5 Must-Have Games For The Nintendo 3DS

We've played almost every popular game on the 3DS, and they were all good. Some of them, though, stand out among the others. This is a small list of  reviews of our favorite games in the 3DS. Our top 5 3DS must-haves.

Resident Evil: Revelations - this game boasts one of the best (if not THE best) graphics the N3DS has to offer, surprising many with a release so early in the handheld's lifespan. Not only that, but it has a solid gameplay, great story and addicting multiplayer. Definitely a must-have for any 3DS owner.

Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance - some people may be skeptical at first for a game with a story as confusing as KH, but believe me when I tell you that even without the story, KH:3D still packs a punch with its button-mashing-meets-action-platformer gameplay. Not only that, but it also has a few neat tricks up its sleeve with a nifty little minigame and a challenging New Game+.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate - this game speaks for itself. I think everyone would agree with me if I were to say that this is one of the best highlights of 2013 gaming history. Solid gameplay, jaw-dropping graphics and a co-op system that every game is jealous of, MH3U is simply the closest we can get to an MMO in any handheld right now. The only two drawbacks are 1) despite being a co-op game, the community is divided caused by differences in personality types and 2) too much hype was built up before the release of the game, which caused it to burn down just as easily as it was built up. However, all these drawbacks are no match for the experience of having to play with friends and sharing the spoils of the hunt with your comrades.

Virtue's Last Reward - this game is not for the feeble-minded and those who seek action. BUT! even if you don't have that much appreciation for the puzzle genre, I think you should give this a shot. With a compelling story, witty dialogue, lovable characters and an awesome plot twist, it's impossible not to fall in love with this game, especially if you played its predecessor: 9 Doors 9 Persons 9 Hours. I highly recommend this game. Even if you resort to Gamefaqs for some of the puzzles, the story alone is enough to suck you in. (NOTE: This may be biased due to me playing 999 before playing VLR)

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D - this port of one of the pillars of the whole gaming industry is easily the best in the 3DS library to date. This game could even very well pass off as a piece of art. I never played the original game in the (I don't know, ummm, N64? GameCube?) but even without changing even a single thing in the gameplay and story, this game could still surpass most titles to be released in the following years. Just think about this: When I sold my first Zelda OoT away (because I finished it), I felt so much guilt that I bought another one even if know I wouldn't be playing it that much (which I also sold away due to financial issues). If I get the chance to buy another Zelda:OoT again, I'd do my best to keep it in my collection and never sell it again. IT'S THAT GOOD.

Special mentions

• Kid Icarus - hilarious breaking-the-4th-wall dialogue, awesome 2-sided gameplay and one of the best PvP and multiplayer games. Sadly, the controls confuse and irritate most people.
• Animal Crossing - only played a little of this game, but I can already tell how time-consuming and priority-absorbing it is. Art style might put off first time players.
• Mario Kart 7 - one of the most fun multiplayer games. Not too fun when singleplayer as the AI become too weak for the trained player.
• Metal Gear Solid 3D - great port of one of the best MGS games. Military theme might not be for everyone, though.
• Fire Emblem: Awakening - I can't judge this game as I am yet to play it. However, it seems promising since I prefer hellish difficulty where you have to try and make your way out of a seemingly impossible situation.
• Super Mario 3D Land - awesome platforming and dubbed one of the best 3D Mario games, but the short game time and limited replay value may affect others' opinions.
• Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy - nostalgia everywhere. 'Nuff said.
• Tales of the Abyss - another great port from the PS2. Great story paired with a battle system that doesn't get old. Some unwanted cliches might pop out of nowhere though, so beware.
• Harvest Moon: A New Beginning - classic Harvest Moon formula mixed with various new features makes this game awesome-tastic. Not for everyone though, and some hardcore Harvest Moon fans (like me) may find a few flaws here and there.
• Project x Zone - an outstanding game meant for gamers who traversed multiple platforms over the years. Also advisable for anime lovers.
• Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure - underappreciated game that utilizes the 3DS' features to the fullest. Awesome jazz-spunk soundtrack too. Weak story and below average art style.

About the author

Gio Elester is like any other regular gamer. He used to be a Sony fanboy, but now owns a Nintendo 3DS. He also likes to develop Indie games whenever he has time.