Entering 2011 there is certainly one thing that we know will play an influential factor in this year’s gaming market, the Nintendo 3DS. With its arrival imminent I find it very hard not to get a tad excited, with this in mind I wanted to share with our readers the list of launch titles that we are most likely going to see around the rumored late March UK and EU release date and some of the most anticipated titles Nintendo’s new handheld will have to offer.
The Nintendo 3DS goes on sale in Japan on February 26th but just like its predecessor, will be region locked so we are going to have to wait for our region’s official release. Nevertheless, we will still be able to look, admire, perhaps even drool a little, until we get our hands on the machine. Upon the launch date there are scheduled to be eight titles released alongside the 3DS, which are as follows:
Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle, the fifth installment in Level-5’s iconic puzzle game series. Set as a prequel; expect all new twists and turns as the journey to find Jean Descole continues while taking advantage of the all new 3D screen and motion sensor to create fun and exciting puzzle games.
Ridge Racer 3D, Namco’s iconic racer returns for more drifting and girl impressing action. We have seen the potential of 3D in racing games already but on home consoles. If they can transfer the same experience to a handheld then this could be a sensational launch title for the 3DS.
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, needs absolutely no introduction, scoring massive critical acclaim and praise on home machines and being dubbed by Capcom as “exactly” the same as its console counterparts, if this is true, then we have one of this generation’s best fighting games thrown straight onto the 3DS with hopefully some original content to boot.
Pro Evolution 3DS Soccer, while many of us may sigh at the thought of PES over FIFA, Konami hold true to the 3DS bringing their next generation of football entertainment to the handheld. Using the 3D features we could perhaps be looking at the future of sports entertainment in the video game world.
Nintendogs + cats, another iconic franchise for Nintendo is set to coincide with the 3DS’s launch. Expanding upon the award winning mechanics of its predecessors, Nintendogs + cats will utilize 3D mechanics, the camera for facial recognition and the motion sensor, creating an all new and well rounded pet simulation package.
Samurai Warriors: Chronicle, developed by Omega Force, this hack and slash fighter is very reminiscent of the Dynasty Warriors series, which is absolutely no surprise considering they were developed by the same company. Nevertheless, the formula for massive 3D battles has been set and we are hoping for good things from the samurais.
Combat of Giants: Dinosaur Strike, the epic prehistoric brawler is perhaps the weakest launch title for the Nintendo 3DS, nevertheless it could turn some heads if the 3D impresses. Initially released on the Nintendo Wii by Ubisoft, Combat of Giants earned very little praise for its lack of originality and somewhat tedious gaming elements. I wouldn’t be surprised if this remained on the shelves during the 3DS launch.
Puzzle Bobble 3D, last but not least, another puzzle game is set to join the release date. Again I am skeptical with regards to Puzzle Bobble and its ability to compete with the likes of Professor Layton; nevertheless we shall wait and see.
Even though it is a little early to be getting excited over other 3DS titles, I cannot help but list some of the most anticipated games we have to look forward to in the not so distant future.
Paper Mario 3D, another iconic franchise for Nintendo, with critical success on both the Gamecube and Wii, there is little reason for this game to not storm the charts upon its eventual handheld release.
Starfox 64 3D, those of you who bust out the dusty old Nintendo 64 every once in a while are all bound to give Starfox 64 a go in between Goldeneye, Perfect Dark and Pokemon Stadium. Starfox 64 set the standards for pilot shooters and introduced some of Nintendo’s now most memorable faces and quotes. Look out (“do a barrel roll!”) for this reinvigoration of Nintendo’s finest space shooters in stunning 3D.
Kid Icarus Uprising, this was actually the first game that I saw debuted on the 3DS during the Nintendo E3 conference. It made me think first of all, how underrated Kid Icarus is as a Nintendo character (honestly thank goodness for Super Smash Bros Brawl) and how brilliant this new handheld game actually looked. This platform adventure is set to raise the bar for Nintendo and thus gives us every reason to be begging for a copy to play as soon as possible this year.
Resident Evil Revelations + Mercenaries, actually split into two separate games, Revelations encompasses the single player story side of the series, setting the new horror adventure between Resident Evil 4 and 5, putting the emphasis back on pure horror and joining together two of the series most loved characters, Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine; we are sure to have an absolute nightmare on our hands. The latter title does pretty much what it says on the tin, taking the popular Mercenaries mode from Resident Evil 5 and transforming it into a standalone multiplayer experience on the Nintendo 3DS.
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3DS, a lot of debate goes into this next statement, but it is considered by some that Snake Eater was the best MGS title of all time. Whether you agree with that opinion or not is up to you, what I do know is that it is at least respected by most, as a fantastic experience and given an opportunity to play it again, in 3D, is an absolute no brainer in my book.
Mario Kart 3DS, the ultimate multiplayer experience makes its way back onto Nintendo’s handheld. What can be said about Mario Kart that hasn’t already, it is wonderful, the perfect way to spend time with your friends, it will be a chart topper, it will break records, it must be owned by all Nintendo fans.
The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3DS, I am going to let you guys in on a secret, I never played The Ocarina of Time (gasp), I never experienced the magic that was the perfect adventure game. I feel ashamed to admit that, but thankfully Nintendo are allowing me to rectify my rather embarrassing situation by releasing it on the 3DS. This is my most anticipated title, a remake of a perfect game, how can you possibly go wrong?
There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an excited child’s run down of the games to expect from the Nintendo 3DS. We have a long year ahead of us with plenty to look forward to.
The Nintendo 3DS goes on sale in Japan on February 26th but just like its predecessor, will be region locked so we are going to have to wait for our region’s official release. Nevertheless, we will still be able to look, admire, perhaps even drool a little, until we get our hands on the machine. Upon the launch date there are scheduled to be eight titles released alongside the 3DS, which are as follows:
Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle, the fifth installment in Level-5’s iconic puzzle game series. Set as a prequel; expect all new twists and turns as the journey to find Jean Descole continues while taking advantage of the all new 3D screen and motion sensor to create fun and exciting puzzle games.
Ridge Racer 3D, Namco’s iconic racer returns for more drifting and girl impressing action. We have seen the potential of 3D in racing games already but on home consoles. If they can transfer the same experience to a handheld then this could be a sensational launch title for the 3DS.
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, needs absolutely no introduction, scoring massive critical acclaim and praise on home machines and being dubbed by Capcom as “exactly” the same as its console counterparts, if this is true, then we have one of this generation’s best fighting games thrown straight onto the 3DS with hopefully some original content to boot.
Pro Evolution 3DS Soccer, while many of us may sigh at the thought of PES over FIFA, Konami hold true to the 3DS bringing their next generation of football entertainment to the handheld. Using the 3D features we could perhaps be looking at the future of sports entertainment in the video game world.
Nintendogs + cats, another iconic franchise for Nintendo is set to coincide with the 3DS’s launch. Expanding upon the award winning mechanics of its predecessors, Nintendogs + cats will utilize 3D mechanics, the camera for facial recognition and the motion sensor, creating an all new and well rounded pet simulation package.
Samurai Warriors: Chronicle, developed by Omega Force, this hack and slash fighter is very reminiscent of the Dynasty Warriors series, which is absolutely no surprise considering they were developed by the same company. Nevertheless, the formula for massive 3D battles has been set and we are hoping for good things from the samurais.
Combat of Giants: Dinosaur Strike, the epic prehistoric brawler is perhaps the weakest launch title for the Nintendo 3DS, nevertheless it could turn some heads if the 3D impresses. Initially released on the Nintendo Wii by Ubisoft, Combat of Giants earned very little praise for its lack of originality and somewhat tedious gaming elements. I wouldn’t be surprised if this remained on the shelves during the 3DS launch.
Puzzle Bobble 3D, last but not least, another puzzle game is set to join the release date. Again I am skeptical with regards to Puzzle Bobble and its ability to compete with the likes of Professor Layton; nevertheless we shall wait and see.
Even though it is a little early to be getting excited over other 3DS titles, I cannot help but list some of the most anticipated games we have to look forward to in the not so distant future.
Paper Mario 3D, another iconic franchise for Nintendo, with critical success on both the Gamecube and Wii, there is little reason for this game to not storm the charts upon its eventual handheld release.
Starfox 64 3D, those of you who bust out the dusty old Nintendo 64 every once in a while are all bound to give Starfox 64 a go in between Goldeneye, Perfect Dark and Pokemon Stadium. Starfox 64 set the standards for pilot shooters and introduced some of Nintendo’s now most memorable faces and quotes. Look out (“do a barrel roll!”) for this reinvigoration of Nintendo’s finest space shooters in stunning 3D.
Kid Icarus Uprising, this was actually the first game that I saw debuted on the 3DS during the Nintendo E3 conference. It made me think first of all, how underrated Kid Icarus is as a Nintendo character (honestly thank goodness for Super Smash Bros Brawl) and how brilliant this new handheld game actually looked. This platform adventure is set to raise the bar for Nintendo and thus gives us every reason to be begging for a copy to play as soon as possible this year.
Resident Evil Revelations + Mercenaries, actually split into two separate games, Revelations encompasses the single player story side of the series, setting the new horror adventure between Resident Evil 4 and 5, putting the emphasis back on pure horror and joining together two of the series most loved characters, Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine; we are sure to have an absolute nightmare on our hands. The latter title does pretty much what it says on the tin, taking the popular Mercenaries mode from Resident Evil 5 and transforming it into a standalone multiplayer experience on the Nintendo 3DS.
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3DS, a lot of debate goes into this next statement, but it is considered by some that Snake Eater was the best MGS title of all time. Whether you agree with that opinion or not is up to you, what I do know is that it is at least respected by most, as a fantastic experience and given an opportunity to play it again, in 3D, is an absolute no brainer in my book.
Mario Kart 3DS, the ultimate multiplayer experience makes its way back onto Nintendo’s handheld. What can be said about Mario Kart that hasn’t already, it is wonderful, the perfect way to spend time with your friends, it will be a chart topper, it will break records, it must be owned by all Nintendo fans.
The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3DS, I am going to let you guys in on a secret, I never played The Ocarina of Time (gasp), I never experienced the magic that was the perfect adventure game. I feel ashamed to admit that, but thankfully Nintendo are allowing me to rectify my rather embarrassing situation by releasing it on the 3DS. This is my most anticipated title, a remake of a perfect game, how can you possibly go wrong?
There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an excited child’s run down of the games to expect from the Nintendo 3DS. We have a long year ahead of us with plenty to look forward to.
Igor, CeX UK Contributor
