It is a miracle to have an open world game on the Nintendo 3DS. But the talented developers have made quite a good number for the handheld device. Here are seven of the best 3DS open world games.
Best nintendo 3DS open world games
7.Retro City Rampage DX
Retro City Rampage is one of those unique games where retro and modern elements come together to pay homage to the 1980s and early 1990s, a time fondly remembered and cherished by old skool gamers. Prepare to travel back in time on an adventure that, despite maintaining an 8-bit graphic style, succeeds where many modern games fail miserably: in providing entertainment like no other.
Theftropolis, an open-world city in 8 bits Describing the gameplay of Retro City Rampage is highly complicated, but essentially it is an open-world game with a city in the style of GTA, albeit with the peculiarity that its graphic appearance seeks to recreate that of a title developed for NES.
The game has a totally frenetic pace that doesn't give a moment's respite. Things are always “happening”, and each new mission we accept is even more absurd and surreal than the previous one, something that is achieved thanks to the humor that pervades every last pixel (literally, as distances are measured in pixels) of the adventure and the multiple references, homages, and parodies made to both games and elements of pop culture from the past, as well as some current situations.
6. Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!!
Adventure Time fans, for sure, already had this game even before the 3DS version. Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!! brings the beloved animated series to life on the Nintendo 3DS, delivering a whimsical adventure filled with charm and humor. As Finn and Jake embark on a quest to reclaim their stolen garbage from the mischievous Ice King, players are treated to a storyline brimming with in-jokes and the signature unpredictability of the TV show. With series creator Pendleton Ward overseeing the narrative, the game captures the essence of Adventure Time while offering a light-hearted yet epic journey.
Gameplay on Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!! follows the retro-inspired 2D side-scrolling platformer format, reminiscent of classic titles like Zelda II. Players traverse the land of Ooo, engaging in overhead exploration and side-scrolling combat encounters. Finn's sword-wielding prowess and Jake's versatile stretching abilities allow for creative solutions to puzzles and challenges.
The game stays true to the distinctive art style of the Adventure Time series, with vibrant landscapes and quirky character designs. Fans will delight in encountering familiar faces and locales from the show, while newcomers will appreciate the game's accessibility and charm. The soundtrack, composed by Jake Kaufman, perfectly complements the whimsical atmosphere, with catchy tunes and nostalgic chiptune melodies.
5. Shakedown Hawaii
Shakedown Hawaii Welcome is a follow up to Retro City Rampage. Hence, most of the RCR’s core gameplay and content are in this game. Shakedown: Hawaii invites players to dive headfirst into the world of corruption, where indulging in a bit of mischief and mayhem is part and parcel of building an empire. From stealing cars to shaking down shop owners, the game offers a thrilling ride through the seedy underbelly of island paradise.
While some may lament its stubborn adherence to a pixelated retro aesthetic reminiscent of the early '90s, there's no denying the depth of detail and interactivity packed into Shakedown: Hawaii's world. Nearly everything in sight can be smashed, shot, or otherwise destroyed, adding a layer of chaos to your criminal escapades. And while the 16-bit graphics may appear cluttered on the small screen of the 3DS, it still looks as good as ever.
When it comes to gameplay, Shakedown: Hawaii keeps things simple yet engaging, with intuitive controls and a variety of missions to keep you entertained. Whether you're navigating the bustling streets of Theftropolis or engaging in shootouts and obstacle courses, there's never a dull moment. And while the main missions may start to feel repetitive over time, the thrill of evading the police in a high-speed car chase or pulling off a daring heist more than makes up for it. If you're ready to embrace your inner rogue and make a name for yourself in the world of organized crime, Shakedown: Hawaii awaits.
4. Rune Factory 4
In Rune Factory 4, players assume the role of either Lest or Frey, who find themselves in the town of Selphia. The central narrative revolves around farming and battling monsters to progress through the storyline, leading players to explore new territories and engage in boss battles. While the story may sometimes veer into silliness or slow pacing, it remains engaging in long stretches of time.
The game's hand-crafted 2D backgrounds and 3D character models blend seamlessly, creating a visually pleasing experience. The music in this game is also fantastic with seasonal tunes. Sound effects, including voice-overs during conversations, further immerse players in the world of Selphia.
There is a great variety of activities in this game,encompassing various elements, from farming and crafting to battling monsters and building relationships with villagers. Controls are intuitive, allowing players to navigate seamlessly through the game world. The game's emphasis on relationships and dynamic character interactions sets it apart from its competitors in the open world realm, offering a truly immersive experience that keeps players engaged for hours on end.
3. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Prior to the gargantuan Nintendo Switch title Animal Crossing: New Horizons, there was Animal Crossing New Leaf for the 3DS. New offers an unparalleled gaming experience that surpasses its predecessors and then leapt over a thousand times by the aforementioned sequel. With its relaxing gameplay, extensive player customization as mayor, and robust online play, New Leaf caters to a wide range of gamers, from casual to hardcore. The addictive quality of customization and collection, coupled with a charming art style and unlimited playtime is one of the game's core strength.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf's value and replayability are exceptional, with players able to experience the changing seasons and events in real-time, ensuring lasting enjoyment for years to come. With its charming graphics, delightful music, and engaging gameplay, Animal Crossing: New Leaf is a must-have title for any 3DS owner.
Despite its focus on economics, New Leaf lacks a traditional narrative structure, instead offering open-ended gameplay driven by personal goals and satisfaction. Players can continue to expand their town and customize their homes indefinitely, finding fulfillment in various accomplishments such as completing the museum collection or perfecting their town layout.
The game's genius lies in its hidden systems and attention to detail, which bring its characters and world to life. From heartfelt interactions with villagers to the whimsical sea shanties sung by the Kappa ferryman, New Leaf captivates players with its ecosystem.
2. LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins
LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins brings the LEGO fun to the Nintendo 3DS, serving as a prequel to its Wii U counterpart with a unique storyline. As the first open-world LEGO game on a handheld console, it offers a refreshing experience for fans of the franchise. Players step into the shoes of rookie supercop Chase McCain, exploring Cherry Tree Hills and engaging in combat with a revamped control scheme.
In addition to combat, the game offers a plethora of collectibles to hunt for, including red bricks and disguised space aliens. Players can unlock various disguises for Chase, each with its own special abilities, adding a layer of strategy to exploration. The game's vehicle system allows Chase to commandeer vehicles or use Vehicle Call-In Points to summon his favorite rides.
LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins is not just the best handheld LEGO game to date but also one of the best open world games, no, one of the best games in a portable form. Its engaging storyline, diverse missions, and charming humor make it a must-play for fans of the series, offering hours of entertainment on the go.
1. Fantasy Life
Fantasy Life blends elements of role-playing and sandbox gameplay with a Final Fantasy vibe. With its expansive world and countless customization options, it offers hours of entertainment and replayability. The game's story takes players on a journey to save the world of Reveria from falling Doomstones, with the freedom to pursue various Life paths and set their own goals.
Players create a character, choose a Life such as Blacksmith or Carpenter, and embark on a quest to solve the mystery of the Doomstones. The sandbox nature of the game allows for diverse gameplay experiences, with RPG elements adding depth to character progression.
Fantasy Life has this unique characteristic that usually gets lost from the vastness of open-world gaming: great storytelling and character development. The cel-shaded graphics and catchy music are incredible to behold. The sense of humor is also appreciated. Fantasy Life is a must-play for fans of sandbox RPGs, offering a rich and immersive world to explore and conquer.