Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Most Overlooked Nintendo 3DS Games - Part Ten

The Nintendo 3DS library is what I consider one of the most complete and expansive libraries in gaming. Not every title in its library, however, can be a sales success. Many do, in fact, fall by the wayside and through the cracks. These five games for part ten of the Most Overlooked Nintendo 3DS Games are victims of this. Despite being of varied quality (all good quality, however), these games somehow didn't manage to make the impact that they truly deserved. For a look at past installments of this series, check out the following links:

Nintendo 3DS - Part One
Nintendo 3DS - Part Two 
Nintendo 3DS - Part Three
Nintendo 3DS - Part Four
Nintendo 3DS - Part Five
Nintendo 3DS - Part Six
Nintendo 3DS - Part Seven
Nintendo 3DS - Part Eight
Nintendo 3DS - Part Nine

Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past


Pleading to Square Enix and Nintendo to release the Nintendo 3DS remake of the PS1 classic Dragon Quest VII, fans of the series saw victory when not only one 3DS Dragon Quest game was announced for localization but two were announced. However, despite the clamoring on message boards for these games to be released in the West, it appears that these people were a very vocal minority, as Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past failed to sell well in its launch month based on NPD data. Furthermore, the legs of the game are incredibly short, quite unlike the lengthy 100+ hour quest the game possesses. Regardless, those who do look into the game will see the classic turn-based RPG action, charming characters, and lovely vignettes the original Dragon Quest VII was known for, in addition to the beautiful updated 3D models.

Final Fantasy Explorers


Released back in February of this year, Final Fantasy Explorers was Square Enix and Final Fantasy's answer to Capcom's Monster Hunter franchise. The goal was pretty much the same in Explorers as with Monster Hunter's, fell behemoth-sized beasts, use the materials dropped by said creatures to craft new and more powerful weapons and armor. Really, Final Fantasy Explorers is a great introduction to a Monster Hunter-like game for those intimidated by Capcom's franchise. While the combat doesn't take as much skill to master, constantly acquiring new materials to craft awesome equipment to make your hero look like the bad ass he or she is-is a fantastic feeling and gives you a sense of continued progression. Then you can hop online with up to three other explorers to take on monsters and missions alike.

Disney Magical World 2


According to NPD leaks, Disney Magical World 2 netted only about 10,000 sold copies in its initial launch month in the U.S. For its asking price, the game is an embarrassment of riches, whether it's content in the form of things to accomplish, furniture to collect and customize your home, or clothing to wear and outfit your custom character. The abundance of Disney characters your avatar can interact with would make any Disney fan squeal with delight. Entering into the different magical worlds like the 100-Acre Wood of Winnie the Pooh fame, Atlantica of The Little Mermaid fame, Hawaii from Lilo & Stitch, and others to complete missions and quests means you'll never be at a point in Disney Magical World 2 where there is nothing to do. Of course, the total lack of marketing towards the game is easy to blame for the totally lackluster sales, which is unfortunate, as Disney Magical World 2 is a terrific game for the many Disney fans who probably don't even know it exists.

River City: Tokyo Rumble


After many years in hibernation (at least in the West), the River City Ransom series returns, this time to the Nintendo 3DS in a celebration of all things River City. Taking on the role of Kunio, a high school student with the reputation of being a tough guy who will take on anyone who threatens his friends, you progress through a beat-em-up sandbox-style city setting, brawling with goons, henchmen, and bosses alike. While doing so, you gain experience to gain strength and coins to purchase helpful health-restoring items and stat-boosting equipment like undershirts and iron knuckles. A New Game+ option guarantees that you'll be brawling until the sun comes up, and the addition of a four-player versus mode in both fighting and dodgeball ensures that good times will be had by anyone who enjoys a good and satisfying beat-em-up.

Style Savvy: Fashion Forward


Get your inner fashionista on with Style Savvy: Fashion Forward. Intended for the audience that mostly left Nintendo to mobile gaming, Fashion Forward may seem like it's some trashy shovelware, but the quality of the game is definitely up to Nintendo's standards. From performing all the day-to-day duties of running a fashion boutique (stocking, keeping a steady supply of goods, making customers satisfied with appropriate outfits that tailor their wants, etc.) to entering fashion contests to earn prestigious awards, Style Savvy: Fashion Forward is a highly competent game that decidedly isn't for everyone. Nevertheless, you'd be a fool to dismiss it as shovelware just because it doesn't appeal to you. There is obvious effort put into this game seeping out of every crack and crevice.

No comments: