Top 20 3DS Games

I tend to focus a lot on old consoles - namely N64 and Gamecube - that I often neglect current consoles. I don't do this intentionally, but there are a lot of older games I need to catch up on. From time to time I may say how disappointed I am with newer consoles but I think it has a lot to do with getting older and simply not having enough time to play as many games as I used to. I often don't even get to play a new game until months later even if I buy it at its launch. My backlog just never seems to go down. But that being said, new games are still great, even if I don't dedicate enough time to them. One such console that receives a good amount of attention from me is the Nintendo 3DS. For a while I regretted buying it because I neglected it by not playing it and focusing on actual consoles rather than handhelds. I just kind of put it on the back burner up until about 2013. With great new game after great new game being released for the handheld, my opinion slowly started to change for the better, and right now I'm at the point where 3DS might actually be my favorite handheld system ever. I'm finally getting around to playing a lot more 3DS than I have since its launch and working my way through games I've had on the backburner since I got them. All I can say is - I've been missing out. The 3DS is simply fantastic to say the least. Not only do we have a lot of high quality retail games, you also have a lot of great download-only games, and a healthy dose of Virtual Console games. And I'm beginning to admit that I'm more of a handheld gamer nowadays anyway. It's just more convenient and I like having the ability to play them on lunch break. I looked over my 3DS collection last night, which is actually larger than I thought, and put together a Top 20 list of games for those just getting into it or looking for more games to get. I could easily do a top 30 or top 40 because there really are that many great games but I'll stick to 20 for now. Also note I'm only listing retail 3DS games since that's what I collect. There are a good few download only games that might make it to the list but my focus is 95% on retail games. Anyway, without further ado, here is my list of top 20 3DS (retail) games!

20.  Mario Golf: World Tour

I'm not a big fan of golf or even golf games. I picked this up on a whim over last summer and I actually played it a good amount. It is easily the best Mario Golf game I've played. The graphics are fantastic, the gameplay is easy to pick up, hard to master, and the game has several different modes to keep you interested. It's great for fans of golf or Mario games in general. I generally hate sports games but I always manage to enjoy any Mario-hosted sports game even if it is golf. The fact that you have a good golf game on the go is another plus.

19. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Admittedly I haven't given this one a whole lot of time to but I think I played it enough to know that it's a pretty good follow up to the Mario & Luigi games on DS. I like the Mario & Luigi games for their unique battle system and comedic stories. Dream Team isn't the best game in the series but it retains the great battle system, which is timing-based. You attack with jumps and hammer swings, and to avoid attacks you have to time your hammer swings and jumps, just as you time your attacks to increase damage. It's a clever system that works really well. It may not be the most unique game on this list but it's still a good time.

18. Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millenium Girl

The 3DS has been blessed with the strong presence of Atlus, a developer of Japanese RPGs. Etrian Odyssey is one such series that graces this handheld. It didn't sound like something I would like but I gave the demo a shot and enjoyed it enough to buy the full game. It's a classic turn based RPG but with a cool twist - as you explore the dungeons, you make your own maps. It sounds like a chore but think of it as a side quest of sorts. It's actually really fun to do. Dungeon exploration and battles take place in first person, which I thought would be another turn off but it actually immerses you into the game even more. One more strong point for this game is music. It's simply beautiful. Fans of old school RPGs and those who enjoy exploring dungeons should give the demo a try and see if this is for you.

17. Final Fantasy Theatrhythm: Curtain Call

This game is kind of a sleeper hit. The original Final Fantasy Theatrhythm game came out for the series' 25th anniversary and was a showcase of some of the best music tracks in the series. Yes, this is a music rhythm game. It's a genre I don't like very much, not because it's bad, but it just doesn't suit me. But Final Fantasy is known for its spectacular soundtracks, and there is a lot of music here. Over 200 tracks from the entire series, in fact, including spinoffs. Not to mention there is a decent number of DLC music tracks to buy. Gameplay is simple to learn but hard to master. You tap or slide the stylus to the rhythm of the music tracks, as shown by targets or markers you see on the screen. It sounds like a weird concept but it works surprisingly well. It's not for everyone but as a big fan of the series' music, I felt owning this is obligatory.

16. Bravely Default

This game gets a lot of praise for being the best RPG on the 3DS, and that may be, but this game wasn't as good as it was hyped up to be, at least in my experience. Still, it's a solid game. It's very similar to Final Fantasy III and V with its class system. The story is nothing to get excited about and the battle system is mostly standard for a Final Fantasy-type game. If you enjoy older Final Fantasy titles, specifically 3 and 5, you'll enjoy this one. I found it to be a very solid game. Also noteworthy is the fantastic soundtrack, which hearkens back to classic Final Fantasies as well. Give this game a go if you enjoy classic RPGs.

15. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate

This game has often been cited as one of the worst games in the series since it came out and I really can't figure out why. The exploration aspect isn't as deep as other Castlevania, but you get to view the story from multiple perspectives which is a cool twist. There are also nice comic-book-esque cutscenes in between areas. One downside to the game is that the franchise staple of fantastic music is gone, and instead we have more of moody, atmospheric background noise. But it doesn't really detract from the overall experience much. The gameplay is great and is a nice blend of classic "MetroidVania" style games and Lords of Shadow's. It's not my favorite game in the series but it's definitely worth a play especially if you enjoyed Lords of Shadow.

14. Resident Evil: Revelations

I played this game on Wii U but it's the same game as this. In fact, the 3DS version was actually first to release. The graphics are stunning for the system - some of the best on the handheld actually. The gameplay is a nice blend of RE4 and RE5. The story is solid, too. While not as "scary" as past Resident Evil games, there is a creepy vibe here at times. Gameplay is very good and it's hard to believe a game this big and good looking is on the 3DS. Not to mention this is the best Reisdent Evil since RE4. Fans of the Resident Evil franchise need to try this game. Fans of 3rd person action games should also look into it.

13. Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D

I'd rank this higher but it's nothing more than a direct port of the Wii game. It is, however, still fantastic. If you hated the motion controls on the Wii version, I'm happy to say it's gone here. In fact I actually prefer this version over the Wii version because of that. Fans of past Donkey Kong Country games will enjoy this, or fans of platformers in general. No reason to own this if you own the Wii version but I'm a Donkey Kong fanatic so I had to have it.

12. New Super Mario Bros. 2

Like all Mario games, there is an undeniable draw to this game. It's Mario, what else do you need? My main gripe is that the game is more or less the same rehash as New Super Mario Bros and New Super Marios Wii (and NSMB U for that matter). There's nothing new here. But if you love Mario, you'll enjoy this game as well.

11. Fire Emblem: Awakening

Fire Emblem has developed a strong cult following ever since it came to the United States in the early 2000s on Game Boy Advance. This latest entry is pretty much the same deal, but it's very well done, especially if you love strategy RPGs. I'm not a big fan of the genre but found this to be one of the best games in the series. Fans of past Fire Emblem games or Final Fantasy Tactics should check it out.

10. Kirby Triple Deluxe

Kirby is a series that I always think I don't care about, but then I go to play them and I'm reminded how fun they are. Triple Deluxe is one of the best games in the series, bar none. If you're played a Kirby game before, you know what to expect. There really isn't a whole lot new here. But otherwise, it's a solid platform game that's on the easy side, but has enough to do to keep you interested for a while. It's also the prettiest game in the series. Highly recommended for Kirby fans and platforming fans who don't mind a fairly easy and short romp through great levels.

9. Mario Kart 7

What is there to say about this game other than that it's Mario Kart? If you've played any other game in the series, you know what to expect. I personally feel this is one of the best in the series and it's fantastic for on-the-go gaming. The online mode is pretty good too. I don't know what else to say about this game other than it's Mario Kart. If you love the series, you need this game, end of story.

8. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon

Who would've thought Luigi's Mansion would ever get a sequel? I think the original game is a sleeper hit despite it being a launch title. Definitely one of the more unique games in Nintendo's repertoire. Dark Moon expands on everything that made the original so great. It's a great puzzle adventure and I've even found myself stuck a few times. Highly recommended for fans of the original or puzzle type games.

7. Pokemon X & Y

This series has long needed a 3D overhaul and it finally received one with these games. I'd rank these higher but the end game content is pretty much non-existent. The game is still a lot of fun and I have put in well over 100 hours into my single play through. They added a new type (Fairy type) and a decent amount of new Pokemon (80 I believe) but every Pokemon (yes all 700+ of them) in full 3D and they look fantastic. It retains the classic turn based gameplay as previous entries so fans of Pokemon would definitely enjoy these titles. A must have for Pokemon fans!

6. Super Smash Bros. for 3DS

Finally! A Smash Bros game on a handheld! And it's excellent, too! My only gripe is the shoddy online play. Other than that, this game is fantastic! Sure it's almost the same thing as the Wii U version (and the Wii U version is better) but for owners of only a 3DS or people who want Smash Bros on the go, this is perfect. Smash Bros for Wii U is the greatest game in the series and this game has 95% of the same things from the Wii U version. There are different stages in both games, and new modes in Wii U, and the ability to play on a big screen is a plus, but again the 3DS version is still awesome.

5. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

If you've never played this game on Nintendo 64, this is simply a must-have. And if you have played it on N64, this is also highly recommended. No, it doesn't do a whole lot new, it's mostly just a prettier version of the same game it's a remake of. But this game is considered one of the greatest games ever made, and it definitely holds up even today. What better way to experience it than on the go?

4. Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire

While not as revolutionary for the series as X & Y, these remakes of Ruby and Sapphire are top-notch. Every time I think I am done with the Pokemon series, a new game like this makes me think otherwise. These are simply two of the best games in the series. If you don't like Pokemon, these won't change your mind, but for fans of Ruby & Sapphire or Pokemon in general need to play one of these games. Absolutely fantastic games!

3. Animal Crossing: New Leaf

I'm a big fan of this series but I'll openly admit it's not for everyone. It's a more laid-back game, where you establish yourself as a mayor in a village of animals. You make friends, earn money, go fishing, landscape, collect furniture, and many other leisure activities. The game runs in real-time, so whatever time it is in real life, it reflects in the game, which has always been a huge draw for the series for me. There are also numerous events, like an in-game Halloween where you go trick or treating and put on a mask, character birthday parties, New Year's celebration, and many others. It's more or less one of those game you play for a little bit each day rather than in long stretches, and again this type of game is not for everybody but I personally think it's fantastic. Fans of The Sims and Harvest Moon as well as past Animal Crossing games should definitely give this a shot. There is a warning though: you may become addicted.

2. Super Mario 3D Land

I was beginning to grow tired of the "New Super Mario Bros" series by the third one and I realized there really isn't a whole lot of "new" in those games. Enter Super Mario 3D Land. It takes the classic Super Mario Bros gameplay and puts the levels into 3D and it honestly makes for one of the best Mario games ever made. A must-have for any 3DS owner.

1. Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

Finally, here we are! Yes, this game really is as great as people say it is. It's not completely original, since it's a direct sequel to Link to the Past on the Super Nintendo, but it's fantastic all the same. It's also more opened since you can do the dungeons in almost any order. Link is turned into a painting at one point and his new ability is to walk along the walls as a painting. I didn't think it would add a lot to the gameplay but it really makes for some great puzzle solving. Quite simply this is the best Zelda game since Wind Waker and it only makes me love the Zelda series more. This is an absolute must-have for any 3DS owner...unless you hate fun.

Honorable Mentions