The Nintendo 3DS is not the best platform when comes to board games because there are only a few of them. The good thing is, most of them are decent. Here are seven of the best board games to carry around with your 3DS.
Best Nintendo 3DS board games
7. Navy Commander
Navy Commander is the 3DS equivalent paper and pencil game Battleship. It may not be a bombastic digital adaptation, but it is more than enough. It plays and runs decently which all gamers ask for a portable game. For those who are surprisingly not familiar with this game, gameplay revolves around blindly selecting grid cells to target opponent ships, with animations adding minimal flair. Victory hinges on deduction and luck, augmented slightly by limited-use special items. Difficulty levels offer escalating challenges against CPU opponents.
The visuals of Navy Commander is a little beyond basic grids and animations. Multiplayer mode injects some life into the experience, allowing pass-and-play or download play. This game when it was released is a budget-friendly, no-frills Battleship portable rendition.
6. 50 Classic Games 3D
Best of Board Games is a compilation of three games: Chess, Mahjong, and Solitaire. Obviously, only Chess and Mahjong are board games, but that does not mean you are going to get bored. However, 50 Classic Games is a better game just by sheer quantity. While the former has much better presentation, the latter wins due to having a greater number of games to play with.
Admittedly, the presentation is just ugly, but you have to account that some of the board games on the 3DS only offer one game. This has 50 of them albeit only a fraction of them are board games, still they are in double digits. You will have the choice though, Best of Board Games may have three and a better presentation but sometimes, quantity beats quality a lot of times.
5. Junior Classic 3DS Games
Junior Classic Games is a charming educational title designed for the young adventurers This game has potential for educational enrichment for young children. Of course, adults can also play this game.
Players are greeted with a vibrant array of activities across six diverse categories upon opening the game. With thirty games to explore, ranging from music challenges to word searches, Junior Classic Games promises an abundance of kid-friendly entertainment. There are not many board games in here, but there are there, as compared to having one game instead of 35.
While the quality of games varies, with some feeling less polished than others, there are shining gems amidst the jungle foliage.The game’s jungle-themed ambiance adds charm, complemented by playful sound effects. Junior Classic Games stands out for its diverse selection and potential to captivate young imaginations, making it a delightful addition to any child to not just play board games but also puzzle games.
4. 3D Game Collection: 55-in-1
3D Game Collection: 55-in-1 is a treasure trove of classic games and puzzles perfectly suited for handheld play. With a vast selection of 25 games ranging from Backgammon to Battleship, this collection offers something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a casual gamer looking for some nostalgic fun. While some may critique its uninspired presentation, the sheer variety of games ensures there’s never a dull moment.
Upon creating a user profile, players are whisked away to themed environments such as outer space, a pirate-filled ocean, or a tranquil field of flowers, each hosting an array of delightful diversions. From card games to jigsaws, Sudoku to Mahjong, the collection spans a wide spectrum of gaming experiences.
3D Game Collection: 55-in-1 offers ample replay value with its challenging trophies and diverse gameplay options. While it may not revolutionize the genre, its straightforward approach to classic gaming provides a reliable source of entertainment for players of all ages. So, whether you’re seeking a quick distraction or a leisurely gaming session, 3D Game Collection promises hours of timeless fun in the palm of your hand.
3. Pure Chess
VooFoo Studios’ Pure Chess boldly takes on the challenge of delivering cross-platform online chess multiplayer, a feat accomplished on both the Wii U and the 3DS. Obviously, this particular component of the game is not widely available as of this writing, it was a blast at the peak of both consoles.
The good thing is, the game offers robust single-player modes, including valuable lessons in the Learn to Play section, covering everything from basic controls to advanced strategies. Chess Challenges provide engaging puzzles, while tournaments add competitive flair. Pure Chess sets itself apart from cheaper alternatives with its sophisticated presentation, featuring a captivating soundtrack that sets the stage for a relaxing gaming experience, perfect for unwinding with a pair of headphones.
Pure Chess remains a solid choice for chess enthusiasts and those seeking a dedicated chess experience on the 3DS. The game’s classy touches and substantial single-player content make it a worthwhile addition to board games fans, offering hours of strategic gameplay for players of all skill levels.
2. Mahjong 3D: Warriors of the Emperor
Mahjong 3D – Warriors of the Emperor injects new life into the timeless tile-matching gameplay by weaving a captivating story into the mix. Set against a backdrop of ancient Chinese history, players assume the role of Qin Shi Huangdi on a quest to conquer and unite China. While the historical accuracy may be loose, the blend of fact and fiction adds a charming layer to the gameplay, set across various Chinese territories ripe for conquest. The non-linear progression allows players to tackle stages in any order, offering freedom and flexibility in their conquest.
Tgame offers a plethora of power-ups and diverse level types to keep players engaged. As players progress, they unlock new abilities and forge alliances with historical figures, enhancing puzzle-solving capabilities. Unique level types, including battles, building stages, and debates, add variety to the gameplay. Debates, in particular, introduce a competitive edge as players vie against computer opponents to secure matches on the game board.
With its stunning 3D visuals and immersive soundtrack, Mahjong 3D – Warriors of the Emperor elevates the classic game to new heights. The intuitive touch controls, albeit initially unconventional, quickly become second nature to anyone who have the basic patience.
1. Culdcept Revolt
Well, Culdcept is already part of the best 3DS board games list. It is both a card and a board game. Hence, it appears again in our top list. Drawing comparisons to Monopoly and Fortune Street, it offers strategic depth and addictive gameplay wrapped in a captivating storyline.
In Culdcept Revolt, players roll dice to navigate maps, claiming territories with guardian monsters and engaging in battles to expand their empire. Each board features gates that grant magic bonuses upon completion of a lap, serving as vital checkpoints. With over 400 cards to collect and customize, players can tailor their decks to suit their playstyle, balancing elements and abilities to gain an edge over opponents. The addition of Evo cards introduces a new dynamic, allowing creatures to level up and evolve over time.
The game’s single-player campaign offers chapters filled with main missions and optional side story, Culdcept Revolt offers a rich and immersive board game experience coupled with card game shenanigans and a whole lot of JRPGs.