The Nintendo 3DS with all its hardware configurations will obviously have unique games. Yet, there are still developers able to make games that are more unique than the rest of the 3DS library. Here are seven of the most unique games on Nintendo's last pure handheld.
Most unique nintendo 3DS games
7. Kid Icarus: Uprising
Kid Icarus: Uprising revitalizes a beloved but long-dormant franchise with stunning graphics, captivating storytelling, and innovative gameplay. As a departure from its predecessors, the game introduces players to a visually striking world filled with vibrant colors and intricate details. From exhilarating aerial battles to engaging land missions, each segment showcases the creativity and care put into the game's design. This game is one of the few games that fully utilizes the 3D hardware of the 3DS.
Kid Icarus: Uprising seamlessly combines on-rails aerial shooting with ground-based battles, that is what makes this game incredibly unique as it combines genres that ought not to have this wonderful result.
At its core, Kid Icarus: Uprising offers a rich and dynamic gameplay experience that sets it apart from other titles on the Nintendo 3DS. With its blend of air battles, land missions, and boss encounters, the game provides a diverse array of challenges that cater to both casual and hardcore players. The customizable control scheme allows players to tailor their experience to suit their preferences, ensuring accessibility without sacrificing depth.
6. Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir
Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir is also listed as one of the best horror games on the 3DS here in Nerdvana Central. It is not a surprise that it also appears here on the list of the best games on the 3DS due to their innovation.
Developed collaboratively by Tecmo Koei and Nintendo, the game revolves around assisting a trapped girl named Maya in escaping a curse. Utilizing the 3DS cameras and a special diary, players are drawn into a world where their imagination is toyed with, creating an eerie atmosphere that feels unsettlingly real.
Gameplay is driven by the 3DS cameras and gyroscope, with players using them to fight vengeful ghosts and uncover secrets. The controls are intuitive, with the L and R buttons serving as the shutter for taking pictures. The game offers three modes: Story Mode, where players progress through the narrative; Haunted Visions, allowing for supernatural effects to be captured in pictures; and Cursed Pages, featuring addictive puzzle-solving with the diary.
5. Steel Diver
Despite its reception as one of the weaker launch titles for the Nintendo 3DS, Steel Diver deserves a fair chance, offering a unique and entertaining experience that remains replayable long after release. The game features three modes: the mission-based campaign, periscope missions, and "Steel Commander," a Battleship-esque multiplayer mode. In the campaign mode, players control submarines through various maps, aiming to achieve victory by reaching the end or defeating bosses while racing against time.
Periscope strikes occur between campaign missions, where players use the 3DS gyroscope to aim and fire torpedoes at enemies. These strikes offer a different gameplay experience and are crucial for collecting decals. Additionally, the game features time trials for shorter, easier challenges.
While some players may find the controls sluggish, they are purposefully designed to mimic the maneuvering of submarines. The game's sound effects contribute to the underwater atmosphere, although the graphics, particularly in the campaign missions, may feel repetitive. Nevertheless, Steel Diver remains one of the better launch titles for the 3DS, offering a surprising and enjoyable experience that players may return to repeatedly, especially in the engaging multiplayer mode. As the sole original Nintendo IP early in the 3DS's life, Steel Diver stands out as a success and a pleasant surprise, worthy of attention and exploration.
4. Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call expands upon its predecessor with numerous welcome changes, making it more than just an extended version of the original. While its core concept revolves around Final Fantasy music in rhythm game format, it offers plenty to enjoy even for those unfamiliar with the franchise or rhythm games. The game's mechanics involve tapping red circles, sliding in various directions for yellow circles, and holding notes for green circles, with different stages offering unique challenges.
The game features three main types of stages: Battle Music Stages (BMS), Field Music Stages (FMS), and Event Music Stages (EMS), each offering distinct gameplay experiences. BMS stages involve tapping to the rhythm while engaging in musical battles, FMS stages have players running through fields to relaxing music, and EMS stages feature cut scenes with swirling notes. The Music Stage mode allows players to access all 221 songs on various difficulty levels, offering a range of challenges suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Beyond the Music Stage mode, players can explore Quest Medley mode to embark on quests filled with BMS and FMS stages, unlocking characters and earning experience boosts along the way. The addition of Versus mode introduces multiplayer gameplay, allowing players to compete locally or online and earn CollectaCards as rewards. The game also offers extensive unlockables, customization options, and StreetPass features, providing ample content to keep players engaged.
With its vast selection of songs, characters, customization options, and engaging gameplay, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call is truly a unique game. There are only a few rhythm games with this much content and polish. Its accessibility and depth make it a standout title on the Nintendo 3DS, capable of captivating players for hours on end.
3. Dream Trigger 3D
Dream Trigger 3D presents a unique take on shoot-em-up gameplay, requiring players to strategically reveal and eliminate invisible enemies using Sonar Pings. The game's mechanics involve placing Sonar Pings on the touch screen, which reveal enemies when activated by a looping rhythm bar. Players can then attack enemies using various buttons while dodging bullets, with invincibility during attacks but limited energy and health orbs adding to the challenge. The inclusion of items, mini-bosses, and environmental hazards adds depth to the gameplay experience.
The game offers multiple modes, including World Map Mode for stage selection and progression, Free Play Mode for casual enjoyment, and Time Attack Mode for speed-focused challenges. Despite the simplicity of its controls, the game may pose challenges for left-handed players due to stylus use. Additionally, the VS Mode provides multiplayer options, although its functionality is dependent on finding other players with the game.
Dream Trigger 3D also features a unique soundtrack of remixed classical music that complements the gameplay experience.Despite its relatively short campaign, the game offers replay value through challenges, high scores, and stage completion, making it a decent choice for fans of shoot-'em-up games, though potential buyers may want to research further before purchasing.
2. Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX
Sega's Hatsune Miku: Project Diva series has gained acclaim for its original music, charming character designs, and addictive gameplay. With the release of the 3DS, Sega aimed to expand the series to Nintendo's handhelds, resulting in Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX. Originating from Yamaha's synthetic voice software, Hatsune Miku embodies the concept of a digital pop star, leading to the development of Vocaloid music and subsequent Sega games.
Project Mirai retains the familiar rhythm gameplay of its predecessors, with players tapping buttons in time with on-screen notes. However, it introduces a new scoring system and presentation style, with notes arranged in clock-like patterns. While this system offers a smooth and addictive experience, it also presents challenges, particularly with quick transitions between clock changes and obscured background videos. The game's controls, color-coded for ease of use, may take some adjustment for players familiar with the PSP titles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YReNwJfpFHsDespite featuring fewer songs than previous entries, Project Mirai offers new content and gameplay mechanics. Notably, the "chance time" feature has been revamped to provide additional scoring opportunities. Project Mirai includes features like character customization and room decoration, enhancing its appeal to Vocaloid fans. Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX remains a solid addition to the series with its unique charm and engaging gameplay.
1. Cubic Ninja
Cubic Ninja pleasantly is a unique take on puzzle gaming, defying initial expectations of any platformer veteran. As C-C, a nimble ninja on a quest to rescue a princess from angry 'bots, players navigate through maze-like puzzles across five worlds, each culminating in a boss battle. While the narrative is light-hearted and humorous, the real charm lies in the straightforward yet nuanced gameplay.
Despite its simplicity, Cubic Ninja offers engaging mechanics that challenge players to maneuver C-C through space by adjusting his direction and elevation in the maze. Collecting ninja scrolls adds depth, activating power-ups for offensive and defensive maneuvers. The game's difficulty varies depending on the chosen control scheme, with gyroscopic controls providing a novel but occasionally cumbersome experience, while the circle pad offers a more practical alternative.
With over a hundred levels, Cubic Ninja offers a satisfying arcade-like experience, particularly in its challenging boss encounters. The minimalist graphics and ambient sound design complement the cube-based aesthetic, creating a cohesive visual and auditory experience. While the game may be short, its level editor and time attack mode add replay value, making it a worthwhile addition to any 3DS library. Cubic Ninja may not revolutionize the puzzle genre, but its inventive gameplay and charming presentation make it a solid choice for puzzle enthusiasts and casual gamers alike.