Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Best 3DS Games You Might Have Missed
As enthusiasts of handheld gaming, many players often find themselves deeply engrossed in current-generation consoles. However, it is frequently observed that a wealth of exceptional titles on previous platforms, such as the Nintendo 3DS, can be overlooked. The video above highlights five such stellar 3DS games that perhaps evaded the notice of even dedicated gamers. This accompanying article delves deeper into these remarkable experiences, providing additional context and compelling reasons why these best 3DS games should be explored.
Ever Oasis: A Desert Adventure with Town Management
The first game that is suggested for exploration is Ever Oasis, an action RPG that seamlessly blends combat with town-building mechanics. Upon its release, this title was highly anticipated by many, although its unique charm might not have captured universal attention. A distinct Egyptian aesthetic, inspired by ancient cultures, is immediately appealing and sets the stage for an engaging journey.
In this game, players are entrusted with the crucial role of leading a settlement. The primary objective involves transforming a barren desert into a thriving oasis, attracting potential villagers, and fulfilling their various requests. As the town expands, new shops become available and crafting recipes are discovered, allowing for significant economic growth. This intricate balance of resource management and community development ensures that progression feels consistently rewarding.
Beyond the managerial aspects, exploration and combat are integral components of the Ever Oasis experience. Dungeons are encountered where villagers can be recruited into a party, providing assistance in battles against formidable creatures. This system fosters a greater attachment to characters, elevating them beyond mere shopkeepers to vital allies. Moreover, the benefits reaped from dungeon expeditions are directly applied to the settlement’s growth, creating a cohesive gameplay loop. It is widely acknowledged that the depth of gameplay found within Ever Oasis often exceeds initial expectations, offering a rich and expansive world to discover.
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia – A Nostalgic Remake
For those with an appreciation for tactical RPGs, Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia represents a significant and often missed entry. This title, released in 2017, is a remake of Fire Emblem Gaiden, an NES game that was previously unavailable outside of Japan. The opportunity to experience this classic narrative with modern enhancements was a particular draw for fans of the franchise.
A notable aspect of Echoes is its incorporation of mechanics not seen in recent Fire Emblem installments. This decision was met with enthusiasm, as it provided a refreshing gameplay style that distinguished it from contemporary entries. The story, which features memorable characters such as Celica, is frequently praised for its compelling narrative depth. Players are encouraged to engage with the world-building by exploring towns and conversing with their inhabitants, thereby uncovering rich lore and contextual details.
Combat within Echoes is presented uniquely; exploration in dungeons transitions from an action RPG style to the series’ traditional turn-based battles upon encountering enemies. This hybrid approach has been compared to the acclaimed Persona series, offering a dynamic and engaging combat system. Character leveling and traditional RPG elements are deeply embedded, providing a satisfying sense of progression. Fire Emblem Echoes stands as a testament to how remakes can not only preserve history but also introduce forgotten innovations to a new generation of players, making it an essential addition to any Nintendo 3DS library.
Mario Sports Superstars: Quick Fun for Every Gamer
Mario Sports Superstars is another 3DS game that offers diverse entertainment in a single package. This title combines five popular sports—tennis, golf, soccer, baseball, and the newly introduced horse racing—into a convenient collection. These sports have a long history of featuring Mario characters, dating back to the NES era and continuing through various Nintendo consoles.
Designed for both offline and online play, the game includes tournament modes and provides a quick, accessible gaming experience. It is particularly well-suited for brief play sessions, making it an ideal choice for filling small pockets of free time. The low investment required to enjoy Mario Sports Superstars allows players to pick it up and put it down easily, without needing to commit to lengthy campaigns. This accessibility has made it a favorite among those seeking casual, yet engaging, entertainment.
The appeal of this game lies in its ability to offer variety and replayability within familiar Nintendo settings. Whether a player enjoys the precision of golf or the fast-paced action of soccer, there is an activity to suit diverse preferences. As a result, Mario Sports Superstars has been recognized as a valuable addition to the 3DS games lineup, providing countless hours of lighthearted competition.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon: Enhanced Journeys in Alola
The twin titles, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, are often considered essential for fans of the franchise, especially if the original Sun and Moon versions were missed. These are enhanced versions that introduce a wealth of new content, including additional Pokémon, an entirely new dimension to explore, and numerous quality-of-life improvements. The goal was to provide a more refined and enjoyable experience for both new and returning players.
Significant changes were implemented to streamline gameplay, such as a brighter user interface, quicker save options, and a reduction in slow dialogue sequences. Notably, the early stages of the game were sped up, allowing players to embark on their Pokémon journey with greater efficiency. New activities, like surfing and performing tricks, were added, enhancing the exploration experience. Furthermore, players are able to ride legendary Pokémon through wormholes, leading to the discovery of new species and unique encounters. Even the trial challenges, which serve as the game’s gym battles, were tweaked and reworked, offering fresh and more engaging experiences.
While the core storyline largely remains consistent until the latter stages, the sheer volume of tweaks and additions makes Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon the definitive versions of the Alola region story. For those who have not yet explored Alola, these titles are undoubtedly the recommended starting point. However, even veteran players of the original Sun and Moon may find enough new content and improvements to justify a return visit, ensuring that the journey feels fresh and exciting. These iterations are considered foundational for any list of best 3DS games for Pokémon enthusiasts.
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King – A Timeless JRPG
Finally, Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King represents another fantastic JRPG that found a new home on the 3DS. Originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2005, this classic title was later adapted for Android devices in 2014, before making its way to the 3DS in early 2017 (North America), following a 2015 release in Japan. Its enduring quality ensures that it remains a compelling experience even when compared to more recent RPGs.
The 3DS version introduced several key gameplay modifications that were largely welcomed by players. For instance, random encounters in the overworld were removed, allowing enemies to be seen and potentially avoided, a feature preferred by many. Conversely, random encounters were preserved during sailing segments, catering to different player preferences. Battle speed options were added, enabling players to accelerate animations and streamline combat, which significantly improved the pacing of longer engagements. A quick save feature was also implemented, providing much-needed convenience for on-the-go play.
Beyond these quality-of-life enhancements, the 3DS remake also expanded the game’s content by introducing two new party members and additional scenarios. These additions provide fresh perspectives and further depth to an already robust narrative. Dragon Quest VIII’s ability to compete with contemporary RPGs on the system speaks volumes about its timeless design and engaging mechanics. Whether returning to the game or experiencing it for the first time, the 3DS version of Dragon Quest VIII offers a comprehensive and enjoyable JRPG adventure, solidifying its place among the most cherished 3DS games available.
Many other fantastic titles contribute to the rich library of Nintendo 3DS games, and new experiences continue to be discovered by players who dive into its extensive catalog. The enduring appeal of this handheld console is consistently demonstrated by the passionate community that continues to explore its offerings.
