Sports games on any platform are yearly iteration of samey games. Yet there are still titles that go far and beyond the usual franchise-fatiguing concepts. Here are seven of the best sports games on the Nintendo 3DS.
Best nintendo 3DS sports games
7. Mario Golf: World Tour
It is a waking experience to have Mario Golf in a best-of list but not topping the ranks. Well, Mario Golf: World Tour on the 3DS is not a bad game, it is not just the best entry of the franchise. Still it offers a delightful blend of traditional golf gameplay with the whimsical charm of the Mario universe. Players can choose between iconic characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and more, each with their own unique attributes and playstyles.
The game's challenge mode presents a variety of tasks and obstacles, ensuring that players are constantly engaged and tested in their golfing skills. Additionally, the diverse range of courses, such as the serene Peach Gardens and the treacherous Yoshi's Lake.Nintendo's attention to detail is evident in the gameplay mechanics of Mario Golf: World Tour. While the game starts with a simple "casual" mode for beginners, players can switch to a more advanced "manual" mode for greater control over their shots, including backspin and topspin.
Mario Golf: World Tour is the relatively limited selection of playable characters available initially, with additional characters locked behind challenges or DLC hence this game on the 7th spot of this list. However, the game's overall fun factor, variety of courses, and challenging gameplay more than make up for any minor qualms about the game. This sports game is still a highly enjoyable title that strikes a balance between accessibility and depth, making it a worthwhile addition to any gamer's collection.
6. Let’s Golf 3D
Let's Golf 3D offers a streamlined approach to golf gaming, prioritizing quick gameplay over career modes or story arcs. Despite its minimalistic presentation in these aspects, the game provides a range of single-player modes, including instant play, special challenges, and a Career Mode. Players can choose from eight playable characters with customizable clothing that affects their in-game statistics. While the visuals may not rival other sports games on the platform, they are clear and colorful, with themed course locations offering variety to keep players engaged.
The game employs a familiar crescent moon-shaped power meter mechanic for shots, enhanced by an approximation line that factors in wind speed and direction. With an intuitive button layout and optional touch screen controls, players can easily execute shots without blame falling on the input interface. Each character possesses a unique special ability.
While multiplayer mode involves passing the 3DS around, the solo player can enjoy the Career Mode, which focuses on completing Medal challenges across various courses rather than narrative progression. Challenge Mode offers additional trials, such as collecting stars or achieving Birdies within time limits, with higher difficulty levels unlocking as players progress. With Instant Play and Free Hole modes providing quick access to gameplay, Let's Golf 3D offers a satisfying golfing experience with plenty of content.
5. FIFA 15: Legacy Edition
FIFA 15: Legacy Edition may not be an “obsolete” way of playing the game even at that point in time when it was released, but it's still enjoyable especially for soccer fans. Players have the opportunity to be any team and any player, with regular updates to keep the game current.
Players have a choice of over 200 characters from numerous teams around the world. Every team that has ever appeared on TV is included, and players have the option to buy and sell players. Winning matches earns you packs, giving you the chance to win more players. With over 500 official teams available, there's plenty of variety to explore.
New adjustments in FIFA 15 compared to its previous iterations include enhancements to the 3D effect on the 3DS, making characters appear in 3D and adding more realistic hair and advertising boards. Additionally, the stadium reflects the intensity of the match, showing dirtier jerseys and visible studs on the field. Improved shooting mechanics allow for more precise shots and the ability to choose the angle of your shot.
FIFA 15: Legacy Edition is the last FIFA game on the 3DS. It is also the best.
4. Pro Evolution Soccer 2012
Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 3D stands as a comprehensive and intricate soccer simulation tailored specifically for experts and die-hard fans of the sport. This sports title excels in providing an exhaustive array of content, offering numerous leagues, play modes, and customization options that surpass other sports games by a significant margin. Its control scheme is finely detailed, affording players precise command over their team's actions and strategies.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 3D caters unabashedly to seasoned players. Its complex mechanics demand dedication and patience to master, with controls that adapt to various in-game situations, presenting a formidable challenge for beginners. While touchscreen controls offer some intuitive functions, they lack clarity and consistency, adding another layer of difficulty for players unfamiliar with the game's intricacies.
Despite its steep learning curve, Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 3D shines in its commitment to delivering an authentic soccer experience. With an extensive selection of leagues, modes, and player customization options, it offers unparalleled depth and realism for soccer enthusiasts. Its impressive graphics further enhance immersion, showcasing lifelike player movements and dynamic gameplay. Ultimately, this title caters primarily to its target audience of soccer aficionados, offering a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time and effort into mastering its complexities. Casual players and newcomers to the genre may find the game daunting, but for soccer fans seeking a comprehensive and immersive gaming experience, Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 3D stands as a better choice compared to FIFA 15: Legacy Edition.
3. Nintendo Pocket Football Club
Nintendo Pocket Football Club brings the Calciobit series to Europe with a simplified yet engaging football management experience. Despite its roots in a complex sub-genre, the game retains its quirky charm while streamlining gameplay for accessibility. The localization efforts deserve praise for capturing the essence of the original.
The game's accessible approach to football management introduces players to its mechanics gradually, allowing ample time to familiarize themselves with team management and training. Training sessions play a crucial role in improving player stats through the use of training cards, providing a sandbox-like environment for experimentation and learning. While the game still presents some complexity, its colorful graphics and intuitive controls make the initial experience user-friendly.
In matches, strategic decision-making becomes paramount, with a range of options available to players. While matches can sometimes feel lengthy, the game's simplistic setup shines through, offering satisfying gameplay despite limited influence during matches. The inclusion of online features, such as multiplayer and the transfer market, adds replay value and connectivity options, enhancing the overall experience for football enthusiasts. Despite minor drawbacks like the inability to fast-forward matches, Nintendo Pocket Football Club remains a compelling entry into the football management genre, thanks to its well-executed localization and engaging gameplay.
2. Mario Sports Superstars
Mario Sports Superstars offers a diverse range of sports, including tennis, baseball, golf, soccer, and even horseback riding, providing plenty of entertainment for sports enthusiasts. Each sport presents its own unique challenges and mechanics, with horseback riding being a standout addition to the Mario sports titles. In this mode, players navigate courses while collecting stars and carrots, utilizing them strategically to gain speed boosts and outmaneuver opponents.
The game offers more depth than initially apparent, with tournaments available at different difficulty levels, providing a rewarding challenge for players as they progress. Each sport features training sessions and tips to improve player performance, adding layers of strategy beyond mere luck. For example, in baseball, players can undergo comprehensive training sessions to refine their batting, pitching, and fielding skills. Similarly, horseback riding involves caring for and bonding with horses to enhance their performance in competitions.
Mario Sports Superstars offers ample replay value with online multiplayer options and tournament modes, extending the longevity of the game beyond solo play. While luck plays a role, particularly in multiplayer matches, the game's depth and variety ensures that players of all ages can enjoy the experience. With its accessible gameplay, engaging mechanics, and surprising depth, Mario Sports Superstars proves to be a standout title in the Mario sports series, offering five sports in one package and providing entertainment for both casual players and seasoned gamers alike.
1. Inazuma Eleven 3: Team Ogre Attacks!
Inazuma Eleven by Level 5 is a surprising gem of a game that captivates players with its immersive storyline and engaging gameplay. From the outset, it's clear that this game offers something special, as the player embarks on a journey to win the Asian qualifiers and the Football Frontier International (FFI). Along the way, there are many unexpected twists and turns, with intense matches against formidable opponents like Fire Dragon from Korea and Unicorn from America.
The game's narrative unfolds with memorable characters and dramatic moments, such as the revelation that former allies Erik and Bobby are now playing against the player's team. Erik's backstory adds depth to the narrative, as his injury, sustained while saving a cat, becomes a pivotal plot point. The uncertainty surrounding Erik's surgery creates tension and emotion, highlighting the game's ability to draw players into its world.
Beyond its main storyline, Inazuma Eleven 3: Team Ogre Attacks! offers a robust post-game experience unlike any other. Players can engage in various activities, including team building, recruiting new members, and facing off against other teams. Additionally, the post-game content expands with the inclusion of two additional chapters in Team Ogre Attacks,providing even more depth and excitement. Inazuma Eleven is a unique sports game that has an incredible story as its core gameplay. It is certainly the game the best sports games on the 3DS.