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Yes, I know we already have the Essentials topic but this is different. This is a list of the best 3DS games available so far organized by genre that are a must for any collection.
Essential DS Games (3DS plays DS titles too so here's a link to some of the best ones).
Platformers:
Super Mario 3D Land
Publisher: Nintendo
A new 3D Mario game for the 3DS with an emphasis on 3DDDD! Really good game.
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
DKCR in 3DDDDD. And with the shake moved mapped to a button instead of the annoying waggle on the Wii. Well worth a purchase.
Gunman Clive (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Horberg Productions
For those who enjoy Mega Man, Contra or any 2D action platformers, this is an awesome investment for $2.
SteamWorld Dig (eShop exclusive)
Developer: Image & Form
New Super Mario Bros. 2 (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Another entry in the popular New Super Mario Bros. series. With great level-design and a coin-rush mode, it’s a good purchase.
Rayman Origins (also on eShop)
Publisher: Ubisoft
Rayman is back with stellar platforming, a charming art-style and great music. That said, the 3DS port suffers from loss of detail thanks to being translated to a lower resolution as well as a lower frame-rate (30FPS vs. 60). The game is best enjoyed on a big screen so only get this if you’re unable to get any of the other versions (PS3/360/Wii/PC/Vita).
Mighty Switch Force (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: WayForward Technologies
A satisfying mix between action and platformer. Ranks as one of the best eShop games!
Mutant Mudds (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Renegade Kid
Reminiscent of old platformers from yesteryear, this is a great game on the eShop. Be sure to get this!
Fractured Soul (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Engame Studios
Portabliss.
Fighting:
Dead Or Alive: Dimensions
Publisher: Tecmo Koei
With stunning graphics, the DoA gameplay that you've come to expect and even a Metroid cameo, this is the 3DS fighting game to get!
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
Publisher: Capcom
A full-featured SSF4 port on the 3DS with online functionality, combo shortcuts and good 3D. Hadouken!
Tekken 3D - Prime Edition
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Good graphics, online multiplayer and a smooth 60 frames per second…in 3D!
Code of Princess
Publisher: Atlus
Puzzle:
Fluidity: Spin Cycle (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nintendo
Superior sequel to one of the best games on WiiWare. Be warned that the gyro controls take some getting used to and there's no 3D.
Picross-e
Publisher: Nintendo
Classic Picross with almost no extra modes. You can’t go wrong here...just remember what you're getting in to.
CRUSH3D
Publisher: SEGA
A puzzle-platformer where you solve various puzzles switching from 2D to the third dimension!
Tetris: Axis
Publisher: Nintendo
Classic Tetris with a whole lot of extra modes. You can’t go wrong here!
Art of Balance TOUCH! (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Shin'en Multimedia
Expansion of the WiiWare game. Features beautiful graphics, good music, addictive gameplay, and hours of content for your money.
Scribblenauts Unlimited (also on eShop)
Publisher: Warner Bros.
Only in Scribblenauts can n you make a time traveller and God fight against a giant Cthulhu.
escapeVektor (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nnooo
For those who have fucking obscene expectations for game length (ie; A dollar an hour) or ignorantly believe every eShop game is overpriced (because somehow a $40 game on cart should cost less then $20 on download), this is definitely the game for you. A lengthy campaign with online leaderboards, achievements and tons of bonus levels.
Ikachan (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nicalis
Be warned the campaign is EXTREMELY short, even with price taken into account.
RPG:
Pokemon X/Y (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Shin Megami Tensei IV (also on eShop)
Publisher: Atlus
SMT: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers (also on eShop)
Publisher: Atlus
European release date: 2027.
Mario and Luigi: Dream Team
Publisher: Nintendo
Tales of the Abyss
Publisher: Namco Bandai
A port of the PS2 original that still holds up well. If you haven’t played it before, you should check it out!
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (also on eShop)
Publisher: Capcom
Remake of Monster Hunter Tri for the Wii with all new monsters and weapons!
Project X Zone (also on eShop)
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Etrian Odyssey IV (also on eShop)
Publisher: Atlus
SMT: Devil Survivor Overclocked
Publisher: Atlus
A deep enthralling adventure. If you’re an SMT fan or just want a good SRPG, be sure to consider purchasing this.
Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance
Publisher: Square Enix
Another entry in the Kingdom Hearts series. Unlike the DS spin-offs, this game is actually a continuation of the main story so KH fans should get this.
Heroes of Ruin
Publisher: Square Enix
The first in a genre (Dungeon Crawler/RPG) that’s sparce on the 3DS. Features online multiplayer with voice-chat!
The Denpa Men: They Came By Wave (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Genius Sonority
Unchained Blades Exiv (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Xseed Games
Paper Mario: Sticker Star (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Mario can summon a giant goat to chew enemies. Need I say more?
Crimson Shroud (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Level-5
Visual Novels/Adventure:
Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward
Publisher: Atlus
Phoenix Wright: Dual Destinies
Publisher: Capcom
Racing/Sports:
Ridge Racer 3D
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Riiiiiiiiiiiiidge Racer! Despite little improvement over the PSP versions, this is still a solid racing game and worth buying if you can find it for cheap.
Mario Kart 7 (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Considered by many to be the best entry in the Mario Kart series. There's a competent online multiplayer with support for patches! Must-buy.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 3D (also on eShop)
Publisher: Konami
The ultimate portable football experience.
Mario Tennis Open (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Considered to be a good tennis game with great online.
Rhythm:
Rhythm Thief: The Emperor's Treasure
Publisher: Sega
A hidden gem in the 3DS’s library. Heralded as a fun and addictive rhythm game!
Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy
Publisher: Square Enix
With various songs from the Final Fantasy series and addictive gameplay, fans of the Final Fantasy series or simply rhythm games in general will adore this!
Bit.Trip Saga (also on eShop)
Publisher: Gaijin Games
A compilation of the great Bit.Trip games on the Wii upgraded with 3D! Six games for the price of one, a very worthwhile purchase but be wary of framerate issues and audio/visual lag. Now available on the eShop for less then original MSRP.
Harmoknight (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nintendo
A rhythm platformer in the vein of Bit Trip Runner but with attacking elements. Definitely worth purchasing.
Simulation:
Animal Crossing: New Leaf (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Zen Pinball 3D/Marvel Pinball 3D (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Zen Studios
You might have played Zen Pinball on other platforms but you certainly haven’t tried it in 3D! Definitely worth getting.
Steel Diver
Publisher: Nintendo
Due to the length of the game, it’s best if you only get this if you can find it for cheap. It’s still a pretty decent game, though.
Harvest Moon 3D - A New Beginning
Publisher: Natsume
Nano Assault (EX) (EX enhanced version available on eShop)
Publisher: Shin'en Multimedia
Great game with gorgeous visuals all running at 60 frames per second with (Circle Pad Pro Support and better visuals in EX)
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy
Publisher: Namco Bandai
A great remake of Ace Combat 2. Fly like an ace while engaging in combat with other enemies. A good buy.
Liberation Maiden (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Level-5
Starfox 64 3D (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
The classic N64 Star Fox remade with stunning visuals in 3D! Quite short and lacks online so be sure to only get this at a low price.
Strategy:
Fire Emblem: Awakening (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
2013's Kid Icarus. A stellar game that ranks as one of the very best 3DS games or handheld games in general for that matter. It certainly didn't achieve a 92/100 on Metacritic for no reason!
Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars (also on eShop)
Publisher: Ubisoft
A strategy game led by celebrated designer, Julian Gollop. Immersive 3D and more makes for a stellar strategy game that’s a must-buy!
Dillon's Rolling Western (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nintendo
A highly unique tower defense/action hybrid with colorful graphics, but note the game is brutally difficult and repetitive (as is the nature of tower defense games).
NightSky
Publisher: Nicalis
Action/Adventure:
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D
Publisher: Konami
SNAAAKE EATER! The best MGS game brought over to the 3DS in stunning 3D. A solid purchase!
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
The timeless classic, Ocarina of Time remade for the 3DS with an improved frame-rate, better visuals and a fixed Water Temple!
Resident Evil Revelations (also on eShop)
Publisher: Capcom
Considered to be the best Resident Evil game since RE4. Amazing visuals, great gameplay and a fun online mode will make this game a revelation! Must-buy. A steal on the eShop for $20.
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (also on eShop)
Publisher: Capcom
Quite short on content so only get if you can find it cheap. Worth noting that this is available for purchase on the eShop for $20.
Castlevania Lords of Shadow: Mirror of Fate (also on eShop)
Publisher: Konami
Rather short on content so it's best if you only get this at a low price. Be sure to keep an open mind as unlike other Castlevanias, the gameplay in this one is more God of War-reminiscent.
Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Boo! A charming Luigi adventure that every 3DS owner should check out.
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Publisher: Nintendo
Another entry in the long-dormant Kid Icarus series. A truly stellar game with great graphics and a fun surprisingly active online mode. Must-buy!
Cave Story+ (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nicalis
Definitive version of what is often considered the best freeware/indie game ever made (It only took 17 fucking ports)
Attack of the Friday Monsters (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Level-5
Samurai Warriors Chronicles
Publisher: Tecmo Koei
With the Dynasty Warriors gameplay you've come to expect, decent graphics and new touch-screen features. Dynasty Warriors fans should get this.
Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nintendo
Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask (also on eShop)
Publisher: Level-5
LAYYYYYTON!
Shinobi
Publisher: Sega
Adventure Time: Hey Ice King Why'd You Steal Our Garbage
Publisher: Wayforward
Adventure Time fans should get this. The game is truly mathematical!
FPS/Horror:
The Starship Damrey (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Level 5
Official thread with more info over at Neogaf.
Feel free to post suggestions for other 3DS games.
- Platformers
- Fighting
- Puzzle
- RPG
- Racing/Sports
- Rhythm
- Simulation
- Strategy
- Action/Adventure
- FPS/Horror
- Misc.
Essential DS Games (3DS plays DS titles too so here's a link to some of the best ones).
Platformers:
Super Mario 3D Land
Publisher: Nintendo
A new 3D Mario game for the 3DS with an emphasis on 3DDDD! Really good game.
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
DKCR in 3DDDDD. And with the shake moved mapped to a button instead of the annoying waggle on the Wii. Well worth a purchase.
Gunman Clive (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Horberg Productions
For those who enjoy Mega Man, Contra or any 2D action platformers, this is an awesome investment for $2.
SteamWorld Dig (eShop exclusive)
Developer: Image & Form
New Super Mario Bros. 2 (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Another entry in the popular New Super Mario Bros. series. With great level-design and a coin-rush mode, it’s a good purchase.
Rayman Origins (also on eShop)
Publisher: Ubisoft
Rayman is back with stellar platforming, a charming art-style and great music. That said, the 3DS port suffers from loss of detail thanks to being translated to a lower resolution as well as a lower frame-rate (30FPS vs. 60). The game is best enjoyed on a big screen so only get this if you’re unable to get any of the other versions (PS3/360/Wii/PC/Vita).
Mighty Switch Force (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: WayForward Technologies
A satisfying mix between action and platformer. Ranks as one of the best eShop games!
Mutant Mudds (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Renegade Kid
Reminiscent of old platformers from yesteryear, this is a great game on the eShop. Be sure to get this!
Fractured Soul (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Engame Studios
Portabliss.
Fighting:
Dead Or Alive: Dimensions
Publisher: Tecmo Koei
With stunning graphics, the DoA gameplay that you've come to expect and even a Metroid cameo, this is the 3DS fighting game to get!
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
Publisher: Capcom
A full-featured SSF4 port on the 3DS with online functionality, combo shortcuts and good 3D. Hadouken!
Tekken 3D - Prime Edition
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Good graphics, online multiplayer and a smooth 60 frames per second…in 3D!
Code of Princess
Publisher: Atlus
Puzzle:
Fluidity: Spin Cycle (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nintendo
Superior sequel to one of the best games on WiiWare. Be warned that the gyro controls take some getting used to and there's no 3D.
Picross-e
Publisher: Nintendo
Classic Picross with almost no extra modes. You can’t go wrong here...just remember what you're getting in to.
CRUSH3D
Publisher: SEGA
A puzzle-platformer where you solve various puzzles switching from 2D to the third dimension!
Tetris: Axis
Publisher: Nintendo
Classic Tetris with a whole lot of extra modes. You can’t go wrong here!
Art of Balance TOUCH! (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Shin'en Multimedia
Expansion of the WiiWare game. Features beautiful graphics, good music, addictive gameplay, and hours of content for your money.
Scribblenauts Unlimited (also on eShop)
Publisher: Warner Bros.
Only in Scribblenauts can n you make a time traveller and God fight against a giant Cthulhu.
escapeVektor (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nnooo
For those who have fucking obscene expectations for game length (ie; A dollar an hour) or ignorantly believe every eShop game is overpriced (because somehow a $40 game on cart should cost less then $20 on download), this is definitely the game for you. A lengthy campaign with online leaderboards, achievements and tons of bonus levels.
Ikachan (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nicalis
Be warned the campaign is EXTREMELY short, even with price taken into account.
RPG:
Pokemon X/Y (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Shin Megami Tensei IV (also on eShop)
Publisher: Atlus
SMT: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers (also on eShop)
Publisher: Atlus
European release date: 2027.
Mario and Luigi: Dream Team
Publisher: Nintendo
Tales of the Abyss
Publisher: Namco Bandai
A port of the PS2 original that still holds up well. If you haven’t played it before, you should check it out!
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (also on eShop)
Publisher: Capcom
Remake of Monster Hunter Tri for the Wii with all new monsters and weapons!
Project X Zone (also on eShop)
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Etrian Odyssey IV (also on eShop)
Publisher: Atlus
SMT: Devil Survivor Overclocked
Publisher: Atlus
A deep enthralling adventure. If you’re an SMT fan or just want a good SRPG, be sure to consider purchasing this.
Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance
Publisher: Square Enix
Another entry in the Kingdom Hearts series. Unlike the DS spin-offs, this game is actually a continuation of the main story so KH fans should get this.
Heroes of Ruin
Publisher: Square Enix
The first in a genre (Dungeon Crawler/RPG) that’s sparce on the 3DS. Features online multiplayer with voice-chat!
The Denpa Men: They Came By Wave (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Genius Sonority
Unchained Blades Exiv (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Xseed Games
Paper Mario: Sticker Star (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Mario can summon a giant goat to chew enemies. Need I say more?
Crimson Shroud (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Level-5
Visual Novels/Adventure:
Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward
Publisher: Atlus
Phoenix Wright: Dual Destinies
Publisher: Capcom
Racing/Sports:
Ridge Racer 3D
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Riiiiiiiiiiiiidge Racer! Despite little improvement over the PSP versions, this is still a solid racing game and worth buying if you can find it for cheap.
Mario Kart 7 (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Considered by many to be the best entry in the Mario Kart series. There's a competent online multiplayer with support for patches! Must-buy.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 3D (also on eShop)
Publisher: Konami
The ultimate portable football experience.
Mario Tennis Open (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Considered to be a good tennis game with great online.
Rhythm:
Rhythm Thief: The Emperor's Treasure
Publisher: Sega
A hidden gem in the 3DS’s library. Heralded as a fun and addictive rhythm game!
Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy
Publisher: Square Enix
With various songs from the Final Fantasy series and addictive gameplay, fans of the Final Fantasy series or simply rhythm games in general will adore this!
Bit.Trip Saga (also on eShop)
Publisher: Gaijin Games
A compilation of the great Bit.Trip games on the Wii upgraded with 3D! Six games for the price of one, a very worthwhile purchase but be wary of framerate issues and audio/visual lag. Now available on the eShop for less then original MSRP.
Harmoknight (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nintendo
A rhythm platformer in the vein of Bit Trip Runner but with attacking elements. Definitely worth purchasing.
Simulation:
Animal Crossing: New Leaf (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Zen Pinball 3D/Marvel Pinball 3D (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Zen Studios
You might have played Zen Pinball on other platforms but you certainly haven’t tried it in 3D! Definitely worth getting.
Steel Diver
Publisher: Nintendo
Due to the length of the game, it’s best if you only get this if you can find it for cheap. It’s still a pretty decent game, though.
Harvest Moon 3D - A New Beginning
Publisher: Natsume
Nano Assault (EX) (EX enhanced version available on eShop)
Publisher: Shin'en Multimedia
Great game with gorgeous visuals all running at 60 frames per second with (Circle Pad Pro Support and better visuals in EX)
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy
Publisher: Namco Bandai
A great remake of Ace Combat 2. Fly like an ace while engaging in combat with other enemies. A good buy.
Liberation Maiden (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Level-5
Starfox 64 3D (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
The classic N64 Star Fox remade with stunning visuals in 3D! Quite short and lacks online so be sure to only get this at a low price.
Strategy:
Fire Emblem: Awakening (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
2013's Kid Icarus. A stellar game that ranks as one of the very best 3DS games or handheld games in general for that matter. It certainly didn't achieve a 92/100 on Metacritic for no reason!
Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars (also on eShop)
Publisher: Ubisoft
A strategy game led by celebrated designer, Julian Gollop. Immersive 3D and more makes for a stellar strategy game that’s a must-buy!
Dillon's Rolling Western (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nintendo
A highly unique tower defense/action hybrid with colorful graphics, but note the game is brutally difficult and repetitive (as is the nature of tower defense games).
NightSky
Publisher: Nicalis
Action/Adventure:
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D
Publisher: Konami
SNAAAKE EATER! The best MGS game brought over to the 3DS in stunning 3D. A solid purchase!
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
The timeless classic, Ocarina of Time remade for the 3DS with an improved frame-rate, better visuals and a fixed Water Temple!
Resident Evil Revelations (also on eShop)
Publisher: Capcom
Considered to be the best Resident Evil game since RE4. Amazing visuals, great gameplay and a fun online mode will make this game a revelation! Must-buy. A steal on the eShop for $20.
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (also on eShop)
Publisher: Capcom
Quite short on content so only get if you can find it cheap. Worth noting that this is available for purchase on the eShop for $20.
Castlevania Lords of Shadow: Mirror of Fate (also on eShop)
Publisher: Konami
Rather short on content so it's best if you only get this at a low price. Be sure to keep an open mind as unlike other Castlevanias, the gameplay in this one is more God of War-reminiscent.
Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon (also on eShop)
Publisher: Nintendo
Boo! A charming Luigi adventure that every 3DS owner should check out.
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Publisher: Nintendo
Another entry in the long-dormant Kid Icarus series. A truly stellar game with great graphics and a fun surprisingly active online mode. Must-buy!
Cave Story+ (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nicalis
Definitive version of what is often considered the best freeware/indie game ever made (It only took 17 fucking ports)
Attack of the Friday Monsters (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Level-5
Samurai Warriors Chronicles
Publisher: Tecmo Koei
With the Dynasty Warriors gameplay you've come to expect, decent graphics and new touch-screen features. Dynasty Warriors fans should get this.
Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Nintendo
Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask (also on eShop)
Publisher: Level-5
LAYYYYYTON!
Shinobi
Publisher: Sega
Adventure Time: Hey Ice King Why'd You Steal Our Garbage
Publisher: Wayforward
Adventure Time fans should get this. The game is truly mathematical!
FPS/Horror:
The Starship Damrey (eShop exclusive)
Publisher: Level 5
Official thread with more info over at Neogaf.
Feel free to post suggestions for other 3DS games.