While the 3DS might have gotten off to a rocky start, 2012 gave 3DS owners loads of great games. 2013 looks like it will be another stellar year for the 3DS, with even more handheld goodness coming out in just the early half of the year. And who know what other goodies will be revealed as the year goes on. Here we’ve listed ten games that we know are coming for sure and why we’re excited for them.
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Fire Emblem: Awakening (Release Date: February 4, 2013) |
| It’s been over five years since we saw an original Fire Emblem game, with the last entry being Radiant Dawn on the Wii. Nintendo & Intelligent Systems have crafted a fine strategy game out of the Fire Emblem series, with a deep character development and a challenging battle system (although “permanent death” has become optional in the latest entries). Awakening for the 3DS was “accidentally” leaked at E3 2012, which is awesome, because I don’t think fans could contain their anticipation too much longer. And thankfully, we now know that the North American release will be less than a month away – February 4, 2013. |
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Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate (Release Date: March 5, 2013) |
| What makes us most excited for this is not the fact that it is technically a sequel to the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 Lords of Shadow, but more the fact that Mirror of Fate is an action/platformer that looks closer in style and direction to some of the classic Castlevania action that has been missing for so many years. While some fans may be fond of the new direction, many (including myself) have been pining for a new entry that feels like the “real” Castlevania (Super Castlevania IV, Symphony of the Night, Aria of Sorrow). That said, the return to a sidescrolling formula has many fans excited, including this one. With a release date of March 5, the release is just around the corner. |
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Monster Hunter Tri Ultimate (Release Date: TBA March 2013) |
| Monster Hunter is making several lists this year for NintendoDude. First off, Monster Hunter Tri Ultimate is going to be cross compatible between the Wii U version and the 3DS. This means that not only can you swap your save file across both consoles, but you will also be able to play local multiplayer between the two consoles. But that’s not what makes us excited. The game looks great on the 3DS and the original was one of the best games on the Wii. And March is thankfully just around the corner. |
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Animal Crossing: New Leaf (Release Date: TBA, Early 2013) |
| The original Animal Crossing was a charming way to waste hundreds of hours while actually accomplishing very little. In fact, I still have my 3 GCN memory cards that I would use to visit other towns (all three towns are probably filled with weeds now, though). Wild World on the DS added even more stuff to do, further upping the potential for wasted time. Then Nintendo released City Folk on the Wii. While still fun, City Folk felt like just a bit more of the same and for those that had already poured thousands of hours into the Animal Crossing franchise, it was a bit bland. New Leaf on 3DS looks to fix this with even more stuff to do, packing in mayoral micromanagement duties on top of your already busy daily regimen. With more stuff to do, far more customization, and a new look on the 3DS, we will probably be pouring hundreds of hours into this one when it launches in a few months. |
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Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon (Release Date: TBA Spring 2013) |
| Of the two Super Mario Bros., Luigi is definitely the most overlooked and underappreciated. When he finally got his first ghost hunting game on the GameCube, Luigi fans were thrilled, and the game was loaded with content and replay value (especially if you wanted to experience all of the different versions of the mansion). Dark Moon looks to bring back the same charm and humor from the original, but also bring in new puzzle elements and extra gadgets to keep you on your toes. I had a chance to play this at E3, and I can readily tell you that fans looking for more Luigi’s Mansion are definitely in for a treat. |
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Rhythm Hunter: Harmo Knight (TBA 2013) |
| What happens when the developers responsible for the main games in the Pokémon franchise need a break? Harmo Knight! A rhythm/platformer for the 3DS eShop, Harmo Knight moves you forward automatically as you navigate platforms and enemies to the beat of the music. It looks fun, original, and it’s developed by Game Freak, so it must be good. |
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The Denpa Men 2 (TBA 2013) |
| The Denpa Men is an amazing RPG. By the time the first game was finally released in America, the sequel was already out in Japan. Thankfully, it was received well enough overseas for Genius Sonority to bring over the sequel, which adds even more features and enhancements than the original offered. If you like classic-style turned based RPGs; Denpa Men 2 should definitely be on your radar. It’s still too early to see a preview of the English version, but we included the Japanese trailer for your viewing pleasure. |
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Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse (Release Date: TBA 2013) |
| Started as a pet project for WayForward, the original Shantae became an instant cult classic. Featuring platforming action and adventure inspired by classics on the original NES and SNES, Shantae featured a cute, booty-shakin’ half-genie and her misfit friends as they fight the infamous lady-pirate, Risky Boots. A sequel was released not too long ago on DSiWare and helped flesh out Shantae’s world and story even more. Given the pedigree of WayForward and their knack for making hardcore old-school style games, and the high quality of Shantae’s first two outings, we’re definitely keeping our eyes peeled for this one when it hits the 3DS eShop this year. |
 Promo Art |
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Mutant Mudds 2 (TBA 2013) |
| The original Mutant Mudds on the eShop took old-school platforming (a la Mega Man) and added layers into the foreground and background, making excellent use of the 3D effect. The platforming was good, the levels were challenging, and the music was phenomenal. While an HD version is coming to the Wii U, the 3DS will be getting a full sequel on the eShop (and possibly even on physical cartridge, according to the developer). The game was first mentioned early in 2012, but was only officially announced for 2013 a few days ago, and there aren’t any official screenshots, videos, or pieces of concept art yet. But you can enjoy this trailer for the original below! |
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Kaio: King of Pirates (TBA) |
| Developed by one of the creators of the original Mega Man, Keiji Inafune, Kaio – King of Pirates is an action/adventure inspired by the Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Starring adorable animal pirates fighting over control of the Lucifer Coin to control the sea, Kaio is planned to be a trilogy, and in Japan will also be getting a manga (Japanese comic) and anime prequel. While technically not officially announced for North America, the Japanese publisher has trademarked the name overseas, as well as the license to sell products based on the name. The developer has also gone on to say that they have worked hard to make a game that could be enjoyed worldwide. The final icing on the cake – the official website is available in both Japanese and English, including an English trailer. Kaio will release in Japan this year, and we are hoping a North American release date is announced shortly thereafter. |
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What games are you looking forward to in 2013? Let us know in the comments below!
