Here’s the games I have reviewed so far on the Nintendo 3DS, sorted first by letter grade, then alphabetically.

Nintendo 3DS Reviews – Sorted by Grade

Game	Genre	Grade
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D	Action-RPG	A++
tl;dr The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is an outstanding remake of this massively influential Action-RPG, updating the graphics in multiple ways, adding in numerous additional features and quality-of-life options, and even throwing in the Master Quest after completing the game, truly marking this as the definitive version of one of the best games ever made. This is not only a must-own game on the Nintendo 3DS, it is a reason to own a Nintendo 3DS.
Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth	First-Person Dungeon Crawler / Turn-Based JRPG	A+
tl;dr Etrian Odyssey V once again combines Turn-Based RPG gameplay with First-Person Dungeon Crawling, with the Etrian series’ big hook being that players are using the touchscreen to map out the game’s dungeons as they explore. While Etrian Odyssey V lacks the overworld map of IV and it doesn’t have the stronger story elements of the Untold games, it more than makes up for this with massive improvements to character customization and combat. The result is the best game yet for the series, and one of the best RPGs on the Nintendo 3DS.
Fire Emblem Awakening	Strategy-RPG	A+
tl;dr Fire Emblem Awakening expands on the already-excellent Strategy-RPG gameplay of prior games in the series with a wealth of new options and gameplay elements that not only give players a plethora of strategic options, but address the biggest issues of prior games in the series. In addition, the presentation here is phenomenal. In some ways this game even rivals its Nintendo Switch Successor, Fire Emblem: Three Houses. In short, if you’re a fan of Strategy-RPGs, this is an absolute must-buy, and a reason to own the Nintendo 3DS.
Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey	Turn-Based RPG / Action-RPG	A+
tl;dr Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey is a remake of the third game in Nintendo’s Mario & Luigi RPG series (with real-time Action elements), featuring a story that has Bowser unwittingly teaming up with the Mario Bros., who have been swallowed up inside Bowser’s body. This is a less-extensive remake than what Superstar Saga received, but the original game was already one of the funniest and most creative RPGs ever made, and the improvements made here make this the definitive version. If you enjoy RPGs, consider this an absolute must-have game.
Pokemon Moon	Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG	A+
tl;dr Pokemon Sun (as well as its counterpart, Pokemon Moon) is a superb entry in the mainline Pokemon franchise of family-friendly Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPGs. It does little to truly revolutionize the Pokemon formula, but what it does instead is take the established formula and fill it with more life and personality than arguably any other entry in the saga to date, with its Hawaiian-inspired theme seeping into every element of the game. This may not be a groundbreaking entry in the Pokemon franchise, but it is one of the best entries in the Pokemon franchise.
Pokemon Sun	Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG	A+
tl;dr Pokemon Moon (as well as its counterpart, Pokemon Sun) is a superb entry in the mainline Pokemon franchise of family-friendly Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPGs. It does little to truly revolutionize the Pokemon formula, but what it does instead is take the established formula and fill it with more life and personality than arguably any other entry in the saga to date, with its Hawaiian-inspired theme seeping into every element of the game. This may not be a groundbreaking entry in the Pokemon franchise, but it is one of the best entries in the Pokemon franchise.
Pokemon Ultra Moon	Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG	A+
tl;dr Pokemon Ultra Sun (as well as its counterpart, Pokemon Ultra Moon) is a superb entry in the mainline Pokemon franchise of family-friendly Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPGs. Having said that, this is a retread of Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon, and while it does add a good number of new features, there’s not really enough that has changed to justify buying one of these games if you already own Sun or Moon. However, if you’re a Nintendo 3DS owner who hasn’t gotten one of these games yet, these new features may make Pokemon Ultra Sun and Pokemon Ultra Moon the best versions of an already phenomenal game. This is one of the best games in the Pokemon franchise, even if it doesn’t revolutionize the franchise.
Pokemon Ultra Sun	Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG	A+
tl;dr Pokemon Ultra Moon (as well as its counterpart, Pokemon Ultra Sun) is a superb entry in the mainline Pokemon franchise of family-friendly Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPGs. Having said that, this is a retread of Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon, and while it does add a good number of new features, there’s not really enough that has changed to justify buying one of these games if you already own Sun or Moon. However, if you’re a Nintendo 3DS owner who hasn’t gotten one of these games yet, these new features may make Pokemon Ultra Sun and Pokemon Ultra Moon the best versions of an already phenomenal game. This is one of the best games in the Pokemon franchise, even if it doesn’t revolutionize the franchise.
Pokemon X	Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG	A+
tl;dr Pokemon X (as well as its counterpart, Pokemon Y) is a phenomenal entry in the mainline Pokemon franchise of family-friendly Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPGs that updates and modernizes the visuals, and adds numerous gameplay features and improvements. This is an absolute must-have for Pokemon fans, and even non-Pokemon fans who own a Nintendo 3DS may want to consider getting this game to see what the Pokemon franchise looks like when it’s at its best.
Pokemon Y	Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG	A+
tl;dr Pokemon Y (as well as its counterpart, Pokemon X) is a phenomenal entry in the mainline Pokemon franchise of family-friendly Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPGs that updates and modernizes the visuals, and adds numerous gameplay features and improvements. This is an absolute must-have for Pokemon fans, and even non-Pokemon fans who own a Nintendo 3DS may want to consider getting this game to see what the Pokemon franchise looks like when it’s at its best.
Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology	Turn-Based JRPG	A+
tl;dr Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology on Nintendo 3DS is a remake of the Nintendo DS game that may not look graphically impressive, but just about everything else in the game is phenomenal. Excellent writing, great characters, an interesting story, phenomenal voice acting, outstanding music, and fun and engaging combat make this one of the best JRPGs I have ever played. If you enjoy this genre at all, and don’t mind somewhat retro-style visuals, then you need to own this game.
Star Fox 64 3D	On-Rails Shooter	A+
tl;dr Star Fox 64 3D is a remake of the classic Nintendo 64 On-Rails Shooter that greatly improves the graphics and adds multiple great new gameplay features, all while retaining the same superb gameplay of the original game. There are a few minor features of the original that are missing here, and there are a few places where the game could still do with improvement, but overall this is still the best version of the best game in the Star Fox series, and a must-have on the Nintendo 3DS.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds	Top-Down Action-RPG	A+
tl;dr The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a Top-Down Action-RPG that acts as a direct sequel to the classic Zelda game A Link to the Past, and it is a brilliant re-imagining of that game’s world, with an entirely new story, new abilities, and some brilliant new level design and boss design. This game is not just a must-have game for Zelda fans, it is a reason to own a Nintendo 3DS.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf	Management Simulation	A
tl;dr Animal Crossing: New Leaf is a family-friendly Management Simulation where players take on the role of mayor in a small town. As per usual in Animal Crossing, this is a relaxed, calming experience with a lot of stuff to do, including many features and activities that never made it into the Nintendo Switch sequel. And while I would still argue that New Horizons on Switch has largely eclipsed this game, New Leaf is still a delightful game well worth playing if you own a Nintendo 3DS.
Dead or Alive Dimensions	3D Fighting	A
tl;dr Dead or Alive Dimensions does a phenomenal job boiling down this Fighting game franchise’s great gameplay, wonderful visuals, and… yes, “jiggle physics”… onto Nintendo’s handheld. Cutscenes suffer from slowdown and nasty-looking aliasing, but otherwise this is a game that looks great, plays great, and should be considered an absolute must for Fighting game fans on the Nintendo 3DS.
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D	Platformer	A
tl;dr Donkey Kong Country Returns is a truly great Platformer, as long as you can bear its high difficulty level. Originally released on the Wii and then shrunk down to the Nintendo 3DS, this version features clearly downgraded visuals, but still ends up being one of the best-looking games on the Nintendo 3DS, with an outstanding soundtrack, lots of polish, excellent level design, and overall wonderful gameplay. Definitely a highlight in the lineup of both the Wii and the 3DS.
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King	Turn-Based JRPG	A
tl;dr Dragon Quest VIII is a JRPG about a group of characters trying to undo a curse that transformed a king and his subjects. This game does almost everything right – great characters in a fun story, nice visuals, good pacing. If it wasn’t for the very traditional, unimaginative gameplay, this would be an absolute masterpiece. Even so, this is a must-have JRPG on Nintendo 3DS.
Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan	First-Person Dungeon Crawler / Turn-Based JRPG	A
tl;dr Etrian Odyssey Untold once again combines Turn-Based RPG gameplay with First-Person Dungeon Crawling, with the Etrian series’ big hook being that players are using the touchscreen to map out the game’s dungeons as they explore. This game is actually a remake of the first Etrian Odyssey, and as a result it loses the overworld map from Etrian Odyssey IV. On the bright side, this game gets an entirely reworked story, a cast of characters, and animated cutscenes that more or less make up for this. As a result, this game is about on par with Etrian Odyssey IV as one of the best RPGs on the Nintendo 3DS.
Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: The Fafnir Knight	First-Person Dungeon Crawler / Turn-Based JRPG	A
tl;dr Etrian Odyssey Untold 2 once again combines Turn-Based RPG gameplay with First-Person Dungeon Crawling, with the Etrian series’ big hook being that players are using the touchscreen to map out the game’s dungeons as they explore. This game is actually a remake of the second Etrian Odyssey game, and adds a story about mysterious ruins that players must explore to discover the secret to their monstrous transformation. This entry in the franchise adds a few small new elements and marginal improvements to the series’ formula, but mostly this is the same strong gameplay that the series has been known for, making this once again one of the best RPGs on Nintendo 3DS.
Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl	First-Person Dungeon Crawler / Turn-Based JRPG	A
tl;dr Etrian Odyssey IV combines Turn-Based RPG gameplay with First-Person Dungeon Crawling, with the Etrian series’ big hook being that players are using the touchscreen to map out the game’s dungeons as they explore. It’s a hook that’s made even better this time around due to the expanded scope provided by an overworld map, along with some great quality-of-life additions. The result is an absolute must-have RPG for any fan of the genre who owns a Nintendo 3DS.
Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright	Strategy-RPG	A
tl;dr Fire Emblem Fates expands on the excellent Strategy-RPG gameplay we saw in Fire Emblem Awakening, adding new gameplay elements and a split story based on who the game’s protagonist sides with in a way. I think Birthright is the better place to start, and the better game between the two for multiple reasons, but if you’re a fan of the genre, you should absolutely get either game and download the other campaign via DLC while you can, along with the third DLC-only Revelations campaign. This game may not be the huge groundbreaking title that Awakening was, but it’s still a superb entry within the genre that genre fans absolutely should play.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe	Platformer	A
tl;dr Kirby: Triple Deluxe bills itself as a “three-in-one package” of sorts, but the star here is clearly the primary Platforming game, which is an absolutely superb take on the traditional family-friendly Kirby formula that adds a few fun new elements, but doesn’t really shake things up from the established formula. However, what this game does, it does well, with great gameplay, beautiful visuals, and an excellent soundtrack. Consider this a must-have game on the Nintendo 3DS.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon	Puzzle / Action	A
tl;dr Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is the second game in this Action Puzzle franchise starring Mario’s brother cowering and vacuuming his way through a stunningly gorgeous game with tons of personality and a fascinating world to explore. There are definitely areas where this game could do with improvement, but overall this is a must-have experience on the Nintendo 3DS.
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team	Turn-Based RPG / Action-RPG	A
tl;dr Mario and Luigi: Dream Team is the fourth game in Nintendo’s Mario & Luigi RPG series (with real-time Action elements) featuring its two titular mascots, with this game’s theme and gimmick being the ability to explore dream worlds in addition to the game’s island setting. This game has an abundance of fun and creativity, some good depth, and a lot of great personality. There are areas where it could stand to be more ambitious, but even as it is, this is a must-have RPG on the Nintendo 3DS.
Mario Golf: World Tour	Sports (Golf)	A
tl;dr Mario Golf: World Tour is the Nintendo 3DS entry in the long-running Golf series, and it is arguably not just the best game in the series, but one of the best Golf games ever made, period. The visuals and graphics are fantastic, polished and colorful. There’s plenty of courses to play on and different game modes to play through. And the core gameplay is in my opinion the best this series has ever had. This is an absolute must-have for Golf fans who own a Nintendo 3DS.
Mario Kart 7	Kart Racing	A
tl;dr Mario Kart 7 is a Kart Racer featuring Mario and his colorful cast of friends in a relatively safe entry in this series, though still one of the best ones in the genre. Even if you have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch, consider this game a must-have if you own a Nintendo 3DS.
Metroid: Samus Returns	Metroidvania	A
tl;dr Metroid: Samus Returns is a Metroidvania that’s technically a remake or re-imagining of Metroid II, but is so wildly different that it’s essentially a completely new game, and an exceptional one at that. Not everyone is going to be a fan of the new melee counter ability, but otherwise this is an outstanding Metroidvania that’s one of the better games in the genre.
Poochy and Yoshi’s Woolly World	Platformer / Auto-Runner	A
tl;dr Yoshi’s Woolly World is a Platformer that combines the traditional mechanics of the Yoshi series with the “everything is made of fabric and wool” aesthetic of Kirby’s Epic Yarn, and the result is the best Yoshi game since Yoshi’s Island on the SNES. Compared to the Wii U version of the game, the Nintendo 3DS version has worse visuals but more content… on balance, I’d say both are about on par with one another. But in either case, if you enjoy Platformers, this is definitely one to get.
Pushmo	Puzzle-Platformer / 3D Platformer	A
tl;dr Pushmo is a family-friendly Puzzle Platformer with light 3D Platformer elements that has players pushing and pulling blocks to climb a structure. This game has a simple concept and is extremely accessible, yet the gameplay hides a lot of potential depth, with a ton of content for the small $7 price tag, including a level builder. Puzzle fans should absolutely consider this a must-have, and snatch this game up quickly before the eShop closes in March 2023.
Puzzle League Express	Match-3 Puzzle	A
tl;dr Puzzle League Express is a version of the Nintendo DS Match-3 Puzzle game Planet Puzzle League that has been stripped of its multiplayer features for some reason. While the loss of multiplayer is extremely unfortunate, this is still an absolutely phenomenal version of Panel De Pon/Tetris Attack/Puzzle League, and the tiny $5 price tag for one of the greatest Puzzle games ever made makes this a no-brainer for anyone with a Nintendo 3DS.
Rage of the Gladiator	First-Person Fighting Game	A
tl;dr Rage of the Gladiator is a Punch-Out!!-style First-Person Fighting Game with a fantasy gladiatorial combat theme. This game has an excellent presentation with a lot of personality, solid gameplay, and some great additions to Nintendo’s formula such as an RPG-style progression system. All of this makes Rage of the Gladiator a game so good that it rivals its inspiration. Plus, with the absurdly low $7 price tag, Nintendo 3DS owners should absolutely snatch up this game while they can – the 3DS version of the game is the last digital storefront still carrying this game, and once it closes in March 2023, it’s gone forever. Do not miss this one!
Siesta Fiesta	Arcade Brick Breaker	A
tl;dr Siesta Fiesta is an Arcade Brick Breaker that has players controlling a sliding bed while its sleeping occupant bounces on it through a massive island-wide celebration, completely unawares. This is an absolutely joyous game that is not only bursting with personality, but reimagines its genre in numerous creative ways. This is without a doubt one of the most brilliant hidden gems on the Nintendo 3DS eShop, and Nintendo 3DS owners should absolutely make it a point to grab this game before that eShop closes in March 2023.
Super Mario 3D Land	3D Platformer	A
tl;dr Super Mario 3D Land is the first 3D Platformer in the Mario series designed from the ground up for a handheld game platform, and it is an outstanding Mario adventure, with appealing visuals, superb gameplay, excellent level design, and tons of creativity. It may not be quite as groundbreaking as Mario’s greatest adventures, but it is still a phenomenal Mario game, and one that every Nintendo 3DS owner should have in their collection.
Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition	Fighting	A
tl;dr Super Street Fighter IV 3D is a surprisingly excellent port of one of the earlier releases of Street Fighter IV. It has a few minor issues and it tries some gimmicky things on Nintendo 3DS that don’t really add to the package, but that doesn’t matter when the core game is this excellent. If you’re a Street Fighter fan looking to play this game on the go, you will not be disappointed.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D	Action-RPG	A
tl;dr The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D is a remake of the Nintendo 64 Action-RPG that improves the visuals and adds numerous quality-of-life improvements. While not all of the changes here are unequivocally positive, for the most part they make for a huge improvement, making this the best version of a much-beloved and truly unique entry in the Zelda franchise.
3D Sonic the Hedgehog	Platformer	A-
tl;dr Sonic the Hedgehog remains a classic platformer, and this release is a solid port of the game with some good features. It’s nothing you can’t get on pretty much every other game system on the market, but it’s a great game nonetheless.
3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2	Platformer	A-
tl;dr Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a classic Platformer originally released on the Sega Genesis, and it has aged pretty well. This release of the game adds in a slew of special features and challenge modes that aren’t in the Sega Genesis Classics collection. This is one of the highlights of the series, and well worth grabbing for any fan of Platformers. Having said that, it’s nothing you can’t get on pretty much every other game system on the market, but it’s a great game nonetheless.
AiRace	Racing / Flight Simulator	A-
tl;dr AiRace is a Racing Game and Flight Simulator that brings Kart Racing sensibilities to a game that has you speeding through caves and corridors in a biplane. The course design here is phenomenal and makes great use of the three-dimensional freedom the airplanes allow for. I just wish there were more of those courses. However, what’s here is outstanding – this is a highlight of the DSiWare lineup.
Bomb Monkey	Unlimited Pattern Puzzle	A-
tl;dr Bomb Monkey is a family-friendly Puzzle game where players toss bombs at multicolored crates to try to clear them before they stack too high. This game combines fun gameplay with a good selection of game modes and a really creative approach to multiplayer, all with a tiny $3 price tag. The result is a truly excellent entry in the genre, and a must-have for Puzzle fans.
Chicken Wiggle	Platformer / Content Creation Tool	A-
tl;dr Chicken Wiggle is a Platformer where players take the role of a small bird using a worm like a grappling hook. The gameplay here is great, the presentation is excellent, and the game’s support for its built-in level builder and online community is outstanding. If you have a Nintendo 3DS, this game is absolutely one you’ll want to consider adding to your collection.
Crashmo	Puzzle-Platformer / 3D Platformer	A-
tl;dr Crashmo is a family-friendly Puzzle Platformer with light 3D Platformer elements that has players pushing and pulling blocks to climb a structure, with this game adding gravity into the mix to make for a somewhat different experience than we had in Pushmo. It makes for an excellent Puzzle-Platformer with some really great gameplay, but the content is slimmer compared to the previous game, despite an inflated price tag. Despite this, it’s still an excellent game for Puzzle fans, and one they’ll want to snatch up quickly before the eShop closes in March 2023.
Face Pilot: Fly With Your Nintendo DSi Camera!	Flight Simulator	A-
tl;dr Face Pilot is a Flight Simulator along the same lines as the Pilotwings series, built around the gimmick that you use the Nintendo DSi/Nintendo 3DS camera to track your head’s movements, which steer your aircraft. As gimmicky as that may be, it works surprisingly well, and there’s a pretty good amount of content here for a $5 game. At such a low price, I think this is a game you should absolutely try to get while you can before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (later this month!).
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia	Strategy-RPG	A-
tl;dr Fire Emblem Echoes is a remake of the previously Japan-only Fire Emblem Gaiden, and as a result it is both quaint and simple as well as modern and inventive, taking the Strategy-RPG gameplay of the series, removing some of its complexity, and adding in character-driven dungeon areas. The result is still an excellent albeit simpler Strategy-RPG, and one with enough differences to make it stand out next to the other games in the franchise. In any case, fans of the genre should definitely give this game a look.
Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest	Strategy-RPG	A-
tl;dr Fire Emblem Fates expands on the excellent Strategy-RPG gameplay we saw in Fire Emblem Awakening, adding new gameplay elements and a split story based on who the game’s protagonist sides with in a way. I think Conquest is the worse game to start with, and the worse game between the two for multiple reasons, but if you’re a fan of the genre, you should still absolutely get either game and download the other campaign via DLC while you can, along with the third DLC-only Revelations campaign. This game may not be the huge groundbreaking title that Awakening was, but it’s still a superb entry within the genre that genre fans absolutely should play.
G.G Series: Energy Chain	Unlimited Pattern Puzzle	A-
tl;dr Energy Chain is a Puzzle game where players place multicolored blocks on a board to try to form a circuit between two of the board’s electrical “dynamos”. This game isn’t very flashy, and it’s sorely lacking in features, but the gameplay is surprisingly compelling, and that combined with the $2 price tag makes this a game that I think every Puzzle game fan with a Nintendo 3DS needs to make sure to pick up before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (later this month!)
Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX	Compilation / Music-Rhythm / Match-4 Falling-Block Puzzle / Board Game / Misc.	A-
tl;dr Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX is a Music-Rhythm game featuring chibi-style versions of the Hatsune Miku franchise’s vocaloid characters. If you’re a Music-Rhythm game fan who’s not put off by chibi characters or vocaloid music, consider this game an absolute must-buy – not only is it one of the best Music-Rhythm games on the Nintendo 3DS, but it also includes a ton of extra content, including a version of Puyo Puyo, a version of Reversi, and “Virtual Pet”-style simulation elements where you can take care of and interact with your vocaloid. Get it now while the Nintendo 3DS eShop is still running and selling it for only $20 – once the eShop closes, this game will become much more expensive.
Kid Icarus: Uprising	On-Rails Shooter / Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Kid Icarus: Uprising is a game that combines elements of On-Rail Shooters and Action-RPGs to craft an intense, action-packed experience with gorgeous graphics, great voice acting, and memorable characters. The game has some minor control issues, but overall this is a must-have experience for Action game fans on the Nintendo 3DS.
Kirby: Planet Robobot	Platformer	A-
tl;dr Kirby: Planet Robobot is a family-friendly Platformer that plays like a direct sequel to Kirby: Triple Deluxe, and while it’s not as groundbreaking as its predecessor, it is nevertheless a superb entry in the Kirby series. Its big new gimmick, Kirby’s mech suit, is just that – a gimmick. However, it is still plenty of fun, with solid level design, great core gameplay, and a solid presentation. Kirby fans should definitely get ahold of this one.
Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam	Turn-Based RPG / Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam is the fifth and final game in Nintendo’s Mario & Luigi RPG series (with real-time Action elements) combining the series with Nintendo’s other Mario RPG series, Paper Mario, with paper versions of Mario characters from those games spilling out into the normal Mario world, making for a lot of fun interactions between the two worlds’ characters. This game sadly does away with some of the nicer game mechanics of the prior Mario & Luigi game, Dream Team, but it is nevertheless an excellent RPG, and a must-have for any fans of either Mario RPG series.
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions	Turn-Based RPG / Action-RPG	A-
tl;dr Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga is the first game in Nintendo’s Mario & Luigi RPG series (with real-time Action elements), with this Nintendo 3DS release updating the visuals and adding a slew of new features. Not all of these new features are successful, but overall this is a definitive version of a truly excellent RPG. If you’re a fan of the genre, you should absolutely get this game.
Number Battle	Puzzle / Board Game	A-
tl;dr Number Battle is a game that may have a boring name and a bland presentation, but underneath that is a Puzzle game with Strategy and Board Game elements that is one of the most compelling games to grace those genres on the Nintendo 3DS. What’s more, its $5 price tag makes it not much of a risk at all. If you like any of the genres named above, you should absolutely not miss out on this true gem of a game.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies	Visual Novel / Graphic Adventure	A-
tl;dr Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies is the fifth mainline game in the Ace Attorney series of Graphic Adventure / Visual Novel games with a courtroom / detective theme. This game follows series protagonists Phoenix Wright, Apollo Justice, and new character Athena Cykes, in a non-linear story. While I don’t think this story is nearly as engaging as the prior game, the improvements made here to both the presentation are phenomenal, and quality-of-life improvements to the gameplay are much appreciated. The result is one of the better games in an outstanding series. This game is only available in digital form in the US, so if you’re interested, snatch it up quickly before the 3DS eShop is closed permanently in March 2023.
Picross 3D: Round 2	Picross Puzzle	A-
tl;dr Picross 3D: Round 2 is a version of a Picross Puzzle game that has players solving the puzzles in 3 dimensions, painting cubes in two different colors and chiseling away the excess. It’s a bit more complex than standard Picross, and as such the tutorial is somewhat long, but once you learn how to play this is an extremely compelling Puzzle game. In the US, this game is only available on the Nintendo 3DS eShop, so be sure to download it now while you can, before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March. Puzzle Game fans should consider this a must-have, so don’t miss it!
Pinball Pulse: The Ancients Beckon	Pinball	A-
tl;dr Pinball Pulse is a Pinball game with an ancient Greek mythology theme, and for a mere $5, this is an absolute steal. While the game only has one table, that table is well-designed, immaculately detailed, features superb gameplay, and simulated in a way that perfectly replicates the experience of playing on a real pinball table. If you’re a Nintendo 3DS owner who even remotely likes pinball, you absolutely need to grab this game before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (later this month!)
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire	Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG	A-
tl;dr Pokemon Alpha Sapphire (as well as its counterpart, Pokemon Omega Ruby) is a phenomenal entry in the mainline Pokemon franchise of family-friendly Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPGs that updates and modernizes the visuals and gameplay, bringing them closer to what we saw in Pokemon X and Y. Of course, this is because it pretty much copies most of the advancements to the series that X and Y introduced, making this release less original and less impressive. However, despite this, it is still an outstanding Pokemon game, well worth getting if you’re a fan of the series who owns a Nintendo 3DS.
Pokemon Omega Ruby	Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG	A-
tl;dr Pokemon Omega Ruby (as well as its counterpart, Pokemon Alpha Sapphire) is a phenomenal entry in the mainline Pokemon franchise of family-friendly Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPGs that updates and modernizes the visuals and gameplay, bringing them closer to what we saw in Pokemon X and Y. Of course, this is because it pretty much copies most of the advancements to the series that X and Y introduced, making this release less original and less impressive. However, despite this, it is still an outstanding Pokemon game, well worth getting if you’re a fan of the series who owns a Nintendo 3DS.
Pokemon Picross	Picross Puzzle	A-
tl;dr Pokemon Picross is a free-to-play Picross Puzzle game that takes helpful features and options often seen in the genre and turns them into gameplay mechanics, managing them as members of your party of Pokemon. Add to this excellent gameplay and controls and a wealth of Puzzles, and you have a phenomenal Picross game, and really its only flaws are its microtransaction elements are a little bothersome, the puzzles are presented in a largely linear fashion, and the presentation could be improved a bit. But overall this is one of the best Picross games I’ve ever played. If you have a Nintendo 3DS and enjoy Puzzle games, do yourself a favor and download this right now.
Professor Layton Vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney	Puzzle / Graphic Adventure / Visual Novel	A-
tl;dr Professor Layton Vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is a crossover game that combines Professor Layton’s style of investigation Graphic Adventure game with Puzzle gameplay and Phoenix Wright’s style of courtroom Graphic Adventure and Visual Novel style gameplay, and the result is a game that mostly brings the best of both worlds to the formula, although not without a few pacing issues, especially in the beginning. Still, this is a charming, delightful game, and the fact that cartridge prices for the game are already skyrocketing makes this one you should absolutely snatch up on the eShop while you still can.
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse	Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	A-
tl;dr Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is a Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG that takes a unique approach to the genre, having players fight against and negotiate with demons in a story that takes place after Shin Megami Tensei IV. This game makes multiple small improvements over the prior game, resulting in an experience I would argue is overall a much stronger one. As a result, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is one of the best games in its genre on Nintendo 3DS. Definitely well worth playing.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux	First-Person Dungeon Crawler / Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	A-
tl;dr Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux combines the Shin Megami Tensei series’ usual Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG gameplay with First-Person Dungeon crawler mechanics, a pairing that works extremely well here, with a surprisingly cinematic story despite a presentation that’s somewhat lacking on the technical side. I had a few other minor issues, but overall this is a fantastic marriage of the two main elements, and if you’re a fan of either, you should absolutely get your hands on this game.
Stretchmo	Puzzle-Platformer / 3D Platformer	A-
tl;dr Stretchmo is a family-friendly Puzzle Platformer with light 3D Platformer elements that has players pushing, pulling, and stretching out blocks to climb a structure. An unusual monetization model and more complex gameplay make this somewhat harder to get into than prior games in the series, but it’s still an excellent game for Puzzle fans, and one they’ll want to snatch up quickly before the eShop closes in March 2023.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS	Fighting Game / Platformer / Party Game	A-
tl;dr Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS is a truly great entry in Nintendo’s franchise of Platformer / Fighting Game hybrids. Unfortunately, it is a truly great game that has been thoroughly eclipsed by Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Nintendo Switch. While this game has a few gameplay modes, features, and stages that didn’t make it into its Nintendo Switch sequel, none of those elements hold a candle to all of the content in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (though Smash Run is almost good enough to be worth pursuing on its own). This game is truly a great game, but if you own a Nintendo Switch, you should skip it and go straight to the sequel.
3D Gunstar Heroes	Action-Platformer	B+
tl;dr Gunstar Heroes is an Action-Platformer in the vein of the Contra and Metal Slug games, and it’s absolutely brimming with imagination and personality. It’s a bit on the challenging side, and at times the screen can get so full of enemies it’s difficult to think, but it is nevertheless still very fun to play. This version of the game includes some excellent new features, including a new “Gunslinger mode” that lets you keep all four weapons. In short, this is a superb version of a must-play Action game.
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney	Visual Novel / Graphic Adventure	B+
tl;dr Apollo Justice is the fourth game in the Ace Attorney series of Graphic Adventure / Visual Novel games with a courtroom / detective theme. This game follows the titular new protagonist while jumping ahead seven years in Phoenix Wright’s story, which players will have to gradually piece together. The shift in perspective and associated mystery are delightful, and some new elements to the presentation help to offset other elements that were clearly recycled. The result is a strong entry in the series, and the Nintendo 3DS release is possibly the best version… but it’s an eShop exclusive in the US, so get it while you can.
Aura-Aura Climber	Arcade / Platformer	B+
tl;dr Aura-Aura Climber is a game that has players climbing up a series of points with a grapple-like ability. It’s simple yet highly compelling gameplay that makes this game more than worth the $2 asking price.
Best of Solitaire	Compilation / Card Game (Solitaire)	B+
tl;dr Best of Solitaire is a Compilation that includes 101 different Solitaire games, with a pretty good selection of options. There are some issues with the presentation, controls, and a few other things, but those are far outweighed by the absolutely massive number of games included here.And while everything in this package and more is included in Classic Games Overload, this is still a great package to get if you just want a lot of great Solitaire gameplay on your Nintendo 3DS for a tiny $4 price tag.
Bravely Default	Turn-Based JRPG	B+
tl;dr Bravely Default is a Turn-Based JRPG that does a wonderful job mixing nostalgic old-school sensibilities with more modern mechanics and presentation, including a great job class system and the signature “Brave/Default” system that lets you lend or borrow actions to and from later turns. It’s not quite as good as its Nintendo Switch successor, and the pacing is a bit on the slow and grindy side, but overall this is a wonderful entry in the genre that any fan of JRPGs should definitely want in their collection.
Bravely Second: End Layer	Turn-Based JRPG	B+
tl;dr Bravely Second is a Turn-Based JRPG with a story that directly follows after the end of Bravely Default. This game iterates and improves on the already-strong gameplay of Bravely Default, and the graphical presentation is also noticeably improved. However, the tone of the story is somewhat sillier this time around, the music is less memorable, and this game is held back by the fact that those wanting to get the most out of the story really should have played through the first Bravely Default prior to starting this one. However, despite these issues, Bravely Second is still a phenomenal JRPG and any fan of that genre with a Nintendo 3DS should definitely add this game to their collection.
Butterfly: Inchworm Animation II	Art Application	B+
tl;dr Butterfly: Inchworm Animation II is an Art Application that enables players to create animations on their Nintendo 3DS. Compared to its predecessor, this software offers better image quality, the ability to create longer animations, and a whole slew of new options and features. However, it also does a much worse job explaining how to use all of those features, making it harder to dig into, and requiring some time up-front learning its ins and outs. It’s still an excellent tool for creating animation on the go, but it’s not without its flaws.
Bye-Bye BoxBoy!	Puzzle-Platformer	B+
tl;dr Bye-Bye BoxBoy!, like its predecessors, is a minimalist Puzzle-Platformer starring a character who can grow boxes out from his body to help him get past obstacles and solve puzzles. This game takes the series’ usual formula and adds a ton of variety by having different levels offer different gameplay mechanics to shake things up, all with the series’ top-notch puzzle design. With its small $5 price tag, this is a must-have game for every Puzzle Game fan with a Nintendo 3DS.
Castle of Magic	Platformer	B+
tl;dr Castle of Magic is a Platformer that combines elements of classic games in the genre with some overall solid gameplay to make an excellent game in its own right. The game’s gimmicky use of the Nintendo DSi/Nintendo 3DS camera and the jarring transition between the dual screens make for a little frustration, but overall this is an outstanding Platformer for the wonderfully low price of $5. Be sure to get this game before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (later this month!)
Chronos Twins	Action-Platformer	B+
tl;dr Chronos Twins is an Action-Platformer where players must fight enemies and be aware of platforms on two worlds as they move their character on both screens. This game doesn’t do anything especially noteworthy outside of this concept, but it does this concept very well, and with a great retro-style presentation. With this game costing only $5, this is absolutely a game worth getting before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (tomorrow!).
Classic Games Overload: Card and Puzzle Edition	Compilation / Card Game / Puzzle	B+
tl;dr Classic Games Overload is a Compilation that includes over 200 different games (overwhelmingly Card Games, and the majority of those being different kinds of Solitaire), with a pretty good selection of options. There are some issues with the presentation, controls, and a few other things, but those are far outweighed by the absolutely massive number of games included here. If you want a Collection of Card Games on your Nintendo 3DS, you absolutely need to own this game.
Crimson Shroud	Turn-Based JRPG	B+
tl;dr Crimson Shroud is a Turn-Based JRPG with phenomenal writing and a unique tabletop-inspired presentation. The detail-oriented and difficult gameplay won’t be for everyone, and as RPGs go it’s pretty short. But if you own a Nintendo 3DS and enjoy a challenging RPG, you should consider this an absolute must-buy, especially since it will not be available anywhere once the 3DS eShop closes.
Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure	Match-4 Falling Block Puzzle Game	B+
tl;dr Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure is a version of Nintendo’s classic Match-4 Falling Block Puzzle Game that takes the already-excellent Dr. Luigi and adds multiple different game modes and elements to make for one of the best versions of that formula ever made. It’s still a bit content-poor, but for $9 it’s well worth adding to your Nintendo 3DS game collection, especially if you’re a Puzzle Game fan.
Etrian Odyssey Nexus	First-Person Dungeon Crawler / Turn-Based JRPG	B+
tl;dr Etrian Odyssey Nexus once again combines Turn-Based RPG gameplay with First-Person Dungeon Crawling, with the Etrian series’ big hook being that players are using the touchscreen to map out the game’s dungeons as they explore. Nexus aims to be a tribute of sorts to the Etrian Odyssey series, combining features and elements from throughout the series. Unfortunately, this game steadfastly refuses to revisit the best elements of earlier games, ande the reused content makes it feel a bit like a tired retread. This is still an excellent RPG with the same great core gameplay the series is known for, but it’s the worst 3DS entry in the mainline series.
Ever Oasis	Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Ever Oasis is an Action-RPG where players venture into the world to gather materials to expand their oasis town. The wonderful presentation and fun gameplay loop make this game a winner, and fans of the Action-RPG genre should definitely give it a try.
Fantasy Life	Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Fantasy Life is an Action-RPG with some “life sim” Simulation elements, where players take on 12 different “Life” classes with focuses ranging from combat to crafting. It’s a fun game with a delightful presentation, a large world to explore, and tons of stuff to do. And while it can be a bit shallow in places, this is still overall a wonderful entry in the genre well worth playing.
Gotta Protectors	Action / Tower Defense	B+
tl;dr Gotta Protectors is a game that takes typical Tower Defense elements and combines them with a more action-focused style of gameplay, all within a delightful retro-style presentation and a fantastic sense of humor. This is unquestionably one of the hidden gems of the Nintendo 3DS eShop.
Inchworm Animation	Art Application	B+
tl;dr Inchworm Animation is an Art Application that enables players to create animations on their Nintendo 3DS. While the bland presentation and wide array of options can make for an intimidating initial experience, and the 60-frame limit is disappointing, once you go through the tutorials I think you’ll find this to be an outstanding animation tool given the Nintendo 3DS’s limitations and the tiny $5 price tag. At that price, consider this a must-have for art lovers on the go.
Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance	Action-RPG	B+
tl;dr Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance is the 3DS entry in Square Enix’s series that combines its own stable of popular characters with Disney’s instantly-recognizable franchises. This is no scaled-down experience either – Dream Drop Distance features the same sort of grand spectacle and deep gameplay as console entries in the series… as well as the same sort of convoluted storytelling. In addition, there are some ambitious (and at times confusing) game mechanics here to shake things up. Add in a frustrating camera, and you have a game that’s at turns bewildering and delightful. It’s far from perfect, but this is nevertheless a delightfully ambitious entry in the franchise, and one that both series fans and Action-RPG lovers should consider a must-have.
Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn	Platformer	B+
tl;dr Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn is a port of the family-friendly Wii Platformer that plays very differently from other Kirby titles – Kirby can’t endlessly float, and can’t “inhale” or copy enemies, and instead lassos enemies and transforms into various objects. It’s an excellent well-made Platformer, and it does some really creative stuff with it’s yarn theme. This version even attempts to address some of the flaws of the original, although not very successfully. Still, much as with the original game, this is still a quality Platformer that makes for an excellent entry to the genre.
Luigi’s Mansion	Puzzle / Action	B+
tl;dr Luigi’s Mansion is a port of the GameCube game to Nintendo 3DS that does a great job squeezing the game onto Nintendo’s handheld. It’s still an excellent and unique game that’s fun to play even by today’s standards, but it’s not as accessible as its sequels, in part due to frustrating controls. If you’re a fan of the series this is definitely a must-have, but otherwise I’d say to skip straight to Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, or Luigi’s Mansion 3 on Nintendo Switch.
Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move	Puzzle	B+
tl;dr Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move is a Puzzle Game that’s drastically different from the other games in this series, with players laying down paths for the robotic Minis to follow, much like the classic game Pipe Dream. While I wish there were an endless mode here, there’s still plenty of other content to keep you engaged. If you enjoy Puzzle games, this is well worth a look.
Mario Party: Star Rush	Party Game / Minigame Collection	B+
tl;dr Mario Party: Star Rush is the second of three Mario Party games to release on Nintendo 3DS. It lacks online play but supports download play. This game is even better-looking than its predecessor, its games are more inspired, and the different game modes offer some very good options. While it still suffers from being a Party Game on a handheld-only platform, and its lacking online is unfortunate, otherwise this is an excellent entry in the franchise well worth playing.
Mario Tennis Open	Sports (Tennis)	B+
tl;dr Mario Tennis Open is the Nintendo 3DS entry in the Mario Tennis series, and it features solid, well-crafted gameplay, but is a bit lacking in features and presentation, and the online lobbies are empty. Overall though, Mario Tennis fans should be pleased with this entry in the series.
Mighty Milky Way	Platformer	B+
tl;dr Mighty Milky Way is a physics-based Platformer that has you bouncing off planets in space to get to a black hole. This game’s mechanics are truly unique and inspired, and the presentation is just lovely, with tons of personality. And while the unusual gameplay may not be for everyone, I think most will absolutely want to snatch this game up quickly before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023.
My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess	Picross Puzzle	B+
tl;dr My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is a Picross Puzzle game that is only obtainable through the My Nintendo Rewards program. As strange as the method for obtaining this game is, as well as its oddly-specific license, this is actually a really well-crafted Picross game with a good amount of content, good controls, good options, and that makes good use of the license. If you don’t mind jumping through the hoops to get the “platinum points” needed to obtain this game, it’s well worth your while, especially if you’re a fan of Picross games.
New Super Mario Bros. 2	Platformer	B+
tl;dr New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a Platformer with a gimmick of coin collecting that doesn’t revolutionize anything, but it’s fun nonetheless. Beyond that, this is pretty typical 2D Mario Platforming stuff, which is to say it’s very polished and well-crafted, even if it’s not one of Mario’s more impressive games. It’s definitely well worth playing though, even if it’s a familiar experience.
NightSky	Platformer	B+
tl;dr NightSky is a physics-based Platformer where players roll a dark ball across a night landscape. This game’s simple visuals are beautiful, its sound design is impeccable, and the physics-driven gameplay is wonderful. My only real complaint here is the game has a jarring lack of continuity when you move from one area to the next. Otherwise, this is a real gem of a Platformer that’s well worth playing.
Noitu Love: Devolution	Action-Platformer	B+
tl;dr Noitu Love: Devolution is a fast-paced Action-Platformer where players tap on the screen to make your player jump directly to enemies to unleash a flurry of attacks. The action here is frenetic, and the difficulty seems to fluctuate all over the place, but overall this is a unique and immensely satisfying entry in the genre that’s well worth checking out.
Pac-Man and Galaga Dimensions	Compilation / Arcade	B+
tl;dr Pac-Man and Galaga Dimensions is a Compilation that includes Galaga, Galaga Legions, Galaga 3D Impact, Pac-Man, Pac-Man: Championship Edition, and Pac-Man Tilt. Of those games, the real stars are Galaga Legions, Pac-Man: Championship Edition, and Pac-Man Tilt, with some of the included games suffering a bit due to the limited screen size of the Nintendo 3DS. While this makes for a somewhat uneven Compilation, I would still argue that this Compilation is more than worth getting for the good games in the bunch.
Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth	First-Person Dungeon Crawler / Turn-Based JRPG	B+
tl;dr Persona Q2 is a game that combines the Persona franchise’s art style and chibi versions of its characters (with Persona 5’s characters taking the lead role), and sticks them in First-Person Dungeon Crawler RPG gameplay straight out of the Etrian Odyssey series. This is an overall improved version of the same formula we saw in the first Persona Q, with slight tweaks that make the gameplay, the presentation, and the overall experience better. This is still a game that’s meant for Persona fans specifically, but even Dungeon Crawler fans who aren’t already familiar with Persona will want to give this game a try.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice	Visual Novel / Graphic Adventure	B+
tl;dr Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice is the sixth mainline game in the Ace Attorney series of Graphic Adventure / Visual Novel games with a courtroom / detective theme. This game sees series protagonist Phoenix Wright struggling within a foreign courtroom with strange practices and an extremely hostile attitude toward defense attorneys, while his proteges Apollo and Athena try to hold the fort at home. The biggest changes from Dual Destinies are the new setting and the new divination séance feature. This game isn’t quite as impressive as Dual Destinies was, but it’s still a solid entry in the genre, and as it is only available in digital form in the US, you might want to snatch it up quickly before the 3DS eShop is closed permanently in March 2023.
Plants Vs. Zombies	Tower Defense	B+
tl;dr Plants Vs. Zombies is a truly great Tower Defense game, and the controls and core gameplay are as good here as they have ever been. Unfortunately, the presentation really suffered in the trip to Nintendo’s handheld, and it’s really unfortunate how so much content was stripped away for the DSiWare and Nintendo 3DS version of the game. This is still an amazing game that’s well worth playing, and definitely worth the $8 price tag, but it’s far from an ideal way to play it.
Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy	Puzzle / Graphic Adventure	B+
tl;dr Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy is the sixth game in the Layton series of Puzzle Games / Graphic Adventures, and as with its predecessor, it features a good mix of strong Puzzle gameplay and endearing characters and presentation. It’s also pretty pricey on eBay, so you might want to snatch it up at its more affordable price on the Nintendo 3DS eShop before that eShop closes in March 2023. It’s definitely worth it.
Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask	Puzzle / Graphic Adventure	B+
tl;dr Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is the fifth game in the Layton series of Puzzle Games / Graphic Adventures, and it features a good mix of strong Puzzle gameplay and endearing characters and presentation. If you’re a fan of either of the genres this game covers, you’ll definitely want to add this one to your collection.
Rhythm Heaven Megamix	Music-Rhythm	B+
tl;dr Rhythm Heaven Megamix is a Music-Rhythm game that provides a mix of over 70 minigames both new and old from throughout the series, remastering the older games to look cleaner but otherwise retaining the wonderfully fun and silly presentation the series is known for. If you’re a Music-Rhythm fan you’ll definitely want to get this game, and get it soon, because the US version of the game is an eShop exclusive – once the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes, it will become far more difficult to get ahold of.
Sanrio Characters Picross	Picross Puzzle	B+
tl;dr Sanrio Characters Picross is a Picross Puzzle game that is a really well-crafted entry in the genre with a good amount of content, good controls, and that is overall an excellent entry point in the genre for newcomers the Sanrio characters might appeal to. I would have preferred more music options, but otherwise this is definitely a game Puzzle fans with a Nintendo 3DS should consider getting.
Shin Megami Tensei IV	Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	B+
tl;dr Shin Megami Tensei IV is a Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG that takes a unique approach to the genre, having players fight against and negotiate with demons in an anachronistic world that manages to be different than other entries in the series. This game has a fair number of flaws, including a harsh at times difficulty level. However, it’s still a truly compelling and unique experience that RPG fans on the Nintendo 3DS will definitely want to have in their collection.
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed	Kart Racing	B+
tl;dr Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a Kart Racer that has players taking the role of one of various Sega characters and racing on tracks inspired by Sega games, using vehicles that transform from cars to boats to aircraft. Don’t be dissuaded by other reviews trashing this game for performance issues – those issues appear to have been fixed in a post-launch patch, and the result is a Kart Racer that’s very nearly on par with the likes of Mario Kart. If you’re a 3DS owner who enjoys racing games, you definitely want to pick this up!
Sonic: Lost World	Platformer / 3D Platformer	B+
tl;dr Sonic: Lost World on Nintendo 3DS features similar gravity-defying gameplay as we saw in the Wii U version (which in turn was clearly directly inspired by Super Mario Galaxy), but it has different stages, a smaller scope, and a less-impressive presentation. It’s still an excellent Platformer, and I would argue that this game’s 2D levels are better than the Wii U version’s 2D levels. However, in the end I think both versions are well worth playing.
Starship Defense	Tower Defense	B+
tl;dr Starship Defense is a Tower Defense game that has players installing turrets and other emplacements to defend a starship from alien forces. It’s not much to look at, and doesn’t do anything extraordinary to change up the genre, but this is still a superb entry in the genre, and a fantastic value at only $5. If you have a Nintendo 3DS and enjoy Tower Defense, you should definitely get this game.
Street Pass Mii Plaza	Compilation	B+
tl;dr Street Pass Mii Plaza is a Compilation of games that all use the 3DS Street Pass feature to enhance the gameplay by having others’ 3DS profiles provide passive bonuses to your games. It’s a clever and truly unique Compilation, but if you want to experience it at its best, you’d better do so before 3DS systems become a relic of the past and the Street Pass feature becomes obsolete.
Telegraph Sudoku & Kakuro	Compilation / Sudoku Puzzle / Puzzle	B+
tl;dr Telegraph Sudoku & Kakuro is a Compilation of 2500 Puzzles in various Sudoku styles as well as Kakuro’s blend of Sudoku and Crossword-style gameplay, all for only $2. The control in this game is excellent, and while there are some important features missing here, this is about as great a value package that Puzzle game lovers on the Nintendo 3DS could hope for. Definitely a gem on the Nintendo 3DS eShop.
Tetris Axis	Falling Block Puzzle	B+
tl;dr Tetris Axis is a take on the classic Falling-Block Puzzle that includes 20 different game modes, including some wildly inventive takes on the Tetris formula. Not all of these experiments work, but enough of them do to provide some healthy variety to make for some really fun Puzzle gameplay, and any fan of the genre with a Nintendo 3DS would do well to get a copy of this game.
The Legend of the Dark Witch 3: Wisdom and Lunacy	Action-Platformer	B+
tl;dr The Legend of the Dark Witch 3 is an Action-Platformer with gameplay similar to the Mega Man franchise, but with cutesy witches instead of cutesy robots. This game fixes long-standing problems the series has had, actually helping this series come into its own as a truly excellent alternative to the Mega Man games. If you like Action-Platformers, you should absolutely get this game now before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023.
WarioWare Gold	Arcade / Misc.	B+
tl;dr WarioWare Gold is an Arcade-style collection of the series’ signature rapid-fire 5-second “microgames”, with most of these being remastered versions of microgames from the earlier games in the franchise. While not everything works perfectly, and things don’t really open up until late into the game, for the most part this is an excellent mix of randomness and variety, and a great encapsulation of the series up until this point.
3D Galaxy Force II	On-Rails Shooter	B
tl;dr Galaxy Force II is an On-Rails Shooter that uses faux 3D graphics for a game style similar to the Afterburner series. Unlike the lackluster Sega Genesis version of the game, this release is based directly on the original Arcade game, and it’s surprisingly how much they were able to stretch the faux 3D graphics in this release. It’s still overly-difficult and can’t hold up to the likes of Star Fox 64 3D, but this is nevertheless a surprisingly good On-Rails Shooter well worth owning on Nintendo 3DS.
3D Streets of Rage 2	Brawler	B
tl;dr Streets of Rage 2 is a huge improvement over the first game thanks to a good variety of attack options. It’s still a bit on the repetitive side, but this is still a solid entry in the genre.
7th Dragon III Code: VFD	Turn-Based JRPG	B
tl;dr 7th Dragon III Code: VFD is a JRPG with a plot that combines sci-fi/fantasy RPG tropes with The Last Starfighter, with players enlisted to fight off an apocalyptic invasion of dragons. The plot may not be particularly inspired, but the character creation and combat is engaging and fun, and the presentation is overall solid. If you’re a JRPG fan with a Nintendo 3DS, you should definitely get this game.
Alien on the Run	Arcade	B
tl;dr Alien on the Run is an Arcade-style game that puts players into the role of an alien running to an exit while evading spotlights (or in some cases, destroying them by posing within them). It’s an odd and simple game, but it is nevertheless a fun and compelling one, and it is well worth its tiny $4 price tag.
Art Style: Aquia	Match-3 Puzzle	B
tl;dr Art Style: Aquia is a Puzzle game that has players pushing colored tiles into a column looking to make matches of 3. The gameplay takes some getting used to, but overall this is a fairly unique and enjoyable entry in the genre, well worth the $5 price tag.
Art Style: Base 10	Falling Block Puzzle	B
tl;dr Art Style: Base 10 is a Falling-Block Puzzle game that has players clearing rows and columns by moving numbers around and creating chains that equal 10. This game’s bland presentation and math-based gameplay will be a turn-off for some players, but Puzzle Game fans should absolutely be sure to pick it up before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023, as this game is a delight.
Art Style: Pictobits	Match-4 Falling-Block Puzzle	B
tl;dr Art Style: Pictobits is a Puzzle game that has players using the touchscreen to relocate various-colored blocks that have fallen to match with blocks that are still falling. The game lacks multiplayer, is a bit light on content, and feels like it could be a bit more intuitive, but overall this is a solid entry in the genre, and one well worth the $5 asking price.
Art Style: Precipice	3D Puzzle-Platformer	B
tl;dr Art Style: Precipice is a Puzzle game that has players running out of the way of falling boxes and pushing them to manage their buildup. It’s a surprisingly compelling experience with a slightly off-putting presentation that works well for the game. The only real issue here are the controls are sluggish and there’s not enough control over the camera. Even so, this is well worth the $5 price tag.
Bike Rider Dx2: Galaxy	Auto-Runner	B
tl;dr Bike Rider Dx2 is an Auto-Runner where players are nominally riding a bike, but once again this is just a really strong entry in the genre, with improvements beyond what we saw in the first game like a new endless mode, all while maintaining the same great core gameplay and excellent soundtrack. For $3, this is a great choice for fans of Platformers, who will definitely want to get this game before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (next week!)
BoxBoxBoy!	Puzzle-Platformer	B
tl;dr BoxBoxBoy!, like its predecessor, is a minimalist Puzzle-Platformer starring a character who can grow boxes out from his body to help him get past obstacles and solve puzzles. This sequel improves on the prior game with good puzzles that make use of your new ability to shed two sets of boxes rather than one, and the early portion of the game flows much more swiftly this time too. With its small $5 price tag, this is absolutely a game every Puzzle Game fan with a Nintendo 3DS should have.
Chibi-Robo! Photo Finder	3D Platformer / Misc.	B
tl;dr Chibi-Robo! Photo Finder is an odd game that combines various elements, including 3D Platforming, various minigames, and AR Game elements, all contained in a story about a 4” tall robot performing odd jobs and collecting artifacts to put on display in a museum. This is definitely not going to be for everyone, but at $10, I’d argue that it’s such a unique game that it’s well worth snatching up while it’s still available, before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes and it’s lost forever.
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.	Strategy-RPG	B
tl;dr Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is a Strategy-RPG with Third-Person Shooter elements in the vein of Valkyria Chronicles, with a presentation that has steampunk-equipped historical and literary figures fighting invading aliens. The presentation here is great, though it won’t appeal to everyone. And the gameplay is fantastic, though a lack of character management options is disappointing. Still, even with these flaws, this is an excellent game for Strategy-RPG fans on Nintendo 3DS.
Colors! 3D	Art Application	B
tl;dr Colors! 3D is an Art Application that allows players to create 3D images on their Nintendo 3DS. While it’s not without its flaws, this is overall an excellent art tool that does a good job justifying it’s relatively low $7 price tag. Those who have transitioned to the Nintendo Switch may opt to go with Colors Live instead, but artists who are down to create art on the Nintendo 3DS will find this to be a much less costly alternative with many of the same great features.
Crazy Sudoku	Sudoku Puzzle	B
tl;dr Crazy Sudoku is a version of the standard Sudoku Puzzle that has procedurally-generated puzzles and a surprisingly creative 2-player alternating Competitive mode. It’s not anywhere near as “crazy” as the title implies, and in fact the presentation here is pretty bland. But for $2 this is an excellent game of Sudoku.
Culdcept Revolt	Board Game / Collectable Card Game	B
tl;dr Culdcept Revolt is a game that combines a Magic: The Gathering-style Collectable Card Game with a Monopoly-style Board Game, and the result is a wonderful game with deep and enjoyable gameplay. However, it is a fairly niche game, so it may not be for everyone.
Delbo	Unlimited Pattern Puzzle	B
tl;dr Delbo is a family-friendly Unlimited Pattern Puzzle where players shoot colored orbs at a growing pile, trying to match colors to eliminate them before they reach the bottom of the screen. While this game is sadly pretty feature-poor, lacking even a multiplayer mode, the gameplay and presentation are good enough that this game is well worth the $2 price tag, and Puzzle Game fans should absolutely grab it before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (Later this month!).
Detective Pikachu	Graphic Adventure	B
tl;dr Detective Pikachu is a Graphic Adventure that has you taking the role of a young man trying to solve mysteries in the Pokemon universe with the help of a Pikachu that only he can understand. This game doesn’t do anything truly original for the Graphic Adventure genre, but it’s a unique look into the Pokemon universe with a lot of charm, making this game well worth getting for fans of the franchise as a whole.
DodoGo!	Puzzle-Platformer	B
tl;dr DodoGo! is a Puzzle-Platformer similar to the Mario Vs. Donkey Kong games where players must make structures on the environment to help guide moving eggs back to their nest. While this game doesn’t do anything particularly new for its genre, it’s a solid take on the genre with a good amount of content. Fans of this style of game would do well to pick this one up while they still can.
DodoGo! Robo	Puzzle-Platformer	B
tl;dr DodoGo! Robo is a Puzzle-Platformer similar to the Mario Vs. Donkey Kong games where players must make structures on the environment to help guide moving eggs back to their nest. While this is the third and final game in the DodoGo! series, it is also the shortest, simplest, and easiest, ironically making it the best place to start the series. If you’re a fan of Puzzle-Platformers, I highly recommend it, especially at its low $2 price point, this game is well worth picking up.
Dragon Quest Wars	Board Game / Turn-Based Strategy	B
tl;dr Dragon Quest Wars is a Board Game-style Strategy game that has players pitting teams of four signature Dragon Quest monsters against one another on a Chess-style board. There are a few issues with a lack of single-player content, awkward controls, and a lack of explanation for some of the game’s mechanics, but it’s hard to complain too much when the gameplay is excellent, the presentation is charming, the multiplayer features are superb, and the $5 price tag practically screams “buy me!”. Despite its flaws, this game is definitely worth that low price.
Drift Street International	Arcade Racing	B
tl;dr Drift Street International is an Arcade Racing game with a focus on drifting. For a DSiWare game, this game features a surprisingly good presentation, and the gameplay and map design are excellent as well. Really, this game’s biggest problem is a lack of content, with only 9 maps to race on. However, for only $8, this is still an excellent Racing Game for the price.
Edge	Arcade	B
tl;dr Edge is an Arcade-style game that has players navigating a cube through mazes. It’s simple, but there’s surprisingly excellent level design, a slick modern presentation, and plenty of content to make it more than worth its $2 price.
Fractured Soul	Action-Platformer	B
tl;dr Fractured Soul is an Action-Platformer where players must fight enemies and be aware of platforms on two worlds as they move their character back and forth on both screens. This game has a solid premise that it uses well, and while it’s not the most original game out there, it’s a solid Action-Platformer that’s well worth getting for anyone who enjoys the genre.
G.G Series: Assault Buster	Arcade / Action-Platformer	B
tl;dr Assault Buster is an Arcade-style Action-Platformer that has players blasting down robotic enemies while dodging return fire using a jetpack that also grants brief invincibility. For the tiny price of $2, this game packs a lot of great action, with some surprising nuance to make players carefully consider their use of the jetpack. While the game does have a few minor control issues, this is overall a game that I think every fan of Arcade-style Action needs to snatch up quickly on the Nintendo 3DS eShop before that shop closes permanently in March 2023 (later this month!)
G.G Series: Great Whip Adventure	Platformer	B
tl;dr Great Whip Adventure is a Platformer with an Indiana Jones-esque theme, where players must use their whip to get past obstacles and take out enemies. For only $2, this is a surprisingly good little adventure, and I highly recommend you pick it up before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (later this month!).
G.G Series: Wonder Land	Bullet Hell Shmup	B
tl;dr Wonder Land is a Bullet Hell Shmup where everything has a Alice in Wonderland theme. It’s very short, and the difficulty level is somewhat uneven, but overall this is an outstanding entry in the genre with great gameplay and an excellent presentation, absolutely worth the low $2 entry fee. If you like Shmups, you need to be sure to grab this game before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (later this month!)
G.G Series: Ninja Karakuri Den	Action-Platformer / Arcade	B
tl;dr Ninja Karakuri Den is an Arcade-style Action-Platformer that has players taking the role of a constantly-jumping ninja trying to take out spinning cogs with shurikens and evading enemies without losing his footing. This is a fun and unique game that’s absolutely worth its low $2 price tag, and you should be sure to grab it before the Nintendo 3DS eShop before it closes in March 2023 (later this month!).
Go! Go! Island Rescue	Puzzle-Platformer	B
tl;dr Go! Go! Island Rescue! is a Puzzle-Platformer where players toss fire extinguishers and hapless civilians to rescue them from a raging fire. This game has a fairly unique concept and some solid puzzle design. With this game costing only $5, I think Puzzle fans will find this is absolutely a game worth getting before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023 (tomorrow!).
Harvest Moon 3D: A Tale of Two Towns	Top-Down Management Simulation / RPG	B
tl;dr Harvest Moon 3D: A Tale of Two Towns is a “Farming RPG” with a focus on its two competing towns, each with its own specialty. Beyond this, there’s little that this game does that’s especially groundbreaking within the genre, but it’s a solid entry within that genre all the same.
Kung Fu Rabbit	Platformer	B
tl;dr Kung Fu Rabbit is a Platformer with strong Platforming gameplay that comes across like a slower alternative to Super Meat Boy. The lack of speed does mar the game’s pacing somewhat, and the presentation doesn’t seem to know what tone it wants to strike, but despite these issues, this is a highly-enjoyable Platformer that’s well worth its small $5 price tag.
Mario Sports Superstars	Compilation / Sports (Various)	B
tl;dr Mario Sports Superstars is a Compilation of five different Sports: Soccer, Baseball, Tennis, Golf, and Horse Racing. All of the included sports play well and look and sound fantastic. However, they’re also all feature-poor and lacking content. Overall, this is still a great package, but each of the sports included here feels like it might have benefitted from simply expanding it into a full game.
Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars	Puzzle-Platformer	B
tl;dr Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars is a Puzzle-Platformer that has you guiding robotic toy versions of Mario characters through levels by interacting with the level itself. It’s still a solid entry in the genre and series, even if its one most noteworthy feature, its online level-sharing, is no longer available.
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D	Stealth / Action-RPG	B
tl;dr Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D is a port of one of the greatest games of all-time, a stunning Stealth-based Action-RPG with an unforgettable story about Cold War era spies in a Russian jungle. It is truly impressive to see this game running on Nintendo’s handheld, and there are even some nice additions here, but this version comes with some major issues too – namely, some nasty framerates and some extremely awkward controls. These are major problems, to be sure, but if you can get past these frustrations, you’ll find the game underneath is still outstanding, although it’s far from the best way to play this game.
Monster Hunter Stories	Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG	B
tl;dr Monster Hunter Stories is a Turn-Based Monster-Collecting JRPG that takes elements from the popular Monster Hunter series and reimagines them in a more family-friendly turn-based game. While I have some issues with this game’s battle system, overall this is an excellent RPG that still looks fantastic on the Nintendo 3DS. Definitely worth a look from monster-collecting fans.
Nintendo 3DS Guide: Louvre	Educational / Simulation / Misc.	B
tl;dr Nintendo 3DS Guide: Louvre is a simulated trip to the famous Louvre museum in Paris, with a searchable database of artworks, audio “tours” of both those artworks and the museum itself. While the simulated elements of the museum could have been more extensive than this, this Application is overall an excellent and relatively inexpensive alternative to taking a trip to France, even if it couldn’t possibly replicate the full experience of seeing these artworks in person.
Penguin Patrol	Puzzle	B
tl;dr Penguin Patrol is a family-friendly character-based Puzzle game where players need to carefully consider their path across ice as they rescue penguins. This game doesn’t do anything especially unique or original, but it’s a solid entry in the genre all the same, well worth its small $2 price tag.
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth	First-Person Dungeon Crawler / Turn-Based JRPG	B
tl;dr Persona Q is a game that pairs Persona 3 and 4’s art style and chibi versions of its characters, and sticks them in First-Person Dungeon Crawler RPG gameplay straight out of the Etrian Odyssey series. While there are rough edges all around and this is largely a game for those who are already fans of the games this is pulling from, it is nevertheless an enjoyable experience and worth trying out.
Picross e7	Picross Puzzle	B
tl;dr Picross e7 is a Picross Puzzle game that features a simple presentation, good controls, and has 150 standard Picross puzzles, 3 “Micross” Puzzles, 150 “Mega Picross” puzzles (repeats of the standard Picross puzzles), as well as some others you can unlock if you own prior games in the series, all for $6. What’s more, this game finally addresses some (but not all) of the major issues the series had prior to this. It could still do with more variety and a decent tutorial, but overall this is a solid entry in the genre well worth getting on Nintendo 3DS.
Picross e8	Picross Puzzle	B
tl;dr Picross e8 is a Picross Puzzle game that features a simple presentation, good controls, and has 150 standard Picross puzzles, 3 “Micross” Puzzles, 150 “Mega Picross” puzzles (repeats of the standard Picross puzzles), as well as some others you can unlock if you own prior games in the series, all for $6. This game doesn’t really improve the formula beyond what we saw in Picross e7, but what’s here is still good overall, and well worth getting if you’re looking for a Picross game on Nintendo 3DS.
Pilotwings Resort	Flight Simulator	B
tl;dr Pilotwings Resort is the third game in Nintendo’s family-friendly Flight Simulator franchise, and it gets the core of the series down very well – it looks good, and it plays well. Unfortunately, it feels like a far less impactful experience than either of the prior games in the series. It’s still well worth getting, but don’t expect to be blown away by it.
Pocket Card Jockey	Card Game (Solitaire) / Sports (Horse Racing)	B
tl;dr Pocket Card Jockey is a game that combines Horse Racing and Solitaire, and as odd of a combo as that may seem, it actually works quite well, with both halves of the formula playing an important role in the gameplay. If you’re looking for a quirky and unique game on Nintendo 3DS, this one is well worth playing.
Pop Island: Paperfield	Action	B
tl;dr Pop Island: Paperfield is an Action game that has up to eight players playing a wacky game of Capture the Flag. This game is short on single-player content, but shines in multiplayer. The $2 price tag is extremely nice as well, and you get even more content if you have the original Pop Island too. In short, if you have a group of friends who own 3DS or DS systems and want to throw down, Pop Island: Paperfield is well worth getting.
Rhythm Thief & The Emperor’s Treasure	Music-Rhythm / Graphic Adventure	B
tl;dr Rhythm Thief is a family-friendly Music-Rhythm game with Graphic Adventure elements that features a charming, jazzy presentation, and minigames that may not be especially deep, but make up for it with a healthy amount of variety. At $20 on the Nintendo 3DS eShop, this is an excellent choice for Nintendo 3DS owners who enjoy Music-Rhythm games… and you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t get the game before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes and the only way to get the game is to pay $120+ on eBay
Ridge Racer 3D	Arcade Racing	B
tl;dr Ridge Racer 3D is an Arcade-style Racing game with impressive visuals and great gameplay. It’s a bit short on content and lacking online multiplayer, but even with these flaws this is a must-own game for Racing fans on the Nintendo 3DS.
Runny Egg	Platformer	B
tl;dr Runny Egg is a family-friendly Platformer where players control an egg with legs speeding its way to each stage’s exit. This is an extremely polished Platformer with elements from games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Donkey Kong Country. At $3, it’s an absolute bargain, and I highly recommend you get it from the eShop before it closes in March 2023 (later this month!)
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker	Strategy-RPG / Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	B
tl;dr Devil Survivor Overclocked is a remaster of a Nintendo DS game that combines the Shin Megami Tensei series’ Turn-Based Monster Collecting RPG mechanics with Tactics-style Strategy-RPG gameplay, introducing some interesting and unexpected twists to both. It has some pacing issues, but overall this is still an excellent entry both in the franchise and in the genre, and fans of either will definitely want to add this to their Nintendo 3DS game library.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked	Strategy-RPG / Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	B
tl;dr Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker is a remaster of a Nintendo DS game that combines the Shin Megami Tensei series’ Turn-Based Monster Collecting RPG mechanics with Tactics-style Strategy-RPG gameplay, making use of some interesting twists to both. Like the first game in the series, it has some pacing issues, but overall this is still an excellent entry both in the franchise and in the genre, and fans of either will definitely want to add this to their Nintendo 3DS game library.
Skylanders: SuperChargers Racing	Kart Racer	B
tl;dr The Nintendo 3DS version of Skylanders: Swap Force is a family-friendly 3D Platformer. This game, and its console counterparts, are also the third game in the Skylanders series of Toys-to-Life games that kicked off the entire craze. Swap Force features two noteworthy improvements over the Nintendo 3DS version of Skylanders: Giants – figurines scanned by the portal are all now saved to your profile and can be changed at any time, and the terrible framerates of the prior game have been fixed. Beyond that, this feels like very much the same experience. It’s still a good game, and the best 3DS entry in the series so far, but it’s hard not to be disappointed that these games have progressed so little.
Skylanders: Swap Force	3D Platformer	B
tl;dr The Nintendo 3DS version of Skylanders: Trap Team is a family-friendly 3D Platformer. This game, and its console counterparts, are also the fourth game in the Skylanders series of Toys-to-Life games that kicked off the entire craze. Trap Team is a solid, if predictable, entry in the series that plays much like the prior Nintendo 3DS game, but fixes a few of that game’s flaws and has much better visuals, all without much of the multi-figurine issues that bogged down Trap Team’s console counterpart. This is the best entry in the series so far on Nintendo 3DS.
Skylanders: Trap Team	3D Platformer	B
tl;dr The Nintendo 3DS version of Skylanders: SuperChargers is a Kart Racing game, unlike its console counterparts. This game, and said console counterparts, are also the fifth game in the Skylanders series of Toys-to-Life games that kicked off the entire craze.Despite the complete shift in genre, SuperChargers has at its heart a truly great Kart Racing game… which is then hobbled by the way the game essentially handicaps players who didn’t buy a bunch of Skylanders: SuperChargers figurines. This is still a fun game, but it’s one that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice	Platformer	B
tl;dr Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice is a follow-up to Shattered Crystal that improved greatly on its predecessor with shorter, better-paced level design and improved visuals. The character-swapping mechanic is still a bit cumbersome (arguably more so this time, even), but overall this is a solid Platformer.
Soul of Darkness	Action-Platformer	B
tl;dr Soul of Darkness is an Action-Platformer that was clearly inspired by the Castlevania franchise. However, despite its unoriginality, this is actually a really good game, with a great presentation and solid gameplay, all for a fantastic price of $5. If you enjoy Action-Platformers and especially if you’re a Castlevania fan, this is a must-have.
Stella Glow	Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	B
tl;dr Stella Glow is a Turn-Based Strategy-RPG where players follow the story of a young man and his childhood friend as they try to revive their village after an attack by a mysterious witch. The core gameplay and presentation here are both very good, albeit nothing truly extraordinary. And the only major flaw here is some pacing issues, especially at the start of the game. However, overall this is a fine entry in the genre well worth seeking out by genre fans.
Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns	Management Simulation / RPG	B
tl;dr Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns is a family-friendly Farming RPG-style Management Simulation that has players raising a farm near three culturally-diverse towns. This game doesn’t do much to revolutionize the genre or truly push it forward, but it’s a strong entry within that genre all the same.
Sudoku Party	Sudoku Puzzle	B
tl;dr Sudoku Party is a Sudoku Puzzle game with a confused and underwhelming presentation, as well as a disappointing amount of options. However, it delivers where it counts – excellent gameplay and an absolute wealth of content for the tiny $5 price tag. If you’re craving Sudoku on your Nintendo 3DS, this is an excellent choice.
Surfacer+	Arcade / Puzzle	B
tl;dr Surfacer+ is a game that combines Arcade and Puzzle elements, having players place growing flowers while trying to avoid particles bouncing around the screen. It’s simple but surprisingly compelling, and its only major flaws are a lack of different game modes and no multiplayer. However, for a mere $5, those flaws are easily forgiven. If you have a Nintendo 3DS, this game is well worth getting.
Tank Troopers	Action	B
tl;dr Tank Troopers is an Action game where players control tanks and blast away at other tanks. The core gameplay here is good, though it can get a bit monotonous at times. However, with this game’s good support for multiplayer battles using download play, this is a solid choice to add to your Nintendo 3DS library.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call	Music-Rhythm	B
tl;dr Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call is a Music-Rhythm game that is a sequel to the first Theatrhythm that eclipses its predecessor in virtually every way, with a massively expanded catalog of phenomenal music from throughout the Final Fantasy franchise, improved control options, more menu accessibility, and added multiplayer features. While the game still has a few minor issues, such as the loss of video backgrounds that were in the first game and some half-baked RPG elements, this is overall a great Music-Rhythm game on the Nintendo 3DS… but one that sadly looks to be eclipsed soon by its upcoming Nintendo Switch sequel.
Viking Invasion	Tower Defense	B
tl;dr Worcle Worlds is a Puzzle game that combines a ball-shooting puzzle game like Zuma with a vocabulary game like Scrabble. These elements combine very well, making for a compelling experience. And although this game could do with more options and a few tweaks here and there, overall this is a solid game that Puzzle game fans should definitely be pleased with.
Viking Invasion 2: Tower Defense	Tower Defense	B
tl;dr Viking Invasion is a Tower Defense game where players set up defenses against a… viking invasion. While the game’s silly story is completely disposable, this is otherwise a solid entry in the genre, with a good variety of choices, a decent presentation, and all-around solid gameplay. If you want a Tower Defense game on Nintendo 3DS, this is a solid choice.
Worcle Worlds	Unlimited Pattern Puzzle	B
tl;dr Viking Invasion 2 is a Tower Defense game where players set up defenses against a… viking invasion. While the game’s silly story is completely disposable, this is otherwise a solid entry in the genre, with a good variety of choices, a decent presentation, and all-around solid gameplay. If you want a Tower Defense game on Nintendo 3DS, this is a solid choice.
3D Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master	Action-Platformer	B-
tl;dr Shinobi III (actually the eighth game in the series, apparently) drops one hit kills from earlier games in the series in favor of gameplay that’s a bit more forgiving, though it’s still tough, and a bit on the simplistic side. However, there’s a good variety of enemies and stages. Not bad.
3D Space Harrier	On-Rails Shooter	B-
tl;dr Space Harrier is a classic On-Rails Shooter originally released to arcades in 1985. While the limitations of the time mean that both the visuals and the gameplay show their age, this is nevertheless still a fun game even today, and it’s a solid port too. Definitely worth a look for fans of classic games or those looking for a solid action title.
1001 Spikes	Platformer	B-
tl;dr 24/7 Solitaire is a Compilation of 24 Solitaire Card Games and 7 versions of Peg Solitaire. The Peg Solitaire stuff is pretty disposable, and the package as a whole is somewhat lacking in its presentation, but there’s a good selection of Card Games here for the game’s low $5 price tag, with a solid assortment of options and features. If you want to add an inexpensive Card Game collection to your Nintendo 3DS, this is a good choice.
24/7 Solitaire	Compilation / Card Game (Solitaire) / Puzzle	B-
tl;dr 1001 Spikes is a challenging Platformer with a retro-style presentation that in not only punishingly difficult, but that pushes a “trial and error” style of gameplay that won’t appeal to everyone. However, those who don’t mind this will find a game with great level design within this framework, as well as a lot of unclockable content and features. As such, you will likely either love this game or hate it.
A Topsy Turvy Life: Turvys Strike Back	Arcade / Shmup / Misc.	B-
tl;dr Turvys Strike Back is a game that takes the Shmup genre and flips it upside-down… literally. This game is played by turning the Nintendo 3DS upside-down and using the touchscreen to direct enemies in a Shmup to try to take out the hero. It’s an inspired idea, with a truly excellent multiplayer mode, and while it is sadly a bit too repetitive, its $2 price tag makes this an easy game to pick up, since you won’t play anything else quite like it.
Absolute Chess	Board Game	B-
tl;dr Absolute Chess is a version of Chess that lacks some basic features, like an undo button, a tutorial, and same-system alternating 2-player gameplay. But on the bright side of things, it offers multiplayer via download play, has some interesting challenges to try to complete, and the core chess game here is quite good. For its low $2 price tag, this is a pretty decent chess game, even if it isn’t even remotely close to a full-fledged game of chess.
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy	Combat Flight Simulator	B-
tl;dr Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy is a Combat Flight Sim that’s actually a remake of Ace Combat 2, and it mostly does a good job of bringing the series to Nintendo 3DS. There are some control issues, alongside a “maneuver” system that overcompensates for those issues by occasionally removing control from the player. However, while it’s not without its flaws, this is still a solid choice for fans of the genre, as well as fans of the Ace Combat series.
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy+	Combat Flight Simulator	B-
tl;dr Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy+, much like the prior version of the game (without the “+”) is a Combat Flight Sim that’s actually a remake of Ace Combat 2, and it mostly does a good job of bringing the series to Nintendo 3DS. There are some control issues, alongside a “maneuver” system that overcompensates for those issues by occasionally removing control from the player. However, while it’s not without its flaws, this is still a solid choice for fans of the genre, as well as fans of the Ace Combat series. The new features in this version are nice, but don’t affect the game much in one direction or the other.
Airport Mania: First Flight	Arcade	B-
tl;dr Airport Mania is an Arcade-style game where players direct various aircraft and must manage time to ensure that none of them are waiting too long, with First Flight playing like a level-based campaign mode of the game. This is a fun and frenetic time-waster, but it feels incomplete without its other half. Thankfully, at $2 each, it’s easy enough to go ahead and get both games. If you’re looking for some lighthearted fun, that wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Airport Mania: Non-Stop Flights	Arcade	B-
tl;dr Airport Mania is an Arcade-style game where players direct various aircraft and must manage time to ensure that none of them are waiting too long, with Non-Stop Flights playing like an endless mode of the game. This is a fun and frenetic time-waster, but it feels incomplete without its other half. Thankfully, at $2 each, it’s easy enough to go ahead and get both games. If you’re looking for some lighthearted fun, that wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Akari by Nikoli	Puzzle	B-
tl;dr Akari by Nikoli is a Puzzle game where players must arrange “lights” on a grid. This is a solid Puzzle game, though it’s held back by a poor presentation and lacking features. Still, at $5 for 50 puzzles, fans of logic puzzles may want to give this one a try.
Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone	Art Application	B-
tl;dr Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone is an Art Application that aims to teach players basic art skills. This game improves on prior games in the series with an improved presentation and more extensive art tutorials. The small size of the Nintendo 3DS’s screen makes this platform less than ideal, and there are still some conspicuously absent features this Application lacks, but overall this is an excellent way to get some simple art lessons on a portable platform.
Balloon Pop Remix	Match-3 Puzzle	B-
tl;dr Balloon Pop Remix is a Match-3 Puzzle game that combines elements of Collapse! And Puzzle + Dragons. The result is gameplay that’s surprisingly compelling even if it is somewhat shallow, and even though the presentation is pretty terrible, the $8 price tag is pretty fair given the good amount of content here. If you’re a Puzzle game fan with a Nintendo 3DS, this game is worth a look.
Bike Rider DX	Auto-Runner	B-
tl;dr Bike Rider DX is an Auto-Runner where players are nominally riding a bike, but really this is a pretty straightforward entry in the genre, albeit with good gameplay and a great soundtrack. Not a bad choice for its small $3 price if you’re into this sort of game.
Bird & Beans	Compilation / Arcade	B-
tl;dr Bird & Beans is a Compilation that includes the simple Arcade-style games Pyoro and Pyoro 2 (redubbed Bird & Beans and Bird & Beans 2 here), first introduced in the original WarioWare game. While these are both extremely simple games, they are nevertheless surprisingly catchy, and the tiny $2 price tag makes this a great choice for players looking for a simple time-waster on the Nintendo 3DS.
BlazBlue Continuum Shift II	Fighting Game	B-
tl;dr BlazBlue is a Fighting Game that’s not very accessible and has controls that aren’t a great fit for the Nintendo 3DS, but despite these issues this is still a solid port of a very good Fighting game. If you’re a Fighting Game fan looking to play on Nintendo 3DS, this is a decent choice.
BoxBoy!	Puzzle-Platformer	B-
tl;dr BoxBoy! is a Puzzle-Platformer starring a character who can grow boxes out from his body to help him get past obstacles and solve puzzles. This is an extremely minimalist experience all-around, but not a bad one, and there’s even some good puzzle design here. This game is definitely worth the low $5 price tag. Just be aware that the first hour or so is really slow and simple.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate	Metroidvania	B-
tl;dr Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate is a Metroidvania that doesn’t play quite like other Metroidvania games in the Castlevania series, with a more melodramatic presentation and combat inspired by the 3D Lords of Shadow games. The maps are too restrictive and the movement and combat feels too stiff, but this is still a unique and enjoyable experience that fans of the genre should try.
Cave Story 3D	Action-Platformer	B-
tl;dr Cave Story 3D is a fully-remade take on the classic Action-Platformer. The game still plays great, and the improved presentation is nice… but that presentation also occasionally interferes with the gameplay in ways that make it often more trouble than it’s worth. For most players, I would argue that you’re better off playing one of the ports of the original version of the game.
Comic Workshop	Art Application	B-
tl;dr Comic Workshop is an Application for art creation, with a specific focus on comic-style art. This software has some good tools and plenty of helpful tutorials, though it could stand to be a bit more forthcoming about the basic process of using the program to create art from start to finish within this program. Still, if you’re looking to create comic-style art on the go, this may well be worth a look. At least, unless you’re considering getting Comic Workshop 2 instead.
Comic Workshop 2	Art Application	B-
tl;dr Comic Workshop 2 is an Application for art creation, with a specific focus on comic-style art. The second Comic Workshop Application costs a little more and has a few extra features over the first one, but these two are pretty similar. Between the two, I think Comic Workshop 2 is slightly better, but not so much that you should buy it again if you already got the first one.
Crosswords Plus	Puzzle	B-
tl;dr Crosswords Plus is a Crossword Puzzle game with over 1000 crossword puzzles, plus some puzzles of other puzzle types. Players enter letters using the touchscreen, and while the game does sometimes mess up character recognition and some of the game’s content is withheld to ration out to the player over time, largely this is a solid take on this sort of game, and Nintendo 3DS players wanting a Crossword Puzzle game should find this to be satisfactory.
Dairojo! Samurai Defenders	Tower Defense	B-
tl;dr Dairojo! Samurai Defenders is a Tower Defense game set in Edo-era Japan. This game doesn’t really explain anything at the start, and there are some visual details that are a bit difficult to parse, but overall this is a pretty solid Tower Defense game despite these flaws.
Dark Void Zero	Action-Platformer	B-
tl;dr Dark Void Zero is an Action-Platformer that has players blasting through enemies and jetpacking through somewhat nonlinear areas hunting down keycards to progress. The game is only 2-3 hours long, and even within that small playtime it’s a bit padded out, but the gameplay here is good, with fun mechanics and excellent variety. It’s definitely worth picking up.
Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers	Action / Tower Defense	B-
tl;dr Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers is a game that combines Action gameplay with Tower Defense elements. This game completely reworks the gameplay of the series, and the changes here are largely an improvement, keeping the action contained within smaller areas and breaking up the action into different phases to add more variety. There are still further improvements that this series can make, but overall this is a solid game with a unique gameplay that’s well worth playing, although the $40 price tag may give you some pause.
Dragon Fantasy: The Black Tome of Ice	Turn-Based JRPG	B-
tl;dr Dragon Fantasy: The Black Tome of Ice is a Turn-Based JRPG that greatly improves on the previous game in the series, with a better presentation and more nuanced combat, all while still having the same winning sense of humor as the first game. This game still feels somewhat derivative by nature, but even so it’s worth seeking out for fans of JRPGs.
G.G Series: Dark Spirits	Shmup	B-
tl;dr Dark Spirits is a Shmup that has you playing as a magically flying man with four “familiars” floating around him. The game’s power-up system has some issues, and the movement speed is a bit slow, but otherwise this is a satisfying entry in the genre, and one that’s well worth the small $2 price tag.
G.G Series: Drilling Attack!	Platformer	B-
tl;dr Drilling Attack! is a Platformer where players use a drill to pull themselves through the air, plowing through breakable blocks and enemies. This game’s visuals are bland and repetitive, and the music doesn’t mesh well with the rest of the game at all, but the core gameplay is outstanding, and well worth playing.
HarmoKnight	Music-Rhythm / Auto-Runner	B-
tl;dr HarmoKnight is a family-friendly game that combines Music-Rhythm and Auto-Runner elements, with players timing jumps and attacks on enemies with the beat of each stage’s music. It’s an enjoyable and accessible Music-Rhythm game that younger players may like, but more experienced fans of the genre may find it to be a bit too simple to be engaging.
Harvest Moon: Skytree Village	Management Simulation / RPG	B-
tl;dr Harvest Moon: Skytree Village is a “Farming RPG” that combines the series’ main elements with terrain-changing gameplay from Minecraft, much like this game’s predecessor The Lost Valley did. However, Skytree Village is a marked improvement over the prior game, fixing a lot of that game’s problems and adding back in content. Unfortunately, there are still a few issues with the controls and game structure, but overall this is a solid game that Nintendo 3DS owners who enjoy the genre will want to check out.
Heyawake by Nikoli	Puzzle	B-
tl;dr Heyawake by Nikoli is a Puzzle game where players must paint cels inside rooms on a grid while following four rules. This is a one of the best games in this series, though its higher price compared to the others ($8 for 50 puzzles) keeps it from being a clear favorite among the others. And like the other games in the series, it’s held back by a poor presentation and lacking features. Still, fans of logic puzzles may want to give this one a try.
Hitori by Nikoli	Puzzle	B-
tl;dr Hitori by Nikoli is a Puzzle game where players must “paint” cels on a grid according to three basic rules. This is a solid Puzzle game, though it’s held back by a poor presentation and lacking features. Still, at $5 for 50 puzzles, fans of logic puzzles may want to give this one a try.
LEGO Marvel’s Avengers	Open-World 3D Action-Platformer	B-
tl;dr LEGO Marvel’s Avengers is yet another game to feature Traveller’s Tales family-friendly LEGO game 3D Action-Platformer formula with some Open-World elements. And against all odds, this time I think they actually managed to make an Open-World game work on Nintendo 3DS. It’s not without its flaws, but I think the combination of ambitious game design for the underpowered handheld, as well as gameplay that brings something new to the table, combine to make this one of the best LEGO games on the Nintendo 3DS, despite those flaws.
LEGO The Lord of the Rings	3D Action-Platformer	B-
tl;dr LEGO The Lord of the Rings is yet another game to feature Traveller’s Tales’ family-friendly LEGO game formula, and while it sadly lacks the Open World of the console games, what’s here is still good, and for once the Nintendo 3DS version doesn’t miss out on multiplayer co-op. If you’re a fan of LEGO games and/or Lord of the Rings, this should be a good choice for you. Just don’t expect anything on par with the console versions.
Let’s Golf 3D	Sports (Golf)	B-
tl;dr Let’s Golf 3D is a cartoony Golf game with courses spread among a variety of locales, and it’s mostly a pretty good Golf game, at that. It has issues with its framerates, poor voice acting, and frustrating menus, but the core Golf experience here is excellent, well worth playing.
Luxor	Match-3 Puzzle	B-
tl;dr Luxor is a Zuma-style Match-3 Puzzle game that has you using an Arcade Brick Breaker-style paddle to aim colored balls so you can make matches. It’s a solid take on the Zuma formula that works well, with surprisingly good controls. The only real flaw here is how tiny everything is due to the original game being squished to fit on the Nintendo 3DS screen. But if you’re looking for a fun Match-3 Puzzler, this is well worth trying.
Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again	Puzzle-Platformer	B-
tl;dr Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again is a Puzzle-Platformer that has you guiding robotic toy versions of Mario characters through levels by interacting with the level itself. It’s still a solid entry in the genre and series, but later entries are very similar and don’t come with the baggage of a DSiWare game. You should probably get one of those later games instead.
Metroid Prime: Federation Force	First-Person Shooter	B-
tl;dr Metroid Prime: Federation Force is a multiplayer-focused First-Person Shooter that’s only very loosely connected to the mainline Metroid games in its gameplay. A number of highly questionable design choices have been made here, resulting in a game that oddly seems designed to repulse fans of the Metroid franchise. Still, what’s here is enjoyable, although its multiplayer focus is unfortunate given how few people got the game.
Mighty Flip Champs	Puzzle-Platformer	B-
tl;dr Mighty Flip Champs is a Puzzle-Platformer where players need to make their way around a level by “flipping” from one version of the level to another. This game has an endearing retro-style presentation, and some really excellent puzzle design. And while it’s a bit frustrating that you can’t see all variations of the level at the same time, this is still a game well worth snatching up before the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes in March 2023.
Nano Assault EX	2-Stick Shooter / On-Rails Shooter	B-
tl;dr Nano Assault EX is an upgraded version of Nano Assault with both 2-Stick Shooter and On-Rails Shooter sections. Each of these styles of gameplay generally works well enough, though each has their issues. However, this is still overall a fun game, and it’s also visually stunning. Well worth a purchase on the Nintendo 3DS.
Nikoli’s Pencil Puzzle	Compilation / Puzzle	B-
tl;dr Nikoli’s Pencil Puzzle is a Compilation of four types of Puzzle games – Sudoku, Shikaku, Akari, and Hashi. The version of Sudoku here lacks some important features, and the version of Shikaku is functional but a bit bland. However, Akari and Hashi are excellent, and with 600 puzzles total, this package offers more than enough good Puzzle gameplay to justify the low price it’s currently demanding on eBay.
Nurikabe by Nikoli	Puzzle	B-
tl;dr Nurikabe by Nikoli is a Puzzle game where players must “paint” cels on a grid according to four basic rules. This is a solid Puzzle game, though it’s held back by a poor presentation and lacking features. Still, at $5 for 50 puzzles, fans of logic puzzles may want to give this one a try.
PictureBook Games: The Royal Bluff	Card Game / Board Game	B-
tl;dr The Royal Bluff is a family-friendly game that combines Card Game and Board Game elements in a way that makes for a solid game about bluffing that’s easy to learn but well-crafted enough to keep things interesting… but mostly only if you have others to play with, as bluffing games with AI opponents are rarely as rewarding as playing against your friends. However, with the game’s $5 price tag and support for download play, this game tries its best to make playing with others as easy as possible. If you have friends to throw down with who also own a Nintendo 3DS, this will be a good choice for you.
Pixel Paint	Art Application	B-
tl;dr Pixel Paint is an Art Application that, as the name implies, allows players to create pixel art on their Nintendo 3DS. The presentation here is severely lacking, and it will take a bit of getting used to the various options, but overall this is a surprisingly robust application given the low $4 price tag. If you’re looking for an Application on your Nintendo 3DS that will enable you to create pixel art, I think you’ll absolutely get your $4 worth here.
Pop Island	Action	B-
tl;dr Pop Island is an Action game that has up to eight players playing a wacky game of Capture the Flag. This game is short on single-player content, but shines in multiplayer. The $5 price tag is a pretty good deal too… though not nearly as good a deal as the $2 price tag for Pop Island: Paperfield. Still, if you have a group of friends who own 3DS or DS systems and want to throw down, Pop Island is well worth getting.
Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition	Compilation / Match-3 Puzzle / RPG	B-
tl;dr Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition is a Compilation of two versions of the long-running Match-3 Puzzle game with RPG elements – one with a more traditional JRPG presentation, and one set in Mario’s world and featuring that franchise’s characters. I’m not especially enamored with the core gameplay of this franchise, and the lack of multiplayer here is disappointing, but the sheer amount of value and content in this package makes it a game that still well worth a look for Puzzle fans.
Rayman Origins	Platformer	B-
tl;dr Rayman Origins is a platformer that unfortunately sacrifices both features and visual quality to fit on the Nintendo 3DS, and the result is a Platformer that’s still a lot of fun, but is unquestionably the worst version of the game. You’re better off getting any other version of this game, or simply getting Rayman Legends on Nintendo Switch.
Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball	Minigame Collection	B-
tl;dr Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball is a Minigame Collection that’s nominally free, but that will actually have you “haggling” with the in-game character using real-world money to purchase said minigames. While there are troubling elements to this sort of monetization, I applaud it for being fairly unique and original, and being housed within a fun and charming story. Also, the minigames themselves are quite good, and offer a surprising amount of depth and replayability. While this isn’t the fully-fledged Baseball game you may have been looking for, it is nevertheless a truly unique game and one well worth playing.
Shift DX	Puzzle-Platformer	B-
tl;dr Shift DX drops the 3D visuals of the prior game in the Puzzle-Platformer series in favor of the Shift series’ usual 2D visuals, and this is a much better game as a result. This game’s single-room puzzles are great little mind-teasers, and the $5 price tag is very reasonable. Puzzle fans should definitely give this one a consideration.
Skylanders: Giants	3D Platformer	B-
tl;dr The Nintendo 3DS version of Skylanders: Giants is a family-friendly 3D Platformer. This game, and its console counterparts, are also the second game in the Skylanders series of Toys-to-Life games that kicked off the entire craze. Giants improves on its predecessor with expanded level designs and a shift in focus from the Platforming to the Combat. Unfortunately, there are also some new issues as well, such as worse framerates, camera issues, and frustrations caused by new areas only the titular Giants can access. All things considered, this is an improvement over the first game, but these flaws keep it from being a significant improvement.
Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure	3D Platformer	B-
tl;dr The Nintendo 3DS version of Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure is a family-friendly 3D Platformer. This game, and its console counterparts, are also the first game in the Skylanders series of Toys-to-Life games that kicked off the entire craze. While the toy element may be a tad confusing and involve some suspicious monetization, it also makes for fun opportunities, and ultimately the game at the core of this experience is a solid entry in the genre, even if it isn’t a truly spectacular one. If you’re a fan of 3D Platformers and curious to try this “Toys to Life” thing, Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure is worth a look.
Snapdots	Puzzle	B-
tl;dr Snapdots is a Puzzle game where players spin a grid around and use a UFO to shoot out and retract boxes to try to fit a pattern. It’s a bit light on game modes and features, but the core gameplay is well-made and unique, and for $5 this is a pretty good pick up for Nintendo 3DS owners looking to add a Puzzle game to their collection.
Steel Diver: Sub Wars	First-Person Shooter	B-
tl;dr Steel Diver: Sub Wars is a First-Person Shooter where players control a submarine in slow-paced and methodical cat-and mouse fights with enemies. This is the game the original Steel Diver should have been, although even then its slow pace is not going to be for everyone. Also, being a multiplayer-focused game with empty online lobbies really limits its appeal. Still, at $10 for the full version, this game largely succeeds at what it’s trying to do, and it’s still worth a look for anyone who finds the game’s premise appealing.
Steel Empire	Shmup	B-
tl;dr Steel Empire is a Shmup in a steampunk setting, with some wonderfully detailed environments and enemies reflecting that theme. The gameplay here is good but nothing special, and the lack of multiplayer is disappointing, but if you want a steampunk Shmup, I do not think this game will disappoint.
Style Savvy: Styling Star	Simulation / Misc.	B-
tl;dr Style Savvy: Styling Star, like prior games in the series, is a Simulation-style game that has players taking the role of an employee at a fashionable clothing shop making recommendations to customers and buying new stock with the profits. This game has an absolute wealth of clothing options, and I believe it has the best soundtrack in the series, but the actual management gameplay is sadly limited. This is a niche game that will absolutely please players who are interested in the one thing it does very well, but everyone else will likely be left wanting.
Sumico	Puzzle	B-
tl;dr Sumico is a family-friendly Puzzle game where players use the touchscreen to trace a path through a hexagonal grid full of numbers and mathematical operators (plus, minus, etc.). While those with a distaste for math may turn their nose up at this game, and those who game on their smartphones may find that version of the game more attractive, this is nevertheless a solid Puzzle game, and the $3 price tag is a good deal. At least, if you’re not afraid of a little grade school math.
Super Mario Maker	Platformer / Content Creation Application	B-
tl;dr Super Mario Maker is a Platformer and Content Creation Application that allows players to create their own Mario levels. As of 2022, players can still download others’ creations online, but the 3DS game will only allow you to send levels to others who own the game within wireless range. What’s more, the Nintendo 3DS version even lacks features that were in the Wii U game. And of course Super Mario Maker 2 on Nintendo Switch is a far superior game that improves on this one in numerous areas. However, Nintendo 3DS owners looking for enjoyable Mario gameplay will still have a lot of fun content in this game if they decide to pick it up.
Tales of the Abyss	Action-RPG / JRPG	B-
tl;dr Tales of the Abyss is a JRPG with Action-RPG gameplay, and it is largely a successful portable version of the original PlayStation 2 game. The presentation here is very good, and the gameplay is solid. Unfortunately, the story is poorly-told and the characters are insufferable. Still, if you can look past those flaws, this is an excellent entry in the genre on Nintendo 3DS.
Tekken 3D Prime Edition	3D Fighting	B-
tl;dr Tekken 3D is a Fighting Game that brings a character roster and gameplay based on Tekken 6 to Nintendo 3DS. The presentation, excellent framerates, core gameplay, and selection of characters here is great, but the game modes and options here are absolutely pathetic, plus the online lobbies are deserted at this point. Oh, and this release also includes the Tekken: Blood Vengeance film, which will only really be appreciated by Tekken fans… but even those fans will likely be disappointed at how lacking in features this game is.
The Denpa Men 3: The Rise of Digitoll	Top-Down Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	B-
tl;dr The Denpa Men 3 plays much like the first two games, being an odd Turn-Based Monster-Collecting RPG, where the “monsters” you’re collecting are little floating multicolored bodysuit-wearing men hanging out around real-world Wi-Fi hotspots. This sequel fixes many of the biggest problems of the second game, resulting in an overall better, more streamlined experience. It’s still niche due to its odd presentation and simple gameplay, but if you think you might enjoy a simple, quirky RPG, you should definitely give The Denpa Men 3 a try.
Thorium Wars: Attack of the Skyfighter	Combat Flight Simulator	B-
tl;dr Thorium Wars: Attack of the Skyfighter is a futuristic Combat Flight Simulator that’s bland, unimpressive, and unoriginal, but its core gameplay is decent, and for $5 it’s reasonably enjoyable. Don’t expect anything even remotely as good as Star Fox 64 3D, but for the low price, this is a fun additional entry within the genre.
Titan Attacks!	Arcade	B-
tl;dr Titan Attacks! is a modernized take on the classic Arcade game Space Invaders, and it updates that game’s formula with plenty of fun ideas and variety. Unfortunately, the challenge level is so high that some players might find the game daunting. Also, the small screen and low resolution of the Nintendo 3DS is less than ideal when the tiniest bit of space can mean the difference between life and death. However, even if the Nintendo 3DS isn’t the ideal way to play this game, this version is still a lot of fun.
Tomodachi Life	Management Simulation	B-
tl;dr Tomodachi Life is a simple Management Simulation where players invite their Mii characters to live out their lives in the game, with much of the game’s enjoyment coming from watching how those lives unfold. It’s an experience that’s somewhat comparable to Animal Crossing, but far more passive. It’s a niche game that’s not going to appeal to everyone, but it’s so unique that it’s well worth a look for anyone looking for a laid-back and original experience on Nintendo 3DS.
X-Scape	First-Person Action	B-
tl;dr X-Scape is a First-Person Action game where players control a futuristic vehicle in on-rails corridor sequences and free-roaming tank-style battles that seem reminiscent of the 1980s game Battlezone. The limited color palette retro-style 3D graphics are truly unique, but may not appeal to everyone, and the controls are needlessly frustrating. Despite these issues, X-Scape still manages to be an enjoyable game, though it seems like a “love it or hate it” sorta’ thing.
Yo-Kai Watch 3	Monster-Collecting RPG	B-
tl;dr Yo-Kai Watch 3 is a Monster-Collecting RPG that is a huge improvement over prior games in the series, though it still has its flaws, like the series’ signature indirect combat system and frustrating capture mechanics. Still, just about every area of the game has been improved, making this the best Yo-Kai game to release in the West so far… and one that will become absurdly expensive to play once the Nintendo 3DS eShop closes. If you only get one Yo-Kai game, this is the one to get.
3D Mahjong	Card Game / Puzzle	C+
tl;dr 3D MahJong is a version of solitaire Mahjong that has a good presentation, a decent selection of options, and sufficient controls. This game doesn’t do anything truly extraordinary, but for $5 it’s a perfectly decent version of Mahjong.
3D MahJongg	Card Game / Puzzle	C+
tl;dr 3D MahJongg is a version of solitaire Mahjong that has a good presentation, a decent selection of options, and sufficient controls. This game doesn’t do anything truly extraordinary, but for $5 it’s a perfectly decent version of Mahjong.
3D Super Hang-On	Motorcycle Racing / Arcade	C+
tl;dr 3D Super Hang-On is an Arcade-style Motorcycle Racing game that adds stereoscopic 3D to the classic 1987 arcade Motorcycle Racing game. It’s a good port, and the game’s presentation has aged well, but the gameplay is so punishingly difficult that modern players may want to give it a pass.
5 in 1 Mahjong	Card Game / Puzzle	C+
tl;dr 5 in 1 Mahjong is a version of solitaire Mahjong with five different variants. The game offers some good options, and while there’s nothing truly special here, it’s worth the $2 price tag if you’re looking to add Mahjong to your Nintendo 3DS.
5 in 1 Solitaire	Compilation / Card Game (Solitaire)	C+
tl;dr 5 in 1 Solitaire is a Compilation of 5 Solitaire Card Games – Klondike, FreeCell, Spider, Golf, and Gaps. There are multiple areas where this collection could do with improvement, but the games are mostly done well here, with some good tutorials. For only $2, you could do far worse than this package if you’re looking to add some Solitaire games to your Nintendo 3DS.
Absolute Reversi	Board Game	C+
tl;dr Absolute Reversi is a version of Reversi that lacks some basic features, like an undo button, a tutorial, and same-system alternating 2-player gameplay. But on the bright side of things, it offers multiplayer via download play, has some interesting challenges to try to complete, and the core game here is presented well enough. For its low $2 price tag, this is a pretty decent game of Reversi. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll find this well worth it.
Academy: Tic-Tac-Toe	Board Game	C+
tl;dr Academy: Tic-Tac-Toe is a version of… well, Tic-Tac-Toe. As dreary as it may be to picture a videogame version of Tic-Tac-Toe, this version actually offers something interesting in the form of its alternate nine board mode, making for a deeper strategic game. Unfortunately, the AI in this game is pretty terrible, so this is mainly a game to get if you have a friend to play with.
Advanced Circuits	Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Advanced Circuits is a family-friendly Puzzle game where players draw a path to connect tracks to form one loop that covers every square on a grid. The gameplay here is simple but satisfying, not particularly original, but probably worth the $2 this game costs. If you’re looking to pad out your Puzzle game library, this is a decent choice.
Adventure Bar Story	Turn-Based JRPG / Management Simulation	C+
tl;dr Adventure Bar Story is a blend of Management Sim and Turn-Based JRPG that has players hunting in dungeons for ingredients and then bringing those back to their bar to make recipes to sell. It’s a good combination of elements that would later be built upon for Marenian Tavern Story, and this game does suffer from a terrible localization, but fans of Management Sims will still find this to be a charming game, worth the $6 price tag.
AiRace Xeno	Arcade Racing / Flight Simulator	C+
tl;dr AiRace Xeno is a simple, Arcade-style Racing Game and Flight Simulator that follows in the footsteps of AiRace: Tunnel, featuring similarly repetitive gameplay, although at least this time the courses are visually interesting. This is still an enjoyable game in short sessions, but it’s a far cry from the greatness of the original AiRace.
Amoebattle	Real-Time Strategy	C+
tl;dr Amoebattle is a Real-Time Strategy game that has players commanding a horde of microscopic critters. Unfortunately, while this game does a superb job creating controls that work well on the touchscreen, it drops the ball with pretty much everything else, with some poor game design decisions, limited gameplay, a lack of multiplayer, and terrible music. This game is still well worth playing to get a feel for how one could do a great Real-Time Strategy game on a handheld with a touchscreen, but this game itself falls far short of “great”.
Angry Birds Star Wars	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Angry Birds Trilogy is a family-friendly Compilation of Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, and Angry Birds Rio. These games look and play much as their mobile phone counterparts, albeit with the option to play using either the touchscreen or traditional gamepad controls. This is a decent port, but one wonders if it’s one that’s worth buying when there’s a good chance you already have Angry Birds in some form on your phone.
Angry Birds Trilogy	Compilation / Arcade	C+
tl;dr Angry Birds Star Wars is a family-friendly Star Wars-licensed version of the popular mobile phone game series, combining the series’ gameplay with Star Wars sounds and characters that look like a mash-up of the Angry Birds series’ characters and Star Wars’ popular characters. The option to play using either the touchscreen or traditional gamepad controls is nice, and this is a decent port, but one wonders if it’s one that’s worth buying when there’s a good chance you already have Angry Birds in some form on your phone.
Art Style: Digidrive	Unlimited Pattern Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Art Style: Digidrive is a Puzzle game that has players directing various-colored vehicles down lanes at a four-way intersection. This game is stylish, has a good soundtrack, and has a good amount of options, but the gameplay just did not feel natural to me in a way that felt compelling and kept pulling me back. However, for the $5 price, it may still be worth a look.
Attack of the Friday Monsters: A Tokyo Tale	Graphic Adventure	C+
tl;dr Attack of the Friday Monsters is a Graphic Adventure about a Tokyo suburb that supposedly finds itself under attack every week by kaiju. Yet, despite this, this game has a peaceful, relaxed tone as it follows the young children who live in this town. As a Graphic Adventure, this game is a bit slow-paced and tedious, but the presentation is so appealing and the juxtaposition of its story and tone is so interesting that players looking for a unique story on Nintendo 3DS may want to give it a look.
Ball Fighter	Match-3 Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Ball Fighter is a Puzzle game that has players grabbing and matching columns of like-colored balls. There’s nothing especially original or compelling about the gameplay here, but the odd, experimental game modes do at least make this interesting. It may be worth a look for Puzzle game fans, but most players won’t find this game to be particularly noteworthy.
Battle of the Elements	Unlimited Pattern Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Battle of the Elements is an Unlimited Pattern Puzzle where players use the touchscreen to combine different-colored puzzle blocks to create block-clearing gems. This game is a bit too overcomplicated, and the presentation is terrible. However, if you can look past these flaws, there’s a pretty decent Puzzle game underneath.
Castle Conqueror EX	Real-Time Strategy	C+
tl;dr Castle Conqueror EX is an upscaled port of the DSiWare Real-Time Strategy game that has players drawing lines between castles to send out troops to conquer territory. It’s a chaotic and not especially deep entry in the genre, and the lack of multiplayer and inscrutable menus are both frustrating, but it’s fun enough to be worth the $4 price tag.
Centipede: Infestation	Action	C+
tl;dr Centipede: Infestation is a re-imagining of the classic Atari Arcade game in a form that vaguely resembles a 2-Stick Shooter (without the second stick). This is mostly a decent but unspectacular Action game – it’s not great, not horrible, and it has enough variety to keep things interesting, but there’s nothing here that’s truly special.
Conveni Dream	Management Simulation	C+
tl;dr Conveni Dream is a Management Simulation where players manage their own convenience store. The way the game limits what you can do at any given time is somewhat frustrating, but I found that the micromanaging elements of this game actually manage to make it more engaging, resulting in a game that fans of this sort of Simulation-style game should definitely give a look, at least if they’re not opposed to being a micromanager.
Cooking Mama 5: Bon Appetit	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Cooking Mama 5 is the second mainline Nintendo 3DS entry in this Arcade-style minigame collection series themed after preparing various foods… but it really just feels like more of the previous game. The bonus minigames here are better than what we had before, making for an overall better game, but not a game worth getting if you already have Cooking Mama 4.
Cooking Mama: Sweet Shop	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Cooking Mama: Sweet Shop is the third mainline Nintendo 3DS entry in this Arcade-style minigame collection series themed after preparing various foods. This game doesn’t do anything to revolutionize the series formula, and it fails to capitalize on the hints of Management Simulation present here
Cut the Rope: Triple Treat	Compilation / Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Cut the Rope: Triple Treat is a Compilation of the family-friendly physics-based Puzzle games Cut the Rope, Cut the Rope: Experiments, Cut the Rope: Time Travel. The gameplay here is fun, accessible, and fairly original, and the presentation is excellent. This is overall a great port of a trio of solid Puzzle games… that you can easily get for free on your smartphone. However, if you want an ad-free version of the games on your Nintendo 3DS, this may still be worth getting for you.
Dillon’s Rolling Western	Action / Tower Defense	C+
tl;dr Dillon’s Rolling Western is a game that combines Action gameplay with Tower Defense elements. That action is pretty fun, with players using the stylus to roll Dillon around and have him bashing enemies, but it can get repetitive pretty quickly and the Tower Defense stuff doesn’t feel like it quite fits in this game. As a result, this is still a fun and unique experience, but not an essential one.
Dillon’s Rolling Western: The Last Ranger	Action / Tower Defense	C+
tl;dr Dillon’s Rolling Western: The Last Ranger, like the first game in the series, is a game that combines Action gameplay with Tower Defense elements. This sequel doesn’t do much to shake up the gameplay we saw in the first game, still bearing all of its good qualities, and all of its bad qualities. As such, how you feel about this game will largely come down to how you felt about the first game. This is, for the most part, just more of that.
Disney Art Academy	Art Application	C+
tl;dr Disney Art Academy is an Art Application that aims to teach players basic art skills with a focus on drawing cartoon characters (specifically, various Disney and Pixar characters). This gives the game a different focus than the mainline Art Academy games, but it also means the game skews much younger in its target audience, so older and more skilled players may feel like the early lessons in the game are too easy and don’t offer enough opportunity for creativity. Still, while it’s not without its flaws, this is overall a solid tool to learn more about creating art in the style of Disney.
Disney Magical Kingdom	Misc.	C+
tl;dr Disney Magical Kingdom is a family-friendly game that has a lot of similarities to Animal Crossing, but with a slew of Disney characters and more structured goals. Unfortunately, the way this game feels impersonal and curated makes it harder to have the same feeling of investment and ownership you get in Animal Crossing, and in its place is busywork and tediously slow pacing. It’s not a terrible game by any stretch, but it’s hard to see a reason to recommend this game over Animal Crossing, unless you’re a huge Disney fan.
DodoGo! Challenge	Puzzle-Platformer	C+
tl;dr DodoGo! Challenge is a Puzzle-Platformer similar to the Mario Vs. Donkey Kong games where players must make structures on the environment to help guide moving eggs back to their nest. This game was clearly intended to be played only by those players who played through the original DodoGo! and wanted additional more-challenging levels. As a result, this is really only going to be a game that’ll be appreciated by those who played through the first game prior to getting this one. However, if that describes you, this will definitely be worth a look for you.
Don’t Cross the Line	Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Don’t Cross the Line is a family-friendly Puzzle game where players connect matching boxes by drawing lines from one to another using the touchscreen. This is a perfectly adequate Puzzle Game, but not an especially exciting one. Still, for $2, this may be worth your while.
Dr. Mario Express	Match-4 Falling Block Puzzle Game	C+
tl;dr Dr. Mario Express is a $5 rehash of Nintendo’s classic Match-4 Falling-Block Puzzle game. The presentation is nice, and the core gameplay is still good, but this game is woefully lacking in features, particularly with the absence of multiplayer. If you absolutely need Dr. Mario on your Nintendo 3DS, this will get the job done, but only just.
Dragon Fantasy: The Volumes of Westeria	Turn-Based JRPG	C+
tl;dr Dragon Fantasy: The Volumes of Westeria is a Turn-Based JRPG that does a good job capturing nostalgia, but kinda’ fails at creating its own sense of identity. The one exception is the game’s excellent sense of humor. If you’re craving an old-school JRPG that will give you a few chuckles, this game is well worth a look.
Drancia Saga	Action-Platformer / Arcade	C+
tl;dr Drancia Saga is an Arcade-style Action-Platformer with a medieval fantasy aesthetic that has you fighting enemies by running into them. It’s a simple game and it has a few issues with things like hit detection, but it’s enjoyable enough to be a decent time-waster that’s worth the $5 asking price.
Elemental Masters	Collectable Card Game	C+
tl;dr Elemental Masters is a Collectable Card Game that plays similarly to Final Fantasy VIII’s Triple Triad minigame, with players placing cards on a 3×3 grid to try to overpower and flip opponents’ cards. The core gameplay here is decent, and there’s some nice mechanics that add depth as well as some decent features. However, the lackluster presentation and lack of a tutorial make it hard to get too enthusiastic about this one. Regardless, if you enjoy Collectable Card Games, this may still be worth a look.
Final Fantasy Explorers	Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Final Fantasy Explorers is an Action-RPG that plays like a more user-friendly and simple version of Monster Hunter. While this game’s visuals, movement, and combat are nowhere near as good as Capcom’s series, the amount of variety in abilities and sense of progression is quite good, and there is some fun to be had… at least, as long as you have a New Nintendo 3DS or Circle Pad Pro. Otherwise, you’ll be faced with terrible controls. Also, the focus on multiplayer without any online support limits this game, especially now that you’re far less likely to find others to play with locally. All told, this is still a fun game, but one that comes with a lot of caveats.
Flametail	Arcade / Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Flametail is an Arcade-style game with light puzzle elements that builds on the gameplay of the classic game Snake to create a game about a spaceship with a flaming tail setting fire to blocks it touches. It’s an interesting gameplay idea, but it’s overall far too easy (unless you want to push things in timed mode, then it becomes unfairly hard). While not without its flaws, it still may be worth a look for the $5 it costs.
Flip the Core	Shmup	C+
tl;dr Flip the Core is a Shmup where players literally shift back and forth between two different 2-dimensional representations of the same area. It’s a decent idea, but this game makes multiple design choices that result in the game failing to live up to the full potential of this idea. If you’re a fan of the genre you may still find this game to be worth a look, but most will find their time better-spent elsewhere.
Flipnote Studio 3D	Art Application	C+
tl;dr Flipnote Studio 3D is a free-to-play Art Application that lets players create stereoscopic 3D animations. While the method for obtaining this software is a bit odd, and the tools here are somewhat limited, this is nevertheless a unique art tool that Nintendo 3DS owners will want to get their hands on, especially if they’re the creative sort.
Frogger 3D	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Frogger 3D is a take on the Arcade-style gameplay of the original classic that seems to try a bunch of different things, but only one of those things actually sticks – the fun minigame Forever Crossing. That minigame makes this package worth playing, but only if you’re getting it cheap.
Fun! Fun! Minigolf Touch!	Sports (Mini-Golf)	C+
tl;dr Fun! Fun! Minigolf Touch! Is a Mini-Golf game where solo players can use touchscreen or traditional gamepad controls on a series of Mini-Golf holes, as well as “Trick Shot” courses. The core gameplay here is great, the game has a lot of polish, and a good amount of content for its small $5 price tag, but the camera controls are terrible, the “out of bounds” mechanic is broken, the game’s visuals are bland and samey, and the lack of any sort of multiplayer or leaderboards are disappointing. It’s still worth it for only $5, but this feels like it had the potential to be a much better game.
G.G Series: All Breaker	Platformer	C+
tl;dr All Breaker is a Platformer that has players aiming to break specific blocks in each of the game’s levels while evading obstacles and enemies. The core gameplay here is excellent, but there’s a pretty steep difficulty curve that makes this a game that only more skilled players will appreciate. However, if you are one of those players seeking a challenge, I think you’ll find the low $2 price tag well worth it here.
G.G Series: Altered Weapon	Action-Platformer	C+
tl;dr Altered Weapon is an Action-Platformer where players control a robot that can transform into a wheeled vehicle. The gameplay here is great, and the presentation is pretty good too. The real problem here is the game’s length, as this game will only last you about an hour or so. However, if $2 for a solid hour of Action-Platformer gameplay sounds good to you, Altered Weapon will definitely be worth a look.
G.G Series: Hero Puzzle	Match-3 Falling-Block Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Hero Puzzle is a Match-3 Falling-Block Puzzle with an aesthetic like an old-school JRPG. The core gameplay here is good, but the game has some bad pacing issues and a disappointing lack of features. Still, for only $2, fans of the genre may still find this game worth trying.
G.G Series: Score Attacker	Shmup	C+
tl;dr Score Attacker is a Shmup with solid gameplay, and very little in the way of originality or anything memorable about it. This is a solid entry in the genre that’s well worth the $2 price tag, but it’s not a game you’re likely to remember.
G.G Series: Z-One	Shmup	C+
tl;dr Z-One is a Shmup where players can aim in any direction by flying in the opposite direction. This makes for some really fun controls, but those fun controls are wasted on repetitive enemies and tedious level design. This game is still fun in short bursts, but only until the repetition starts to wear on you.
Gaia’s Moon	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Gaia’s Moon is an Arcade-style game there players use a single button to control a character flying on a broomstick. The visuals in this game are excellent, but the gameplay is simple and not particularly noteworthy.
Harvest Moon 3D: The Lost Valley	Management Simulation / RPG	C+
tl;dr Harvest Moon 3D: The Lost Valley is a “Farming RPG” that combines the series’ main elements with terrain-changing gameplay from Minecraft. It’s a great idea, but it’s far too limited here, with numerous issues as well as series mainstays that have been cut from the game. It’s still a game worth trying out, but it definitely feels like it’s not living up to its full potential.
Hazumi	Arcade / Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Hazumi is a family-friendly Arcade-style game with Puzzle elements where players guide a ball through the game’s levels to try and break all of the boxes in that level. It’s nothing truly extraordinary, but for $3, this is a decent time-waster.
Hey! Pikmin	Platformer	C+
tl;dr Hey! Pikmin is a Platformer with Puzzle-Platformer elements that brings the charm and polished presentation of the mainline Pikmin games to a different genre. It’s too simple and far too slow-paced, but it’s still a pleasant experience… just not a truly great one.
I Am an Air Traffic Controller: Airport Hero Hawaii	Simulation	C+
tl;dr Airport Hero Hawaii is an air traffic controller Simulation that has players sending orders to planes arriving and departing a Hawaiian airport. This is a fairly realistic simulation, which makes for a dreadfully slow-paced and technical game that I think the overwhelming majority of players will not find to their liking. But if you’re the rare sort of person who craves a realistic air traffic control simulation, this game may well be exactly what you’ve been craving.
I Am an Air Traffic Controller: Airport Hero Narita	Simulation	C+
tl;dr Airport Hero Narita is an air traffic controller Simulation that has players sending orders to planes arriving and departing a Japanese airport. This is a fairly realistic simulation, which makes for a dreadfully slow-paced and technical game that I think the overwhelming majority of players will not find to their liking. But if you’re the rare sort of person who craves a realistic air traffic control simulation, this game may well be exactly what you’ve been craving.
I Am an Air Traffic Controller: Airport Hero Osaka-KIX	Simulation	C+
tl;dr Airport Hero Osaka-KIX is an air traffic controller Simulation that has players sending orders to planes arriving and departing a Japanese airport. This is a fairly realistic simulation, which makes for a dreadfully slow-paced and technical game that I think the overwhelming majority of players will not find to their liking. But if you’re the rare sort of person who craves a realistic air traffic control simulation, this game may well be exactly what you’ve been craving, and it even improves slightly on the prior two games, making this the best of the series, if only marginally.
Ikachan	Metroidvania	C+
tl;dr Ikachan is a Metroidvania where players control a squid-like creature. This game’s story and presentation are adorable, but progression is unnecessarily frustrating and the game only lasts an hour. Even at a low price of $5, this game will probably only interest those who want to seek out the early works of creator Daisuke “Pixel” Amaya, because it doesn’t have enough to offer on its own merits to justify a purchase.
Inazuma Eleven	Sports (Soccer) / Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Inazuma Eleven is technically a remake of a Nintendo DS game that originally never made it to the US. This is a pretty experimental take on a Soccer game that combines touchscreen mechanics, a heavy focus on anime-style story, and strong RPG elements into a unique title that has its fair share of flaws, but is such an original game that it’s still well worth playing despite those flaws. If this game’s odd blend of elements sounds interesting to you, I’d recommend you give it a shot!
Ironfall Invasion	Third-Person Shooter	C+
tl;dr Ironfall Invasion is a Third-Person Shooter with some similarities to the Gears of War series, with a similar cover mechanic. That mechanic works poorly here, the gameplay is a bit uninspired and repetitive, and the voice acting is absurdly bad, but the core gameplay mechanics are solid, the visuals are good, and overall this is a decent (if a bit dumb) shooter on Nintendo 3DS, well worth trying the free version to see if you might want to pay for the game’s full release.
Jewel Quest: The Sapphire Dragon	Match-3 Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Jewel Quest: The Sapphire Dragon is a Match-3 Puzzle game that takes the series’ Bejeweled-style gameplay and adds in a wealth of different game modes to keep things fresh and interesting. Unfortunately, the lack of a multiplayer mode or any way to play the game other than its solo campaign limits this game. It’s still a decent game for Puzzle fans, but not a great one.
Kami	Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Kami is a simple Puzzle game with an elegant presentation and simple gameplay involving changing the color of shapes to make everything the same color in as few moves as possible. It’s nothing that will revolutionize the genre, but it’s a nice time-waster and the $3 price tag makes it worth adding to your Nintendo 3DS game library.
Kart Krashers	Arcade / Driving	C+
tl;dr Kart Krashers is an Arcade-style Driving game where players are roaming an enclosed area with a vehicle trying to collect pickups before time runs out. It’s an enjoyable game that does a lot with a little, but it’s also a somewhat shallow experience that’s not likely to keep you engaged for very long.
Kersploosh!	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Kersploosh! is an Arcade-style game where players control a rock dropped down a well and try to get it to avoid obstacles. This is a decent time-waster, but there’s not much depth (ha). For $3, it’s a fun little distraction, but not a game you’re likely to play for long.
Kingdom’s Item Shop	Management Simulation / RPG	C+
tl;dr Kingdom’s Item Shop is a Management Simulation with light RPG elements that has players managing a shop in a typical fantasy JRPG setting. It’s a fun premise and the way the game handles adventuring to get more materials is really clever, but the game’s progression is too slow, the gameplay is too repetitive, and players are not given enough options when it comes to how they manage their shop. Fans of Management Simulations will still likely enjoy this, but not nearly as much as more modern entries in the genre.
Kirby’s Blowout Blast	3D Platformer	C+
tl;dr Kirby’s Blowout Bash is a family-friendly 3D Platformer that brings Kirby’s typical Platforming adventures into the third dimension largely intact and functional, but not much else. This works, and is a decent inexpensive time-waster, but it feels less like a game and more like a proof-of-concept. It’s still enjoyable, but as an actual game it’s something of a disappointment.
Kokuga	Top-Down Action	C+
tl;dr Kokuga is a Top-Down Action game where players use a tank to battle mechanized enemies in a virtual environment. The core gameplay here is mostly good, but your firing rate is abysmal, and the way the game handles weapon upgrades is frustratingly counter-intuitive. Add in a steep difficulty curve and you have a game that only the most skilled and masochistic players will want to play.
LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins	Open-World 3D Action-Platformer	C+
tl;dr LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins is a family-friendly 3D Action-Platformer and Open-World game, and a prequel to the console release of LEGO City Undercover. However, while this game does a decent job transitioning the core gameplay of that game to handhelds, the same cannot be said for the sense of freedom, and the wonderful personality of the console game, compared to this almost humorless, restrictive, bland handheld game. This game comes across as a pale shadow by comparison, and while it’s still enjoyable, it’s hard not to see it as a disappointment.
LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7	3D Action-Platformer	C+
tl;dr LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7 is yet another game to feature Traveller’s Tales’ family-friendly LEGO game formula, but it doesn’t do anything truly transformative (and I’m not talking about transfiguration or animagus wizards), and meanwhile the lack of multiplayer in this version makes for even more disappointment. There’s still an enjoyable game here, but nothing we haven’t seen countless times before, and in better form.
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars	3D Action-Platformer	C+
tl;dr LEGO Star Wars III is a solid first entry for the Traveller’s Tales family-friendly LEGO games on Nintendo 3DS, though not a perfect one. While the game largely retains the same great 3D Action-Platformer gameplay as its console counterparts, the lack of multiplayer is a big disappointment here. It’s still worth playing if you’re a fan of the franchise, though.
Liberation Maiden	Action	C+
tl;dr Liberation Maiden is an action game where players take the role of the newly-elected Japanese president as she pilots a flying mech and blasts away enemies. It’s a silly premise and the presentation is similarly fun and over-the-top, but unfortunately awkward controls and repetitive gameplay make this feel like a far more shallow and frustrating experience than it should be. There’s still fun to be had here, but it feels like this could have been a much better game with more work.
Link ‘N’ Launch	Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Link ‘N’ Launch is a Puzzle game where players move tiles to try to create lines that flow from a fuel source to a rocket. There are some good ideas here and an endearing presentation, but the unintuitive nature of the way tiles move and the steep difficulty curve make this a game that not everyone will enjoy.
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games	Sports (Various) / Minigame Collection / RPG	C+
tl;dr Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is a Summer Olympics-themed Minigame Collection, and this is really a mixed bag. It’s got a great Golf game that’s sadly content-poor, a solid Soccer game that’s a bit too simple, and a slew of other minigames ranging in quality. Sadly, what’s good is invariably shallow or short on content. At the very least, this game’s solid campaign mode and decent local multiplayer make it worth playing if you’re a Nintendo 3DS owner who enjoys Mario sports titles.
Mario Party: Island Tour	Party Game / Minigame Collection	C+
tl;dr Mario Party: Island Tour is the first of three Mario Party games to release on Nintendo 3DS. It lacks online play but supports download play. The game is very polished and looks and sounds great, but the minigames themselves are straightforward and somewhat uninspired, and the game is overall lacking in content. If you’re looking for a good handheld Mario Party game, this will likely satisfy you, but probably not much more than that.
Marvel Pinball 3D	Compilation / Pinball	C+
tl;dr Marvel Pinball 3D is a Compilation of multiple Pinball tables featuring Marvel characters (The Invincible Iron Man, Fantastic Four, Captain America, and Blade). The quality of the tables and the game’s mechanics and physics are good, the low screen resolution of the Nintendo 3DS can make it hard to parse the details in the game. As a result, this is still a very good Pinball game, but it’s clearly not the ideal platform to play this content on.
Mini Mario & Friends Amiibo Challenge	Puzzle-Platformer	C+
tl;dr Mini Mario & Friends Amiibo Challenge is technically a free-to-play Puzzle-Platformer, but it is absolutely unplayable unless you have an Amiibo figurine, and preferably the specific supported figurines to unlock additional content. If you do, you’ll find this game to be an excellent (but short) take on the genre that makes good use of the touchscreen, and while it’s not something worth paying to play, Amiibo owners might as well get it as it costs them nothing extra.
Moke Moke	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Moke Moke is a multiplayer-focused Arcade-style game that has players taking the role of flying racoons trying to collect treasures and deliver them to treasure chests. I applaud this game’s wealth of options and tiny $2 price tag, but it’s hard to recommend it when the core gameplay just isn’t very engaging, and the lack of download play limits the reach of its essential multiplayer play. Not a bad game, but you have better multiplayer options on Nintendo 3DS.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate	Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is an improvement over the previous game in the series, with better visuals and a greater scope. Unfortunately, the gameplay is plagued by all the issues the prior game had. If you have a current-gen platform to play your games on, do yourself a favor and get Monster Hunter World or Monster Hunter Rise instead.
Music On: Playing Piano	Content Creation Application	C+
tl;dr Music On: Playing Piano is a Music-Rhythm game that has players using a simulated piano to play 15 Classical themes. It’s a bare-bones title, but for $2, it’s enjoyable enough to be worth the low price.
Need for Speed: The Run	Arcade Racing	C+
tl;dr Need for Speed: The Run is an Arcade-style Racing game about a high-stakes race across the US. The game’s visuals are nice, but the gameplay is marred by quick time events and a frustrating health/lives system. This game is not without its charms, but you have better options on Nintendo 3DS.
Ninja Battle Heroes	Action-Platformer	C+
tl;dr Ninja Battle Heroes is an Action-Platformer that has you fighting a horde of anthropomorphic animals in a version of Feudal Japan. There’s some decent depth to the combat here, and an inventive mechanic that has you balancing attacks in the foreground and background. There are issues with both tee combat and Platforming here, but for the low price of $3, this seems worthwhile enough for Action fans on the 3DS to give a try.
Nintendogs + Cats: French Bulldog & New Friends	Virtual Pet / Simulation	C+
tl;dr Nintendogs + Cats is a Virtual Pet-style game with interactive Simulation elements that has players caring for and interacting with fairly realistic-looking pets. Cat lovers will have to keep expectations in check – this sequel to the original Nintendogs does indeed add the titular cats, but they unfortunately seem to be an afterthought here. In addition, the interaction methods here, while good, are all imperfect. The result is a game that has some strong casual appeal, but is somewhat lacking once you get past the adorable animals.
Nintendogs + Cats: Golden Retriever & New Friends	Virtual Pet / Simulation	C+
tl;dr Nintendogs + Cats is a Virtual Pet-style game with interactive Simulation elements that has players caring for and interacting with fairly realistic-looking pets. Cat lovers will have to keep expectations in check – this sequel to the original Nintendogs does indeed add the titular cats, but they unfortunately seem to be an afterthought here. In addition, the interaction methods here, while good, are all imperfect. The result is a game that has some strong casual appeal, but is somewhat lacking once you get past the adorable animals.
Nintendogs + Cats: Toy Poodle & New Friends	Virtual Pet / Simulation	C+
tl;dr Nintendogs + Cats is a Virtual Pet-style game with interactive Simulation elements that has players caring for and interacting with fairly realistic-looking pets. Cat lovers will have to keep expectations in check – this sequel to the original Nintendogs does indeed add the titular cats, but they unfortunately seem to be an afterthought here. In addition, the interaction methods here, while good, are all imperfect. The result is a game that has some strong casual appeal, but is somewhat lacking once you get past the adorable animals.
Paper Airplane Chase	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Paper Airplane Chase is an Arcade-style game originally released as an unlockable minigame in the first WarioWare game. Here on its own, this is still mildly entertaining, though it lacks the depth to keep you engaged for more than a few minutes before you’re ready to move on.
Paper Mario: Sticker Star	Turn-Based RPG / Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr Paper Mario: Sticker Star is a Turn-Based RPG with Real-Time elements during combat, and for this entry in the long-running franchise Nintendo unwisely decided to discard much of what fans loved about the Paper Mario series and replace it with mechanics that are tedious, frustrating, and poorly thought-out. The resulting game still has much of the fun and charm of the Paper Mario series, but it definitely feels like a pale shadow of the great games it is a sequel to.
Parascientific Escape: Gear Detective	Visual Novel / Graphic Adventure	C+
tl;dr Parascientific Escape: Gear Detective is a game with Visual Novel and Graphic Adventure elements that puts players in the role of a psychic detective trying to track down a serial killer. The way this game uses these psychic abilities in its Graphic Adventure sections is novel and interesting, and this game is an improvement over its more tone-deaf predecessor, but it ultimately doesn’t do enough to truly stand out within the genre. If you’re a fan of Graphic Adventure and Visual Novel games, this may interest you, but most are probably better off skipping it.
Photo Dojo	Fighting Game	C+
tl;dr Photo Dojo is an extremely simple Fighting Game built around the gimmick of taking photos to use as the fighters in the game. This game is extremely shallow and lacking in features, but for $2, players may find the gimmick amusing enough to be worthwhile.
Pokemon Art Academy	Art Application	C+
tl;dr Pokemon Art Academy is an Art Application that aims to teach players basic art skills with a focus on drawing cartoon characters (specifically, the various critters of the Pokemon franchise). This gives the game a different focus than the mainline Art Academy games, but it also means the game skews much younger in its target audience, so older and more skilled players may feel like the early lessons in the game are too easy and don’t offer enough opportunity for creativity. Still, while it’s not without its flaws, this is overall a solid tool to learn more about creating art in the style of the Pokemon franchise.
Project X Zone	Turn-Based Strategy RPG	C+
tl;dr Project X Zone is a Strategy-RPG that combines various characters from popular Capcom, Namco Bandai, and Sega franchises. The story they find themselves in is trash, and the gameplay seems shallow and chaotic for the Strategy-RPG genre, but there’s still a lot of visceral fun to be had here, especially if you’re a fan of the characters from these game companies. If that’s not so important to you, however, you may be better off looking for another game in the genre.
Project X Zone 2	Turn-Based Strategy RPG	C+
tl;dr Project X Zone 2 is a Strategy-RPG that combines various characters from popular Capcom, Namco Bandai, Sega, and Nintendo franchises. There are multiple small gameplay improvements throughout this game, but overall it suffers from many of the same issues that held back its predecessor – namely, a terrible contrived story, and shallow and chaotic gameplay. It’s still a decent entry in the genre, but with so many better options in the genre, your main reason for getting this is because of the characters, not the gameplay.
Pure Chess	Board Game	C+
tl;dr Pure Chess is a version of Chess with a good presentation and a good selection of features for the $8 price tag. It’s a bit lacking in content, and the Nintendo 3DS version suffers from some nasty performance issues, but otherwise this is a good game of Chess.
Puzzler World XL	Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Puzzler World XL is a family-friendly Puzzle game that’s grab-bag of different kinds of puzzles all jumbled together. The rapid-fire nature of the puzzles here makes it so it’s harder to “get into a groove” with any one puzzle type, but there’s a lot of content here and plenty of variety, and Puzzle game fans who find those things attractive should definitely give this a look.
Rayman	Platformer	C+
tl;dr Rayman’s release on the DSiWare service and subsequent port to Nintendo 3DS is a mostly solid port of a decent Platformer, but the limited screen dimensions do cause some issues. This is far from the best way to play this game, but it is at least a good one.
Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword	Action	C+
tl;dr Sakura Samurai is an Action game that has players confronting enemies in a stylized take on feudal Japan, with players executing perfect timing to dodge enemy attacks and counter with their own strikes. The game focuses so much on this core mechanic that it can get repetitive, and not everyone will appreciate that. Still, for those who are looking to test their reflexes, they’ll find this to be an excellent way to do that, with some excellent depth and a beautiful presentation.
Shapo	Puzzle / Arcade	C+
tl;dr Shapo is a Puzzle game with Arcade-style elements where players are placing puzzle pieces on a balanced platform trying to clear full lines without tipping the platform too far in either direction. While this game feels like it could do with an endless mode, and it doesn’t quite have the addictive quality I look for in a great Puzzle game, it’s still enjoyable and original enough to be worth the $5 for fans of the genre.
Shin Megami Tensei Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers	First-Person Dungeon Crawler / Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	C+
tl;dr Soul Hackers is a port of a previously Japan-only Sega Saturn entry in the Devil Summoner spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, combining the franchise’s demon-infused Turn-Based Monster Collecting RPG gameplay with a First-Person Dungeon Crawler. It’s an enjoyable game, but the presentation is terribly dated with some poor localization, and the gameplay is poorly-explained to players. With so many great alternatives on the Nintendo 3DS (especially Strange Journey Redux, which is similar to this but vastly better), it’s hard to recommend this game.
SpeedX 3D: Hyper Edition	Arcade	C+
tl;dr SpeedX 3D: Hyper Edition is an Arcade-style game where the player is constantly moving forward in the first-person perspective in a twisting corridor, and must try to avoid obstacles. This game makes tweaks to the prior game’s difficulty curve, and adds a nice new “Hyper” button in place of the interchangeable game modes of the prior game. On balance, this is a solid improvement that makes this a much better game, and the even nicer price of $3 makes this a pretty decent time-waster to play for a few minutes at a time.
Spin Six	Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Spin Six is a family-friendly Puzzle game where players are trying to spin 2×2 sections of a grid to line up numbers into rows or columns that match that number. This is a decent Puzzle game, but not a great one, with fun gameplay but nothing truly compelling, a good selection of game modes but no multiplayer. For $5, this may be worth checking out, but it’s not a must-have.
Spotto!	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Spotto! Is an Arcade style game where players take the role of a duck trying to aim a trajectory so he can fling bombs into the mouths of ghosts. It’s an adorable game, and the gameplay is decent, but there’s likely not enough depth here to hold your interest.
SteamWorld Tower Defense	Tower Defense	C+
tl;dr SteamWorld Tower Defense is a Tower Defense game that has players installing robotic emplacements to defend gold mines from invading humans. This is a decent but fairly standard entry in the genre, though its high difficulty may limit its appeal somewhat. Thankfully, the $5 price tag makes this a good choice for fans of the genre.
Style Savvy: Fashion Forward	Simulation / Misc.	C+
tl;dr Style Savvy: Fashion Forward, like prior games in the series, is a Simulation-style game that has players taking the role of an employee at a fashionable clothing shop making recommendations to customers and buying new stock with the profits. This game has an absolute wealth of clothing options, but the actual management gameplay is sadly limited. This is a niche game that will absolutely please players who are interested in the one thing it does very well, but everyone else will likely be left wanting.
Style Savvy: Trendsetters	Simulation / Misc.	C+
tl;dr Style Savvy: Trendsetters is a Simulation-style game that has players taking the role of an employee at a fashionable clothing shop making recommendations to customers and buying new stock with the profits. This game has an absolute wealth of clothing options, but the actual management gameplay is sadly limited. This is a niche game that will absolutely please players who are interested in the one thing it does very well, but everyone else will likely be left wanting.
Swapdoodle	Art Application / Communication Application	C+
tl;dr Swapdoodle is a free-to-play Art Application and Communication Application. This is the successor to Swapnote, and in many ways it is an improved and expanded version of that software. However, be warned that this software locks many of its features behind microtransactions, and is surprisingly sleazy about pushing players to pay for things they really should be allowed to access freely. Still, despite this disgusting cash grab, even the free features here are decent, making this software well worth getting.
Swapnote	Art Application / Communication Application	C+
tl;dr Swapnote is a free-to-play Art Application and Communication Application. This follow-up to the original Nintendo DS’ PictoChat may be lacking some features you would want, but it is nevertheless a nice free piece of software to have on your Nintendo 3DS, especially when you consider that the Nintendo Switch has nothing like it.
Tappingo	Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Tappingo is a Puzzle game that’s similar to Numberlink Puzzles, having players extend out squares of color to fill in a picture. It’s simple and not likely to be anyone’s favorite Puzzle game, but it does what it does well enough, and for only $3 the 100+ puzzles this game contains make for a pretty good value. If you’re a Nintendo 3DS owner who likes Puzzle games, this will make a decent addition to your collection.
The Denpa Men: They Came By Wave	Top-Down Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	C+
tl;dr The Denpa Men is an odd Turn-Based Monster-Collecting RPG, where the “monsters” you’re collecting are little floating multicolored bodysuit-wearing men hanging out around real-world Wi-Fi hotspots. It’s an odd game, and it won’t be for everyone – the graphics are ugly, the gameplay is simple, and the presentation is extremely odd. However, it’s also unique and strangely compelling.
The Denpa Men 2: Beyond the Waves	Top-Down Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG	C+
tl;dr The Denpa Men 2 plays much like the first game, being an odd Turn-Based Monster-Collecting RPG, where the “monsters” you’re collecting are little floating multicolored bodysuit-wearing men hanging out around real-world Wi-Fi hotspots. This game expands on the first one by adding an overworld and a few additional features, but also slightly muddies the streamlined nature of the gameplay. The result is a game that’s probably more or less on par with the original game, and like that game, this is a niche game that won’t be for everyone, but is also unique and strangely compelling.
The Legend of the Dark Witch 2	Action-Platformer	C+
tl;dr The Legend of the Dark Witch 2 is an Action-Platformer with gameplay similar to the Mega Man franchise, but with cutesy witches instead of cutesy robots. Unfortunately, the stage design here is far too simple, and the challenge level is absurdly easy. It’s not a terrible game, but you have better options on the Nintendo 3DS.
The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes	Top-Down Action-RPG	C+
tl;dr The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is a multiplayer-focused Top-Down Action-RPG in the vein of the Four Swords spinoff games from previous generations, while using the game engine and art style from A Link Between Worlds. The core gameplay here is still good, but the simplified, linear design is not as compelling as the classic Zelda formula series fans expect. And while this game technically will let you play solo, that’s clearly tacked-on and the multiplayer is the intended experience here. And that multiplayer is even less enticing due to the lack of anyone to play the game with online.
The Sims 3: Pets	Management Simulation	C+
tl;dr The Nintendo 3DS port of The Sims 3: Pets has players managing the life of their simulated person (and/or pet) in a Management Simulation. Unlike the original port of The Sims 3 to Nintendo 3DS, this port of the game works surprisingly well, regardless of whether you want to mess around with the pets portion of the game. It’s still not a game for everyone, but if you want a Sims game on a Nintendo handheld, this is probably the one game most likely to get you to say “Woohoo!”.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy	Music-Rhythm	C+
tl;dr Theatrhythm is a Music-Rhythm game featuring music from the first 13 numbered Final Fantasy games. The music here is still as outstanding as it ever was, though only menu music is remixed. And the gameplay makes use of solid touchscreen mechanics that are vaguely comparable to Elite Beat Agents. This game overcomplicates that gameplay with different modes and mechanics that do little to improve the experience, but overall this is a satisfying way to experience the music of the Final Fantasy series… but one that there’s zero reason to bother with when the game’s sequel, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call, is better in nearly every way (and that’s not even mentioning the upcoming Nintendo Switch sequel, Final Bar Line). With this being the case, my recommendation is that you skip this game and go straight to one of the sequels.
Tokyo Crash Mobs	Match-3 Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Tokyo Crash Mobs is a Puzzle game that plays similar to Zuma, but instead of shooting balls into other balls to clear them by matching colors, you’re throwing people into a line of people. It’s a silly concept with a similarly silly presentation, but the actual gameplay isn’t quite as good as more traditional game that use the Zuma formula. Rather, this is a game that’s largely worth playing to experience the bizarre presentation, with the gameplay being decent but somewhat lacking. If you’re considering this game, you should probably think about how much those different facets of the game appeal to you.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars	Top-Down Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C+
tl;dr Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars is a Top-Down Turn-Based Strategy-RPG similar to the XCOM franchise. The core mechanics here work well enough, but the gameplay is overly simple and the presentation is underwhelming. Fans of Strategy-RPGs may get some enjoyment out of this, but it’s too simplistic to be a truly memorable entry in its genre.
Valet Parking 1989	Arcade	C+
tl;dr Valet Parking 1989 is an Arcade-style game that has you parking cars as quickly as possible without crashing them. It’s a fun time-waster, but it’s too simple and repetitive to be much more than that.
Wakedas	Puzzle	C+
tl;dr Wakedas is a Puzzle game that has players sliding colored shapes to try to make all colors contiguous, in as few moves as possible. This is a very simple Puzzle game, but it makes for a decent enough time-waster.
Woah Dave!	Platformer / Arcade	C+
tl;dr Woah Dave! Is an Arcade-style Platformer that channels classic games like the original Mario Bros. It’s a bit simple and a tad too tough, but overall it does a good job evoking that era of gaming. Plus, if you own both a DS and Wii U, you can get both versions for the price of one via cross-buy.
Yoshi’s New Island	Platformer	C+
tl;dr Yoshi’s New Island is a Platformer that is a sequel to, and directly inspired by, Yoshi’s Island. Graphically, this game is a wonderful modern take on the crayon look of the original, but other parts of the game are far less successful at this game’s naked attempt to copy the original game’s formula. The controls are sluggish, the levels and gameplay are uninspired, and the soundtrack is horrible. This isn’t a bad game, but it sticks so closely to the formula of its legendary predecessor that it virtually demands that you draw comparisons between the two, and those comparisons only serve to make this game look far worse.
Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward	Visual Novel / Graphic Adventure	C+
tl;dr Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward is a game with Visual Novel and Graphic Adventure elements that is a direct sequel to Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors, and as such should probably only be played by those who played through that earlier game first. What’s more, the poor use of the Nintendo 3DS’s unique features can cause some frustration here. If you’re not bothered by these issues, this is still a great story with some good gameplay for fans of this game’s respective genres, but said issues mean the audience for this game will be pretty niche.
3, 2, 1… WordsUp!	Puzzle	C
tl;dr 3, 2, 1… WordsUp! is a word-based Puzzle game where players are given seven letters and they must come up with as many words as possible using those letters. It’s a perfectly decent Puzzle game, but it does nothing to stand out against countless other games just like it.
3D Altered Beast	Action-Platformer	C
tl;dr Altered Beast has you fighting through hordes of enemies until you’ve “power up!”-ed enough to fight each level’s boss, having transformed into a monstrous form. An arcade classic to be sure, but it’s a bit rough by today’s standards, with slow character movement, stiff controls, and some enemies it’s unclear how you’re supposed to fight.
3D Ecco the Dolphin	Action-RPG / Misc.	C
tl;dr Ecco features some really unique gameplay and absolutely gorgeous pixel art graphics, but it’s not good at all about indicating where players are supposed to go or what they’re supposed to do, making it extremely easy to get frustrated. While not a terrible game, this is a game that has some serious issues.
3D Fantasy Zone	Shmup	C
tl;dr Fantasy Zone is a Shmup originally released to arcades in 1986, and some parts of it have aged pretty well, like its presentation. Other parts of the game, like its promising but frustrating upgrade system… not so much. While this is mostly a solid port with a good amount of features, the tiny screen can make it hard to see some gameplay elements. Overall, while it’s not terrible, this isn’t a game I recommend on Nintendo 3DS.
3D Fantasy Zone II W	Shmup	C
tl;dr Fantasy Zone II is a Shmup originally released to arcades in 1987, and some parts of it have aged pretty well, like its presentation. Other parts of the game, like its promising but frustrating upgrade system… not so much. The Nintendo 3DS port is a solid port of this game, not only offering a good selection of features, but a new endless mode. However, even so, most players may want to look for a better game within the genre.
3D Out Run	Arcade Racing	C
tl;dr Out Run is a classic Arcade-Style Racing game that’s a bit archaic, and absurdly difficult, but still fun to play even today.
3D Streets of Rage	Brawler	C
tl;dr Streets of Rage is a decent Brawler, but the controls are a bit stiff, there are only a very limited number of attacks you can make, and as a result it gets repetitive very quickly.
A Topsy Turvy Life: Turvy Drops	Falling-Block Puzzle	C
tl;dr Turvy Drops is a Falling-Block Puzzle game where players literally turn their Nintendo 3DS upside-down to draw blocks onto the touchscreen which then fall to clear lines. It’s a wildly inventive idea, and it’s such a shame that the rest of the gameplay here is so bland and boring. For only $2, this still may be worth a look as a curiosity, but players searching for great Puzzle games on Nintendo 3DS have better options.
Academy: Chess Puzzles	Board Game / Puzzle	C
tl;dr Academy: Chess Puzzles is a Puzzle game where players try to checkmate an opponent within a limited number of moves. At a price of $2 for 750 puzzles, this game offers a decent amount of content for the price, but you’ll likely only get excited about this if… well, if you like solving chess puzzles.
Aero Porter	Arcade	C
tl;dr Aero Porter is an Arcade-style game where players sort luggage on airport carousels. Unfortunately what starts as a fun and frenetic game quickly becomes unmanageable as the game continues to introduce new elements far faster than the player can keep up with them. As a result, while I can still see this appealing to some, I think most will grow frustrated with it too quickly for it to be worth their while.
AiRace Speed	Arcade / Flight Simulator	C
tl;dr AiRace Speed is a simple, Arcade-style Racing Game and Flight Simulator that follows in the footsteps of AiRace: Tunnel, featuring similarly uninspiring course design and repetitive gameplay. This is still an enjoyable game in short sessions, but it’s a far cry from the greatness of the original AiRace.
AiRace: Tunnel	Arcade / Flight Simulator	C
tl;dr AiRace: Tunnel is a simple, Arcade-style Flight Simulator that is a simplified version of the gameplay that’s in AiRace, lacking that game’s excellent course design and fun Racing game elements. By comparison, this game is repetitive and it feels redundant when there’s a much better obvious alternative. This is still a decent game, but you’re far better off getting AiRace instead.
Art Style: Boxlife	Puzzle	C
tl;dr Art Style: Box Life is a Puzzle game that has players cutting paper to form shapes that will allow it to be folded into a cube-shaped box. The gameplay concept here is sound in theory and the execution is decent enough, but the issue here is that the actual task itself is not especially intuitive, and I expect most players will find it more tedious than fun.
Asphalt 3D	Arcade Racing	C
tl;dr Asphalt 3D is an Arcade-style Racing game featuring real cars and locations with unrealistic arcade-style physics, where players drive dangerously and do tricks to fuel their boost meter. It’s a fun Racing game, but unfortunately it suffers from nasty graphics and performance issues that affect the gameplay, and it’s hard to ignore the fact that Ridge Racer 3D released on the exact same day, providing a very similar gameplay style, but without all of the issues this game suffers from. As a result, despite that I do still think this is an enjoyable game, I also can’t recommend it when you’re much better off just getting Ridge Racer 3D.
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate	Metroidvania	C
tl;dr Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a Metroidvania that features numerous elements of the 3D Batman Arkham series, reworked to be used in a “2.5D” game. While there are definitely still elements of greatness left over from those other Batman games, overall this formula just doesn’t work as well in 2.5D, with nearly every part of that formula made worse here. It’s still a fun Metroidvania that should be enjoyable to Batman fans, but it’s a pale shadow of Batman Arkham games it’s based on.
Best of Mahjong	Card Game / Puzzle	C
tl;dr Best of Mahjong is a version of Solitaire Mahjong with a massive 404 tile layouts, but it’s somewhat lacking in options and features. Plus, everything that’s here is included in the game Classic Games Overload. For $3, you can certainly do worse, but I think you can do better too.
Brain Age: Concentration Training	Puzzle / Falling Block Puzzle / Misc.	C
tl;dr Brain Age: Concentration Training adds a few new features to the long-running “educational” Puzzle series, including a central new “Devilish” series of minigames focused on memorization. This game still features many of the same issues inherent throughout the series, but it does have some very enjoyable Falling Block Puzzle minigames. It’s just a shame they’re lacking content and features, and that players still need to unlock content over long periods of time rather than just accessing what they want right from the start. Overall, this is possibly the best game in the series, but that’s in spite of major problems this series still has that players must tolerate.
Brunch Panic	Arcade	C
tl;dr Brunch Panic is an Arcade-style “food tycoon” game where players respond to food orders by piecing together those orders as quickly as possible. This game doesn’t do anything particularly original or inventive, but it does a decent enough job within its genre that it should be worth the $4 it costs.
Bugs Vs. Tanks!	Top-Down Action	C
tl;dr Bugs Vs. Tanks! Is a Top-Down Action game that has you using a shrunken-down tank to fight off hordes of insects. The concept here is amusing, but the game itself is somewhat bland and repetitive.
Build-A-Lot	Management Simulation	C
tl;dr Build-A-Lot is a Management Simulation that has players buying, improving, and selling properties to meet certain conditions and turn a profit. While this game works, it’s extremely limited, and unless you’re looking for an extremely simplified entry in the genre, you’ll likely find yourself losing interest in this one soon after starting.
Bust-A-Move Universe	Match-3 Puzzle	C
tl;dr Bust-A-Move Universe is a Match-3 Puzzle game. Like other entries in the series, you’re aiming colored bubbles at others on-screen to try to match them up, and like those other games, the core gameplay here is still a lot of fun. Unfortunately, this release is horribly feature-poor, lacking even a basic multiplayer mode. If you absolutely need Bust-A-Move on the Nintendo 3DS, this gets the job done, but it seems like a terribly lazy and lackluster entry in the series.
Castle Conqueror – Heroes	Turn-Based Strategy	C
tl;dr Cooking Mama 4 is the first Nintendo 3DS entry in this Arcade-style minigame collection series themed after preparing various foods. However, it does little to take advantage of the new hardware, with virtually all of the new elements either poorly-conceived or poorly-implemented. What remains is still good… but it’s also not very different from the same game we’ve already seen three times by this point. Not bad, but there’s absolutely nothing about it that’s essential.
Castle Conqueror – Heroes 2	Turn-Based Strategy	C
tl;dr CosmiBall 3D is a simple $3 Platformer where players control a ball in obstacle course-style levels made of geometric shapes. This is a decent but unspectacular Platformer that may be entertaining in small doses, but its most noteworthy quality, good or bad, is being the final game to release on the Nintendo 3DS eShop. Is that worth owning? Eh, for $3, I suppose it’s not terrible, but you’re not exactly missing out if you skip it, either.
Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic	Arcade	C
tl;dr Castle Conqueror – Heroes is a Turn-Based Strategy game that’s a bit like Advance Wars, and it has some fun and interesting gameplay mechanics like a Supply Line mechanic. Unfortunately, the presentation is terrible, the localization is laughably bad, the game feels shoddy, and the menus are poorly-constructed, making this a game with a lot of good potential, but one that’s too full of frustration for me to recommend.
CosmiBall 3D	Platformer	C
tl;dr Castle Conqueror – Heroes 2, like its predecessor, is a Turn-Based Strategy game that’s a bit like Advance Wars, and it has some fun and interesting gameplay mechanics like a Supply Line mechanic. Unfortunately, this feels like more of the same of what we saw in the prior game, and that game was already far from great. There is some enjoyment to be found here, but this is far from a great Strategy game.
Crystareino	Turn-Based JRPG	C
tl;dr Crystareino is a Turn-Based JRPG about a young hero-in-training and his animal companion mentor summoned to another world to fight an evil demon king. This is pretty standard old-school JRPG fare, though it does have at least a little of the charm of the classic games it’s designed to resemble. Do not expect anything noteworthy here, but fans of the genre looking for something inexpensive and old-school may find it worthwhile.
Dedede’s Drum Dash	Platformer / Music-Rhythm	C
tl;dr Dedede’s Drum Dash Deluxe is an expanded and improved version of the Platformer/Music-Rhythm minigame from Kirby: Triple Deluxe. The improvements here really do make for a better game, but the terrible lack of content and underwhelming music make it hard to recommend this one, even at the low $7 price tag.
Digger Dan DX	Top-Down Arcade / Puzzle	C
tl;dr Digger Dan DX is a Top-Down Arcade-style game with Puzzle elements that’s clearly trying to be a spiritual successor to the classic game Boulder Dash, and it largely succeeds, though it doesn’t do anything particularly new or extraordinary. If you liked that classic game, you’ll probably like this too.
Doodle Jump Adventures	Platformer / Arcade	C
tl;dr Doodle Jump Adventures is a port of the classic Smartphone game that has players controlling a jumping green alien thing using gyroscopic motion controls. This game is simple but fun despite its limitations, however, there’s little reason to bother with the Nintendo 3DS version of the game when you can get it on mobile devices for free.
Driver: Renegade	Driving Action	C
tl;dr Driver: Renegade is a Driving Action game where players take on the role of a vigilante taking on various missions to hunt down the city’s crime lords. The core action here is fun, but the game is too short and too unoriginal, with embarrassingly bad characters and story. If you can get this game highly discounted, it still might make for a decent distraction, but it’s far too lacking in meaty content to pay full price for.
Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion	Platformer	C
tl;dr Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion is a Platformer that aims to be a sequel both to Disney Epic Mickey and to the classic Sega Illusion series. The presentation here is good, and there is some decent potential here, but that potential is outweighed by this game’s atrociously bad pacing that makes everything feel like a slog. This isn’t a terrible game, but it definitely feels like it could have been a better one.
Escapee GO!	Top-Down Stealth	C
tl;dr EscapeVektor is an Arcade-style game in the same vein as Pac-Man, but with a high-tech abstract geometric shape computer world theme. While this game does a few interesting things to set it apart from Pac-Man, those interesting things are outweighed by the simplicity of its levels and the multiple frustrations the gameplay adds to try to give players a challenge. The result is a game that still has its moments, but there are far better games in the genre.
EscapeVektor	Arcade	C
tl;dr Escapee GO! Is a Top-Down Stealth game where players take the role of a woman escaping a psychiatric ward. This isn’t a bad game, but it is one that only a small subset of Stealth fans will enjoy, because it finds countless ways to hobble and weaken your character, making it feel like the game is trying to be unfair. While some may like that sort of thing, and others may enjoy this game’s multiplayer mode, I think that most players will find the way this game constantly disempowers the player to make them grow tired of it quickly.
Etrian Mystery Dungeon	Top-Down Dungeon Crawler	C
tl;dr Etrian Mystery Dungeon is a Top-Down Dungeon Crawler that has a lot of the more superficial aesthetic elements of the Etrian Odyssey franchise and applies them to the Mystery Dungeon franchise’s typical gameplay. This makes for a game that looks good and sounds wonderful, but the gameplay is dull and shallow, and suffers from some pretty nasty difficulty spikes. Unless you’re a Mystery Dungeon fan already, skip this one.
Face Raiders	Shooting Gallery Game / Augmented Reality Game	C
tl;dr Face Raiders is a Shooting Gallery Game using Augmented Reality that comes pre-loaded on Nintendo 3DS. This is basically a glorified tech demo, and as such it is short, gimmicky, shallow, and nothing you’re likely to put much time into, but it’s unique and interesting enough to give a try, especially since it’s free if you own a Nintendo 3DS.
Fluidity: Spin Cycle	Platformer / Misc.	C
tl;dr Fluidity: Spin Cycle is a Platformer where players use the Nintendo 3DS’s motion controls to tilt around the screen to control a puddle of water. There’s some good level design and puzzle design here, but ultimately it’s all kinda’ ruined by the game’s awkward control scheme, which just does not seem like a good fit for the Nintendo 3DS. If you can tolerate the motion-controlled absurdity this game thrusts at you, you may enjoy it. But most are better off skipping it.
G.G Series: Black X Block	Puzzle-Platformer	C
tl;dr Black X Block is a Puzzle-Platformer that has players removing and placing blocks to get to an exit. This is a perfectly decent Puzzle game, but it’s bland and unmemorable. There are worse ways to spend $2, but there are better ones too.
G.G Series: Conveyor Toy Packaging	Unlimited Pattern Puzzle	C
tl;dr Conveyor Toy Packaging is a Puzzle game where players match piles of penguin toys to like-colored boxes. The core gameplay is decent, but you’ll often lose due to events that seem beyond your control. Also, this game is sorely lacking game modes and features. But for $2, this may make a decent time-waster for fans of the genre.
G.G Series: D-Tank	Arcade	C
tl;dr D-Tank is an Arcade-style game where players control a tank in Top-Down single-screen missions that have you either defending a target from enemies or taking out an enemy target. The gameplay here is fine, but this game is far too short and lacking in variety or originality to be especially noteworthy, even for the low $2 price tag. Odds are good that most players will lose interest in this game fairly quickly.
G.G Series: Exciting River	Top-Down Racing / Arcade	C
tl;dr Exciting River is an Arcade-style Top-Down Racing game that has you alternating between using the left and right paddles on a kayak to try to get to the finish in time without hitting too many obstacles. The game itself is simple but fun, but it’s just too short, even for the $2 price tag. Don’t get this game unless you’re okay with being done with it in less time than it takes to get a pizza delivered.
G.G Series: Run & Strike	Arcade	C
tl;dr Run & Strike is an Arcade-style game where players control a tennis player hitting a ball to targets on a wall. The premise here is simple but sound, but it’s unfortunately made worse by this game’s limited controls. For $2, this may serve as a decent time-waster, but the control issues make it a game you’ll likely get exasperated with soon enough.
Game & Watch: Mario’s Cement Factory	Arcade	C
tl;dr Game & Watch: Mario’s Cement Factory is a recreation of one of Nintendo’s first handheld videogames (predating the Game Boy by six years), and it’s faithful to the original, which means an archaic presentation and simple, shallow gameplay. However, out of all of the Game & Watch games released in this run of “ports”, I think Mario’s Cement Factory does the best job of bringing some complexity to the gameplay while still maintaining the compelling simplicity the best games in the series featured.
Go! Go! Kokopolo 3D	Top-Down Arcade	C
tl;dr Go! Go! Kokopolo 3D is an Arcade-style game where players navigate mazes looking for enemies to attack and lead back to a plant near the level’s start. It’s a somewhat unique game, but its potential is limited by the game’s sprawling, confusing level design, making things more tedious than they need to be. It’s not a terrible time-waster, but not an especially great one either.
Gurumin 3D: A Monstrous Adventure	Action-RPG	C
tl;dr Gurumin 3D: A Monstrous Adventure is a port of a classic PlayStation Portable Action-RPG that brings with it the charm (as well as the limitations) of its era. The camera issues and extremely lacking presentation aren’t going to please many modern players, but those who are nostalgic for the era this game is from may still find it appeals to that sense of nostalgia.
Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning	Top-Down Management Simulation / RPG	C
tl;dr Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning is a “Farming RPG” where players aim to build up a small farming town. Unfortunately, the game’s presentation is underwhelming, and its early hours are a horrible slog, without anywhere near the sort of player choice you would want in a game like this. It’s still enjoyable in a limited way, but this isn’t the sort of experience I think most players want from a Harvest Moon game.
Heroes of Ruin	Top-Down Action-RPG	C
tl;dr Heroes of Ruin is a Diablo-Style Top-Down Action-RPG about a hero seeking the source of a curse cast on a benevolent beast. This game gets the core elements of the Diablo formula mostly right, but has numerous other issues that detract from the experience. If you absolutely need a Diablo-style game on the Nintendo 3DS, this may be your best bet, but it’s no substitute for the real thing.
Jett Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai	Platformer / 3D Platformer	C
tl;dr Jett Rocket II is a game that alternates between Platformer and 3D Platformer, and it’s… fine. It is a decent but extremely forgettable Platformer. If you’re looking for great Platformers on the Nintendo 3DS, you have better options, but you have worse ones too.
Jewel Master: Cradle of Egypt 2 3D	Match-3 Puzzle	C
tl;dr Jewel Master: Cradle of Egypt is a Match-3 Puzzle game with Bejeweled-style gameplay and an ancient Egypt theme. Unfortunately, there’s no multiplayer, no real variety in gameplay, and zero originality. If you want a cookie-cutter Match-3 Puzzle game on Nintendo 3DS, this does that well enough, but doesn’t do much more beyond that.
Ketzal’s Corridors	Arcade	C
tl;dr Ketzal’s Corridors is an Arcade-style game where players spin a 3-dimensional object (shaped like a Tetris piece) to try to make sure it fits through a hole in an onrushing wall. The controls in this game don’t feel especially intuitive, but otherwise this is a decent time-waster.
Kirby Battle Royale	Top-Down Action / Party Game	C
tl;dr Kirby Battle Royale is a family-friendly Party Game and Top-Down Action game where players battle it out in various game modes. The core gameplay here is fun, but this isn’t the right platform for a Party Game, and even ignoring that the price point here is too high and the amount of content way too low. This isn’t a bad game, but it’s just not worth it.
LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes	3D Action-Platformer	C
tl;dr LEGO Batman 2 on Nintendo 3DS is yet another game to feature Traveller’s Tales family-friendly LEGO game formula, but it lacks much of the ambition of its console counterpart, lacking that game’s Open-World elements, and once again losing the multiplayer in this version. It’s still enjoyable, but it’s woefully underwhelming considering its source material.
LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham	3D Action-Platformer	C
tl;dr LEGO Batman 3 is yet another game to feature Traveller’s Tales family-friendly LEGO game 3D Action-Platformer formula, and while this is a pretty decent take on the game that was released on consoles, that game was an unambitious and mediocre affair. As a result, so is this game – not bad, but mediocre.
LEGO Jurassic World	3D Action-Platformer	C
tl;dr LEGO Jurassic World is a decent port of yet another game in Traveller’s Tales’ family-friendly franchise of LEGO mash-up games with good (though at times simple and repetitive) 3D Action-Platformer gameplay. This game follows the plot of the first four Jurassic Park films, and while it does a good enough job with that, it feels like a somewhat cynical game that reuses a lot of what all the other LEGO games have done. Unfortunately, both the Open-World elements of the console version and the co-op multiplayer didn’t make it into this release, but if you’re looking for a decent single-player take on a combination of LEGO and Jurassic Park, this should suffice.
LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens	3D Action-Platformer	C
tl;dr LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens is yet another game to feature Traveller’s Tales family-friendly 3D Action-Platformer LEGO game formula, and the Nintendo 3DS version of the game offers a mostly-decent watered down version of the experience from the console game, which makes for a game that’s enjoyable, but plays much like numerous other games in the franchise.
Maestro: Green Groove	Music-Rhythm / Auto-Runner	C
tl;dr Maestro: Green Groove is a family-friendly game that combines Music-Rhythm and Auto-Runner elements, with players using the touchscreen to play in time with the music, causing their character to jump and interacting with enemies. It’s a clever concept, but it’s heavily marred by frustrating difficulty spikes and an extreme lack of content. Music-Rhythm fans may still find this interesting, but most are better off skipping it.
Mario Party: The Top 100	Party Game / Minigame Collection	C
tl;dr Mario Party: The Top 100 is the third and final Mario Party game to release on Nintendo 3DS. It lacks online play but supports download play. The Top 100 revisits 100 of what are supposedly the “top” (whatever that means) minigames from the first ten numbered installments in the Mario Party series. Unfortunately, even beyond this dubious claim, the minigames here are all from console entries in the series and lack the creativity and good use of the Nintendo 3DS’s features that prior installments had, and the presentation here is bland, especially compared to Star Rush. As a result, this is only a game for die-hard fans of the series looking for a nostalgia trip.
Metal Torrent	Bullet Hell Shmup	C
tl;dr Metal Torrent is a Bullet Hell Shmup where players select one of two ships – one ship is so overpowered and features automatic defensive systems that amount to the game essentially handing you a no-effort victory within fifteen minutes, and the other ship likely means you’ll be so swarmed with enemies you’ll die within a few minutes of starting. As fun as this game can be, it’s hard to recommend when it’s so short and when the difficulty levels in the game are so absurdly extreme on both ends.
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate	Action-RPG	C
tl;dr Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is an admirable port of the Wii entry in the series to Nintendo 3DS, but it suffers from frustrating controls and convoluted game design. If you have any modern platform, stick with the newest Monster Hunter games in the series – they’re much better.
Music On: Acoustic Guitar	Content Creation Application	C
tl;dr Music On: Acoustic Guitar is a Music Creation Application that allows players to play a simulated guitar using the touchscreen. There’s not really anything in the way of extra features here, but those who are looking for what this game purports to do will likely be satisfied.
Music On: Drums	Content Creation Application	C
tl;dr Music On: Drums is a Music Creation Application that allows players to create drum loops on their Nintendo 3DS and swap between them on the fly. This software is too complex to be a toy, but not deep enough to be a truly powerful music creation tool. It’s not bad, but its target audience is so narrow at this point that it may be virtually nonexistent.
Music On: Electric Guitar	Content Creation Application	C
tl;dr Music On: Electric Guitar is a Music Creation Application that allows players to play a simulated guitar using the touchscreen. There’s not really anything in the way of extra features here, but those who are looking for what this game purports to do will likely be satisfied.
Music On: Electronic Keyboard	Content Creation Application	C
tl;dr Music On: Electronic Keyboard is a Music Creation Application that allows players to create simple electronic keyboard music on their Nintendo 3DS. This software is unfortunately lacking some features it would need to be particularly useful for that purpose, but I suppose at $2 it still makes for a decent toy. Just don’t expect too much more than that.
Music On: Retro Keyboard	Content Creation Application	C
tl;dr Music On: Retro Keyboard is a Music Creation Application that allows players to create simple electronic keyboard music on their Nintendo 3DS. This software is unfortunately lacking some features it would need to be particularly useful for that purpose, but I suppose at $2 it still makes for a decent toy. Just don’t expect too much more than that.
Ninja Usagimaru: The Gem of Blessings	Puzzle-Platformer	C
tl;dr The Ninja Usagimaru: The Gem of Blessings is a Puzzle-Platformer where players take on the role of a samurai saving village girls from malevolent spirits. This game has excellent puzzle design, but is brought down by its difficulty spikes and poor controls. Overall, the game still has its positive qualities, but only more patient fans of the genre will likely enjoy it.
Ninja Usagimaru: The Mysterious Karakuri Castle	Puzzle-Platformer	C
tl;dr The Ninja Usagimaru: The Mysterious Karakuri, like its predecessor, is a Puzzle-Platformer where players take on the role of a samurai saving village girls from malevolent spirits. Not much has changed in this sequel – once again, this game has excellent puzzle design, but is brought down by its difficulty spikes and poor controls. Overall, the game still has its positive qualities, but only more patient fans of the genre will likely enjoy it.
Ohno Odyssey	Puzzle-Platformer	C
tl;dr Ohno Odyssey is a Puzzle-Platformer that has you placing items in levels to help aliens get back to their flying saucers. It’s a decent Puzzle-Platformer, but far from anything particularly extraordinary.
Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2	3D Platformer	C
tl;dr Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2 is a 3D Platformer based on the animated TV show of the same name that’s loosely based on the classic Arcade game. This game is a direct port of the console game, and it has unfortunately had to suffer quite a few cutbacks to work on Nintendo 3DS. What remains is a so-so port of a so-so Platformer. It’s not bad, but you have better options.
Parascientific Escape: Crossing at the Farthest Horizon	Visual Novel / Graphic Adventure	C
tl;dr Parascientific Escape: Crossing at the Farthest Horizon is a game with Visual Novel and Graphic Adventure elements that brings back the two psychic-powered characters from the prior two games in a story that ties their tales together. Due to all the references to characters and events from the prior two games, this is really only a game that I can recommend to those who played through those earlier games in the series, and even then this game doesn’t offer anything especially new or compelling beyond what we saw in those games.
Parascientific Escape: Cruise in the Distant Seas	Visual Novel / Graphic Adventure	C
tl;dr Parascientific Escape: Cruise in the Distant Seas is a game with Visual Novel and Graphic Adventure elements that puts players in the role of a high school student who discovers she has psychic abilities, and must put them to use on board a sinking cruise ship. The way this game uses these psychic abilities in its Graphic Adventure sections is novel and interesting, but the story is so poorly-written and tonally nonsensical that it’s hard to take seriously. The result is a game that has some good qualities, but is overall a game I don’t recommend.
Pazuru	Puzzle	C
tl;dr Pazuru is a Puzzle game where you manipulate objects on-screen to guide a ball to collect multiple stars. It’s a decent enough Puzzle game, but there’s nothing truly compelling about it. Unless you’re looking to add more Puzzle games to your collection, skip this one.
Peg Solitaire	Puzzle	C
tl;dr Peg Solitaire is a Puzzle game based on the old-fashioned style of puzzle that has you jumping pegs over each other to remove them from a board. This version of the game has no surprises, either good or bad. It’s exactly what you expect. Whether that’s worth $5 to you is going to have to be your call.
Picross e4	Picross Puzzle	C
tl;dr Picross e4 is a Picross Puzzle game that features a simple presentation, good controls, and has 105 standard Picross puzzles, 2 “Micross” Puzzles, 45 “Mega Picross” puzzles, as well as some others you can unlock if you own prior games in the series, all for $6. Unfortunately, your access to help options is limited, and there’s no way to temporarily mark cels. Given these limitations, and the abundance of other, better Picross games on the Nintendo 3DS, you’re better off getting a different Picross game instead of this.
Picross e5	Picross Puzzle	C
tl;dr Picross e5 is a Picross Puzzle game that features a simple presentation, good controls, and has 120 standard Picross puzzles, 3 “Micross” Puzzles, 30 “Mega Picross” puzzles, as well as some others you can unlock if you own prior games in the series, all for $6. Unfortunately, your access to help options is limited, and there’s no way to temporarily mark cels. Given these limitations, and the abundance of other, better Picross games on the Nintendo 3DS, you’re better off getting a different Picross game instead of this.
Picross e6	Picross Puzzle	C
tl;dr Picross e6 is a Picross Puzzle game that features a simple presentation, good controls, and has 150 standard Picross puzzles, 3 “Micross” Puzzles, 135 “Mega Picross” puzzles (repeats of the standard Picross puzzles), as well as some others you can unlock if you own prior games in the series, all for $6. Unfortunately, your access to help options is limited, and there’s no way to temporarily mark cels. Given these limitations, and the abundance of other, better Picross games on the Nintendo 3DS, you’re better off getting a different Picross game instead of this.
Pokemon Battle Trozei	Match-3 Puzzle	C
tl;dr Pokemon Battle Trozei is a Match-3 Puzzle game where players use the touchscreen to line up three or more matching pokemon faces, making great matches to clear each level as fast as possible. This is a pretty shallow entry in the genre, and the price tag seems a bit on the high side, but it’s enjoyable enough to be a decent time-waster.
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity	Top-Down Dungeon Crawler	C
tl;dr Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity is a Dungeon Crawler that does little to move the series forward, resulting in a dull, repetitive, simple game that’s only worth bothering with if you’re the most diehard sort of Pokemon fan.
Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon	Top-Down Dungeon Crawler	C
tl;dr Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon is a Dungeon Crawler that once again does little to move the series forward, resulting in a dull, repetitive, simple game that’s only worth bothering with if you’re the most diehard sort of Pokemon fan.
Pop+ Solo	Arcade	C
tl;dr Pop+ Solo is an Arcade-style game where players pop bubbles using the touchscreen. The presentation is decent, and there’s a fun visceral element to popping bubbles here, but this game is just too shallow and repetitive to hold your interest for very long.
Rabbids Travel In Time 3D	Platformer	C
tl;dr Rabbids Travel Through Time 3D (not to be confused with the Wii game, which is totally different) is a Platformer starring the screaming rabbit-like Rabbid creatures, and as Platformers go, this is… fine. A bit repetitive, but fine. However, the lack of anything truly inventive or interesting to set this game apart, there’s very little reason to recommend it over numerous other better Platformers on the Nintendo 3DS. Unless you love the Rabbids franchise, stick with those games instead.
Return to PopoloCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale	Management Simulation / Turn-Based Strategy-RPG	C
tl;dr Return to PopoloCrois is a combination of the Farming RPG and Strategy-RPG elements of both its respective properties, but unfortunately it’s a highly-simplified, watered-down version of both. The presentation here is endearing enough that some players may want to stick with it, but fans of either genre will find this to be a dull and uninspired version of both.
Rhythm Core Alpha 2	Content Creation Application	C
tl;dr Rhythm Core Alpha 2 is a Music Creation Application that’s still difficult to understand, but it’s a marked improvement over its predecessor. There’s still multiple issues with this software, but Nintendo 3DS owners who absolutely need something to edit music on the handheld may want to give this a look.
River City: Knights of Justice	Arcade Brawler / Action-RPG	C
tl;dr River City: Knights of Justice is an Arcade Brawler with Action-RPG elements that reimagines the Kunio-Kun series in a medieval fantasy setting. This game succeeds in that core goal, but unfortunately, this makes for a shallow RPG and a repetitive Arcade Brawler. Series fans may find this game worthwhile, but everyone else has better options to choose from.
River City: Rival Showdown	Arcade Brawler / Action-RPG / Fighting Game	C
tl;dr River City: Rival Showdown is an Arcade Brawler with some Action-RPG elements. This game features similar gameplay to the classic game River City Ransom, but with an in-game three day time limit, a modernized map system, and a fun new simple Fighting Game minigame, Double Dragon Duel. This game still suffers from nasty difficulty spikes and it’s far too stingy handing out in-game currency, but overall this is a step forward for the series.
RPG Maker FES Player	Compilation / RPG / Misc.	C
tl;dr RPG Maker FES Player is a free-to-play Compilation of RPGs and other loosely-associated games made on RPG Maker FES. While none of these games are quite on par with the greats of the genre, there are nevertheless some worthwhile games to download and play using this software. However, be aware that the window to do so is quickly closing – after March 31, 2023, the servers for this game will be shut down, and at that point you’ll only be able to play the games you have previously downloaded. Be sure to grab up what you want before then!
Sega 3D Classics Collection	Compilation / Arcade	C
tl;dr Sega 3D Classics Collection is a Compilation of stereoscopic 3D versions of classic Sega games, most of which were made available individually on the Nintendo 3DS eShop. Unfortunately, most of the games here are lackluster, and of those that are worth playing, the only one that’s not offered separately on the Nintendo 3DS in Puyo Puyo 2, which you could easily replace with… well, virtually any other Puyo Puyo game. As a result, the only ones who should be interested in this package are completionists.
Shinobi	Action-Platformer	C
tl;dr Shinobi is an Action-Platformer where players fight through enemies and jump their way through obstacle-filled areas as a ninja. This game’s high difficulty level and frustrating camera will not be for everyone, though more skilled fans of the genre may find it to be a fun challenge.
Simply Minesweeper	Board Game / Puzzle	C
tl;dr Simply Minesweeper is a game with Board Game and Puzzle elements, and simply put this game is a decent but unspectacular version of the same game you already have on your PC. It’s not without its faults, but it’s decent enough, and for $2 I would say that if you want a version of Minesweeper on the Nintendo 3DS, this is probably about as good as you could likely hope for.
Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal	Platformer	C
tl;dr Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal gets the basic Sonic gameplay right, but then messes things up with tedious, repetitive level design, and progression tied to goals that the game makes artificially difficult to accomplish, requiring numerous trips through the game’s long, repetitive levels. The result is fun gameplay wrapped in a package that makes it far too frustrating to enjoy that gameplay.
Sonic Generations	Platformer	C
tl;dr Sonic Generations on Nintendo 3DS is a different version of the game exclusive to this platform, and while it lacks the console version’s 3D Platforming levels, it still has the same basic concept of combining new and old versions of the character for a nostalgia-filled Platforming adventure. Unfortunately, camera and control issues make this game frustrating as often as it is fun, and players who want a nostalgic Sonic game subsequently received a much, much better one in the form of Sonic Mania. As such, Sonic Generations on Nintendo 3DS is only a game that the most diehard of Sonic fans should bother with.
SpeedX 3D	Arcade	C
tl;dr SpeedX 3D is an Arcade-style game where the player is constantly moving forward in the first-person perspective in a twisting corridor, and must try to avoid obstacles. This is a simple, straightforward game. It is by no means terrible, but it’s largely unspectacular.
Splat the Difference	Puzzle	C
tl;dr Splat the Difference is a “Spot the Differences”-style Puzzle game, featuring over 100 sets of photos to compare, and even offering Download Play support for multiplayer matches. It doesn’t do anything truly extraordinary, and it fails to show you what you missed if you can’t find the differences in time, but otherwise this game is pretty much what you expect from this sort of thing.
Super Monkey Ball 3D	3D Platformer / Arcade	C
tl;dr Super Monkey Ball 3D is an Arcade-style 3D Platformer that has players rolling balls through obstacle course-style mazes, and while it gets the core gameplay of the series right, it’s lacking pretty much everywhere else, with a lackluster presentation, boring level designs, and terrible minigames. If you absolutely need Monkey Ball on your Nintendo 3DS, this gets the job done, but it pales in comparison to the console games.
Super Strike Beach Volleyball	Sports (Volleyball)	C
tl;dr Super Strike Beach Volleyball is a Volleyball game with core mechanics that work, but it’s slow, shallow, lacking features and options, and lacking any sort of multiplayer. For $5, you could do worse, but you could probably do better too.
Telegraph Crosswords	Crossword Puzzle	C
tl;dr Telegraph Crosswords is a collection of 500 Crossword Puzzles. The controls here are a little awkward but workable, but the puzzles themselves have no semblance of a difficulty curve, starting with somewhat obscure words right from the start. Unless you are a huge fan of Crossword Puzzles, I think you’re best off avoiding this game.
The Starship Damrey	First-Person Graphic Adventure / Horror	C
tl;dr The Starship Damrey is a First-Person Graphic Adventure with Horror elements where players take the role of someone who awakens in a cryostasis pod suffering amnesia and trying to figure out what disaster happened aboard the titular spaceship. This Graphic Adventure prides itself on refusing to hand-hold players, and as a result players who aren’t as experienced with the genre may not find this game to their liking. However, most experienced players may be enticed by the story and atmosphere. In short, this game is undoubtedly divisive, and some are bound to love it, but not everyone.
Touch Solitaire	Compilation / Card Game (Solitaire)	C
tl;dr Touch Solitaire is a no-frills Compilation of Spider Solitaire and Klondike Solitaire, with very little in the way of options or features. If you just want to spend $2 to get a few simple card games on your Nintendo 3DS, this will do that, but it’s a pretty bare-bones version of these two games.
True Swing Golf Express	Sports (Golf)	C
tl;dr True Swing Golf Express is a digital-only version of the Nintendo DS game True Swing Golf that has been stripped of features and content without fixing the game’s other issues. Golf fans have better options on the Nintendo 3DS, including the original True Swing Golf. As a result, there’s not much point to this release.
Ultimate NES Remix	Minigame Collection	C
tl;dr Ultimate NES Remix is a Minigame Collection based on sixteen classic games from the Nintendo Entertainment System. Being a combination of the elements from NES Remix and NES Remix 2, this feels like a halfway point of sorts between the two, and as a result it’s not as slow and plodding as the first game, but doesn’t make as good use of the “Remix” elements as the second game… which itself didn’t use them enough either. In the end, it’s not without its charms, but it really just ends up making you feel like you’d rather play the games featured in the minigames, rather than this Minigame Collection.
WordsUp! Academy	Puzzle	C
tl;dr WordsUp! Academy is a word-based Puzzle game where players are given seven letters and they must come up with as many words as possible using those letters. This release is only a marginal improvement over 3, 2, 1… WordsUp!, and only adds a few more game modes. It’s not a terrible word-based Puzzle game, but it still doesn’t stand out among the crowd of other entries in the genre.
Yo-Kai Watch	Monster-Collecting RPG	C
tl;dr Yo-Kai Watch is a Monster-Collecting RPG where said monsters are unseen spirits hidden throughout the real world. This game brings some unique ideas to the Monster-Collecting RPG genre, but too often the execution isn’t very good, especially the unsatisfying indirect combat. The result is a game I can’t recommend when players could be playing a Pokemon game instead.
Yumi’s Odd Odyssey	Platformer	C
tl;dr Yumi’s Odd Odyssey is a challenging Platformer where players take the role of a young girl trying to make her way through bizarre levels using a fishing line as a grapple. While the level design here is pretty good, the platforming itself is not. The result is a game that may appeal to some who crave a unique challenge, but most will want to skip it.
Zombie Incident	Platformer	C
tl;dr Zombie Incident is a Platformer where players must explore a castle and try to hunt down all of its monsters. The castle itself is fun to explore, and the retro-style presentation is great, but the platforming has some issues, and some game design decisions lead to a fair amount of frustration here. Those who are patient with this game’s flaws may enjoy its charms, but everyone else is better off looking elsewhere.
Zoo Frenzy	Management Simulation	C
tl;dr Zoo Frenzy is a Management Sim where players work to manage a zoo filled with talking animals, all within a game that has an amusingly shoddy localization. These gameplay elements are joined by a slew of minigames and some light RPG elements, and the issue is that with all these gameplay elements, none of them seems to have gotten enough time and attention to make it truly worthwhile in its own right, or a greater part of a cohesive whole. There is fun to be found here, but it’s so scattered and under-developed that it’s hard to recommend this game.
7 Card Games	Compilation / Card Game (Various)	C-
tl;dr 7 Card Games is a Compilation of five types of Card Games: Texas Hold’em Poker, Omaha Hold’em Poker, Blackjack, Hearts, Freecell Solitaire, Klondike Solitaire (one card draw) and Klondike Solitaire (three card draw). The Solitaire games here all play fine but are terribly lacking in options and features, and Blackjack and Poker don’t even support multiplayer. You have better options than this on Nintendo 3DS.
A Kappa’s Trail	Top-Down Arcade	C-
tl;dr A Kappa’s Trail is an Arcade-style game where you guide an odd, cartoony Japanese water spirit using the touchscreen. Unfortunately, the game design suffers from a number of frustrating issues, resulting in a game that’s only worth playing if you’re somehow enticed by that odd topic matter and presentation.
Academy: Checkers	Board Game	C-
tl;dr Academy: Checkers is a version of the classic board game. It works, but this release makes the frustrating decision to only include European rule variants, and not the American version of the game that players will likely be more familiar with. Even if this isn’t an issue for you, the $5 price tag is a bit steep for what’s on offer here.
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer	Management Simulation	C-
tl;dr Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer is a family-friendly Management Simulation that has players doing interior design for the series’ animal characters. It’s enjoyable, but it feels incomplete. This should have been an expansion to New Leaf, not a separate game, and players wanting this sort of experience will be much better off playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch with the Happy Home Paradise expansion, which not only incorporates this content in the way that Happy Home Designer should have but didn’t, it also offers far more features and options, making this game feel completely obsolete.
Arc Style: Baseball 3D	Sports (Baseball)	C-
tl;dr Arc Style: Baseball 3D is a simple Baseball game with ugly visuals, poor sound, lacking in features, and with gameplay that largely lacks nuance. The hitting mechanics here are quite good, but pretty much everything else is largely disposable. Unless you’re a diehard Baseball fan, this isn’t a game you should bother with.
Arctic Escape	Top-Down Arcade / Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Arctic Escape is a Top-Down Arcade-style game with Puzzle elements that has players placing down arrows to guide penguins around hazards and toward a helicopter. Unfortunately, this otherwise enjoyable game is nearly ruined by its atrocious framerate issues. These issues are so distracting, it’s hard to recommend this game.
Armada	Arcade	C-
tl;dr Armada is an Arcade-style game where players direct various aircraft to their landing spots on an aircraft carrier. Armada’s military theme allows for a unique approach to this style of game, but unfortunately this game’s frustrating gameplay problems and difficulty curve make it hard to enjoy this one.
Around the World in 80 Days	Match-3 Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Around the World in 80 Days is a Match-3 Puzzle game that intersperses story tidbits from the classic Jules Verne novel with Bejeweled-style gameplay. While it’s perfectly functional, there’s not really anything this gameplay does that you can’t find in countless other games, and if you want to read Jules Verne, I suggest you just get the book and skip this uninspired feature-poor game.
Blasting Agent	Action-Platformer	C-
tl;dr Blasting Agent is an Action-Platformer with a retro-style pixel art presentation. There’s nothing particularly unique or special about the game, but for $3 it gets the job done… or at least it almost does, with irritating screen shuddering issues in spite of the simple presentation. For the cheap price, you may still get some enjoyment out of this game, but don’t expect anything extraordinary here.
Bomberman Blitz	Arcade / Party Game	C-
tl;dr Bomberman Blitz is an Arcade-style Party Game that brings the classic Bobmerman series to Nintendo’s handheld for a mere $5, and it’s a pretty good version of the game too. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do anything to stand out against the countless other versions of the game, and you’ll have an easier time finding others to play with if you get a Bomberman game on a modern platform instead. Skip this one.
Candle Route	Top-Down Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Candle Route is a Top-Down Puzzle game where player draw paths to guide a flame to matchsticks and then to a candle. It’s not a bad setup for a Puzzle game, but the game frequently seems to want to make it difficult to follow the path you designate, and the odd presentation can be off-putting.
Castle Conqueror	Real-Time Strategy	C-
tl;dr Castle Conqueror is a Real-Time Strategy game that has players drawing lines between castles to send out troops to conquer territory. It’s a chaotic and not especially deep entry in the genre, and what’s worse, it costs $1 more than its improved “EX” re-release. With this being the case, there’s little reason to bother with this game at all.
Castle Conqueror – Revolution	Real-Time Strategy	C-
tl;dr Castle Conqueror – Revolution, much like the first game in the series, is a Real-Time Strategy game that has players drawing lines between castles to send out troops to conquer territory. It’s a chaotic and not especially deep entry in the genre, and what’s worse, it costs $1 more than Castle Crashers EX, which offers much the same gameplay experience. With this being the case, there’s little reason to bother with this game at all.
Coaster Creator 3D	Simulation	C-
tl;dr Coaster Creator 3D is Simulation game that has you designing and simulating riding in roller coasters. There’s a lot of freedom here to create the sort of coaster you want, but that freedom comes with a poorly-explained interface, a frustrating tutorial in the form of a campaign, and fiddly mechanics that make it harder to get into the gameplay than I’d prefer. There is some genuine fun to be had here, but you really have to work to get to it.
Deca Sports Extreme	Compilation / Sports (Various)	C-
tl;dr Deca Sports Extreme is a Compilation of 10 simple Sports games, although calling some of these “sports” is stretching the definition of that word. In any case, pretty much all of the games suffer from control issues and/or a lack of content. While you may be able to derive some fun from this package, most are better off skipping it.
Dementium Remastered	First-Person Horror	C-
tl;dr Dementium Remastered is a First-Person Horror game where players find themselves in a dark, bloody hospital ward filled with monsters. The graphics are decent and have a lot of scary potential, but this game has too many problems to be enjoyable, from repetitive environments, a frustrating need to choose between fighting enemies or seeing them properly, sound issues… In the end, I feel these problems outweigh the good this game has to offer.
Doodle Fit	Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Doodle Fit is a family-friendly Puzzle game that has you trying to fit puzzle pieces into pre-defined shapes. In other words, this is yet another Tangram puzzle, and not a particularly noteworthy one, either. It’s not bad, but even for the low $5 price, you can do better.
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past	Turn-Based JRPG	C-
tl;dr Dragon Quest VII is a JRPG about a group of youths who go on a quest to recover the rest of the world’s hidden islands. It has some of its series’ typical charm, but this is a game plagued with problems – unlikeable characters, atrocious pacing, dated visuals, and needlessly restrictive gameplay chief among them. Diehard Dragon Quest fans may still find this game enjoyable, but most players will be better-served by seeking out other games within the genre.
G.G Series: Cosmo Rally!!	Top-Down Racing	C-
tl;dr Cosmo Rally!! is a Top-Down Racing game where players race on futuristic tracks to try to get the best time. This is a serviceable entry in the genre, but one that does absolutely nothing particularly interesting or memorable.
G.G Series: Drift Circuit	Top-Down Racing	C-
tl;dr Drift Circuit is a Top-Down Racing game where players use “drift” turns to outmaneuver opponents and try to finish first. The core gameplay here is decent, but it seems hobbled to try to make up for the poor enemy AI and lack of multiplayer play. For only $2, some may find this a worthwhile distraction, but I suspect most players will grow bored with it quickly.
G.G Series: The Hidden Ninja Kagemaru	Arcade / Platformer / Stealth	C-
tl;dr The Hidden Ninja Kagemaru is an Arcade-style Platformer with strong Stealth elements that puts players in the role of a ninja trying to sneak past enemies and grab all the scrolls in each area. Unfortunately, this game’s extremely unforgiving gameplay will make it far too difficult for most players to appreciate.
G.G Series: The Spiky Blowfish	Arcade	C-
tl;dr The Spiky Blowfish is an Arcade-style game where players control a blowfish through linear underwater levels. This is a mediocre and repetitive game, and while it’s not the worst way to spend $2, you have far better options out there.
Galaxy Saver	Arcade / Shmup	C-
tl;dr Galaxy Saver is an Arcade-style game with some Shmup elements that has players fighting off invading enemies while rotating around a circular shield. The need to defend the shield makes this game especially difficult, and as a result I can’t see most players finding this game worth the frustration, even with its low $2 price tag.
Game & Watch: Ball	Arcade	C-
tl;dr Game & Watch: Ball is a recreation of Nintendo’s first handheld videogame (predating the Game Boy by nine years), and it’s faithful to the original, which means an archaic presentation and simple, shallow gameplay. Still, it’s surprisingly compelling despite its simplicity, and it’s a solid recreation that gives it some amount of nostalgia value. It’s not a great game by today’s standards, but it’s still probably worth the $2.
Game & Watch: Helmet	Arcade	C-
tl;dr Game & Watch: Helmet is a recreation of one of Nintendo’s first handheld videogames (predating the Game Boy by eight years), and it’s faithful to the original, which means an archaic presentation and simple, shallow gameplay. Still, it’s surprisingly compelling despite its simplicity, and it’s a solid recreation that gives it some amount of nostalgia value. It’s not a great game by today’s standards, but it’s still probably worth the $2.
Game & Watch: Vermin	Arcade	C-
tl;dr Game & Watch: Vermin is a recreation of one of Nintendo’s first handheld videogames (predating the Game Boy by nine years), and it’s faithful to the original, which means an archaic presentation and simple, shallow gameplay. Still, it’s surprisingly compelling despite its simplicity, and it’s a solid recreation that gives it some amount of nostalgia value. It’s not a great game by today’s standards, but it’s still probably worth the $2.
Go Series: Undead Storm	Top-Down Action	C-
tl;dr Go Series: Undead Storm is a Top-Down Action game that has up to four survivors gunning down hordes of zombies in enclosed areas, with elements that are clearly inspired by Left 4 Dead. The controls are awkward, the AI is atrocious, and the gameplay is repetitive, but you still may find some fun here to justify the $2 price tag… but not much more than that.
Hot Wheels: World’s Best Driver	Racing / Misc.	C-
tl;dr Hot Wheels: World’s Best Driver is a dull, disappointing affair that only just barely qualifies as a “Racing” game, instead being more about uninteresting challenges. The controls here are better than in the nearly-unplayable Wii U version, but the core gameplay is still severely lacking. You have multiple better options on Nintendo 3DS.
Jewel Keepers: Easter Island	Match-3 Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Jewel Keepers is a Match-3 Puzzle game that’s pretty much just an off-brand version of Bejeweled with some minor gameplay differences and a Easter Island theme. It’s a decent Bejeweled clone, I suppose, but for $5 I think you can do better on Nintendo 3DS.
Jewel Quest IV: Heritage	Match-3 Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Jewel Quest IV is a Match-3 Puzzle game that’s pretty much just an off-brand version of Bejeweled with some minor gameplay differences and a laughably dumb story. It’s a decent Bejeweled clone, I suppose, but for $6 I think you can do better on Nintendo 3DS.
Kakuro by Nikoli	Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Kakuro by Nikoli is a version of a style of Puzzle game that’s like a mix of Crossword Puzzle and Sudoku, with this game offering players 50 puzzles for $5. Unfortunately, the lack of multiple features and an extremely lacking presentation make this a game that even Puzzle fans will likely want to skip, as there are numerous better options out there.
Kirby Fighters Deluxe	Fighting Game / Platformer / Party Game	C-
tl;dr Kirby Fighters Deluxe is a family-friendly game that combines Fighting Game, Platformer and Party Game elements much in the same way the Super Smash Bros. series does. The gameplay here is good albeit more shallow than Super Smash Bros. In fact, overall Kirby Fighters Deluxe doesn’t hold a candle to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in pretty much every area, and even its low $7 price tag can only do so much to make up for this game’s severe lack of variety, and the existence of better options on a current-gen platform. This is a decent game, but anyone interested in this game is much, much better off spending more to get a Smash Bros. game.
LBX: Little Battlers eXperience	Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr LBX is an Action-RPG about action figure-sized customizable fighting robots. The cartoony presentation here is wonderful, and the ability to customize your robot is excellent. Unfortunately, the actual combat is clunky and aggravating in numerous ways. This unfortunately kills the otherwise fantastic potential this game could have had.
Legendary Wars: T-Rex Rumble	Real-Time Strategy	C-
tl;dr Legendary Wars: T-Rex Rumble is a Real-Time Strategy game where players command a tribe of cavemen searching for food and fighting dinosaurs. This game manages to do the basics of a Real-Time Strategy game on Nintendo 3DS, but it does them very poorly, and with enough frustrating issues that it makes this a difficult game to recommend, as you’re more likely to be frustrated by its flaws than thrilled by its gameplay.
Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return	Match-3 Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Legends of Oz is a Match-3 Puzzle game that slaps ugly knockoff versions of the characters from the beloved children’s books on a mediocre version of Bejeweled. For a mere $5, it’s still a passable Puzzle game, but you can do so much better on Nintendo 3DS.
LEGO Legends of Chima: Laval’s Journey	3D Action-Platformer	C-
tl;dr LEGO Legends of Chima: Laval’s Journey is a family-friendly 3D Action-Platformer featuring LEGO’s own Legends of Chima franchise. Unfortunately, I found the characters and the story they feature in to be terrible, and the gameplay here is perhaps one of the Traveller’s Tales games’ least creative efforts. Unless you are a huge fan of this franchise, this is a game to skip.
LEGO Ninjago: Shadow of Ronin	3D Action-Platformer	C-
tl;dr LEGO Ninjago: Shadow of Ronin is yet another game to feature Traveller’s Tales family-friendly LEGO game 3D Action-Platformer formula, and this game does make some positive steps forward for the LEGO franchise with its combat system, but it’s still a disappointment just about everywhere else, from the lack of multiplayer to the underwhelming presentation. Unless you’re specifically a fan of the Ninjago franchise, skip this one.
LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean	3D Action-Platformer	C-
tl;dr LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean adds a few new elements to the well-worn Traveller’s Tales family-friendly LEGO game formula, but these elements fail to add anything of value to the franchise, and meanwhile the lack of multiplayer in this version makes for even more disappointment. There’s still an enjoyable game underneath the growing list of issues here, but this feels like a misstep in the series.
Looksley’s Lineup	Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Looksley’s Lineup is a Puzzle game where players use head tracking via the camera to search rooms for hidden letters and objects. It’s great when it works, but it often doesn’t work, and the issues this game has make it frustrating far more often than it is fun.
Mahjong Cub3d	Card Game / Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Mahjong Cub3d is a version of solitaire mahjong whose primary game mode has players spinning around a clump of blocks in 3D to make matches. Unfortunately, the presentation is ill-fitting, the controls are awkward, and the lack of different skins and the poor camera in some modes means you may have difficulty seeing some pieces. This is still a playable version of Mahjong, but it’s far from a great one.
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games	Sports (Various) / Minigame Collection	C-
tl;dr Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games is a Summer Olympics-themed Minigame Collection, with simple minigames often based on only a part of the sports in question. It’s actually a pretty good direction to go with Olympics games, but it is undone by the game’s ponderously-slow pacing, constantly-shifting controls, and poor creative choices. This isn’t a terrible Minigame Collection, but it is a deeply-flawed one.
Masyu by Nikoli	Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Masyu by Nikoli is a Puzzle game where players must draw a consecutive line into a loop of a grid, while following six rule, with this game offering players 50 puzzles for $5. Unfortunately, the lack of multiple features and an extremely lacking presentation make this a game that even Puzzle fans will likely want to skip, as there are numerous better options out there.
Mixed Messages	Party Game	C-
tl;dr Mixed Messages is a Party game where players pass around a Nintendo 3DS taking turns drawing pictures and trying to interpret the pictures drawn by the prior player. This game plays very much like the game Telestrations, only worse, and it is so lacking in features that you’re much better off just getting Telestrations instead.
Music On: Learning Piano	Application / Misc.	C-
tl;dr Music On: Learning Piano is an Application that has players follow along in the melodies of portions of 15 classical music pieces. Unfortunately, the Nintendo 3DS hardware is poorly-suited to simulating a piano, so it’s dubious that you’ll be “learning” anything using this software. It may be briefly entertaining, but I expect that most will find that this doesn’t really work the way they likely hoped it might.
Music On: Learning Piano Vol. 2	Application / Misc.	C-
tl;dr Music On: Learning Piano Vol. 2 is an Application that has players follow along in the melodies of portions of 15 classical music pieces (somewhat lesser-known pieces compared to the prior entry in the series). Unfortunately, the Nintendo 3DS hardware is poorly-suited to simulating a piano, so it’s dubious that you’ll be “learning” anything using this software. It may be briefly entertaining, but I expect that most will find that this doesn’t really work the way they likely hoped it might.
Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Danger of the Ooze	Metroidvania	C-
tl;dr Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Danger of the Ooze is a Metroidvania that has some graphical and hit detection issues, and things are a bit too samey and stretched out, but otherwise this is a decent but unspectacular entry in the genre.
Pac-Man Party 3D	Party Game / Compilation / Arcade	C-
tl;dr Pac-Man Party 3D is a Party Game that combines a variety of minigames, Monopoly-style mechanics, and the classic Pac-Man characters, with good multiplayer support as well as the ability to play the classic Arcade games Pac-Man, Galaga, and Dig Dug. Unfortunately, the minigames themselves aren’t very good, and the classic Arcade games don’t play well. This game had some good potential, but these flaws keep it from even coming close to challenging the likes of Mario Party.
Parking Star 3D	Arcade / Simulation	C-
tl;dr Parking Star 3D is a game where players must steer their car to a parking spot as quickly as possible without getting into an accident. It’s not a horrible concept, but a combination of an odd and lackluster presentation and frustrating, unforgiving game design make this far too tedious to be very fun.
Picdun 2: Witch’s Curse	First-Person Dungeon-Crawler / RPG	C-
tl;dr Picdun 2 is a First-Person Dungeon-Crawler with RPG elements with a unique real-time combat system involving three female companion characters. Unfortunately, as far as games in this genre go, this one is pretty shallow and repetitive. It’s not a horrible game, but you have much better options in this genre on the Nintendo 3DS.
Picross e	Picross Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Picross e is a Picross Puzzle game that features a simple presentation, good controls, and has 150 standard Picross puzzles for $6. Unfortunately, your access to help options is limited, and there’s no way to temporarily mark cels. Given these limitations, and the abundance of other, better Picross games on the Nintendo 3DS, you’re better off getting a different Picross game instead of this.
Picross e2	Picross Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Picross e2 is a Picross Puzzle game that features a simple presentation, good controls, and has 150 standard Picross puzzles and 5 “Micross” puzzles for $6. Unfortunately, your access to help options is limited, and there’s no way to temporarily mark cels. Given these limitations, and the abundance of other, better Picross games on the Nintendo 3DS, you’re better off getting a different Picross game instead of this.
Picross e3	Picross Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Picross e3 is a Picross Puzzle game that features a simple presentation, good controls, and has 120 standard Picross puzzles and 30 “Mega Picross” puzzles for $6. Unfortunately, your access to help options is limited, and there’s no way to temporarily mark cels. Given these limitations, and the abundance of other, better Picross games on the Nintendo 3DS, you’re better off getting a different Picross game instead of this.
Play & Learn Chinese	Educational	C-
tl;dr Play & Learn Chinese is an Educational Application to learn to speak words in Chinese (specifically, Mandarin). This software focuses far more on basic dictionary vocabulary than practical sentence structure, and if you’re trying to learn this language you’re better off just going with Duolingo instead.
Play & Learn Spanish	Educational	C-
tl;dr Play & Learn Spanish is an Educational Application to learn to speak words in Spanish. This software focuses far more on basic dictionary vocabulary than practical sentence structure, and if you’re trying to learn this language you’re better off just going with Duolingo instead.
Pokemon Shuffle	Match-3 Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Pokemon Shuffle is a Match-3 Puzzle game where players use the touchscreen to line up three or more matching pokemon faces, making great matches to clear each level in as few moves as possible. This game adds much-needed depth to the formula established in the Trozei series, and it would have been a great Puzzle game if it wasn’t destroyed by the horribly aggressive monetization this game pushes on players in the form of nasty wait mechanics. Don’t put yourself through the hassle of playing this game, get something else instead.
Prehistorik Man	Platformer	C-
tl;dr Prehistorik Man is a port of a game first released on Super Nintendo, but this was far from one of the greats of that platform. While this game has a good presentation, it suffers from a laundry list of issues, including poor hit detection, frequently unresponsive controls, and convoluted level design. Unless this game holds some nostalgic warm place in your heart from its earlier releases, you’re better off skipping it.
Rayman 3D	3D Platformer	C-
tl;dr Rayman 3D is a port of Rayman 2 that doesn’t do much to modernize the 3D Platformer, which had terrible camera controls, tired collect-a-thon elements, and dated visuals. What’s more, this port has its own problems, including some nasty framerate issues and problems with its stereoscopic 3D. The result is a game that may have once been great, but it’s hard to see that greatness here.
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D	Third-Person Shooter	C-
tl;dr Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D is a Third-Person Shooter that brings the Mercenaries content from Resident Evil 4 and 5 to Nintendo 3DS. Unfortunately, this feels like leftovers of other more complete games, and underheated leftovers at that, with some pretty bad controls and abandoned online lobbies. If you want Resident Evil on Nintendo 3DS, get Resident Evil Revelations. If you want to play Mercenaries, get Resident Evil 5 or 6 on another platform. But don’t bother with this.
River City: Tokyo Rumble	Arcade Brawler / Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr River City: Tokyo Rumble is an Arcade Brawler with some Action-RPG elements that plays a lot like the classic game River City Ransom. That’s the good news. The bad news is that this game plays a lot like the classic game River City Ransom. The result is a game that feels dated and unoriginal even before you factor in the unhelpful map, frustrating constantly-respawning damage sponge enemies and poor hit detection. Its mix of Arcade Brawler and RPG elements are still compelling, but there are other games that do this combination of elements better.
Samurai Warriors Chronicles	Action Brawler	C-
tl;dr Samurai Warriors Chronicles is an Action Brawler in the Musou style, with players fighting hordes of enemies on the battlefield… only “hordes” in this case has been cut back so drastically that it takes much of the fun out of the experience, with the stiff combat taking much of the rest. Either stick to the console games, or get Hyrule Warriors instead, this game is just going to be a disappointment.
Shifting World	Puzzle-Platformer	C-
tl;dr Shifting World is a Puzzle-Platformer where players shift the world upside-down and turn its blank spaces into platforms and vice versa. This game has a great presentation, and a cool core concept, but the actual gameplay had me feeling detached and not really connected to my successes within the game. This isn’t terrible, but it’s not really good, either.
Slitherlink by Nikoli	Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Slitherlink by Nikoli is a version of a style of Puzzle game that has you drawing a loop so it matches the number of sides on squares that it passes, with this game offering players 50 puzzles for $5. Unfortunately, the lack of multiple features and an extremely lacking presentation make this a game that even Puzzle fans will likely want to skip, as there are numerous better options out there.
Spy Hunter	Driving Action	C-
tl;dr The Nintendo 3DS version of Spy Hunter is a Driving Action game that puts the action behind the wheel in a manner similar to the playStation 2 game bearing the same title. Unfortunately, poor controls and relentless bullet sponge enemies make this game an ordeal to play, and most will probably find these issues will keep them from enjoying the bombastic spy-themed fun.
Steel Diver	Action / Shooting Gallery	C-
tl;dr Steel Diver is an Action game that has players using the touchscreen to control the 2D side-scrolling movement of a submarine. There are some unique ideas here, and even a fun minigame, but this game’s deliberate, sluggish gameplay and short length make it an acquired taste that isn’t going to be worth the price for most gamers.
Story of Seasons	Management Simulation / RPG	C-
tl;dr Story of Seasons is a family-friendly Farming RPG-style Management Simulation that brings multiple new elements to the genre, but suffers from nasty pacing and performance issues that really drag down the experience. You have multiple better options on the Nintendo 3DS in this genre.
Strike Force Foxx	Arcade	C-
tl;dr Strike Force Foxx is an Arcade-style game that has players piloting a helicopter, shooting enemies and picking up hostages. This is pretty much a more modern version of the classic game Choplifter, and while it more or less works in that capacity, it doesn’t do anything new or particularly interesting, and the presentation is sub-par, with some truly cringe-worthy storytelling. This isn’t a bad game, but it is far from a great one.
Sudoku by Nikoli	Sudoku Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Sudoku by Nikoli is a version of the standard Sudoku Puzzle that offers players 50 puzzles for $5. Unfortunately, the lack of multiple features and an extremely lacking presentation make this a game that even Sudoku fans will likely want to skip, as there are numerous better options out there.
Symphony of Eternity	Turn-Based JRPG	C-
tl;dr Symphony of Eternity is a Turn-Based JRPG about a princess who escapes a coup and joins a band of adventurers. While there are a few elements of the presentation that are nice, for the most part this is a mediocre retro-style RPG that does nothing to make it worthwhile on a platform with tons of better RPGs.
Tetris Ultimate	Falling Block Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Tetris Ultimate is a take on the classic Falling-Block Puzzle that includes 10 different game modes. Not only is this game’s feature list half of what was in Tetris Axis, with nowhere near that game’s creativity, this game also features a dour, depressing presentation. As a result, there’s no reason anyone should bother with this game. If you want Tetris on Nintendo 3DS, get Tetris Axis instead.
The Legend of Kusakari	Arcade	C-
tl;dr The Legend of Kusakari is an Arcade-style game that parodies the Zelda franchise, putting you in the role of a guy charged with cutting grass around the heroes and monsters rather than fighting them yourselves, playing out sorta’ like an obstacle course. Unfortunately, loose controls, a frustratingly tiny cutting implement, and an aggressively annoying soundtrack all make this game lose its charm very quickly.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell 3D	Stealth / Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr Splinter Cell 3D is a port of Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, and while that game was one of the most highly-celebrated releases in the Stealth genre, this port is terrible, with graphics and performance issues, camera issues, control issues, a lack of features, and most notably visuals so dark that players will feel forced to play the game in night vision mode just to see what the heck is going on. You still get the sense that there was a great game here underneath the multitude of problems, but it’s hard to appreciate it in this terrible port.
Toy Defense	Tower Defense	C-
tl;dr Toy Defense is a Tower Defense game that at least nominally has a toy theme, though this theme isn’t very strong. The presentation isn’t very good either, nor are the variety of options players are given in setting up their defenses. The result is a game that does little to distinguish itself within the genre or give players much reason to stick with the game.
Trajectile	Unlimited Pattern Puzzle	C-
tl;dr Trajectile is a Puzzle Game that has players carefully aiming missiles at blocks above, trying to eliminate specific targets. This game plays a lot like a popular sort of mobile game, except with worse controls, and a frustratingly high difficulty level. My recommendation? Stick with the mobile games.
WWE All Stars	Sports (Pro Wrestling)	C-
tl;dr WWE All Stars is a Pro Wrestling game that has players taking part in battles featuring a roster that stretches across the decades of the sport. While the gameplay is mostly respectable, the poor controls, somewhat lacking presentation, and the lack of female fighters make this a pretty disappointing game, especially since it’s the only Pro Wrestling game on the Nintendo 3DS.
Yo-Kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits	Monster-Collecting RPG	C-
tl;dr Yo-Kai Watch 2 is a Monster-Collecting RPG that sticks far, far too close to what we already saw in the first game, rehashing the same main locale, the same game mechanics, and to a great extent the same presentation and even some of the plot. While this game is an improvement over the first game, it’s not much of an improvement, and this results in a game that doesn’t seem like it’s going to be right for pretty much anyone.
Yo-Kai Watch 2: Fleshy Souls	Monster-Collecting RPG	C-
tl;dr Yo-Kai Watch 2 is a Monster-Collecting RPG that sticks far, far too close to what we already saw in the first game, rehashing the same main locale, the same game mechanics, and to a great extent the same presentation and even some of the plot. While this game is an improvement over the first game, it’s not much of an improvement, and this results in a game that doesn’t seem like it’s going to be right for pretty much anyone.
Yo-Kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters	Monster-Collecting RPG	C-
tl;dr Yo-Kai Watch 2 is a Monster-Collecting RPG that sticks far, far too close to what we already saw in the first game, rehashing the same main locale, the same game mechanics, and to a great extent the same presentation and even some of the plot. Psychic Specters iterates on that already-iterative experience to offer players the definitive way to play Yo-Kai Watch 2… but this is still the definitive version of a disappointingly unambitious sequel to a so-so game. Unless you’re a collector or a diehard Yo-Kai fan, this game isn’t for you.
Yo-Kai Watch Blasters: Red Cat Corps	Top-Down Monster-Collecting Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr Yo-Kai Watch Blasters is a Top-Down Monster-Collecting Action-RPG that has players directly controlling a four-character squad in dull, repetitive combat with poor character customization and a lackluster presentation. Even fans of the Yo-Kai Watch series are likely to lose interest in this game before too long.
Yo-Kai Watch Blasters: White Dog Squad	Top-Down Monster-Collecting Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr Yo-Kai Watch Blasters is a Top-Down Monster-Collecting Action-RPG that has players directly controlling a four-character squad in dull, repetitive combat with poor character customization and a lackluster presentation. Even fans of the Yo-Kai Watch series are likely to lose interest in this game before too long.
Zenonia	Top-Down Action-RPG	C-
tl;dr Zenonia is a Top-Down Action-RPG about a hero named Regret (yes, really), that does very little to distinguish itself, and that’s in addition to a terrible localization, bad controls, poor hit detection, and dreadful pacing. Skip this one.
3D After Burner II	On-Rails Shooter	D+
tl;dr After Burner II is an On-Rails Shooter where you fly a jet plane taking down enemy fighters. This game is still a classic iconic Arcade game, and the Nintendo 3DS version is a good port with some decent features, but none of that changes that the game itself is just not very fun, with poor controls and enemies that can down you with one hit. Unless you have fond memories of the game’s original release, you’re better off avoiding it.
3D Solitaire	Card Game (Klondike Solitaire)	D+
tl;dr 3D Solitaire is a version of Klondike Solitaire that gives players a nice presentation but lacking controls and features. For a game that only offers one Card Game, this is pretty underwhelming, even at the $3 price point. There are other better games you can get instead, even if they aren’t as good-looking.
Ace Mathician	Puzzle-Platformer	D+
tl;dr Ace Mathician is a Puzzle-Platformer where players input math equations on the touchscreen to control where platforms on the top screen are. It’s a clever idea, but the game doesn’t provide enough options to make for truly creative puzzle-solving, and those who aren’t into math will feel left out here. Plus add in some control and performance issues, and you have a game that’s just too poorly-executed to capitalize on its great idea. Skip it.
Art Style: Zengage	Unlimited Pattern Puzzle	D+
tl;dr Art Style: Zengage is a Puzzle game that has players sliding colored tiles to try to match colored dots floating above them. This is a decent but mediocre Puzzle game made absolutely unbearable by ear-piercing noises the game attacks you with. Even if you play your Nintendo 3DS with the sound off, you have better options than this.
Big Bass Arcade: No Limit	Sports (Fishing)	D+
tl;dr Big Bass Arcade: No Limit is a Fishing game with ugly visuals, confused sound design, and simple, easy gameplay that’s devoid of any immersion or engagement. Throw this one back.
Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters	Puzzle / Misc.	D+
tl;dr Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters takes Brain Age, removes everything but the word problems, and adds back in a fun but disposable “Themes” mode (also present in Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters). You may find some brief amusement here, but mostly this is just the most boring parts of Brain Age, complete with all that series’ flaws. Skip it.
Brain Age Express: Math	Puzzle / Misc.	D+
tl;dr Brain Age Express: Math takes Brain Age, removes everything but the math problems, and adds back in a fun but disposable “Themes” mode (also present in Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters). You may find some brief amusement here, but mostly this is just the most boring parts of Brain Age, complete with all that series’ flaws. Skip it.
Castle Conqueror – Against	Real-Time Strategy	D+
tl;dr Castle Conqueror – Against, much like the prior games in the series, is a Real-Time Strategy game that has players drawing lines between castles to send out troops to conquer territory. It’s a chaotic and not especially deep entry in the genre, and a huge early spike in difficulty saps any remaining fun out of the experience. Even the low $2 price tag doesn’t save this one. If you’re going to get one of these games, just get Castle Conqueror EX. Or just don’t get any of them, these aren’t exactly must-have games.
Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash	Platformer	D+
tl;dr Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash is a Platformer where players use a cord like a whip or a grappling hook. The core gameplay is decent, but the presentation is painfully generic, and this game keeps presenting players with absurd design choices that slow the pace to a crawl and make everything unnecessarily tedious and frustrating. This is not a game for Chibi-Robo fans or for Platformer fans… which means it’s not really a game for anyone.
Color Commando	Puzzle-Platformer	D+
tl;dr Color Commando is a Puzzle-Platformer where players use the touchscreen to paint sections of a level to sneak past enemies of that color. While this game has a good premise, the gameplay is so frustrating, unforgiving and limited that it saps all the fun out of that concept. This isn’t worth even the small $2 price tag – save your money and get something else.
Cubic Ninja	Arcade	D+
tl;dr Cubic Ninja is an Arcade-style game where players control the titular cubic ninja using the Nintendo 3DS’s gyroscopic motion control. It’s not a terrible concept, but it’s ruined by poor, sluggish controls.
Family Bowling 3D	Sports (Bowling)	D+
tl;dr Family Bowling 3D is a colorful, family-friendly take on the sport of Bowling that’s unfortunately just not very easy to play thanks to the camera angle making it hard to line up your shots. Plus, the game’s soundtrack is absolutely repulsive. I don’t recommend this one.
G.G Series: Vector	Falling Block Puzzle	D+
tl;dr Game & Watch: Donkey Kong Jr. is a recreation of one of Nintendo’s first handheld videogames (predating the Game Boy by seven years), and it’s faithful to the original, which means an archaic presentation and simple, shallow gameplay. Unfortunately, this game doesn’t have the simple compelling gameplay of Ball or Vermin, and players wanting a version of Donkey Kong Jr. can just get the actual arcade game or its NES counterpart. As such, there’s little reason to get this game except as a historical curiosity.
Game & Watch: Donkey Kong Jr.	Arcade	D+
tl;dr Vector is a Falling Block Puzzle game where players must not only match the color of falling blocks, but must line up arrows on those blocks. It’s a decent enough idea, but it’s ruined by a terrible presentation, gameplay that’s so easy you can sleepwalk through it, and difficulty spikes that don’t add a challenge so much as they just make the game less playable. The result is a tedious frustrating mess of a Puzzle game not worth playing.
Gangstar 2: Kings of L.A.	Top-Down Action	D+
tl;dr Gangstar 2 is a Top-Down Action Game that’s clearly inspired by the Grand Theft Auto series, and while it manages to capture the core gameplay elements that made those games a success, it does so extremely poorly, with virtually everything this game does being flawed in some way. Even on the Nintendo 3DS, you have at least one better option for a Grand Theft Auto-alike (the Nintendo DS game Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars), and it’s so clearly superior that even this game’s small $5 price tag doesn’t make up for how much worse this game is.
Gardening Mama 2: Forest Friends	Arcade / Management Simulation	D+
tl;dr Gardening Mama 2 is a spin-off of the Cooking Mama franchise, but it not only fails at delivering satisfying minigames, it also fails at its attempt to package them in a Management Simulation. The result is an unripe disappointment.
Gourmet Dream	Management Simulation	D+
tl;dr Gourmet Dream is a Management Simulation where players manage their own restaurant. Unfortunately, players aren’t given much freedom to manage the way they would want to, and there’s an overwhelming feeling throughout the game that you’re just doing what you’re being told what to do. The result is a game that’s still occasionally enjoyable, but which largely fails to be a truly engaging entry in the genre.
Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi	Visual Novel	D+
tl;dr Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi is a Visual Novel set in the Edo period of Japan where players take the role of a young girl kidnapped by the Shinsengumi and trying to decide which one of her captors she wants to woo. It’s not bad enough that this story’s premise is gross and ill-befitting the otome genre, the game does a poor job introducing its setting and characters. And while the presentation is overall pretty good, you’re much better off finding another Visual Novel without this game’s nasty issues.
Journey to Kreisia	Turn-Based JRPG	D+
tl;dr Journey to Kreisia is a Turn-Based JRPG about a priestess summoning a hero from our world to fight an evil overlord. This game is a painfully generic JRPG with a poorly-written and poorly-localized story, terrible characters, a bland presentation, and bog-standard gameplay. It does nothing particularly special, and while it doesn’t do anything outright horrible either, the $10 price tag seems like an insult for such a low-effort entry in the genre. Skip it.
LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids	Isometric Action	D+
tl;dr LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids is an Isometric Action game that makes some attempt to address the longstanding issues with this style of Isometric LEGO game, but that attempt fails pretty miserably. The result is yet another underwhelming LEGO game you’re better off skipping.
LEGO The Hobbit	Isometric Action	D+
tl;dr LEGO The Hobbit on Nintendo 3DS is an Isometric Action game that once again uses the same style of Isometric Action gameplay that has disappointed twice before on the handheld, and which unsurprisingly disappoints here too, with tedious, repetitive gameplay and a severely underwhelming presentation, made even more inexplicable by the existence of the far superior LEGO The Lord of the Rings on the same platform two years prior. If you want to adventure through Middle-Earth on your Nintendo 3DS, get that game instead.
Lionel City Builder 3D: Rise of the Rails	Simulation	D+
tl;dr Lionel City Builder 3D is a train operating Simulation game with some very light city-building Management Simulation elements. Nothing here is very deep or engaging, no matter what type of game you’re looking for here. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere.
Mahjong Mysteries: Ancient Athena	Card Game / Puzzle	D+
tl;dr Mahjong Mysteries is a version of solitaire Mahjong that’s inexplicably tied to a story about archaeologists racing to solve a mystery about the Greek goddess Athena. While the odd theming is inexplicable, this game has worse issues, with camera problems, control issues, and a tile set that’s not the easiest to parse. It’s a shame too, because there are a good selection of game modes here, but if you can’t even see and control the game properly without a lot of frustration, what’s the point?
Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Master Splinter’s Training Pack	Compilation / Arcade Brawler / Metroidvania	D+
tl;dr Master Splinter’s Training Pack is a Compilation of two different takes on Nickelodeon’s Ninja Turtles animated series, including Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Danger of the Ooze. Neither game is very good, though Danger of the Ooze is at least a serviceable Metroidvania. Still, if you’re hoping for even a hint of the great gameplay of the earlier Ninja Turtles games, you won’t find it here.
Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures	Platformer	D+
tl;dr Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures is a Platformer based on the animated TV show of the same name that’s loosely based on the classic Arcade game. This is a pretty standard Platformer made worse by multiple tedious elements in the gameplay and pacing, all topped with an annoying presentation. This game just isn’t fun, and I cannot imagine why anyone would want to play it, unless they’re a huge fan of the TV show.
Pokemon Rumble Blast	Action-RPG	D+
tl;dr Pokemon Rumble Blast is an Action-RPG with extremely simple, dull gameplay and simple, ugly 3D visuals. There’s nothing here of particular interest, and certainly nothing to justify the multiple sequels this game would get.
Pro Jumper! Guilty Gear Tangent!?	Platformer	D+
tl;dr Pro Jumper is a Platformer and a spin-off of the Guilty Gear franchise that features the series’ silly, cartoony mascot. While this game has a delightfully goofy story and some wonderful character animation, the gameplay itself is torturously bad, with poor controls and unforgiving gameplay. Whether or not you’re a fan of the Guilty Gear series, you’ll want to skip this game.
Rabbids Rumble	Party Game / Turn-Based Monster Collecting RPG	D+
tl;dr Rabbids Rumble is a game that combines the franchise’s usual Party Game elements with a Turn-Based Monster Collecting RPG that has players fighting in 3v3 Pokemon-style battles. Unfortunately, the Party Game stuff is slow-paced, dull, and gimmicky, and the RPG elements are shallow and boring. As a result, there’s nothing here worth bothering with.
RPG Maker FES	Content Creation Application	D+
tl;dr RPG Maker FES is a Content Creation Application for creating your own RPGs. Unfortunately, with this title’s servers being shut down in March 31, 2023, RPG Maker FES’s time seems to be coming to an end. Players who still want to try out the creations of others are encouraged to download RPG Maker FES Player instead, and those who want to create and share RPGs would be better off grabbing a more modern entry in this series on another platform.
The LEGO Movie Videogame	Isometric Action	D+
tl;dr The Nintendo 3DS version of The LEGO Movie Videogame is an Isometric Action game that is a poor substitute for the console versions of the game, with simple and repetitive combat, no open world or multiplayer to speak of, and some nasty difficulty spikes. LEGO fans on Nintendo 3DS have much better options than this.
The Oregon Trail	Simulation / Arcade / Misc.	D+
tl;dr Oregon Trail is a game that combines resource management Simulation elements with various Arcade-style minigames, but none of the gameplay is well-crafted or enjoyable, the graphics are bad, the pacing is terrible, and this game conveys all of the joy of a poorly-made educational video without ever actually seeming all that educational. Other versions of The Oregon Trail may have their charms, but this one died of dysentery.
The Sims 3	Management Simulation	D+
tl;dr The Nintendo 3DS port of The Sims 3 has players managing the life of their simulated person in a Management Simulation that manages to get the basics of the Sims series gameplay right, but fumbles just about everything else. This game is a buggy, poorly-designed, tedious mess, and while I can sense the fun struggling deep in here somewhere trying to get out, it seems that someone pulled up the ladder from that pool, leaving players’ hopes to drown in this sub-standard port.
Thorium Wars	Action	D+
tl;dr Thorium Wars is an Action game that has you fighting in various futuristic vehicles against a multitude of robotic enemies. The presentation here is good, and the Combat Flight Sim portions have some solid gameplay at their core. Unfortunately, the land-based vehicles are a pain to control, the gameplay is overall far too repetitive, and the game constantly harasses players with endlessly-respawning drones that sap away any fun that could be had in this game. Nintendo 3DS players have far better options than this.
Touch Battle Tank: Tag Combat	Arcade / Top-Down Action	D+
tl;dr Touch Battle Tank: Tag Combat is a Top-Down Arcade-style Action game that has players controlling a tank using the analog pad and the touchscreen. The controls work great, but everything else about the game feels featureless and dull. Even with the improvements over the earlier version of the game, Touch Battle Tank won’t hold your interest for very long.
3D Thunder Blade	On-Rails Shooter	D
tl;dr Thunder Blade is an On-Rails Shooter where you fly a helicopter taking down enemies. This is a good port with a decent selection of options, but that hardly matters when the underlying game is so terrible, with frustrating controls, an obscured view of exactly where you need to be looking, and enemies who can take you down with one hit. Don’t bother with this terrible game.
Absolute BrickBuster	Arcade Brick Breaker	D
tl;dr Absolute BrickBuster is an Arcade-style Brick Breaker that recycles some of the assets from other games in the Absolute series, and then slaps them on a game that has some absolutely terrible mechanics and game design. Trust me, if you want an Arcade Brick Breaker on Nintendo 3DS, get Siesta Fiesta instead. And don’t be fooled by Absolute BrickBuster’s $2 price tag – this game isn’t even worth that low dollar amount.
Arc Style: Soccer 3D	Sports (Soccer)	D
tl;dr Arc Style: Soccer 3D is a family-friendly Soccer game with ugly graphics, terribly lacking features and options, shallow gameplay, and laughably terrible AI. With virtually zero redeeming features, I cannot think of any reason why you would bother with this game.
Arc Style: Solitaire	Compilation / Card Game (Solitaire)	D
tl;dr Arc Style: Solitaire is a Compilation of two types of Solitaire Card Games – Klondike and Monte Carlo. Unfortunately, the versions included here have an annoying presentation, terrible controls, and not enough options to make up for these other issues. There are too many better Solitaire Card Games on Nintendo 3DS to bother with this bad one.
Art Academy: First Semester	Art Application	D
tl;dr Art Academy: First Semester is an Art Application that aims to teach players basic art skills. While this application has an inviting presentation and interface, players may find the few hours’ worth of lessons here to be limited, the lack of modern Art Application tools to be disappointing, and the fact that you get a far superior deal buying the Nintendo DS release in the series means that buying the DSiWare entries in the franchise are just a waste of money.
Art Academy: Second Semester	Art Application	D
tl;dr Art Academy: Second Semester is an Art Application that aims to teach players basic art skills. While this application has an inviting presentation and interface, players may find the few hours’ worth of lessons here to be limited, the lack of modern Art Application tools to be disappointing, and the fact that you get a far superior deal buying the Nintendo DS release in the series means that buying the DSiWare entries in the franchise are just a waste of money.
Automaton Lung	Third-Person Shooter / Misc.	D
tl;dr Automaton Lung is a Third-Person Shooter with a surreal futuristic atmosphere, but it feels incomplete, with awkward controls, brainless enemy AI, empty environments, and a lack of any indication where you should go or what you should do. Skip this one.
Best of Board Games: Mahjong	Card Game / Puzzle	D
tl;dr Best of Board Games: Mahjong is a version of Solitaire Mahjong with 60 tile layouts, and that is unfortunately lacking in options and features. At $10 this game is overpriced and comes up short in content and features when compared to games that cost half the price this game does. Do not buy this.
Best of Board Games: Solitaire	Compilation / Card Game (Solitaire)	D
tl;dr Best of Board Games: Solitaire is a Compilation of 5 Solitaire Card Games: Klondike, Spider, Freecell, Golf, and Pyramid. At $10 this game is overpriced and comes up short in content and features when compared to games that cost half the price this game does. Do not buy this.
BlayzBloo: Super Melee Action Battle Royale	Action	D
tl;dr BlayzBloo is a multiplayer-focused, arena-based Action game that’s a spin-off of BlazBlue, but is as dumb and simple as the BlazBlue games are complex and technical. Sadly, this game’s chaotic gameplay is pretty poorly-designed, and also suffers from a terrible lack of content. While this is an interesting direction for a spinoff of this series to go, it’s not a good direction.
BlazBlue -Clone Phantasma-	Action	D
tl;dr BlazBlue -Clonephantasma- is an arena-based Action game that’s a sequel to BlayzBloo, but strips out even more of that game’s already-anemic features, including the multiplayer. What’s left is a boring, repetitive game that few will want to spend more than a few minutes with before moving on.
Castle Conqueror Defender	Tower Defense	D
tl;dr Castle Conqueror Defender is a Tower Defense game that’s ugly, has poor controls, doesn’t explain its mechanics or the difference between troop types, and even putting all of that aside it does very little to differentiate itself within its genre. Don’t bother with this one.
Chess Challenge!	1-2 Competitive (Local Alternating / Local Wireless Alternating)	D
tl;dr Chess Challenge! is a version of Chess that’s ugly, with pieces that are hard to discern on the screen, an out-of-place soundtrack, and a poor selection of options for its $5 price tag. You have better options on Nintendo 3DS, get one of those other games instead.
City Skaters: Run Boy, Run Girl	Auto-Runner	D
tl;dr City Skaters is an Auto-Runner where players take the role of a skateboarder jumping over rooftops and dodging cops and obstacles. It looks ugly, doesn’t do much to distinguish itself, and overall just feels poorly put-together. Skip this one.
Crollors Game Pack	Compilation / Arcade	D
tl;dr Crollors Game Pack is a $1 Compilation of four different Arcade-style games, but three of those games are terrible, with the remaining one only sub-par at best. Even at $1, this Game Pack probably isn’t worth it.
Defense of the Middle Kingdom	Tower Defense	D
tl;dr Defense of the Middle Kingdom is a Tower Defense game set in the warring states period of China. This game has a great retro-style charm, but the gameplay has a multitude of problems, including poorly-explained gameplay, hard to distinguish units, spotty controls, a limited ability to deploy units. In short, this is a pretty awful Tower Defense game, and you’d do best to skip it and look to one of the numerous better alternatives.
Disney Infinity: Toy Box Challenge	Party Game	D
tl;dr Disney Infinity: Toy Box Challenge is a family-friendly Party Game where players are enticed with the promise of an epic crossover featuring all their favorite Disney and Pixar characters. Unfortunately, this is a terrible Party Game that’s slow-paced, simple, lacks a challenge, and does little to justify the “Toys to Life” elements. Do not waste your money on this one.
G.G Series: Air Pinball Hockey	Pinball / Arcade	D
tl;dr Air Pinball Hockey is a Pinball game that replaces the flippers and ball with an air hockey mallet and puck. It’s a great idea in theory, but in practice it’s absolutely ruined by poor controls, bland tables, and terrible physics. Even at $2, this game is not worth the price.
G.G Series: Horizontal Bar	Platformer	D
tl;dr Horizontal Bar is a Platformer where players take the role of a gymnast swinging their way through challenging obstacle courses. Unfortunately, the controls for swinging are far too exacting and difficult, and the result is a game that’s just not very fun to play through.
G.G Series: Nyokki	Arcade	D
tl;dr Nyokki is an Arcade-style game that plays like the classic game Snake, except your snake-like creature doesn’t grow as it navigates mazes and eats food, and the real challenge here is your own poor turning radius. Even at $2, this is a difficult game to see anyone finding worthwhile. Honestly, I’d much rather just play Snake.
G.G Series: Shadow Army	Top-Down Action	D
tl;dr Shadow Army is a Top-Down Action game where players take the role of a soldier shooting down enemies in a military base. The gameplay here is unfortunately just too flawed and repetitive to be enjoyable. Don’t bother with this game.
G.G Series: Super Hero Ogre	Fighting Game	D
tl;dr Super Hero Ogre is a Fighting Game where players take on multiple enemies at once. Unfortunately, the game’s limited controls make this a frustrating and joyless experience. Get another game instead.
G.G Series: The Last Knight	Top-Down Action	D
tl;dr The Last Knight is a Top-Down Action game that is reminiscent of fighting your way through the dungeons in Zelda games, only without all of the things that makes that fun. Everything in this game is slow, repetitive, and joyless. You have plenty of better options on the Nintendo 3DS.
G.G Series: Throw Out	Sports (Soccer)	D
tl;dr Throw Out is a Soccer-like Sports-style game that has players controlling a team of robots competing with an opposing team to score goals. However, the AI in this game is so dumb here that the lack of any multiplayer means that this game seems pretty pointless. Skip it.
G.G Series: Vertex	Arcade	D
tl;dr Vertex is an Arcade-style game that’s a little like a Shmup, but where you must use three types of weapons based on the number of sides missing from the geometric shapes you’re firing at. If you think counting the corners on geometric shapes over and over and over again sounds fun, you may find something to like here, but most players will want to skip it.
Gal Galaxy Pain	Arcade / Misc.	D
tl;dr Gal Galaxy Pain is a bizarre game with Arcade-style elements where players type numbers in the touchscreen keypad to fend off said falling numbers. This is surrounded by an odd, angsty story in a presentation that’s just strange. Collectors of oddities may find this game’s low $0.50 price may be worth it, but most will find the gameplay too dull (and oddly, with an absurd difficulty spike early on). It’s probably better if you save your $0.50.
Game & Watch: Chef	Arcade	D
tl;dr Game & Watch: Chef is a recreation of one of Nintendo’s first handheld videogames (predating the Game Boy by eight years), and it’s faithful to the original, which means an archaic presentation and simple, shallow gameplay. Unfortunately, this game plays somewhat similarly to both Ball and Vermin, and inconsistent timing means it’s not as good as either of those games. Unless you’re a collector, stick with one of those.
Game & Watch: Flagman	Arcade	D
tl;dr Game & Watch: Flagman is a recreation of Nintendo’s second handheld videogame (predating the Game Boy by nine years), and it’s faithful to the original, which means an archaic presentation and simple, shallow gameplay. Unfortunately, even by the standards of the day, I strain to think that many would be enticed by what amounts to an uninspired take on “Simon”. Skip this one.
Game & Watch: Judge	Arcade	D
tl;dr Game & Watch: Judge is a recreation of one of Nintendo’s earliest handheld videogames (predating the Game Boy by nine years), and it’s faithful to the original, which means an archaic presentation and simple, shallow gameplay. Unfortunately, even by the standards of the day, I strain to think that many would be enticed by what amounts to an uninspired take on “Quick Draw”. Skip this one.
Game & Watch: Manhole	Arcade	D
tl;dr Game & Watch: Manhole is a recreation of one of Nintendo’s first handheld videogames (predating the Game Boy by eight years), and it’s faithful to the original, which means an archaic presentation and simple, shallow gameplay. Unfortunately, this game plays somewhat similarly to both Ball and Vermin, but insn’t quite as straightforward, making one of those games a better choice.
High Stakes: Texas Hold’Em	Card Game (Poker)	D
tl;dr High Stakes: Texas Hold’Em is a version of the popular Poker Card Game that’s extremely light on features, especially for a game that only includes one version of Poker. You’re better off getting Classic Games Overload instead and avoiding this overpriced game altogether.
HomeTown Story	Management Simulation / RPG	D
tl;dr HomeTown Story is a shop Management Simulation where players choose what items to stock and how to price them, and strike deals with townsfolk on products to stock to make their shop a success. Unfortunately, the execution here is so poor that the game just isn’t fun to play, and players will be left wondering what the point is when they have to figure everything out for themselves. Here’s the most important thing to figure out – go with a different game instead.
Horseshoe Crab Rescue	Arcade / Misc.	D
tl;dr Horseshoe Crab Rescue is a bizarre game with Arcade-style elements where players search a beach for upside-down horseshoe crabs to flip back onto their feet. As a cute tribute game to horseshoe crabs, I suppose this is at least interesting, but as a videogame it’s simple and dull. Unless you want to spend $1 on something bizarre, skip this.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Universe in Peril	Isometric Action	D
tl;dr LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Universe in Peril is a family-friendly Isometric Action game that feels like what you get if you removed everything fun from the latest console game and stuffed the worst parts into another game instead. This is a package filled with tedium, poor controls, an underwhelming presentation, and overall disappointment. There are plenty of better LEGO games on Nintendo 3DS. Get one of those instead.
Love Hero	Shmup / Misc.	D
tl;dr Love Hero is nominally a Shmup, but really this is just a concept album for the game’s music with lazy, repetitive gameplay slapped on top of it. Save your $1 and just browse music on YouTube instead.
Machine Knight	Turn-Based JRPG	D
tl;dr Machine Knight is a JRPG that would be a boring, bog-standard JRPG if it wasn’t constantly insisting on taking forever overloading you with its terrible, bloated, poorly-localized story. Do not inflict this snoozefest of an RPG on yourself.
Maze Breaker	Arcade Brick Breaker	D
tl;dr Maze Breaker is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker where players are trying to break the blocks in a level within a limited amount of time. Unfortunately, the physics are atrociously bad to the point where this game just is not fun to play. Do not get this game.
Maze Breaker 2	Arcade Brick Breaker	D
tl;dr Maze Breaker 2 is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker where players are trying to break the blocks in a level within a limited amount of time. Unfortunately, the physics are atrociously bad to the point where this game just is not fun to play. Do not get this game.
Maze Breaker V	Arcade Brick Breaker	D
tl;dr Maze Breaker V is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker where players are trying to break the blocks in a level within a limited amount of time. Unfortunately, the physics are atrociously bad to the point where this game just is not fun to play. Do not get this game.
Mini Sports Collection	Compilation / Sports (Various)	D
tl;dr Mini Sports Collection is a Compilation of 12 extremely simple Sports minigames patterned loosely after Summer Olympics games. While there’s some potential here to build towards something resembling a Sports-themed WarioWare, there’s not enough variety or cohesion for that, and many of the games are simply too flawed. What results is a game that’s just too shallow to keep your interest for more than a few minutes before you move on.
My Aquarium: Seven Oceans	Simulation / Misc.	D
tl;dr My Aquarium is a fish tank Simulation Application that lets you fill up to five digital fish tanks with a small selection of fish you have to take care of like real fish. Only, this game does a poor job explaining how to use its functions, and it’s visually pretty ugly, making this an Application I think you’re better off skipping, even if you’re enticed by its premise.
Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection	Compilation / Pinball	D
tl;dr Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection is a Compilation of multiple Pinball tables released under the Williams brand (Black Knight, FunHouse, Gorgar, Pin-Bot, Space Shuttle, Taxi, and Whirlwind). Unfortunately, the graphics are so inexplicably dark that it makes this game almost impossible to play properly. Pinball fans may be tempted to get this game, but you’re better off going for the game on any other platform, or just getting a more modern release.
Pokemon Dream Radar	Shooting Gallery Game / Augmented Reality Game	D
tl;dr Pokemon Dream Radar is a Shooting Gallery Game using Augmented Reality that’s like playing the free game Face Raiders, except it’s boring, uses tedious wait mechanics, and unlocks Pokemon in the Nintendo DS games Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2. Unless you’re searching for a shortcut to get more Pokemon in those old Nintendo DS games, there’s nothing here that merits even the game’s $3 price tag. If you have a Nintendo 3DS, you already have Face Raiders, play that instead – it’s a much better game.
Pokemon Rumble World	Action-RPG	D
tl;dr Pokemon Rumble World is an Action-RPG with extremely simple, dull gameplay and simple, ugly 3D visuals that does nothing to fix the long-running problems with this series and actually makes things worse by adding in microtransactions and wait mechanics, and removing multiplayer features. Regardless of whether you’re considering the physical game or the free-to-play version, I suggest you skip this one entirely.
Rhythm Core Alpha	Content Creation Application	D
tl;dr Rhythm Core Alpha is a Music Creation Application that’s difficult to understand, poorly-designed in multiple ways, and ultimately creates poor-sounding synthesized music. Whatever you’re looking for in a Music Creation App, I don’t think this is it.
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3D	Management Simulation	D
tl;dr RollerCoaster Tycoon 3D is a Management Simulation where players manage their own theme park, including designing its roller coasters. Unfortunately, just about every element of this game is poorly done – the performance is terrible, the use of the touchscreen is inadequate, the management elements are dumbed-down, and trying to design your dream roller coaster is a nightmare of frustrations. This game is just an incredibly poor attempt at bringing this great PC franchise to Nintendo 3DS.
Simply Solitaire	Card Game (Klondike Solitaire)	D
tl;dr Simply Solitaire is a version of the Klondike Solitaire Card Game, and like the game’s title indicates, that’s it. Given the lack of options and features, and this game only offering one Solitaire game when plenty of others on the eShop offer plenty, there’s little reason to bother with this, even if you want Solitaire on your Nintendo 3DS.
Sketchy Snowboarding	Arcade / Sports (Snowboarding)	D
tl;dr Sketchy Snowboarding is an Arcade-style Snowboarding game where players see how long they can ride without crashing into anything. As the name implies, this game is rendered in a “sketchy” hand-drawn style that looks extremely unimpressive, and the simple gameplay and poor controls aren’t any better. Skip this one.
Sudoku Challenge!	Sudoku Puzzle	D
tl;dr Sudoku Challenge! is a version of the standard Sudoku Puzzle that has procedurally-generated puzzles and a “Grand Sudoku”-style puzzle that mashes together multiple puzzles into one. Unfortunately, this game’s faulty character recognition and lack of an undo button makes for gameplay that is torturously frustrating, and there’s just no reason to suffer through it with so many better alternatives on the Nintendo 3DS. Do not buy this game.
Super Swap	Match-3 Falling Block Puzzle	D
tl;dr Super Swap is a Match-3 Falling Block Puzzle game where players use the touchscreen to move falling multicolored gemstones to create matches. Unfortunately, the lack of multiplayer and the poor controls doom this game’s prospects, especially when so many better similar games are available on the Nintendo 3DS. Play one of those games instead.
Team Kirby Clash Deluxe	Fighting Game / Action-Platformer	D
tl;dr Team Kirby Clash Deluxe is a Free-To-Play Fighting Game / Platformer hybrid. It’s a co-op game that has up to four players fighting various Kirby bosses in extremely repetitive button-mashing affairs that are mediocre at best… oh, and then the game drags things down with sleazy microtransactions. To make things worse, this game was made obsolete when it was copy-pasted onto the Nintendo Switch in the form of Super Kirby Clash. As such, there’s pretty much no reason to play this game.
The Queen TV-Game 2	Arcade / Misc.	D
tl;dr The Queen TV-Game 2 is nominally an Arcade-style game, but really this is just some sort of strange art piece with lazy, repetitive gameplay slapped on top of it. At a cost of only two pennies, you might find this interesting enough to give it a look, but don’t expect anything resembling a good game here.
Undead Storm Nightmare	Top-Down Action	D
tl;dr Undead Storm Nightmare is a Top-Down Action game that has players fighting off hordes of zombies. Unfortunately, this game’s poor controls, bad hit detection, frustrating game design, and unappealing presentation all make for an experience that’s just not worth bothering with.
Best of Board Games: Chess	Board Game	D-
tl;dr Best of Board Games: Chess contains an absolutely terrible version of Chess, as well as 90 decent Chess puzzles. This might have been worth it for the puzzles, except the $10 price tag is an absolute deal-breaker. Do not buy this rip-off.
Bricks Pinball	Arcade Brick Breaker / Pinball	D-
tl;dr Bricks Pinball is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker with some Pinball mechanics thrown in. Unfortunately, the flippers in this game are useless, and the physics are atrociously bad. Do not get this game.
Bricks Pinball 2	Arcade Brick Breaker / Pinball	D-
tl;dr Bricks Pinball 2 is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker with some Pinball mechanics thrown in. Unfortunately, the flippers in this game are useless, and the physics are atrociously bad. Do not get this game.
Bricks Pinball V	Arcade Brick Breaker / Pinball	D-
tl;dr Bricks Pinball V is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker with some Pinball mechanics thrown in. Unfortunately, the flippers in this game are useless, and the physics are atrociously bad. Do not get this game.
LEGO Friends	Misc.	D-
tl;dr LEGO Friends is a game that takes the standard LEGO game formula, gets rid of all of the action and puzzles, and just leaves tedious fetch quests. Then, it slows down the pacing to a crawl, and ensures that the presentation is awkward and off-putting. Go make friends with some other game, this game is most certainly not your friend.
Maze Breaker 3	Arcade Brick Breaker	D-
tl;dr Maze Breaker 3 is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker where players are trying to break the blocks in a level within a limited amount of time. Unfortunately, the physics are atrociously bad to the point where this game just is not fun to play, and the shift in camera perspective is so disruptive that it actually makes the game worse. Do not get this game.
Maze Breaker 4	Arcade Brick Breaker	D-
tl;dr Maze Breaker 4 is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker where players are trying to break the blocks in a level within a limited amount of time. Unfortunately, the physics are atrociously bad to the point where this game just is not fun to play, and the shift in camera perspective is so disruptive that it actually makes the game worse. Do not get this game.
Maze Breaker VI	Arcade Brick Breaker	D-
tl;dr Maze Breaker VI is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker where players are trying to break the blocks in a level within a limited amount of time. Unfortunately, the physics are atrociously bad to the point where this game just is not fun to play, and the shift in camera perspective is so disruptive that it actually makes the game worse. Do not get this game.
Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles	Arcade Brawler	D-
tl;dr Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an Arcade Brawler that’s terrible in just about every way, with too-dark graphics, characters that aren’t really distinguishable from one another, terrible enemy AI and even worse hit detection. This is about as far as you can get from the classic Ninja Turtles games of yesteryear. Avoid it.
Phasmophobia: Hall of Specters 3D	Arcade / First-Person Horror	D-
tl;dr Phasmophobia: Hall of Specters 3D (no relation to the PC game Phasmophobia) is a game that re-imagines Pac-Man as a First-Person Horror game, but as fun as this concept is, this game fails at every step – it doesn’t make it clear where the pickups are in the maze, it doesn’t do anything to justify the First-Person perspective, it’s not scary, and the game can be easily completed in just a few minutes. Even for $3, this game is a waste, don’t buy it.
Pokedex 3D Pro	Application / Misc.	D-
tl;dr Pokedex 3D Pro is software that allows players to see 3D representations of all of the Pokemon within the games Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2, see them represented in an AR camera mode, and play simple trivia games focusing on them. Even ignoring how dated this concept is, it’s crazy that they’re charging $15 for this. There is absolutely no way this software is worth that cost – do not buy this.
Puzzle Labyrinth	First-Person Puzzle	D-
tl;dr Puzzle Labyrinth is a First-Person Puzzle game filled with inexplicable, poorly-localized puzzles that often make zero sense, made worse thanks to absolutely terrible pacing. Skip this one.
Space Defender Battle Infinity	Shmup	D-
tl;dr Space Defender Battle Infinity is a Shmup that has limited ammo for your shots, which would be horrible if it wasn’t for the fact that enemies that don’t move and barely fire. Yeah, this game feels ridiculously unfinished, and it absolutely is not worth even a fraction of the $10 asking price. Do not buy this game.
Stack ‘Em High	Arcade	D-
tl;dr Stack ‘Em High is an Arcade-style game that has players directing falling objects with a goal of stacking as many as possible on a platform. Unfortunately, the game is plagued with numerous problems that make playing the game less about skill and more about dumb luck, and even simply controlling the placement of itemswith any sort of skill or accuracy is virtually impossible. There may be some visceral fun to be had here, but it’s short-lived and you’ll get bored or exasperated with this game very quickly.
Animal Crossing Calculator	Application	F
tl;dr Animal Crossing Calculator is a Calculator Application that makes no sense to buy in a world where most people have a smartphone that can easily do the same thing for free. Unless you want this as some sort of memento, skip it.
Animal Crossing Clock	Application	F
tl;dr Animal Crossing Clock is a Clock Application on a handheld platform that has a built-in clock. I shouldn’t even have to write more than that.
Bricks Defender	Arcade Brick Breaker	F
tl;dr Bricks Defender is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker that has you taking on an AI opponent, trying to break the blocks on their side before they break all the blocks on your side. This game is poorly executed in countless ways, from the terrible control setup to the atrociously bad physics, poor AI, and lack of multiplayer in a game designed to be competitive. You have countless better options on Nintendo 3DS, do not bother with this game.
Bricks Defender 2	Arcade Brick Breaker	F
tl;dr Bricks Defender 2 is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker that has you taking on an AI opponent, trying to break the blocks on their side before they break all the blocks on your side. This game is poorly executed in countless ways, from the terrible control setup to the atrociously bad physics, poor AI, and lack of multiplayer in a game designed to be competitive. You have countless better options on Nintendo 3DS, do not bother with this game.
Bricks Defender 3	Arcade Brick Breaker	F
tl;dr Bricks Defender 3 is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker that has you taking on an AI opponent, trying to break the blocks on their side before they break all the blocks on your side. This game is poorly executed in countless ways, from the terrible control setup to the atrociously bad physics, poor AI, and lack of multiplayer in a game designed to be competitive. You have countless better options on Nintendo 3DS, do not bother with this game.
Bricks Defender 4	Arcade Brick Breaker	F
tl;dr Bricks Defender 4 is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker that has you taking on an AI opponent, trying to break the blocks on their side before they break all the blocks on your side. This game is poorly executed in countless ways, from the terrible control setup to the atrociously bad physics, poor AI, and lack of multiplayer in a game designed to be competitive. You have countless better options on Nintendo 3DS, do not bother with this game.
Bricks Defender V	Arcade Brick Breaker	F
tl;dr Bricks Defender V is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker that has you taking on an AI opponent, trying to break the blocks on their side before they break all the blocks on your side. This game is poorly executed in countless ways, from the terrible control setup to the atrociously bad physics, poor AI, and lack of multiplayer in a game designed to be competitive. You have countless better options on Nintendo 3DS, do not bother with this game.
Bricks Pinball 3	Arcade Brick Breaker / Pinball	F
tl;dr Bricks Pinball 3 is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker with some Pinball mechanics thrown in. Unfortunately, the flippers in this game are useless, the physics are atrociously bad, and the terrible camera angle actually works against the player. Do not get this game.
Bricks Pinball VI	Arcade Brick Breaker / Pinball	F
tl;dr Bricks Pinball VI is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker with some Pinball mechanics thrown in. Unfortunately, the flippers in this game are useless, the physics are atrociously bad, and the terrible camera angle actually works against the player. Do not get this game.
Calculator	Application	F
tl;dr Calculator is a Calculator Application that makes no sense to buy in a world where most people have a smartphone that can easily do the same thing for free. Unless you want this as some sort of curio, skip it.
Clubhouse Games Express: Card Classics	Compilation / Card Game	F
tl;dr Clubhouse Games Express: Card Classics contains somewhat dubious versions of Blackjack, Last Card, Last Card Plus (Uno), President, and Five Card Draw (Poker). Even if you wanted to play these games, this release is a total rip-off, because you can get the entire game these titles were ripped from for almost the exact same price. If you want to play these games on Nintendo 3DS, don’t buy Clubhouse Games Express, just get the original Nintendo DS version of Clubhouse Games instead.
Clubhouse Games Express: Family Favorites	Compilation / Card Game / Board Games	F
tl;dr Clubhouse Games Express: Family Favorites contains somewhat dubious versions of Hearts, Contract Bridge, Dominoes, Dots and Boxes, and Ludo (Pachisi/Parcheesi). Even if you wanted to play these games, this release is a total rip-off, because you can get the entire game these titles were ripped from for almost the exact same price. If you want to play these games on Nintendo 3DS, don’t buy Clubhouse Games Express, just get the original Nintendo DS version of Clubhouse Games instead.
Clubhouse Games Express: Strategy Pack	Compilation / Board Games	F
tl;dr Clubhouse Games Express: Strategy Pack contains decent versions of Backgammon, Field Tactics (Stratego), Turncoat (Reversi/Othello), Connect Five (Gomoku), and Grid Attack (Battleship). Even if you wanted to play these games, this release is a total rip-off, because you can get the entire game these titles were ripped from for almost the exact same price. If you want to play these games on Nintendo 3DS, don’t buy Clubhouse Games Express, just get the original Nintendo DS version of Clubhouse Games instead.
Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish	Arcade / Platformer	F
tl;dr Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish is an Arcade-style game with Platformer elements, with the premise that you can only control your character using one button, and what that button does changes in each room. It’s a fun idea, and the presentation here is great, but the game design is so fundamentally flawed that the game will repeatedly kill the player without any warning. In short: do not buy this game.
Mario Calculator	Application	F
tl;dr Mario Calculator is a Calculator Application that makes no sense to buy in a world where most people have a smartphone that can easily do the same thing for free. Unless you want this as some sort of memento, skip it.
Mario Clock	Application	F
tl;dr Mario Clock is a Clock Application on a handheld platform that has a built-in clock. I shouldn’t even have to write more than that.
MyDiary	Application	F
tl;dr MyDiary is an Application that lets users turn their Nintendo 3DS into their own personal digital diary. The problems is, these days everything this software does is now done even better by the smartphones most of us already own. As such, it’s hard to see much a point to this software.
MyNotebook	Application	F
tl;dr MyNotebook is an Application (well, technically it’s six applications, all separately purchasable in different colors) that lets users turn their Nintendo 3DS into their own personal notebook. The problems is, as a drawing application it is far outclassed by numerous other Apps on the Nintendo 3DS, and as a note-taking app it’s nowhere near as practical as your own smartphone. Unless you just find the idea of having this software on your Nintendo 3DS amusing, skip it.
Nintendo Badge Arcade	Arcade / Misc.	F
tl;dr Nintendo Badge Arcade is a free-to-play Arcade-style game that has players playing crane games to earn cosmetics to use on their Nintendo 3DS home screen. Unfortunately, this game wants players to constantly be paying to play it, and wrapping it in a kid-friendly cartoony presentation only makes the way it’s reaching its hand into players’ pockets more disgusting.
Photo Clock	Application	F
tl;dr Photo Clock is a Clock Application on a handheld platform that has a built-in clock. I shouldn’t even have to write more than that.
Shanghai Mahjong	Card Game / Puzzle	F
tl;dr Shanghai Mahjong is a version of solitaire Mahjong that offers players both a zoomed-in and zoomed-out view of the tiles at the same time, which is nice, but the absolutely abysmal lack of content, features, options, or even basic things like music make this one of the worst versions of the game on the Nintendo 3DS eShop, and the fact that it’s selling for a whopping $8 is an outright insult. You have plenty of better options, do not buy this game.
Talking Phrasebook: 7 Languages	Application	F
tl;dr Talking Phrasebook is an Application that allows you to translate 780 phrases from English to six other common languages… but not back. Add to this tons of menus within menus that are constantly slow to load, a lack of a search function, and flat, emotionless voice recordings with poor sound quality, and this App would have been of dubious value even before you realize that a quick hop over to Google Translate on your smartphone serves the same purpose a thousand times better. So no, don’t get this.
WarioWare: Snapped!	Arcade / Misc.	F
tl;dr WarioWare: Snapped! Is the DSiWare entry in Nintendo’s Arcade-style “microgame” franchise, focusing on using the camera to control the gameplay with your head and hand motions. Unfortunately, the motion control is busted and does not work properly, making even the low $5 cost of this game a waste of money.
Bricks Pinball 4	Arcade Brick Breaker / Pinball	F-
tl;dr Bricks Pinball 4 is an Arcade-stye Brick Breaker with some Pinball mechanics thrown in… and apparently this is the exact same game as Bricks Pinball 3? Weird. Like that game, the flippers in this game are useless, the physics are atrociously bad, and the terrible camera angle actually works against the player. Do not get this game.
Rytmik Ultimate	Content Creation Application	N/A
tl;dr Rytmik Ultimate is a Music Creation Application that is inscrutable unless you already have a deep understanding of music editing. In which case, why get music creation software for the Nintendo 3DS instead of the PC? If you find yourself in the extremely narrow target audience who is interested in that sort of thing, I apologize – I’m not the one to tell you about this software.

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