#10 Metroid Fusion
If you just purchased a 3DS recently then I’m not trying to rub it in or anything, but I’m an ambassador and you’re not. Sure you saved $80 on the purchase price of your console but it’s all about the 20 free games, man. Metroid Fusion is second favorite 2D Metroid, only behind Super Metroid, and I really like the way Samus is given personality in the game. Even if you’re not an ambasador, if you have a GBA laying around go find yourself a copy, pronto.
#9 The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
I like me a top-down 2D Zelda title like a nerdy kid loves C++, and Minish Cap is one of the finest of the bunch. I certainly remember beating the game back when it originaly released in 2005, but I don’t remember it having as much character and personality as it has as I’m replaying it now. If you’re not an ambassador, you’re out of luck until Nintendo decides to charge for it on the eShop. Until then you can find a GBA copy and go to work old school-like.
#8 Mario Kart 7
Every good Nintendo handheld needs a great Mario Kart title to help it to gain traction under its wheels, and Mario Kart 7 provides just that. I don’t pretend to be an expert kart-smith, that distinction undoubtedly goes to Holly for her karting skills. I do however enjoy taking my kart online every once in a while to test my skills, as well as playing locally against anyone around who wants to partake in a good race. There is just something magical about the Mario Kart experience that not many other racers have been able to capture quite as well as Nintendo has, and the 3DS version is no exception.
#7 Pushmo
The ability of the 3DS eshop to FINALLY be able to save credit card information and eliminate the need to use a cumbersome points system has finally made me a believer in a Nintendo download service. By far my favorite game available on the eShop is a little title developed by Intelligent Systems, Pushmo. The basic premise is simple enough: pull blocks out up to three levels deep to form a pathway to the top of puzzle, but the game is addicting as all get out. With hundreds of puzzles to complete of all difficulty levels in-game, and thousands more available through the simple scanning of a QR code, Pushmo is huge bang for you buck and should not be missed.
#6 Solatorobo: Red the Hunter
I don’t know anyone who was excited about CyberConnect2’s quirky DS title when the game released late last year, but anyone who had the pleasure of playing it will tell you the game is charming enough to make any action-RPG fan jump with glee. Anyone who played the little known PS1 title Tail Concerto will notice that the game is a spiritual successor or sorts to the 13 year old game. The game does have a ton of dialogue, so if that isn’t your bag then Solatorobo probably won’t be for you. For everyone else, the game is magical adventure that is not to be missed.
