The DS had plenty of adventure games, the 3DS on the other hand, did not enjoy the same fate. Nevertheless, there are a good number of adventure games, mostly Phoenix Wright games, that appeared on the dedicated handheld console. Here are seven of the best adventure games on the Nintendo 3DS.
Best nintendo 3DS adventure games
7. Adventure Time: Finn & Jake Investigations
Adventure Time: Finn & Jake Investigations is a 3D adventure that features five cases in the Land of Ooo. It adopts a point-and-click adventure format reminiscent of classic adventure games. Guided by space-observer Cuber, players unravel mysteries through interactive vignettes known as "graybles," with Cuber offering tutorial assistance at the start. While the interaction mechanics initially feel unfamiliar, they quickly become intuitive, with actions mapped to three buttons for ease of use.
Between investigations, players engage in simple combat sequences, which offer brief diversions. Combat rewards players with collectibles. The allure of dabbling down in the Adventure Time world remains a highlight, featuring familiar characters voiced by the original actors and vibrant 3D rendering.
Adventure Time: Finn & Jake Investigations offers a solid experience on the 3DS, catering to fans of the animated series and point-and-click adventures alike. Despite minor graphical shortcomings and occasional technical issues, the game provides about 10 hours of very accessible gameplay. This game also appeared on the WiiU, which may have better visuals, but the 3DS offers portability across the board.
6. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney marked a significant shift in the popular visual novel franchise, introducing a new protagonist following the conclusion of the Phoenix Wright trilogy. Despite its praised continuation of the series and standout music, the game faced criticism from fans for its perceived drop in quality compared to its predecessors.
Many faulted the game for its story and character flaws, including the portrayal of Apollo as secondary to Phoenix Wright and the inclusion of only a few returning characters from earlier entries. Pacing issues and controversial narrative choices, such as the incorporation of time travel, further contributed to the disappointment among fans.
The 3DS port of Apollo Justice features upgraded graphics and improved pacing; it also retains the original plot which some veteran players do not like. The addition of the ability to skip text enhances the gameplay experience, particularly given the game's slow pace. This adventure game may be a divisive entry in the series, it is only the vocal minority which causes such ruckus.
5. Detective Pikachu
Detective Pikachu offers a unique departure from the traditional Pokémon games, presenting players with a sleuthing adventure starring the iconic Pikachu as a detective. Through each chapter of the game, players delve into cases that require keen observation and interrogation, often spending around forty-five minutes to an hour on each investigation. Gathering information from both people and Pokémon alike, players must sift through testimonies and evidence to uncover the truth behind each case, piecing together clues to identify culprits.
The game's plot, initially centered around a missing father, gradually unfolds with surprising twists and turns, keeping players invested in uncovering the mysteries surrounding Pikachu's recurring dreams and the overarching narrative.
Detective Pikachu for the 3DS offers a solid gaming experience, particularly for Pokémon fans intrigued by its unconventional premise. It may be short, but it is so oh sweet. Its targeted audience, primarily younger Pokémon enthusiasts, may find actual enjoyment in its engaging story and interactive gameplay. This adventure take of an uber-popular franchise delivers a fresh take on the Pokémon franchise never before experienced.
4. Attack of the Friday Monsters: A Tokyo Tale
Attack of the Friday Monsters: A Tokyo Tale offers a poignant exploration of childhood and the complexities of perception through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy named Sohtu in 1970s Japan. The game delves into the struggle of comprehending the world's mysteries, portraying the confusion and innocence of childhood amidst a backdrop of kaiju television shows and family dynamics. As players accompany Sohtu on his journey, they unravel the intertwined narratives of the town's monster sightings and Sohtu's personal experiences.
The game is rich in metaphor, inviting players to question the blurred lines between reality and imagination as they navigate Sohtu's discoveries and interactions with the townspeople. Through Sohtu's perspective, the game explores themes of isolation, familial relationships, and the search for meaning in a world filled with uncertainties.
While the gameplay mechanics primarily serve to drive the story forward, the card-battling aspect adds an interactive element to the experience. Players collect Glims and engage in strategic battles, reflecting the game's themes of negotiation and competition among children. The emotionally resonant storytelling makes Attack of the Friday Monsters: A Tokyo Tale a compelling and worthwhile experience for players seeking a unique and thought-provoking adventure game.
3. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice
Set in the mystical country of Khura’in, the entry of a famous and beloved adventure franchise follows Phoenix Wright and his protege Apollo Justice as they navigate a legal system where defense attorneys are frowned upon. The overarching theme of courtroom revolution adds high stakes to the series' signature turnabout mysteries.
The game features a diverse cast of characters, both new and returning, with standout additions like the Khura’inese princess Rayfa and prosecutor Nahyuta. The cases themselves are cleverly crafted, with humorous dialogue and pun-filled localization enhancing the experience for western audiences.
Gameplay mechanics remain consistent with previous entries, with players engaging in cross-examinations, investigations, and unique courtroom features like Divination Seances and Mood Matrix. The climactic Revisualization segments provide thrilling conclusions to each case.
Spirit of Justice offers a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy while delivering enjoyable courtroom drama for fans of the series. While replay value may be limited due to the very nature of mystery-solving adventure games, the game remains a must-play for those who enjoy murder mysteries, visual novels, or engaging storytelling.
2. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies
With a story spanning five trials, it introduces the Wright Anything Agency's trio of defense attorneys: Phoenix Wright, Apollo Justice, and newcomer Athena Cykes. The interactions among these characters are well-balanced, offering a refreshing change from the series' usual single-protagonist format.
The game's transition to 3D graphics is seamless, maintaining the series' signature art style while adding depth and fluid animations.The engaging trial segments and introduction of unique character abilities keep gameplay fresh after several iterations of tested and proven core mechanics.
Dual Destinies earns high praise for its captivating story, well-executed character development, and successful adaptation to 3D graphics. The game maintains the series' legacy and offers a rewarding experience for fans of the franchise. With its blend of familiar elements and ushering in new and innovative additions, this stands as a worthy addition to the acclaimed series.
1. Virtue’s Last Reward
Virtue's Last Reward is a game that demands attention, especially for fans of its prequel, Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (999) which also ranked in our best of DS adventure games list. While it can be enjoyed independently, prior knowledge enhances the experience significantly due to returning characters and thematic continuity. The game receives high praise across three key aspects: aesthetics, gameplay, and story.
Aesthetically, this game excels with its transition to full 3D character models and smooth animations, creating a visually engaging experience. The addition of voice acting further immerses players in the narrative, with characters expressing emotions and personalities effectively. The subdued color palette contributes to the game's atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, while the soundtrack, though sharing similar motifs, delivers emotionally resonant and inspiring compositions.
Gameplay primarily consists of novel sections and escape segments, with the latter providing engaging puzzle-solving challenges. There are improvements from 999, such as the ability to skip previously viewed dialogue and navigate to specific story points. With over 20 possible endings, this game offers substantial content and replay value.
The story of VLR is its standout feature, offering a unique and intricate narrative that unfolds in a mysterious and captivating manner. Players awaken in a mysterious facility, forming alliances and uncovering secrets as they navigate the challenges presented by the sadistic antagonist, Zero III. The diverse cast of characters adds depth to the narrative, with unexpected twists and revelations keeping players engaged throughout. With its mind-blowing storytelling and near-perfect execution, Virtue’s Last Reward earns its place as a standout title in the visual novel genre.