last 3 are far more deserving and enjoyable and I love them dearly.

PhilPhillip Stortzum, March 26, 2014

Oh! I forgot to write my own list!

I don't have an order per se. (Per say? Perse? Persay? Ah, I haven't slept in 24 hours, so I ask for a mulligan on that.)

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Fire Emblem: Awakening
Super Mario 3D Land
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Mario Kart 7
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
Resident Evil: Revelations
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

I've yet to play Pokemon X, so I can't comment on that yet. I'd like to add as honorable mention Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, New Super Mario Bros. 2, and Star Fox 64 3D. There's other games I need to try for sure.

KhushrenadaMarch 26, 2014

It's per se. You're fine.

Leo13March 26, 2014

Thank-you for making sure Theatrhythm is in there. That is a VERY underrated game!

Ian SaneMarch 26, 2014

Bought a 3DS for Pokémon X and Bravely Default is the only other title I've bought.  My brother loaned me A Link Between Worlds but I've only beaten the first dungeon.  I don't really like the recycling of A Link to the Past's world.  Feels lazy.  But I just like the two RPGs I'm playing that much more so they get all the attention.

I don't have any need for a handheld, I just get them to play the exclusives.  My neck gets sore from being hunched over it and I tend to move the controller a bit in intense moments and that's disorienting when the screen moves with it.  But since I have stuck with just RPGs on the 3DS I realize that I don't have those problems because of their turn based nature.  There is no reflex gameplay so I can constantly change positions to keep my neck from getting sore without risking death and there is nothing that makes me involuntarily move the controller as I play.  The RPG-only approach is working quite well.  When I'm done with the games I've got I'll borrow Fire Emblem off my brother.

For my ranking I guess it would be:
1. Bravely Default
2. Pokémon X

But Bravely Default is what I'm playing right now so I think I'm not being objective enough.  And I haven't gotten to the padding yet.

Mop it upMarch 27, 2014

Of these first four revealed, I have two. I plan to get Bravely Default at some point, but am not interested in the Phoenix Wright game. Luigi's Mansion 2 will probably remain as one of my fave 3DS games, but I get the feeling that it will keep getting bumped, and probably won't be on the general top ten in a year or two. As for Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, I found that one to be a pretty poor game. It's like a cheap mobile timewaster game that somehow found its way onto the 3DS as a full-price release, which is a little insulting. I paid less than half that and I still felt ripped off.

WahMarch 27, 2014

Quote from: Pixelated

My list would look something like this,

1 - Super Mario 3D Land
2 - The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
3 - Fire Emblem: Awakening
4 - Mario 3D Kart
5 - Fallblox/Pullblox
6 - Luigi's Mansion 2
7 - Mutant Mudds
8 - Hydroventure: Spin Cycle
9 - Steamworld Dig
10 - Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Mario kart 7? do u mean that?

WahMarch 27, 2014

why does it change to mario 3d kart when i try to say mariokart7? Mk7?

WahMarch 27, 2014

my top 10:
10, MARIOKART7
9, super mario 3d land
8, steeldiver/sub wars
7, steamworld dig
6, Luigi's mansion
5, pokemon x & y
4, the lengend of zelda: OoT 3d
3, Animal crossing: new leaf
2, Fire enblem: awakeing
1, Kid Icarus: uprising

pokepal148Spencer Johnson, Contributing WriterMarch 27, 2014

Quote from: Lucariofan99

why does it change to mario 3d kart when i try to say mariokart7? Mk7?

Because Crimm.

Leo13March 28, 2014

I know it shouldn't bug me because everyone has different preferences. However, I hate it every time one if you puts kid Icarus uprising on there. It's a terrible game I can't stand it. If someone her wants to buy a used copy mine is available.

azekeMarch 28, 2014

But Kid Icarus Uprising is better than all your favourite games and is in your home destroying everything you love.

Pixelated PixiesMarch 28, 2014

http://i58.tinypic.com/6ro8wk.jpg

Sorry. I couldn't help myself.

Evan_BMarch 28, 2014

Wow. I guess a lot of people suck at Kid Icarus on this board. :D

KhushrenadaMarch 28, 2014

Quote from: Mop

Since I didn't have a DS, I've been using my 3DS more to play DS games than 3DS game since DS games are cheaper.

I just noticed this. You never had a DS, Mop it up? That blows me away! Especially since you were an early adopter of the 3DS. Wowzers. So, what are you playing from its software that you like?

Leo13March 28, 2014

1-Fire Emblem:Awakening
2-Mario 3D Land
3-Link Between Worlds
4-Theatrhythm
5-Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
6-New Super Mario Bros 2
7-Luigi's Mansion
8-Weapon Shop de Omasse
9-Star Fox 64
10-Starship Defense


In case you're wondering 8-10 are not just fillers. I legitimately love those games. I have plenty more top quality 3DS games I own that I could have put on there (Mario Kart 7 for example), but I thought these were better. If you haven't played Weapon Shop or Starship Defense they're both on the eShop and really fun.

Leo13March 28, 2014

I don't suck at Kid Icarus, I actually enjoyed the flying parts, but I really just didn't enjoy the ground parts of the game. So when that much of the game is unenjoyable to me overall I don't like the game.

azekeMarch 28, 2014

Quote from: Leo13

I don't suck at Kid Icarus, I actually enjoyed the flying parts, but I really just suck at the ground parts of the game.

I am very, very sorry for you.

Have a little bit more screenshots, maybe that will serve as some comfort, however inadequate it can be compared to full game:
https://d3esbfg30x759i.cloudfront.net/ss/zlCfzRshlyI0Hozk3F
https://d3esbfg30x759i.cloudfront.net/ss/zlCfzRsinXUrrQS6YF
https://d3esbfg30x759i.cloudfront.net/ss/zlCfzRsioUE-wvTawa

Mop it upMarch 28, 2014

Quote from: Khushrenada

I just noticed this. You never had a DS, Mop it up? That blows me away! Especially since you were an early adopter of the 3DS. Wowzers. So, what are you playing from its software that you like?

I didn't say I never had one, I just didn't have one when I bought a 3DS. Back in 2008 I got a DS Lite for Christmas, and got New Super Mario Brothers, Super Mario 64 DS, and Mario Hoops. At that time I was mostly interested in the Mario games on the system, as you can see. When I looked into getting some more games like Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time and Pokémon, I found them to be pretty expensive! So after beating the games I decided to sell it all off instead, a decision I still don't regret. I've never really been into handheld gaming, finding console systems to be the better experience in every way, and without a way to play DS games on a TV I'm not willing to pay much for them.

What I do regret is buying a 3DS for several reasons that I won't get into. I was actually about to buy another DS Lite since the price had dropped to $100, and a lot more DS games had been released that interested me, and DS games had dropped in price a lot. But when I went to buy it, I saw an offer on Amazon to get a $25 gift card when you buy a 3DS. I decided to get that instead, because I didn't think it would drop in price for a long time, and I could use it to buy and play DS games as I wait for 3DS stuff to get released and drop in price. It seemed worth it as a 2-in-1 sort of deal. I somehow missed the memo on 3DS sales falling off a cliff, so I should have deliberated over that decision more.

I actually hardly used the 3DS until the 3DS XL came out. I bought one not too long after that in a holiday sale, and then was able to sell my original 3DS for a nice price due to being the holidays. The exchange cost about $10 and was way worth it. The XL is still no TV, but it's a lot better than all non-XL models for sure. The Circle Pad Pro XL also helps make it more like a controller, further increasing its tolerability.

That was probably more than needed to be said, but oh well. So far, best thing on the DS for me has been the Etrian Odyssey series. It's got elements of old-school RPGs and dungeon crawlers without all the limitations and primitive designs, so they're a lot of fun. Dragon Quest V is a similar deal, old-school charm, new-school package. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, surprisingly fun, surprisingly addictive. Dare I say better than the mainline games. Picross 3D, what a great puzzle concept. Tetris DS is pretty cool, too. There are a few other games that stand out to me, but I'll leave it there. I'm mostly interested in the RPGs on the system since that's one of the few types of games that have been lacking on consoles for at least a decade. I've got many more games I haven't gotten around to playing as well.

Evan_BMarch 29, 2014

As I'm sure you're all aware, I'm extremely insulted for the return of 3D Land as number 1, but whatever. It honestly doesn't deserve it.

I'd much rather have A Link Between Worlds as number 1.

azekeMarch 29, 2014

Quote from: Evan_B

As I'm sure you're all aware, I'm extremely insulted for the return of 3D Land as number 1, but whatever. It honestly doesn't deserve it.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lMZe4dFGiL8/UjIMaIJkvPI/AAAAAAAADPU/0pQJYQA0gg0/s1600/Alan_Keyes.jpg
Should i spam this thread even more, now with SM3D screenshots?

jarodeaMarch 29, 2014

I only own 10 retail games and 5 eShop games for my 3DS, but most of the "greats" I don't own don't interest me much and wouldn't make my top 10 (AC:NL is about all, but I'm not sure since the formula change is not as significant as it needs to be).  Anyhoo,


Super Mario 3D Land
Resident Evil Revelaitons
Zelda 64 3D
Luigi's Mansion 2
Mario Kart 7
Pilotwings Resort
Gunman Clive
Lego Pirates of the Caribbean
Zelda A Link between Worlds
Dillon's Rolling Western

It's really a top 5 list.

Games I own or owned that didn't make the list for comparison:

Ghost Recon Shadow Warriors (would be #6 above if not for the game breaking crashing)
Professor Layton something or another
Liberation Maiden
Bugs vs Tanks
Crimson Shroud (hey, what do you know Nintendo, sales work!)
SSFIV
Ridge Racer
Both Steel Divers

Tyto_AlbaMarch 29, 2014

1. Link between Worlds
2. Fire Emblem Awakening

3. Mario Kart 7
4. Castlevania Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate
5. Luigi's Mansion 2
6. Donkey Kong Counrty Returns 3D
7. Resident Evil Revelaitons
8. Street Fighter IV
9. Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D
10. Kid Icarus Uprising




they're all great games.

Evan_BMarch 29, 2014

Quote from: azeke

Should i spam this thread even more, now with SM3D screenshots?

Please don't. The art in the game is awful.

We get that you don't like 3D Land, but you need to understand that you are very much in the minority there, so maybe stop phrasing your criticism like it's an absolute fact.

PhilPhillip Stortzum, March 29, 2014

Quote from: NWR_insanolord

We get that you don't like 3D Land, but you need to understand that you are very much in the minority there, so maybe stop phrasing your criticism like it's an absolute fact.

Yep. This is a subjective list with subjective opinions, and the criticism is subjective as well.
The only fact here is that some people can't handle others' opinions.

Anyway, I'd give A Link Between World #1 and Super Mario 3D Land #2! :D

Mop it upMarch 29, 2014

Quote from: Evan_B

As I'm sure you're all aware, I'm extremely insulted for the return of 3D Land as number 1, but whatever.

If it helps any, it probably won't be in my own top ten list after I play some more games. I'm pretty "meh" on a lot of 3DS games.

geckog7March 29, 2014


Zero Escape: Virtues Last Reward
LoZ: Link Between Worlds
Mario 3D Land
Fire Emblem
Luigi's Mansion
Mario Kart 7
RE: Revelaitons
Dead or Alive Dimensions
Liberation Maiden
Attack of the Friday Monsters

Leo13March 30, 2014

So am I the only one here that's played weapon shop de omasse?

azekeMarch 30, 2014

Quote from: Phil

The only fact here is that some people can't handle others' opinions.

O NO RITE!

azekeMarch 30, 2014

Quote from: Leo13

So am I the only one here that's played weapon shop de omasse?

It's not Kid Icarus Uprising, why would anyone want to play it?!

i plan to check it out once i put a bit more hours into Friday Monsters and Crimson Shroud

Leo13March 30, 2014

Quote from: azeke

Quote from: Leo13

So am I the only one here that's played weapon shop de omasse?

It's not Kid Icarus Uprising, why would anyone want to play it?!

i plan to check it out once i put a bit more hours into Friday Monsters and Crimson Shroud

Although I disagree wholeheartedly with you on Kid Icarus (I thought I'd love it and I was dead wrong) I love your signature Wonderful 101 ROCKS!!! But we're talking 3DS so I'll try not to get too far off topic

azekeMarch 30, 2014

^ now this? That's how you do it.

You need to spread LOVE for the games.

That's WHY you came here in the first place. To spread love and discuss how you love them some games.

Not to wallow in hatred and rile up each other into blind fury.

azekeMarch 30, 2014

Related:
http://i.imgur.com/oJ9UmVQ.jpg

KhushrenadaMarch 30, 2014

Quote from: azeke

Quote from: Evan_B

As I'm sure you're all aware, I'm extremely insulted for the return of 3D Land as number 1, but whatever. It honestly doesn't deserve it.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lMZe4dFGiL8/UjIMaIJkvPI/AAAAAAAADPU/0pQJYQA0gg0/s1600/Alan_Keyes.jpg
Should i spam this thread even more, now with SM3D screenshots?

Spam is spam but at least I've played and beat it so it wouldn't be spoilerific like the Kid Icarus screenshots which I've yet to play or buy. Will I ever play all the games I want to? Why must you be so full of other things to do life?

ymeegodMarch 30, 2014

There's to many issues with Kid Icarus to be my number 1.  Like others I found the ground battles dull and the controls caused hand cramps even though there's a better option out like like CCP but Nintendo decided not to support it.  Other gripe I had was the story was told while the game was in motion--meaning I needed an extra set of eyes to view everything :(.

There's plenty of games I haven't gotten around too like Zelda A Link Between Worlds (playing it now), Bravely Default (played the hell out of the demo but I haven't even unwrapped the game yet) so here's my list that I completed.

1.  Fire Emblem: Awakening (damn near perfect IMO)
2.  Super Mario 3D Land (my only gripe is it's to freaking short and easy)
3.  Mario Kart 7
4.  Mario and Luigi: Dream Team
5.  Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
6.  Resident Evil: Revelations
7.  Kid Icarus: Uprising
8.  Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (I'm an KH whore--I know it :( )

Played about a dozen more 3ds games but I can't recommend those ones like Paper Mario: Sticker Star or Project X Zone.   

azekeMarch 30, 2014

Quote from: ymeegod

Other gripe I had was the story was told while the game was in motion--meaning I needed an extra set of eyes to view everything :(.

You could always set difficulty to minimum, if it got way too intense for you.

Or you could set dialogues showing up on upper screen.

Or you could remove the audio completely.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorMarch 30, 2014

Quote from: Khushrenada

It's per se. You're fine.

Damnit, Silver!  I said posse! :D

KeyBillyMarch 30, 2014

I agree that Super Mario 3D Land doesn't belong near the top at this point, with so many great games available, but I definitely didn't hate it.  It felt like a random assortment of small disconnected levels more than a cohesive game.  Still, there were some fun moments and the graphics were impressive.

I have never played a Phoenix Wright game, so this was a good reminder to watch for Dual Destinies sales.

Mop it upMarch 30, 2014

For the rest of the games, I have Fire Emblem Awakening and Kid Icarus Uprising, but haven't played them yet. I don't have Pokémon X/Y, but will probably get one at some point.

Animal Crossing New Leaf was okay, but it didn't feel like there was much new stuff, I didn't like some of the new stuff, and it removed a few things I liked from City Folk. Overall, I just didn't enjoy it nearly as much as City Folk, part of the reason being it was my first Animal Crossing game. If my friend didn't want me to get New Leaf, I wouldn't have bought it.

I like many of the ideas in A Link Between Worlds, but I feel as if they didn't come together very well. The game also felt too familiar to me from reusing so much from Link to the Past. It was still a fun game though, with some great dungeon design, and because it's more LttP. It just wasn't all it could have been.

Super Mario 3D Land is a decent Mario game, but it's close to the bottom for me. There are a few good stages throughout, but the controls and mechanics are a bit too stiff and limiting. It's also a pretty short game, and they try to make up for that by making half the game be remixed stages, most of which are barely different from before. I'll never understand how anyone thinks this game is packed with content.

KisakiProjectMarch 31, 2014

Here's my list

1) OofT3D
2) A Link Between Worlds
3) 3D Land
4) Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon
5) Bravely Default
6) Kid Icarus Uprising
7) MK8
8) Adventure Time HIKWDYSOG
9) The Starship Damry
10) Project X Zone

What a great first 3 years.  Here's to 3 more.

Evan_BMarch 31, 2014

Hey whoa! I never said my opinion was fact. And trust me, I feel like there's something wrong with ME for not wanting it at the top of the list. BUT, that being said, I never felt like the time-crunch was all that great except in levels where it was presented as a challenge, because the nature of a 3D Mario is to allow the player freedom in approach- 3D World does that so much better than 3D Land in relaxing the time limits and making the paths more open.

Well, I shouldn't say any more, I suppose. I'm also not a fan of the Tanooki suit being all over the game but I've said these things many times and I'm sure people are tired of hearing it. However, if people can be extremely critical of Kid Icarus: Uprising, I should be allowed to be critical of 3D Land.

1) Super Mario 3D Land
2) Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds
3) Pokemon XY
4) Fire Emblem Awakening
5) Crashmo
6) Harmoknight
7) Virtue's Last Reward
8) Kid Icarus Uprising
9) Theatrhythm Curtain Call
10) Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

Leo13March 31, 2014

Quote from: Shaymin

1) Super Mario 3D Land
2) Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds
3) Pokemon BY
4) Fire Emblem Awakening
5) Crashmo
6) Harmoknight
7) Virtue's Last Reward
8) Kid Icarus Uprising
9) Theatrhythm Curtain Call
10) Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

Are you saying that 1 you've played curtain call and 2 is better than the original? If so I'm excited cause I loved the original Theatrhythm

pokepal148Spencer Johnson, Contributing WriterApril 01, 2014

Quote from: Evan_B

Hey whoa! I never said my opinion was fact. And trust me, I feel like there's something wrong with ME for not wanting it at the top of the list. BUT, that being said, I never felt like the time-crunch was all that great except in levels where it was presented as a challenge, because the nature of a 3D Mario is to allow the player freedom in approach- 3D World does that so much better than 3D Land in relaxing the time limits and making the paths more open.

Well, I shouldn't say any more, I suppose. I'm also not a fan of the Tanooki suit being all over the game but I've said these things many times and I'm sure people are tired of hearing it. However, if people can be extremely critical of Kid Icarus: Uprising, I should be allowed to be critical of 3D Land.

The first half of 3d land was fun but easy, the second half is just a painful grind with like 6 original levels total.

Quote from: Leo13

Are you saying that 1 you've played curtain call and 2 is better than the original? If so I'm excited cause I loved the original Theatrhythm

Given that Curtain Call is the original with triple the musical content, and I did enjoy the original enough to give it a top 10 slot, maybe it was a vision of a future timeline or the will of Steins;Gate or somesuch.

(It was a typo, and since we're in Talkback there's no editing.)

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