TOP 5: Nintendo 3DS Games

Hey everyone,

Since relaunching my little space on the internet, I'm finding lots of freedom in talking about not just fashion, but other loves in my life.

And one of those which I previously didn't talk about a lot, was gaming.

I've always been a bit of a Nintendo fangirl, having grown up with Mario and ten years (!) ago in 2005, I became obsessed with the Nintendo DS console. Having upgraded to the 3DS in 2013, I've accumulated a small but very much loved collection and I've going to share some of my faovurite 3DS games.

I thought this would also be helpful ahead of the holiday season when there tends to be a drop in the price on consoles, along with deals on various games.

And if you were thinking of making a Christmas purchase, these are some of my favourites you may be interested in trying:

Also just so we're clear, this post is not sponsored by Nintendo.

And also to clarify that these are just my personal favourites. 

As I always say, life would be very boring if we all liked the same thing.
Sound OK bros?)

HONOURABLE MENTION:
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Synopsis:
Our hero Link sets out on a quest to stop Ganondorf, King of the Gerudo tribe, from obtaining the Triforce, a sacred relic that grants the wishes of its holder.

Yes, I know, I know. It's a remaster of the Nintendo 64 game.
But it's my favourite Legend of Zelda game I've played.

And of course there are plenty of new features such as updated dungeons and controls, plus the game really takes advantage of the 3DS's stereoscopic technology - making it much easier to look around and take aim.

Like I've said, this is my favourite Zelda title I've played so far, and I found it a great introduction to Zelda noobs such as myself. I've played through Phantom Hourglass on the DS, but I previously knew little about the timeline, legacy etc.

I plan on getting Link Between Words as it's currently on sale for £15.99 - which will be interesting as it will be the first original Zelda title I'll have played on the 3DS. We shall see!


Also try:
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D.

5: Super Mario 3D Land

Synopsis:
During a heavy thunderstorm, the "Tail Tree", which stands on Princess Peach's castle grounds is stripped of all its leaves. Mario and the Toads go to inspect the tree the next day they discover a letter from Bowser, learning that he has kidnapped the princess. Mario sets off in pursuit to locate and rescue the princess and discover what is so important about the leaves.

Really though, I couldn't have a Top 5 3DS list without a Mario title now could I?

I'm not usually a fan of '3D' platformers as I tend to find them a little clunky and the controls a little fussy. (I blame a childhood of ending up in circles playing Sonic 3D on the Megadrive...)

However it does actually feel like a Mario scroller we all know and love with 'open world' 3D elements added. The health system is also the same as classic Mario games - shrinking in size if atacked by enemies. Returning also are well-recognised power items such as the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Starman.

I would say that this game is particularly easy, however - even for fairly casual gamers.
Power-ups are plentiful, extra lives are easy to come by and the bosses are not at all difficult in my opinion.

However this is a great starter if you are not only new to gaming, but new to to the Mario franchise.


Also try...
Mario Kart 7
New Super Mario Bros 2
Luigi's Mansion 2
Mario Party: Island Tour

4: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies

(No box art as it is only available from the Nintendo E-Shop. Don't even get me started.)

Synopsis

Roughly one year after the events of the previous game, the legal system has entered a dark age of forged evidence and false charges. Phoenix Wright is back to take on the system from the inside.

Short backstory: I have been an Ace Attorney fangirl since the Nintendo DS days. During my time at Newcastle College, me and my buddy Aff would sit antisocially playing our consoles at lunch (nothing changes, I still do this). 

One day, she was telling me about the Ace Attorney games and was so persistant that I play them - she loaned me the first game and insisted I start playing the moment I get home. I got home at 5pm and was still up at 2am playing - I was instantly hooked by the gameplay, the music, the characters. 

Bearing in mind the first three base Ace Attorney games are actually remakes of Game Boy Advance games from back the 90s, you can imagine my excitement when I brand new game was launched especially for the 3DS.

In lots of way, it is classic Ace Attorney - investigation and a trial, trying to prove the innocence of your client. However consider improved graphics and gameplay, better quality music - the 3DS technology has really given the series a chance to prove what it can do.

It now also features anime cut-scenes very similar to the Professor Layton series. These have been critisied by some fans, but I absolutely loved them - and have me seriously pumped for the anime launching 2016.

Taking place approximately one year after the events of Apollo Justice (Nintendo DS), it fleshes out a lot of the characterisation from the newbies we met.
Apollo in particular is given lots of layers and becomes a lot more interesting ironically than he was in his titular game.

There is also a new assistant in the form of Athena Cykes. Phoenix's assistants are typically strong minded, talented females (another reason I love this series) and Athena is no exception. Sassy, physically strong (albeit clumsy) and with penchant for psychology, she also introduces the new 'therapy' feature, which replaces the magatama and bracelet in previous games as a way to see if a witness is lying on the stand.

The only thing I will say about this, is that I found this the easiest game in the series and completed it faster than any other. However this is no necessarily a bad thing, as it is actually a great game to be introduced to the series. Although - of course - I highly recommend you go back and play the predecessors.

Also Try...
Ace Attorney Trilogy HD


Shall I shut up about Ace Attorney now? Okay.
But, wait...

3. Professor Layton VS. Phoenix Wright

Synopsis:
Professor Hershel Layton, Luke Triton, Phoenix Wright, and Maya Fey find themselves in Labyrinthia, a strange medieval-style city in a different world from their own that has recently been falling victim to a number of seemingly impossible occurrences. The town is controlled by a sinister individual known only as the Storyteller. Professor Layton has to solve the mysteries of the strange world he has found himself in, while Phoenix Wright participates in "witch trials" to prove the innocence of a young girl accused of witchcraft.


Firstly, let me make something very clear. I don't think I've been so excited about a game. EVER. Seriously, the coming together of two of my favourite ever games series: pure joy!

The whole game I personally found very nostalgic, having played every game in each series several times on the Nintendo DS.

Moreso, that the story takes place somewhere before Professor Layton and the Unwound Future and after Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations - meaning the return of Phoenix's old assistant (and quite possibly my favourite video game character, ever) Maya Fey.

Although there is investigation in the Ace Attorney series, where this would be is replaced by Professor Layton style detective work interlaced by instantly recognisable puzzles. Seeing Phoenix and Maya intertwined the beautiful European-style artwork of Layton was very exciting.

The only place I find it falls short, is sadly I found the court proceedings ('Witch Trials' in this game) a little repetitive.
One of the joys of the Ace Attorney games is putting different witnesses on the stand, and making them squirm. However having the same 'mob' witnesses in every trial became tedious, the jokes ran dry very quickly and I longed for it to be over so we could get back to investigating in the town.

That being said, the coming together of two epic series does make for a wonderfully well-rounded gaming experience. And I highly recommend giving it a try - even if you are a complete beginner to either series.

Also Try...
Professor Layton and The Miracle Mask
Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy

2: Fire Emblem: Awakening

Synopsis:
Struggling to fend off attacks from the neighbouring kingdom of Plegia, Prince Chrom of the Halidom of Ylisse and his gang of "Shepherds," find you collapsed by the side of the road. Although you have no memory of who you are, you agree to join them on their journey.

Awakening was not only my first foray into the Fire Emblem series, but actually my first RPG.
Yes, I know I know. I have tried before with games from the Final Fantasy series and unfortunately not been able to get stuck into them like games mentioned previous.

However after trying this via a Nintendo E-shop demo, I was instantly hooked.

Designing your own avatar is always a big plus for me - it makes the game instantly personable and allows me to connect with the lead character almost straight away. (Shows I spent a childhood playing The Sims, no?).
I found the characters instantly memorable - which is good as they come in droves. In pretty much every new battle until the middle-end of the game you are introduced to new characters and comrades who can join you in your quest.

Having plenty of characters is particularly useful if you play the 'Classic' version of the game - as in preivously games if you lose a character in battle, they do not return for the remainder of the game. This makes for a very authentic gameplay, as every move and decision you make has consequenses for the rest of the play.
However, for newbies like myself the 'Casual' mode was great first time around. If a character dies, they simply withdraw from that particular battle and return for the next one. I know hardcore Fire Emblem fans disapprove of this feature, but I think it's a great option for first timers who are trying to find their feet, or casual gamers who perhaps don't have the time to sink so many hours into the game.

Another interesting feature, is 'support.' If characters join together in battles, their relationship improves. And if two characters characters become so close, they can actually get married and produce children in the second half of the game which can be recruited and join the war. This makes for repeat plays of the game, to see which couples (unlocking conversations and getting to know the characters more) and as their children inherit their skills, it is interesting to see which combinations they can have - often deadly consequences for foes.

Now this does come with negatives.
Firstly, only opposite genders can become romantically involved which is just stupid on so many levels. And secondly, I didn't realise this was actually a 'thing' until lurking in various FE forums during my first playthrough - and by then I had already sunk way too many hours into my first round of gameplay to rectify my mistake.

Fire Emblem: Awakening is one of those games where you get a lot of play for your buck. I'm actually ashamed to say how many hours I have put into several replays - all I'll say is we're into triple digits now.

It's a wonderful introduction to RPG, with music and characters that will stay with you for a very long time.
Yes, the storyline is a little watery at times, but the good tenfold outweighs the bad.

Also Try...
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M,
Bravely Default
Fire Emblem: Fates (COMING SPRING 2016 OMG OMG)


Annnnnd finally number 1. That means if can of course only be...

1. Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Synopsis: 
There are no points or levels, just an amazing array of sights and sounds, places and activities...all yours to explore. Spend your time passing new ordinances—or going fishing. Hang out at a coffee shop or visit a tropical island. It's all up to you.


Really though, could you have really expected anything else?

New Leaf is the forth in the Animal Crossing series, and first for the 3DS. Having played Wild World (Nintendo DS) and City Folk (Nintendo Wii) it has all the warm fuzzies, nostalgic and gentle gameplay associated with the Animal Crossing world, but improved pretty much in every single way,

Instead of being a lowly new villager, making their way in a new town - you are now the mayor, in control of development of the town, the new main street and passing ordinances.

Returning are several iconic Animal Crossing characters - such as Tom Nook (who has given up a life of retail for real estate), KK Slider the local musician, The Able Sisters and their fabulous fashion, Blathers and Celeste in the museum and Brewster and his coffee shop to name just a few.

However the game introduces some wonderful new faces, such as Reece and Cyrus the alpacas who own the thrift shop, Digby who keeps watch over the new spotpass 'Showcase' feature and his twin sister Isabelle who is your assistant as mayor. 

Animal Crossing's success is that gameplay can be adjusted to whoever is playing. Some players spend hour designing their house, others collecting the encyclopedia of bugs, fishes and museum exhibits, spending time playing online with friends, making friends with the villagers, planting the perfect garden or designing their own pieces to share in the very active online community. 

Although it does have a reputation for being a very 'casual' game - the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. There is always a new villager to meet, something new to catch or find or plant.

If you know someone who is getting a 3DS for the holidays and you're unsure what game they might like - Animal Crossing is a sure thing!

Also try...
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer
Fantasy Life
Harvest Moon: A New Beginning
Tomodachi Life


Hooray, so those are my Top 5 choices.

Some people may have notices a lack of Pokemon games - I'm afraid I'm simply not into them on my part. And as for everybody's favourite - Super Smash Bros. - I have this for my WiiU, so I can't personally add it to my 3DS list.

I hope this was of some help for anyone looking for where to start with 3DS games!

And finally, want to see me cosplaying Isabelle from Animal Crossing: New Leaf from last year?
Of course you do:

Muchos love
Carla