Top 3DS Games: A Metacritic-Approved Hall Of Fame

Hey gaming fanatics! Ever found yourself staring at your 3DS, wondering what incredible adventures await? Well, you're in luck! We're diving deep into the world of the Nintendo 3DS, exploring the best 3DS games of all time as judged by the ever-reliable Metacritic. Get ready to reminisce, discover hidden gems, and maybe even dust off your 3DS for a nostalgic playthrough. This list is your ultimate guide to the handheld gaming elite, so buckle up, grab your stylus, and let's get started!

Why Metacritic Matters for the Best 3DS Games

Before we jump into the games, let's chat about why Metacritic is such a big deal. For those who are new to gaming, Metacritic is basically the ultimate scorekeeper. It gathers reviews from critics all over the world and crunches them into a single, easy-to-understand score. This score helps you gauge the overall quality of a game. It's not the only thing that matters, of course. Your personal taste is always king! But Metacritic offers a great starting point for finding the best 3DS games – the ones that have wowed both players and the pros. A high Metacritic score usually means a game is well-polished, has engaging gameplay, and delivers a memorable experience. So, when we talk about the "best 3DS games all time Metacritic," we're talking about titles that have consistently impressed the gaming community.

Looking for a new game to play? The Metacritic scores are an amazing resource to make sure you get the best and most fun games. The games on this list are considered some of the best that the 3DS has to offer, and they have the Metacritic scores to back it up. If you're a long-time 3DS gamer, you're probably familiar with many of these titles. But even if you've played some of these, there might be other games on this list that you haven't tried yet. The 3DS has a fantastic library of games, with titles that cater to all sorts of people. You can find games in various genres, like action, RPG, puzzle, and many others. There's truly something for everyone to enjoy on the 3DS. So whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned pro, there's always something new to discover in the world of 3DS gaming.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D - A Masterpiece Reborn

Let's kick things off with a true classic, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. This isn't just a great 3DS game; it's one of the greatest games ever made, period. This is a remake of the Nintendo 64 classic, and it's been lovingly updated for the 3DS. Everything you loved about the original is here, from the epic story and memorable characters to the clever puzzles and thrilling combat. But, the 3DS version has a fresh coat of paint. The graphics are stunning, the controls are smooth, and the 3D effect adds a whole new layer of depth to the world of Hyrule. If you've never experienced Ocarina of Time, this is the perfect place to start. If you have played it before, prepare to fall in love all over again. The developers have meticulously updated the graphics, controls, and user interface to take full advantage of the 3DS hardware. This makes it an amazing game to play.

The game's enduring appeal lies in its captivating story, iconic characters like Link and Zelda, and the vast, engaging world of Hyrule. As Link, players embark on a quest to save Princess Zelda and defeat the evil Ganondorf, exploring temples, solving puzzles, and battling fearsome enemies. The game seamlessly blends action, adventure, and exploration, creating a truly unforgettable experience. The 3DS version of Ocarina of Time enhances the original's brilliance with improved visuals, intuitive controls, and a fully realized 3D environment. The depth perception of the 3DS adds a new dimension to the gameplay, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the rich environments of Hyrule. The clever use of the 3D effect also enhances combat and puzzle-solving, making the gameplay more engaging and immersive than ever before. For newcomers, Ocarina of Time 3D is the perfect introduction to the world of Zelda, while for long-time fans, it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane that reinforces the series' legacy as one of gaming's greatest franchises.

Metroid: Samus Returns - A Blast from the Past

Next up, we have Metroid: Samus Returns. If you're a fan of action-packed exploration and sci-fi adventures, this is the game for you. This is a remake of Metroid II: Return of Samus for the Game Boy, and it's a perfect example of how to update a classic. The graphics are gorgeous, the gameplay is tight, and the sense of isolation and mystery that defines the Metroid series is perfectly captured. In Metroid: Samus Returns, you play as Samus Aran, a bounty hunter on a mission to exterminate the deadly Metroids on planet SR388. You'll explore vast, interconnected environments, battle dangerous creatures, and unlock new abilities to help you survive. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience.

The game's blend of action, exploration, and atmosphere is expertly crafted, creating a unique and immersive experience that draws players into its world. As Samus Aran, players navigate the treacherous planet SR388, battling a variety of alien creatures and Metroids. The game's side-scrolling perspective emphasizes exploration and discovery, while the intuitive controls and fluid combat mechanics ensure a satisfying gameplay experience. The 3DS version revitalizes the classic formula with stunning visuals, incorporating a vibrant art style that emphasizes the alien landscapes and creatures. Furthermore, the game introduces a new melee counter mechanic, allowing players to engage in strategic combat and utilize advanced moves. This addition adds depth to the gameplay and allows players to feel the satisfaction of mastering Samus's combat abilities. For fans of the Metroid series, Samus Returns is a must-play, providing a fresh perspective on a beloved classic. For newcomers, it offers a great introduction to the series, presenting a captivating adventure filled with exploration, combat, and immersive storytelling.

Fire Emblem: Awakening - The Strategy RPG Titan

Fire Emblem: Awakening is a game that breathed new life into the Fire Emblem series. It's a fantastic strategy RPG with a deep story, compelling characters, and addictive gameplay. If you like strategic battles, building relationships with your characters, and making tough choices that affect the story, you'll love this game. In Fire Emblem: Awakening, you take on the role of a tactician who must lead a group of heroes to save the world from a looming threat. The game features a complex battle system where you must carefully position your units, consider their strengths and weaknesses, and make strategic decisions to achieve victory. The characters are well-developed, with unique personalities and backstories, and the relationships you build with them add an extra layer of depth to the experience. This game has a great combination of everything. Gameplay, story, and art are all well-made.

This game is praised for its accessible yet strategic gameplay, a compelling narrative, and memorable characters. Fire Emblem: Awakening revitalized the series, introducing engaging features that resonated with both newcomers and long-time fans. The game's tactical battles require careful unit placement, strategic decision-making, and an understanding of weapon strengths and weaknesses. The innovative