Best 3ds games of 2017

Well, I am way later than last time this year with my 'best-of' lists. But, let me just begin while I have some free time on my hands.

I will start this year with the best in what 3ds had to offer in 2017. These games are listed in order of their release date and not in any particular order of ranking.

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, is a role-playing video game developed by Level-5 and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 2. It was first released in Japan in 2004, and was later released in North America in 2005 and PAL regions in 2006, making it the first main series installment released in the PAL region.It is the eighth installment of the popular Dragon Quest series and it is the first English version of a Dragon Quest game to drop the Dragon Warrior title. This version of the game for 3DS was released in English in January 20, 2017.

[ While its original was one of the fastest selling release of PS2, I was waiting for this remake for a long time. This one is must have for any JRPG fan and a definite classic among classics. ]

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is a tactical role-playing game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS handheld video game console in 2017. The game is a full remake of the 1992 Famicom title Fire Emblem Gaiden, the second entry in the Fire Emblem series. Following childhood friends Alm and Celica as they fight on opposites sides of a war between their respective nations, Fire Emblem Echoes carries over the core gameplay mechanics of the Fire Emblem series while incorporating mechanics from Gaiden and new elements including dungeon crawling. It was released on May 19, 2017 for English speaking regions.

[ The second entry is another remake. This time it is the latest entry into Fire Emblem, one of the greatest tactical role-playing series ever. Another must play, I guess. ]

Metroid: Samus Returns

Metroid: Samus Returns is a side-scrolling action-adventure game developed by MercurySteam and Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS handheld game console, with the latter also publishing it. A part of the science fiction Metroid series, the game is a reimagining of the 1991 Game Boy game Metroid II: Return of Samus. Players control Samus Aran, who is sent by the Galactic Federation to exterminate the parasitic Metroids on their home planet of SR388. The story and structure are similar to Metroid II, but the game adds controls, visuals, and gameplay, and introduces features new to 2D Metroid games, such as a melee counterattack, the ability to fire freely at any angle, and a selection of abilities. Development began in 2015, produced by longtime Metroid developer Yoshio Sakamoto. The game received positive reviews for its visuals and improved gameplay over the original game, with many viewing it as a return to form for the series. It was released worldwide on 15 September 2017.


[ The third entry is yet another remake. And while this might be more of a reimagining than a remake it does retain the awesomeness of the original and create a breathtaking experience. ]

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is a role-playing video game developed by AlphaDream and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance in 2003. The game is the first in the Mario & Luigi RPG series. The game was later re-released for the Wii U Virtual Console on the Nintendo eShop in 2014, and remade for the Nintendo 3DS as Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions in 2017. The setting of the game begins in the Mushroom Kingdom, but progresses to the Beanbean Kingdom for the majority of the game. In the game, Mario and Luigi combat Cackletta, the primary antagonist. The quest begins when Cackletta, with the aid of her assistant Fawful, steals Princess Peach's voice after adopting the guise of an ambassador from the Beanbean Kingdom. The 3DS port features updated graphics, maintaining the use of sprites but with additional lighting effects, akin to Dream Team and Paper Jam. The port also adds an additional storyline, Minion Quest: The Search for Bowser, which follows Captain Goomba and features different gameplay mechanics. The game also features Amiibo functions, tied to the existing Boo and new Goomba and Koopa Troopa figures. The game was released worldwide on October 6, 2017.

[ Wow, seems like 2017 was a year of remakes for 3DS. And this is the remake of the first Mario & Luigi RPG which has the perfect blend of adventure and humor to make it enjoyable to anyone that gives it a try. ]

Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth

Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth is a dungeon crawler role-playing video game developed and published by Atlus for the Nintendo 3DS. Etrian Odyssey V chronicles the quest of a new adventurer as he or she attempts to reach the crown of the towering Yggdrasil Tree. For it is said that whoever braves the dangers of the dreaded Yggdrasil Labyrinth and reaches the summit will have their greatest wish fulfilled. Each culture has their own myth, some say great power will be granted, others believe the great mysteries will be solved. Some believe the ultimate techniques can be mastered there, and a number believe the lost treasures can be found at the top of the Yggdrasil Tree's boughs. There's a reason why no one has ever reached the top. Dangerous creatures and terrifying FOEs roam the labyrinth on every floor, so prepare to test your mettle with challenging turn-based battles. Form your own party and partner up to unleash devastating attacks. Personalize your party to work to your advantage. With endless character customization, adventurers will cast and create their own party from four unique races and ten different classes to explore the uncharted labyrinth. The game was released in Japan in August 2016, in North America in October 2017, and in Europe and Australasia in November 2017.

[ Finally a fresh new game. The fifth entry into the Etrian Odyssey is as good as the last four with steep difficulty giving greater sense of accomplishment once you get the hang of it. This just might be the best in the series if you ask me and must have for any fans. ]

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon are role-playing video games developed by Game Freak, published by The Pokémon Company, and distributed by Nintendo for Nintendo 3DS. The titles are enhanced versions of Pokémon Sun and Moon with a modified storyline. The games are set in the Hawaii-based Alola region with an alternate storyline and introduce several new characters, Pokémon, forms, and gameplay features. As with previous titles in the series, the game follows a young trainer in a Pokémon-training journey across the region. The games feature new forms of the legendary Pokémon Necrozma as version mascots. The paired games were released worldwide on 17 November 2017.

[ Although these might seem like a blatant attempt at exploiting existing fans, most of the said fans have already bought and played the shit out of these ungraded versions. The additional features are good though, and at the end of the day any new pokemon game is welcome. ]