Feature: Nintendo 3DS Getting Some Third-Party Lovin’

Nintendo has always had a history of having strong first party support for their consoles and have recently had some strong support from third party developers on their DS platform.

With the creation of series like Phoenix Wright and Professor Layton, true to roots franchise outings in Castlevania, large contributions from Square Enix in terms of multiple remakes of Final Fantasies and Dragon Quests and the latest entry in the series along with a huge number of RPGs for the platform (including my personal favorite The World Ends With You). What also made the DS so successful can be attributed to the Zeldas, the Marios, the Pokemons, and various other quirky Nintendo games that delivered simple fun while showing what the system is capable of. Sadly, the initial launch of the 3DS was nothing short of lack luster. Nintendo did not what would considering a strong line-up by releasing Nintendogs +Cats, Pilotwings Resort, Steeldiver, and for all intents and purposes let’s include the remake of Ocarina of Time hitting store shelves on June, 19th.

Nintendo did make a smart move by allowing the system to play all of the DS games and adding the eShop which allows for additional access to games – even access to the GameBoy Advance library. Everyone also knows that the Nintendo games are coming. People will be able to enjoy their Marios, Animal Crossing, Pokemons, etc. soon enough. What is reassuring about the 3DS’s lifecycle is that if any early indications hold true, Nintendo will get massive support from third party developers once again. Here is a look at some of the early titles that should be on your radar.

Cave Story 3D - [Nicalis, Inc./NIS America]

Cave Story was the project of Daisuke Amaya (aka Pixel). He worked on this game in his free time and was the person who did all of the programming, sound, art, and everything else. The game was originally released on PC via the internet as freeware. The charming title was every bit of a throwback to old school platformers and was received very well. So well in fact that it is getting a full upgrade and port to the 3DS. Nicalis has taken the time to involve Amaya throughout the recreation process and keep the game as true to the original as possible. Some of the original code from the 2D version has been incorporated into the 3D to give the game the same feel. A lot of effort has gone into making this game true to the original but give a fresh feel to appeal to a wider audience.

Cave Story is available right now still as freeware for PC and Mac as well as a purchased version through WiiWare or DSiWare for 10 bucks. If you like the side scrolling platform from days of long ago (Metroid, MegaMan, Castlevania, etc.) it is highly recommended that you check this game out and if you like it enough buy the digital version as well as the 3D one. Not only is this a great third party game, but also a great indie game. This is a combination that can prevent the game industry from getting stale. Cave Story 3D is scheduled to ship to retail stores this August.

Crush3D - [SEGA]

Crush was originally a PSP title that was very well received by the critics and this 3DS port is shaping up to do the same. With the ability to really show off the 3D the platforming in Crush3D will have an excellent level of depth in the puzzles and will be a natural fit on the 3DS.

Crush3D is a platforming puzzle game that challenges the gamer to collect enough marbles/gems to find the exit in each area. The environment has both 3D and 2D platforming elements to it and gamers are able to switch between the two at any moment. The major draw with this game lies in the ability to “crush” the 3D elements onto a 2D plane to be able to move to the next area to collect the next set of items. Crush3D is scheduled for a September release.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater 3D Edition- [Konami]

Metal Gear Solid is a franchise rich with history. Snake Eater is an origin story of the first soldier that comes to be known as “Big Boss” and is the launching point for the entire MGS storylines. Snake Eater was originally released on the Playstation 2 platform in 2004. It was one of the better released titles on the system and has become a staple when talking about survival games. Not only does this port include 3D elements but it also has some more interesting features as well. The opportunity to take a picture with the 3DS’s camera and implement that into the game as Snake’s camouflage should create a unique (and probably hilarious) customization opportunity.

Early indications are that the graphic level of the game is consistent to its PS2 predecessor which is a good thing. Players interested in the controls can know that it will follow the same overall layout as Metal Gear Peace Walker which was released earlier this year on PSP. A few other control changes will be made; like making use of the touch screen which will house the overall map of the current area as well as a weapon selection option. Look for this one in November of this year.

Shinobi - [SEGA]

Shinobi is one of those classic franchises that dates back to the earliest days of console gaming. This franchise started one year after the first Zelda game. This newest entry into the series will be the twelfth one and is being built from the ground up on the 3DS platform. Shinobi is a side scrolling action game which has players doing ninja activities like running along rooftops, killing bad ninjas, double jumps, throwing ninja stars, and avoiding attacks and obstacles to score points. Aside from the stereoscopic 3D that Shinobi will provide it will have other features to support the 3DS.

Shinobi will have StreetPass goodies to boot. This time around Shinobi will have all new access to magic based attacks and feature a new combo system. Early gameplay demos have shown a change of pace from the different Shinobi games by having different gameplay mechanics that breakup the pace of the normal side scrolling adventures. There will also be a larger focus on diversifying the ninja attacks via long range and short range moves. Aerial moves will make an appearance as well in case you feel the need to rain death from above. Shinobi is shaping up to be a great entry into the long standing franchise and a must own for every gamer’s 3DS library. Shinobi is expected to be released this September.

Tales of the Abyss 3D - [Namco Bandai]

Tales of the Abyss was released on the PS2 in 2006 and was one of the best entries in the Tales franchise. The story revolves around warring nations searching for a prophesy that is said to lead to prosperity but pieces of the prophesy have been scattered throughout the planet. These two factions along with a religious group create quite the backdrop as the events unfold. While there are the usual RPG clichés the Tales franchise places a heavy focus on character development through the story.

The battle system in Abyss is an action based battle system where both the players and enemies can move freely within the battle environment. The game also has an emphasis on building combos to do additional damage to the enemy. There are extra combo based attacks that players can employ known as Artes. The Artes system has become a staple in the Tales franchise this iteration features new shortcuts that have been added to the touch screen for easier use. In previous entries your Artes were triggered by holding a direction and pressing a button. The characters also have special Artes that can only be used at certain points in battles (much like a limit break in Final Fantasy) and in the 3DS port of Abyss they have been overhauled and given special animations. Tales of the Abyss will release this summer in Japan and later this fall for both the US and European territories.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the third party titles that will be releasing soon on the 3DS platform but there are many others. Square Enix did announce at E3 this year that they would have entries from the Kingdom Hearts, Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy series all making appearances on the platform. They are even working on less popular franchises like the Chocobo Dungeon Racing so it is nice to see big support from a heavy hitter like Square Enix.

Capcom has already released one of the system’s best titles in Super Street Fighter IV and plan to release multiple installments of their insanely popular Resident Evil. The first Resident Evil will be made available at the end of June in the form of Resident Evil: Mercenaries. The next title will be called Revelations with a TBA release date.

With this much early support it is reassuring to know that your 3DS will not be collecting dust in between first party titles. While those will still be titles worth buying these are just a few of the earlier games that can help you stay close to your 3DS glow.

By: Paul McFaden