The eShop is full of gems
Nintendo recently revealed a deal for the 3DS eShop that made a lot of people perk up in anticipation: buyShin Megami Tensei IVandFire Emblem: Awakening, andget $30 back in eShop credit. But how could you also ignore the unparalleled charm ofAnimal Crossing: New Leaf, which has caused many people to pick up a 3DS XL regardless?
As a result of these two recent events and many requests, I’ve rounded up a selection of solid games to spend your cash on — because with the 3DS, there’slotsof ways you can do that.
DSiWare
Although the DSi storefront was rather paltry on its own, there are a number of gems in there that augment the 3DS eShop quite nicely. Before WayForward createdMighty Switch Force!, there wasMighty Flip Champs!and it just happens to be not only one of my favorite WayForward games to date, but one of my top picks of the entire eShop.
But don’t forget the incredibleShantae: Risky’s Revenge(also by WayForward), which is probably the clear-cut favorite of the entire DSiWare store. The surprisingly goodDark Void Zerois also far better than its console counterpart, and a must-play for any old-school platforming fan.
Other recommendations includeMario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!,Art Style: PiCTOBiTS,Starship Defense,Trajectile,Kubos, andSoul of Darkness— a shameless but briefly enjoyable GameloftCastlevaniaclone. You may be tempted by the DSi version ofCave Story, but there are a number ofother superior versionsout at this point.
Virtual Console
I assume if you’re the owner of a newly minted 3DS XL, you’ve missed out on the amazingAmbassador Program, and thus, 10 free NES games and 10 free GBA games. But fear not, as the Virtual Console for the 3DS currently supports Game Boy, Game Boy Color, NES, and Sega Game Gear titles, as well as revamped 3D Classics.
There are a number of classics on the eShop, but my standout choices includeSuper Mario Land(Game Boy),Super Mario Land 2(Game Boy),Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3(Game Boy),Wario Land II(Game Boy Color),Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels(NES),Kirby’s Dream Land(Game Boy),Kirby’s Adventure(3D Classics),The Legend of Zelda(NES),Link’s Awakening DX(Game Boy Color),Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons(Game Boy Color), andMario’s Picross(Game Boy).
Of course,Mega Man 1-6(NES) are always going to get a solid recommendationfrom yours truly.
eShop digital
I picked up a 3DS near launch, and honestly, I wasn’t all that pumped for the eShop. After a pretty hyped release of a free 3D Classics version ofExcitebike, there really wasn’t a whole lot on offer.
Then Nintendo started facilitating the releases itself with surprisingly solid initial first-party releases likePushmoandSakura Samurai. Third-party indies also started pouring in, including one of my all-time favoritesVVVVVV, and new classics likeGunman Clive,NightSky,Mighty Switch Force!, andMutant Mudds.
Pushmowas also followed up by the incredibleCrashmo,Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the MoveandHarmoKnightstormed the eShop, and both of Level-5’sGuildcollections made it overseas in the form of the individual releasesLiberation Maiden,Crimson Shroud,Aero Porter,BUGS vs. TANKS!,The Starship Damrey, and the upcomingAttack of the Friday Monsters.
No matter what your genre of choice is, odds are the eShop has it covered, and then some.
Retail games
Other thanPokemon, I don’t think any game personifies the portable experience quite likeAnimal Crossing: New Leaf. There’s something about constantly working to better your town on the go and sharing it with friends that really speaks to a lot of people. ButAnimal Crossingisn’t the only “must have,” as the 3DS is a powerhouse of deep, exclusive experiences.
Right off the bat,Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon,Fire Emblem: Awakening,Super Mario 3D Land,Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, andKid Icarus: Uprisingcome to mind as solid recommendations that no 3DS owner should be without.
Other recommendations includeSoul Hackers,Shin Megami Tensei IV,Project X Zone,Rhythm Thief,Theatrhythm Final Fantasy,Ocarina of Time 3D,New Super Mario Bros. 2,Code of Princess,Resident Evil Revelations,Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance,Etrian Odyssey IV,Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward,Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, andStar Fox 64 3D.
Also, don’t forget that you have the massive pre-existing library of the DS at your disposal. It’s due to all of the above reasons and more that the 3DS is currently my favorite gaming system of choice.
