3DS eShop Game Reviews
Review Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 (3DS eShop)
Electrifying, for the right player
Azure Striker Gunvolt, released in 2014, played like a true successor to Mega Man, though with its own ideas at the forefront. Two years later we've received its sequel, Azure Striker Gunvolt 2. With the disappointing mediocrity of Mighty No. 9 just a few months ago fresh in everyone's minds, a project in which...
Review Super Castlevania IV (3DS eShop / SNES)
The (Belmont) Boys Are Back in Town
The Super NES is, for many, Nintendo's greatest console. It boasted a software library that was an envy of competitors and had more than enough power to stave off unfavourable comparisons to arcade games of its age. Unlike many of Nintendo's more recent home consoles, the SNES is remembered just as much for its...
Review The Legend of the Mystical Ninja (3DS eShop / SNES)
Still hanging in there
The Legend of the Mystical Ninja is a perfect throwback to the '90s: a time when Konami was still revered among gamers, games were heavily edited for Western markets, and Nintendo reigned supreme. If you haven't heard of the Mystical Ninja series, we won't hold it against you. It's something of a cult-classic in the Western...
Review Gotta Protectors (3DS eShop)
You've gotta download this
Here's a typical snapshot of a battle in Gotta Protectors. Hundreds of enemies are hammering on the defenses from four different sides, the turrets and barricades are slowly but surely succumbing to the hordes, you and the Princess desperately attempt to beat them back with magic and arrows, and for every felled enemy four...
Red gives way to blue
As game generations pass, different genres become more popular. From the space shooters of the arcade era to the mascot-driven platformers of the 1990s to the military first-person shooters in recent years, there's always a genre ripe for exploiting. With the explosion of mobile games has come an increase in endless runner...
Review Ninja Smasher! (3DS eShop)
Go Ninja Go!
Every once in a while you come across one of those games that you haven't really heard of, you buy it on impulse, and are immediately glad that you did. In a game industry that's rife with overhyped disappointments, there's something poetic about a little-known game turning out to be excellent. Ninja Smasher! exemplifies this perfectly;...
Review Noitu Love: Devolution (3DS eShop)
Evolution on the Go
For all intents and purposes, Noitu Love: Devolution for Nintendo 3DS is the same as the Wii U version we previously reviewed. In this review we'll focus on the differences in the 3DS version and how it stacks up to the HD equivalent, so check out the Wii U review for a more detailed breakdown. As a reminder, Noitu Love:...
Review Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice (3DS eShop)
Turnabout Traveller
There's never been a lawyer who's captured the hearts of gamers quite like Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney. That's not only because Capcom's Ace Attorney is perhaps the only Bar-based game to hit the big time, but also because of the excellent writing, memorable characters, satisfying gameplay, and fast-flying 'Objection!'s that...
Review Unholy Heights (3DS eShop)
Movin' on down
The economy can be a merciless force, even if you're a malevolent being bent on world domination. The Devil, finding the life of a salaryman just isn't cutting it with his plans, leaves his job and buys an apartment out in the surprisingly picturesque projects, hoping to raise an army of monstrous tenants to storm the globe. Yep,...
Review Stickman Super Athletics (3DS eShop)
Sports done simply
With all the buzz around the Olympics this year, Stickman Super Athletics arrived just at the right time. Coderchild's latest offering sees you qualify for Olympian sports such as swimming, long jump and the 100m dash. Those who enjoyed games like Track and Field in past times will appreciate Stickman Super Athletics, but the...
Review Pixel Paint (3DS eShop)
Painting a decent picture
It's interesting to see how retro video game art is still so popular — you rarely see filmmakers presenting an entire movie in black and white just because that's how films used to be made. Perhaps due to nostalgia and the ease of creating game assets, pixel art continues to be popular in the indie game scene. If you're...
Review Adventure Labyrinth Story (3DS eShop)
Average Labyrinth Story
Last year's Adventure Bar Story put a new twist on the RPG experience, breaking it down into a tasty combination of two addicting elements: battling monsters, and cooking up a storm. Now publisher CIRCLE's back with Adventure Labyrinth Story, a spin-off of that title which focuses on putting a different facet of RPGs front...
Review The Legend of Kusakari (3DS eShop)
A Link to the Grass
Close your eyes for a moment and picture the scene. You find yourself in the midst of an epic battle – the sound of swords hitting shields surrounds you in every direction, great warriors are displaying the courage and spirit of 1,000 men as they fall for their cause, some random guy is sprinting around with the sole purpose of...
Review Psycho Pigs (3DS eShop)
This Little Piggy went Psycho
Initially released in 1987 and famed for its controversial ad campaign, arcade title Psycho Pigs now makes a return to 3DS in this remake by Bergsala Lightweight. The premise of the game is to beat up other pigs using bombs, without getting injured yourself. Unlike, say, Bomberman, you are free to roam around the arena...
Pulse Pounding Prequel
There's a scene in the film The Expendables 2 in which main character Barney Ross - portrayed by perennial badass Sylvester Stallone - revs up a motorcycle to send it careening unmanned up a ramp and through the windshield of a helicopter. This is the vibe that Gunslugs wants to convey. As far as 8-bit run-and-gun shooters go,...
Review Power Disc Slam (3DS eShop)
Sluggish slams and dodgy discs
First, there was Pong, and lo the people deemed it to be worthy. Since then it has been immortalised as a test of skill for two players, two gladiators going head to head and shooting for goals and glory. Next, the early nineties would reveal the natural evolution of this classic challenge - Windjammers. A competition...
Review Puzzle Labyrinth (3DS eShop)
A-maze-ingly strange
Without a plot, purpose, or any real explanation for what exactly is going on, Puzzle Labyrinth on 3DS lives up to its title by unceremoniously dumping the player into a complex maze filled with monsters, traps and strange riddles. Your only hope of escape lies squarely in your ability to complete each puzzle and unlock a...
Review Teddy Together (3DS eShop / 3DS)
Build-A-Bond
Teddy Together, to be clear from the start, is a game aimed at children. Mashing together aspects of Miitomo, Nintendogs and even Cooking Mama, it goes without saying that this title won't appeal to many older and experienced gamers. That said, it is a very well put together, varied and fun game which kids will definitely enjoy. Teddy...
Review The Battle Cats POP! (3DS eShop)
Almost paw-fect
If the success of Neko Atsume proves anything, it's that cats are popular and will not be losing their appeal any time soon. That said, The Battle Cats POP! is not your regular kitty game, incorporating tower defence strategy and delivering something truly unique. Battle Cats POP! lacks a storyline and throws you into the craziness...
Review Rubik's Cube (3DS eShop)
Fits in the pocket more comfortably than the original cube, at least
The 3DS eShop has been host to some quirky releases, and a virtual portrayal of the Rubik's Cube certainly fits the bill. Cypronia aims to give you the puzzling experience on the go and at home with a dual release, no doubt hoping that nostalgia and a taste for a challenge will...
It's still hip to be square
Life may be good when you're a ninja block, but the original BOXBOY! possibly ended up doing a bit too much sneaking around when it released last year. The HAL Laboratory puzzle-platformer went completely under the radar for some people, never gaining widespread attention or shaking the eShop up with its monochromatic...
Review Infinite Dunamis (3DS eShop)
Infinitely Decent
Kemco has found a comfortable niche on the eShop; over the past few years, the publisher has been steadily putting out budget JRPGs ported from mobile, from Grinsia to Justice Chronicles. They vary in quality, but their mission remains the same: to provide low-priced, nostalgia-tinged JRPG goodness. As the latest in the lineup,...
Review Conveni Dream (3DS eShop)
An inconvenient truth
When I was a child, I once told my mother that I wanted to work at a gas station when I grew up. I don't know why this was my aspiration at the time, and I don't remember my mother's response, but I never did live up to that goal. I went on to do other things: I went to college, worked a few different retail and customer...
Too Burnt To Be Good
Remember when random encounters, grinding for money and to level up characters was a thing in RPGs? ASH sure does. ASH starts with some rather vague storytelling. The game drops players into the Empire of Aghaus with control over two characters, Nicholas and Damien. It's hinted that Nicholas is a former member of Aghaus'...
Review Justice Chronicles (3DS eShop)
For middling justice!
Kemco has been nothing if not busy lately, keeping 3DS owners occupied with a steady stream of eShop JRPGs, and Justice Chronicles is the latest in this line. Though it suffers from a number of common ails of its ilk — like awkward translation, a generic cast, and uneven presentation — Justice Chronicles does have some neat...
Review Epic Word Search Collection 2 (3DS eShop)
For word nerds only
Epic Word Search Collection 2 is pretty much what it says on the tin, except possibly the 'epic' part. A modern day take on the classic Word Search, the game takes this popular puzzle and makes it paperless. There are no frills to make this a stand out video game, it is very simple in its approach and solely for those who want an...
Review Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge (3DS eShop)
Tiny toys
Nintendo's track record in promoting amiibo through free apps isn't one that's always shown the company at its best. amiibo Tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits, for example, was a bit rubbish and unsure of its audience. With efforts like that it's just as well that the range and compatible games mean the figures (and cards) practically sell...
Review WordsUp! Academy (3DS eShop)
Educational for all
CoderChild's WordsUp! Academy is another in a long list of puzzle games being released for the 3DS eShop recently. The game is like an electronic version of Scrabble, and sees you pitted against an opponent to find and spell out words. It's an OK puzzle game to test your brain during downtime, but it could prove very hard and...
Review Digger Dan DX (3DS eShop)
Just Dan-dy
Digger Dan DX is certainly effective at mining the past, pun not intended. Using the tried and tested formula seen in titles like Boulder Dash and Digger T. Rock, players must guide the titular Dan through a series of hazard-strewn mines by working out pathways and avoiding traps. Although it has been done before, the game works well as...
Review Dragon Fantasy: The Black Tome of Ice (3DS eShop)
Enter the dragon
Just like its predecessor, Dragon Fantasy: The Black Tome of Ice saw a dual release on both the 3DS and Wii U eShops. If you'd like a more thorough discussion of why we loved this classic-style JRPG, you can read more about it through here. For the purposes of this review we'll focus on what separates the 3DS version from the Wii U...
