Top 3DS Games: Reddit's All-Time Favorites

Hey gaming fanatics! Ever found yourself staring at your 3DS, reminiscing about the good ol' days, and wondering, "What were the absolute BEST games this handheld had to offer?" Well, you're not alone! The Nintendo 3DS, with its glasses-free 3D and a library packed with incredible titles, holds a special place in many gamers' hearts. And where do we go to find the definitive answers? You guessed it – Reddit! This article dives deep into the collective wisdom of the Reddit community, highlighting the games that consistently top the "best of" lists and discussions. Get ready to rediscover some classics, maybe find a hidden gem or two, and, most importantly, fuel your nostalgia. So, buckle up, grab your 3DS (or dust it off!), and let's explore the top-rated 3DS games according to Reddit!

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds – A Timeless Adventure

Alright, guys, let's kick things off with a true masterpiece: The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. This game is a staple on almost every "best 3DS games" list, and for good reason! It's a direct sequel to the SNES classic, A Link to the Past, but don't worry if you missed out on that one; A Link Between Worlds stands perfectly well on its own. The game throws you into the vibrant world of Hyrule, and right from the start, you're free to explore and uncover its secrets. What makes this Zelda game stand out? Well, the unique wall-merging mechanic is a game-changer. You can literally become part of the walls, allowing you to traverse dungeons in new and innovative ways. It completely changes how you think about puzzle-solving and exploration. The dungeons are cleverly designed, the puzzles are challenging yet rewarding, and the gameplay is silky smooth. Plus, the ability to rent or purchase items from the get-go provides incredible freedom in how you tackle the game.

Reddit users consistently praise A Link Between Worlds for its innovative gameplay, charming art style, and faithful adherence to the Zelda formula. The game expertly blends nostalgia with fresh ideas, making it a perfect fit for both long-time Zelda fans and newcomers to the series. The dungeons, each with their distinct theme and challenges, are a highlight. Solving the puzzles, often requiring clever use of the wall-merging ability, feels incredibly satisfying. The boss battles are memorable and engaging, each demanding a unique strategy. Beyond the main quest, there's plenty to discover, including heart pieces, hidden collectibles, and side quests. The game's vibrant world is a joy to explore, filled with memorable characters and delightful details. Seriously, if you own a 3DS and haven't played A Link Between Worlds, do yourself a favor and get on it. You won't regret it. It's a shining example of why the Zelda series is so beloved and why the 3DS was such a fantastic platform. The game’s lasting appeal also comes from its brilliant execution of the open-world concept. Players have the freedom to explore Hyrule and Lorule (the dark world) in almost any order, fostering a sense of adventure and discovery. The carefully crafted world encourages exploration, rewarding curiosity with hidden treasures and optional challenges. The game’s difficulty is well-balanced, providing a challenge for seasoned gamers while remaining accessible to newcomers. With its engaging story, innovative gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals, A Link Between Worlds is a true gem and rightfully earns its place as one of the best 3DS games of all time.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire – A Journey to Hoenn

Alright, Pokemon fans, this one's for you! Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (ORAS) are remakes of the Game Boy Advance classics Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. These games take us back to the tropical region of Hoenn, where you'll embark on a journey filled with memorable characters, powerful Pokémon, and epic battles. The Reddit community absolutely loves these remakes, and for good reason. They took the beloved originals and updated them with modern graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and a whole host of new features. One of the biggest draws is the enhanced graphics, which breathe new life into the familiar Hoenn region. The colorful environments, detailed Pokémon models, and dynamic battle animations make the experience incredibly immersive. The updated gameplay includes features like the Mega Evolution, which allows certain Pokémon to transform into even more powerful forms during battles. This adds a new layer of strategy to the combat and makes battles even more exciting. The games also feature expanded post-game content, including the Delta Episode, which offers a brand-new storyline and challenges.

Reddit users often cite the nostalgia factor as a major reason for their love of ORAS. Re-experiencing the Hoenn region with updated visuals and gameplay is a treat for fans of the originals. Beyond nostalgia, the games offer a compelling story, a vast world to explore, and a deep roster of Pokémon to collect and train. The ability to customize your character's appearance and the inclusion of features like Secret Bases further enhance the game's appeal. The remakes also successfully maintain the core essence of the original games, preserving the exploration, collecting, and battling aspects that have made Pokémon such a global phenomenon. For any Pokémon fan, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are essential plays. The dedication to detail is what makes this game so great. For those who grew up with the originals, ORAS is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, expertly refreshed with modern graphics and features. This allows a new generation of trainers to experience the magic of Hoenn. The improved gameplay mechanics, such as the introduction of Mega Evolution, add layers of depth to battles, making them more engaging and strategic. The expansive post-game content, particularly the Delta Episode, offers hours of additional gameplay, keeping players hooked long after they've become the champion. The games' success is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Pokémon franchise and the developers' ability to deliver a top-notch gaming experience.

Fire Emblem Awakening – A Tactical Masterpiece

Okay, strategy game lovers, pay attention! Fire Emblem Awakening is a title that frequently pops up on Reddit's "best of" lists. This game is a turning point for the Fire Emblem series, bringing the tactical RPG genre to a wider audience. The game's gorgeous visuals and compelling characters create an immersive experience. The gameplay is turn-based, with players commanding a team of unique units across a grid-based battlefield. Each unit has its own strengths, weaknesses, and class, making strategic positioning and planning essential for success. One of the most praised aspects of Awakening is its deep and engaging story. The narrative follows a group of heroes as they fight against an encroaching darkness, with plenty of twists, turns, and emotional moments along the way. The game features a unique "support" system, which allows units to form relationships and unlock new abilities when fighting alongside each other. This adds a layer of depth to the character development and encourages players to experiment with different team compositions.

Reddit users often highlight the game's challenging but fair difficulty, its memorable characters, and its excellent story. The permadeath mechanic, a staple of the Fire Emblem series, adds a sense of tension and consequence to every battle. Losing a character means losing them forever, forcing players to think carefully about their strategies. The game's success can be attributed to its balance of accessibility and depth. It introduces newcomers to the genre with tutorials and optional difficulty settings while still providing a challenging experience for veteran players. The social links between characters and the character customization are other reasons why it is popular. Moreover, the diverse cast of characters, each with their distinct personalities and backstories, quickly endears players to the game. The bonds formed between units, both in combat and through support conversations, add emotional weight to the gameplay and heighten the stakes of each battle. The gameplay is known for its tactical depth and strategic richness. Mastering the intricacies of unit classes, weapon matchups, and terrain advantages is a crucial part of the game. For anyone looking for a tactical RPG that is deep and rewarding, Fire Emblem Awakening is an absolute must-play. It’s a brilliant example of how to make a strategy game that's both challenging and accessible. Its combination of strategic gameplay, emotional storytelling, and memorable characters has cemented its place as one of the best 3DS games ever created.

Super Mario 3D Land – A Classic Reimagined

Super Mario 3D Land is a game that is often considered to be one of the best Mario games on the 3DS. It expertly blends the classic 2D Mario gameplay with 3D environments, creating a unique and fun experience. The game is known for its innovative level design, which makes full use of the 3D capabilities of the 3DS. The levels are cleverly designed to take advantage of the depth perception, with hidden secrets and challenges that are revealed by looking at the world from different angles. One of the best aspects of the game is its focus on pure, unadulterated platforming fun. The levels are filled with creative obstacles, challenging enemies, and familiar power-ups, all designed to keep you engaged from start to finish.

Reddit users praise Super Mario 3D Land for its accessibility, its tight controls, and its charming presentation. It is an ideal game for both casual and hardcore gamers. The game's levels are relatively short and designed to be played in short bursts, making it perfect for on-the-go gaming. The game also features a variety of collectibles and challenges, which provide a reason to replay levels. The game's vibrant graphics and catchy soundtrack add to its overall appeal, creating a joyful and memorable gaming experience. Super Mario 3D Land is also a brilliant title for those new to the series. The levels are masterfully designed to teach players the basics of platforming while gradually increasing the difficulty. The game's intuitive controls and forgiving mechanics make it easy to pick up and play. But don't let the accessibility fool you; the game also features a wealth of challenging content for experienced players. Hidden stars and secret levels provide a rewarding challenge for those seeking a more demanding experience. Super Mario 3D Land is a must-play for any 3DS owner, offering a perfect blend of classic Mario gameplay and innovative 3D elements. It's a game that’s easy to pick up but difficult to put down, and it showcases the magic of the Mario franchise. It’s an example of Nintendo’s ability to constantly innovate while staying true to the core elements that have made Mario so beloved for decades.

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate – A Hunting Adventure

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is another title that consistently receives high praise from the Reddit community. This game is a massive action RPG where you take on the role of a hunter and embark on quests to hunt down giant monsters. The game features a deep combat system, a vast world to explore, and a huge selection of weapons and armor to craft. The main appeal of Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate lies in its challenging and rewarding gameplay. Each hunt requires you to learn the behaviors of the monsters, plan your attacks, and utilize your chosen weapon effectively. The combat is tactical and engaging, and mastering the different weapon types is a key part of the experience. The game also features a strong focus on online multiplayer, allowing you to team up with friends or other players to take on even more challenging hunts.

Reddit users often highlight the game's depth, its satisfying combat, and its addictive gameplay loop. The game offers hundreds of hours of content, with new quests, monsters, and weapons to discover. The feeling of finally defeating a challenging monster, or of crafting a new piece of armor, is incredibly rewarding. The game's online multiplayer enhances the experience, allowing you to share the thrill of the hunt with others. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is a must-play for fans of action RPGs, offering a unique and engaging experience that's hard to put down. This game is also known for its strong community and its dedication to keeping the game fresh with new content and challenges. The game's complexity can be intimidating at first, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The depth of the weapon system offers incredible freedom in play style. Experimenting with different weapon types is a key part of the experience, and learning the unique movesets of each weapon is deeply satisfying. The multiplayer component further enhances the enjoyment, giving players the opportunity to tackle monsters with friends or other players from around the world. The strategic teamwork and collaborative efforts add a thrilling dimension to the gameplay. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is a triumph of action RPG design, making it a standout title on the 3DS and a favorite among players on Reddit. The enduring appeal of this game and all the other games mentioned is the testament to the 3DS legacy.

Honorable Mentions (According to Reddit)

While the above games are consistently ranked at the top, here are a few other titles that often receive praise from Reddit users:

• Kid Icarus: Uprising: Known for its fast-paced action and unique controls.
• Metroid: Samus Returns: A fantastic remake of a classic Metroid game.
• Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon: A charming adventure game with a spooky twist.
• Animal Crossing: New Leaf: A relaxing and engaging life simulation game.
• Fantasy Life: A unique blend of RPG and life simulation elements.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! These are the top 3DS games as recommended by the Reddit community. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the platform, these titles offer a diverse range of experiences that are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. So, go forth, explore, and enjoy the amazing world of 3DS gaming! And remember, this is just a starting point. There are countless other great games available on the 3DS, so don't be afraid to try out new titles and discover your own favorites. Happy gaming!