All week, Destructoid editors have been sharing their most anticipated games of 2011 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC. and the PSP. Now we come to a system that is, itself, one of the hottest items of the coming year. Fans have been chomping at the bit to get their hands on the 3DS, and in 2011, we’ll finally get it.
So, what are the hot games that go along with it? Myself and Hamza Aziz have made our choices, including some more archaic DS picks as well. Hey, some of those are coming too!
Jim Sterling
The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time (3DS)
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
To be released: 2011
I’ve been stomping my feet and demanding a portable Ocarina of Time for quite a while, so naturally when they announced a full visual remaster for the 3DS, I was more than satisfied. It’s cool to sneer at classic games and call them overrated, but I’m not ashamed to admit that I love Ocarina of Time. Even now, I can play it and just feel totally, thoroughly absorbed.
Having that wonderful world in my pocket, and with a visual spruce, is a dream come true for me. Nintendo gives me little reason to doubt its software skill, so I am sure this will be excellent. I definitely hope so!
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater 3D (3DS)
Developer: Kojima Productions
Publisher: Konami
To be released: 2011
I know, I know. My first two picks aren’t even original games. That’s actually one of the things that really excites me about the 3DS, though. I love the idea of having some of my favorite classic games polished and presented in gimmicky 3D, all to carry with me wherever I go. Snake Eater, like Ocarina of Time, is a wonderful title that I want to take with me everywhere.
One of the first things I ever did with my wife was show her this game. I played it while she watched for the story. She loves Snake Eater despite never having played it. I love Snake Eater because it’s one of my favorite PS2 games of all time. Plus I really want to see that ridiculous Fury death scene pop out of the screen at me.
“I’m coming home!”
Dynasty Warriors (3DS)
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Tecmo Koei
To be released: 2011
Yeah. Another Dynasty Warriors pick. Screw y’all!
BloodRayne: The Shroud (3DS)
Developer: ???
Publisher: Majesco
To be released: 2011
BloodRayne was never a particular good game, but there was something I liked about it. Maybe it was just the ludicrously inappropriate sexuality merged with a thoroughly stupid Nazi storyline. Maybe it was just because Rayne was rather hot in a “Why is she making that sex noise while biting a German?” kind of way. Whatever the reason, I’ve always been fond of BloodRayne, so I was excited when I heard a 3DS game was in the works.
So far, we’re not entirely sure what this game will be. Might be a remake, might be a sequel. I’m going to get it regardless. It has been far, far too long since this series got a new installment, and a 3DS one will do quite nicely, thanks.
Saints Row: Drive By (3DS)
Developer: Volition Inc.
Publisher: THQ
To be released: 2011
I wasn’t a fan of the first Saints Row at all. Saints Row 2, however, was absolute class. Rather than feel like a cynical and hamfisted attempt to copy Grand Theft Auto, the sequel actually stood out and carved its own unique voice. While Rockstar attempted to be more “serious” with GTA IV, Volition went in the opposite direction to make a puerile, childish, utterly stupid game. It was beautiful.
So now I’m really looking forward to anything else this franchise puts out, and Drive By is no exception. All we know so far as it will play differently from previous games, so I’m a little cautious about what’s coming. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more, though. Saints Row 2 is one of the most brainlessly fun games ever made and I hope that continues on the 3DS.
BONUS ROUND
Kirby (DS)
Developer: GoodFeel
Publisher: Nintendo
To be released: 2011
You should all know by now that I’ve got a lot of love in my heart for Kirby, and it’s not just because we’re both round and pink. He’s got a game coming to the DS next year in which you use a stylus to control multiple Kirby characters. Rare is the day that Kirby can come to a portable system and fail, so this is doubtless going to be a lot of fun.
It’s Kirby! Only monsters (and entertainment magazine writers) could hate the guy!
Pokemon Black/White (DS)
Developer: GameFreak
Publisher: Nintendo
To be released: 2011
Pokemon has existed for a very long time as a franchise that’s never needed to reinvent itself. While Black and White isn’t exactly a revolution, it does represent a step toward something fresh for the franchise. With 3D graphics, more animated battles, and a selection of gameplay changes, this is going to be a familiar experience with a pair of new shoes.
There’s a reason Pokemon has endured, though, and that’s because it’s a damn fine game. A layer of cute sweetness hides a compelling, enriched, potentially life-consuming depth of experience and that’s been the key to the franchise’s everlasting success. Really, Black/White could be the same old game and still make it on this list, but the promise of change adds an extra level of intrigue.
Hamza Aziz
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Developer: Project Sora
Publisher: Nintendo
To be released: 2011
The 3DS impressed me like everyone else at E3, but it wasn’t until the Kid Icarus: Uprising footage started playing during Nintendo’s press conference that I was blown away by Nintendo’s next handheld. It’s as ifPanzer Dragoon and God of War wanted to have a baby but Panzer Dragoon couldn’t get pregnant so they asked Nintendo to be the surrogate mother and the result of this three way was Kid Icarus: Uprising.
The only thing that would make me not want Uprising is if developer Project Sora keeps in the horrendous voice acting. Someone please tell me those voices were just placeholders.
Resident Evil: Revelations (3DS)
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
To be released: 2011
It’s still hard to believe that I’ve lived long enough to see a handheld give us the type of graphics thatResident Evil: Revelations is promising to give us. Beyond that though, I am a giant Resident Evil fanboy and everything about Revelations is looking great.
The developers on the new Resi have stated that there will be more emphasis on fear as the new gameis returning to the classic style of exploration, bullets will be in short supply and puzzle-solving will be present. Most interesting of all is that you’ll actually be able to move while your gun is equipped now. Me thinks Dead Space has influenced the team on this front.
Super Paper Mario 3DS (3DS)
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
To be released: 2011
Believe it or not, my number one game of all time is Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Sadly, a true sequel to that series may never come but the Paper Mario series (plus the Mario & Luigi saga) have helped me deal with that fact. Even better, the new Super Paper Mario is returning to the series roots and providing a real RPG experience once again.
Little is known at this point, but we have seen the traditional staple of enemies and it looks like Mario will have partners again, as evidence of a Chain Chomp hanging out with Mario in multiple screenshots. “Chomp” attack, anyone?
Mega Man Legends 3 (3DS)
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
To be released: 2011
Mega Man Legends 3 is a real thing! It’s been a long time coming and kind of hard to believe that it really is happening. Mega Man Legends 1, 2 and even The Misadventures of Tron Bonne were all amazing on the original PlayStation and we’re finally getting a much deserved sequel.
Even more amazing is the fact that Capcom wants YOU to help them develop the game. They’ve been asking for extensive fan feedback as they want to make this game perfect for Mega Man Legends fans. Oh, and expect plenty of Servbot abuse from Tron again.
Tetris 3DS (3DS)
Developer: Hudson
Publisher: Hudson
To be released: 2011
My gateway drug into the world of videogames was the original Game Boy with Tetris. I started with that combo, and I’ve always kept that tradition alive with every new Nintendo handheld. The 3DS won’t be any different.
*Note: There isn’t a single image of Tetris for the 3DS available yet. My journalism senses tells me it’ll look like other Tetris games, but you know, in 3D.
BONUS ROUND
Okamiden (DS)
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
March 15, 2011 (NA) / March 18, 2011 (EU)
Okami — like most everything Clover Studios put out during the PlayStation 2 days — was a game held dearly by gamers. I never expected anything new from this franchise again, but now a sequel is happening by some miracle in the form of Okamiden for the DS. This time around, you play as Chibiterasu (the wolf pup of Amaterasu) who shares similar powers such as the Celestial Brush.
Cross your fingers that Okamiden lives up to the original’s level of reverence.
Ghost Trick (DS)
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
To be released: January 11, 2011 (NA) / January 14, 2011 (EU)
From the creator of the Ace Attorney series comes Ghost Trick, a murder mystery adventure game where you’re trying to solve your own murder. While on your guest for answers, you’ll also be helping others from suffering the same fate by possessing inanimate objects and doing spooky stuff. It’s like a cross between the movies Ghost and Minority Report. Kind of.
I can say more, but why don’t you try out the game for yourself in the online demo instead?
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Additional staff picks for the 3DS and DS:
Jonathan Holmes: Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth 2, Ghost Trick, Okamiden, Ni No Kuni — basically every 3DS game that has been announced so far.
Chad Concelmo: Super Paper Mario 3DS, Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D, Kid Icarus Uprising, Phoenix Wright vs Professor Layton / Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth 2, Okamiden, Professor Layton and the Flute of Malevolent Destiny
Hamza Aziz: Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, Star Fox 64 3D, Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D
This is just a selection of our most anticipated games for the 3DS and DS. There are a ton of great games coming out next year, and we want to hear from you what YOUR most wanted 3DS or DS game of 2011 is (use this giant list to help you figure out what’s coming out.) Leave a comment telling us the games you want the most, and we’ll tally up your votes to reveal on Monday what the most anticipated games of 2011 are from the Destructoid community.
