[3DS] Review Roundup - 3DS Launch Games

Asphalt 3D

IGN - 3/10 - "On an iPhone, Asphalt’s a cheery arcade racer that just about justifies shelling out the same amount as a couple of cups of coffee on. When its blown up for a dedicated gaming machine its imperfections are enlarged – and all that Asphalt 3D really introduces is a framerate that can turn this into one particularly ugly slideshow. Truly horrible."

GameFocus - 3.4/10 - "Asphalt 3D should have been the best 3DS title from Ubisoft’s four-game launch line-up for various reasons. I can’t even think of the possibility that no one over there knew that a large portion of the early 3DS adopters were going to be the same tech boys and girls that own a mobile device and played the $1 Asphalt. I would be surprised if Ridge Racer 3D (the only other racing title in the launch line-up) does worse. If you’re swaying between the two, you know where to go. Avoid this expensive abomination at all costs."

VideoGamer - 4/10 - "Launch titles are often rushed and not representative of what the console can really do, but Asphalt is poor even by these lowered standards. Of all the early 3DS games I've played, this one is a dead cert to be filling bargain bins in a few weeks."

GamesRadar - 3/10 - "So what can I say in summary? It's a £39.99 inferior remix of a £2.99 iPhone game with bad sound, bad graphics and shockingly slapdash collision logic. Not only is it the worst game of the 3DS' launch line-up, it's a contender for the title of 'worst launch game of all time'. Worse than Pen Pen. Worse than Tama. Worse even than Altered Beast. Do I really need to say it? Avoid."

ONM UK - 70/100 - "Ridge Racer 3D is still undoubtedly the best racing game to have arrived on the 3DS for now, but Asphalt 3D doesn't actually finish that far behind it. We'd definitely suggest you give this one a go if you can. It's not quite worth £40 but if you see it for a lower price in a couple of months, you should have no qualms about snapping it up for some fairly mindless racing fun."

LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars

1UP - B- - "Clone Wars' appeal may reside more with the younger audience than that of the more dedicated gamer -- there just isn't enough of a challenge here for most. As such, this version of the game works better as a substitute to those who can't play the excellent console iterations, or who want something else to play on their 3DS until a more substantial title arrives. "

GameSpot - 6/10 - "The sleepy rhythm of solving puzzles and dispatching foes rarely manages to excite, and even the bosses do little to impede your progress. Odd moments of excitement do occur in the flying missions, though these are the only intense parts of a tired experience. The Clone Wars provides a charming slant on the Star Wars saga, but its steadfast refusal to evolve makes it too familiar for its own good."

GameInformer - 6.5/10 - "Ultimately, LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars isn’t irredeemably bad, it’s just another in a long line of disappointments. In many ways, it’s a lot like the Mega Bloks version of an excellent game. It’s similar enough if you’re desperate, but your money is better spent on the genuine article."

ONM UK - 79/100 - "LEGO Star Wars III doesn't exactly do anything new so if you're getting sick of that sort of thing by now then this really isn't going to change that, but fans of the LEGO series and Star Wars will get many hours of enjoyment out of it."

NintendoWorldReport - 7.5/10 - "LEGO Star Wars III is a quality title that doesn't gain much from being on the 3DS. Still, it is a good game packed with content. If you're a fan of LEGO games and/or Star Wars, this game is most definitely worth your time and money."

Nintendogs + Cats

GameSpot - 7.5/10 - "If you're in the market for a furry bundle of love that won't jump on the bed and lick your face at 3:00 in the morning, or if you know a young person who wants a pet but might not quite be ready for the responsibility of the real thing, you won't find more adorable virtual animals than those in Nintendogs + Cats."

Destructoid - 7.5/10 - "nintendogs + cats is really cute. Ridiculously cute. That does wear off quickly, though. You could easily blow through all the game's features in a week if you wanted to. And while Nintendo did add several new features, it's hard to shake the feeling that you're just playing a better-looking version of nintendogs. If anything, nintendogs + cats is a fun diversion that you'll play for about ten minutes at a time for a few weeks."

GameInformer - 6.5/10 - "Nintendogs + Cats definitely retains the inescapable charm of its predecessor, and I expect that will be enough for many of the younger and casual fans loved the first. For me, I expect more than marginal improvements after a six-year layoff."

IGN - 7/10 - "If your kids missed the first Nintendogs (and that was over five years ago, so there are likely many new gamers who did), then Nintendogs + Cats is a suitably adorable little pet sim to have for the game's launch, that they're likely to love. There's something kind of addictive about teaching your fake dog new tricks. For repeat customers, unless your kid is still playing the first game religiously, I don't see the upgraded version holding their interest for nearly as long."

Eurogamer - 7/10 - "Nintendogs + Cats is gentle, sweet, calming and very, very slight. It does what it sets out to do with perfect efficiency, targeting the brain's fragile cuteness receptors with merciless precision. It is a game constructed of gentle routine punctuated by organic, unexpected moments, never demanding much from you in return for its simple, innocent pleasures. It's exactly what you expect, then – but that's certainly no bad thing."

Pilotwings Resort

GameSpot - 6.5/10 - "Like a two-hour movie being shown on a 90-minute passenger flight, Pilotwings Resort is initially satisfying but ultimately leaves you wanting more. This is a good-looking game that's easy to pick up and have some fun with, and it does a great job of presenting you with increasingly challenging missions as you progress. It lacks both the variety and the longevity to be recommended without hesitation, though, and--presentation aside--it is inferior to its 15-year-old predecessor in just about every way."

1UP - B - "But, much like the 3DS itself, Pilotwings is ultimately designed to appeal to casual players. It's an approachable, enjoyable, but ultimately somewhat insubstantial game, and the 3D visuals add a nice touch but don't have a material impact on how it plays. Hmm...I guess the game and system have a lot in common after all. "

Edge Magazine UK - 6/10 - "Pilotwings, along with Capcom’s port of Super Street Fighter IV, is one of the 3DS launch line-up’s visual standouts: colourful, crisp and with horizons that have never looked so distant. It’s disappointing, then, that you’ll discover its limits so quickly."

IGN - 7/10 - "PilotWings Resort might seem like a restricted version of Wii Sports. That’s not really the case. There is much more to this game, and the variety of tasks and vehicles certainly adds enough spice to the mix that you won’t find yourself bored any time soon. It’s likely you’ll find yourself frustrated here and there though, and the inability to share the experience with other friends is a bit baffling. Still, for its effective use of 3D gameplay and its simple yet refined design, PilotWings deserves a good deal of credit."

Eurogamer - 8/10 - "You could wish for more aircraft or a greater range of environments, perhaps, but Pilotwings ultimately hits an enjoyable sweet spot. It's intricate enough to encourage mastery, and roomy enough to tempt you back after the main event, while the skilfully simple presentation makes it perfect for demonstrating your latest gadget's 3D capabilities."

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D

GameSpot - 7/10 - "Pro Evolution Soccer 3D plays a good game of football and offers enough content to keep you happy if you're going to be playing alone or with a friend locally. However, the lack of game modes means that there's not much variety, while the omission of any online mode severely limits its attraction if you like to play with friends remotely. And while the 3D effects are impressive, they're most effective in a viewing mode that hinders your view of the action. Fans of the series will enjoy playing this 3DS debut, but there's certainly a lot that could be improved."

VideoGamer - 7/10 - "As has been the way for longer than I can remember, I can't help but like PES despite a severe case of déjà vu. The 3D looks pretty smart, but this is the same old PES I've played many, many times before. It's still a smart game of football, but as with a number of 3DS launch games, it's not making the most of the hardware and doesn't really offer anything new."

Cubed3 - 7/10 - "Be it the creation of your team in StreetPass on the Master League, playing through the five difficulty levels on offer, or getting to grips with the superbly realistic motions of players, the impressive quick player switching and amazing visuals, Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D may have let some down due to its lack of online features or four-player wireless play, but it will definitely keep Nintendo 3DS owners eager for some football action more than happy."

IGN - 8/10 - "Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D makes a strong debut on the 3DS, and of all the launch titles available it puts forward one of the strongest arguments for Nintendo’s brave new vision of the future. It’s a couple of features short of being a classic, but its compelling game of football has found a comfortable home on the handheld. It suggests that greater things are to come from this relationship, but there’s enough here to keep players going until then."

Eurogamer - 7/10 - "As such, while it occasionally feels lumbering, and is starting to show its age now – especially when set alongside the flexibility of PES and FIFA on home consoles – the thrill of netting a vital goal is as great as ever because you know you've earned it. And for a handheld game, offering a mesmerisingly compelling visual experience that no other football title currently offers, it's a season ticket that's still worth signing up for."

Rayman 3D

GameInformer - 7.5/10 - "With Mario nowhere to be found at the Nintendo 3DS launch, Rayman fills the platformer gap nicely. I had a blast playing it again, and look forward to reviewing it for a fifth time at some point in the near future."

GamesRadar - 7/10 - "Given its age, price tag and technically lazy conversion, Rayman 3D shouldn't be very good. But the truth is, I had a really good time from start to finish, and even felt the urge to come back to it after the credits rolled to seek out those remaining lums. In 2D, it's a damn fine platform game. In 3D, it's a surprisingly good showcase for the hardware. Put them together and you've got by far the best modern version of the game, with better controls than iPhone version and better graphics than the old DS."

GameFocus - 6.2/10 - "Being one of the few platformers available in the launch line-up (the other being LEGO Star Wars), Rayman 3D’s target audience - i.e those who actually played “The Great Escape” and fell in love with the lengthy campaign and overall presentation - will pick it up without hesitation. As for those who never-NEVER got to play it, I think it would be best to wait until the price drops of a few bucks...like 20-30 dollars. You can always find an old and cheap PC, PS2, Dreamcast or DS version somewhere in a bargain bin. Okay, maybe not the DS one..."

IGN - 5.5/10 - "Rayman 3D was once a brilliant game, but it's showing its age. And without any real improvements to the gameplay or the visuals, it feels old. The entire time I was playing, I felt ripped off. I'd been suckered into thinking I would be getting something new and dazzling and instead, I ran into the same problems I had 11years ago. Don't bother with this rehash on 3DS."

VideoGamer - 7/10 - "Mario has pushed the genre a long way since Rayman 2, but Ubisoft's first foray into 3D platforming remains surprisingly enjoyable. I say surprising because at the ripe old age of twelve, you'd expect the mechanics to be grey and riddled with arthritis. Despite a camera that often refuses to behave itself, Rayman 3D is as robust as it is enjoyable. It's certainly not going to set the world on fire, but it's a perfectly adequate filler until the chap in the red overalls turns up."

Ridge Racer 3D

1UP - B- - "Like I said, though, I did find myself absolutely hooked on Ridge Racer 3D. I love this franchise, and playing it in 3D was enough to keep me entertained for hours. I just wish a new Ridge Racer game was more of an event like it used to be. "

GameInformer - 7.25/10 - "Ridge Racer 3DS is a perfectly competent racer, it's just one that doesn't do anything new. If you prefer an old-school arcade racing experience (like Daytona 500 or Sega Rally) over more realistic alternatives (Forza, GT), then this should satisfy early 3DS adopters."

Eurogamer - 8/10 - "The point should be that once Ridge Racer 3D gets going it's as horribly satisfying as any in recent memory. In fact, following a few hours' initial play, I found myself inquiring of our reviews editor whether it would be reasonable to "borrow" our Japanese 3DS to "verify my findings" over the next few days/weeks/years. And if I can't bring myself to part with it despite having logged a bottle-pissing World of Warcraft obsession's worth of time on Ridge Racers 1-7 and the handheld spinoffs, the old magic must still be working."

GamesRadar - 6/10 - "Ridge Racer 3D offers a fundamentally solid, entertaining arcade driving experience. Its 3D effect is well done and benefits the player, but it does little to mask the simple core and bare bones presentation."

Giant Bomb - 3/5 - "If playing a new Ridge Racer game at the launch of every platform has become part of your routine, Ridge Racer 3D fills a security blanket-like role of letting you know that Namco is still making Ridge Racer games the same way its been making them since nitrous was added back at the launch of the PSP. But if you expect forward movement and new ideas from sequels, it's hard not to look at Ridge Racer 3D as a stubborn relic from a bygone era."

Steel Diver

1UP - C+ - "At times, Steel Diver looks and feels like a great 3DS showcase -- the 3D adds depth to the background and makes the Periscope Segments feel a bit more immersive. It's just that as an overall package, it feels too brief and underdeveloped. The core "side-scrolling submarine action game with a bit of realistic physics" campaign is either way too short or frustratingly padded. All the other features are amusing distractions, but nothing more than that. Ultimately, Steel Diver feels less like a cohesive game, and more like a few neat submarine-based distractions and demos packaged into a full-price retail box. "

GameInformer - 4/10 - "Maybe some gamers will be pulled into the aquatic world of Steel Diver despite the limited content, tech demo quality, and seemingly broken multiplayer. For the majority of Nintendo fans, though, it’s destined to become a strange and forgotten footnote in the publisher’s history."

IGN - 7/10 - "Steel Diver is well executed, but lacking in depth (which is ironic for a multitude of reasons). However, once you give it a fair shot, you'll be surprised how addictive the gameplay is and how much fun you’ll have trying to master the controls and conquer each mission. It's not exactly the side scroller we were expecting from Nintendo's first party 3DS launch, and it really, should not have been $40, but it's a commendably unique and engaging concept. If you're dying for something to play with your launch day 3DS, and you have an open mind and a bit of patience, this might be just what the doctor ordered. But if you're holding out for fireworks, your money would be better spent elsewhere."

GameSpot - 4.5/10 - "The novelty of seeing an underwater world through the wonders of 3D is certainly fascinating for a little while, but once that excitement fades away, there's not much here to keep you engaged. Steel Diver sets out from port brimming with confidence, but it sinks to the briny depths before it leaves the harbor."

GameTrailers - 6.2/10 - "Referring to it as a "package" is a bit of a stretch, though. There isn't much to explore in Steel Diver's shallow waters. There are better ways to showcases the new hardware, even among the 3DS's sparse launch lineup. Only the most dogged would-be Nemo need apply."

Super Monkey Ball 3D

1UP - C+ - "Super Monkey Ball 3D is exactly what you'd expect from a Monkey Ball game. At its core, it's a solid puzzle/physics game with nice multiplayer additions, but the whole package just doesn't scream "day one purchase." Still, the concept behind Super Monkey Ball fits great on a handheld device. It's perfect for people looking for a quick gaming fix, but lacking in long-term replayability. "

GameInformer - 6/10 - "If you’ve been a devout Super Monkey Ball fan since the beginning you may be more willing to overlook this entry’s glaring faults. If you haven’t hopped on board the banana bandwagon, however, the weakly implemented 3D and unusable motion controls won’t be enough to make you a believer."

IGN - 7.5/10 - "A stellar action puzzle hybrid with tight controls, Monkey Ball 3D is the best Monkey Ball game since the original, and Sega's found some cool ways to implement the system’s 3D functionality and make it relevant to the gameplay. Though it has some big flaws (such as being too short and sporting less than stellar supplementary modes) it offers more variety of gameplay and opportunity for silly fun than any of the other launch titles being offered."

GameSpot - 5/10 - "With boring fights and frustrating races, the only good thing Super Monkey Ball 3D has to offer is Monkey Ball mode. Rolling around stages in 3D or tilting the entire handheld to tilt the world are both fun experiences. But as entertaining as this mode is, it isn't enough to support an entire game. Monkey Race and Monkey Fight are poorly executed choices that don't get substantially better when played with friends, and they feel like botched attempts to ape Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. Even if you have a burning passion for Monkey Ball, Super Monkey Ball 3D is likely to douse it with disappointment."

Eurogamer - 4/10 - "The most disappointing thing about Super Monkey Ball 3D is that Sega has recently, demonstrably proved it is better than this. Savvily teaming up with quality boutique developers like Platinum Games, listening to fan feedback and localising an uncut Yakuza, even coming close to making Sonic feel relevant again. This kind of release does the publisher no favours at all. If content is king, then Super Monkey Ball 3D is very much the Prince Andrew of the 3DS launch."

Super Street Fighter IV 3D

1UP - B+ - "Ultimately, there are always going to be better ways to experience Super Street Fighter IV. While the game manages to capture a surprising amount of content and features from the console/arcade versions, it's still hamstrung by control methods that aren't entirely up to the task. Still, impressive communication features make this a pretty amazing handheld iteration. If you're trying to decide on one third-party launch game for your shiny new Nintendo portable, this is the one to get. "

GameInformer - 9/10 - "Unlike the iPhone version of Street Fighter IV, which was an admirable effort that ultimately felt like a proof of concept, Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition is a complete game. Super Street Fighter IV is one of the best fighting games around, and players owe it to themselves to give it a shot."

IGN - 8.5/10 - "Porting a 360/PS3 fighting game to a portable comes with a cost. Capcom has attempted to minimize these sacrifices as much as possible. In some cases the changes actually improve the experience. The addition of the touch controls, in particular Lite mode, will open up Street Fighter to a whole new audience. Plus being able to execute fireballs with one button is a lot of fun. In other cases, these changes are for the worse – once you notice the static backgrounds, you’ll have trouble looking away. But all in all, this is a great game. It’s not only the best launch game for the Nintendo 3DS, but will certainly be regarded as a great purchase for years to come."

GameSpot - 8.5/10 - "What's most impressive about Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition is how few compromises have been made to the core gameplay in its transition to the 3DS. From the fantastic visuals to the speed of combat, it's as great a fighting game as you'll find on a handheld, encompassing most of the features of the console versions. The lack of leaderboards and a tournament mode remains a mystery, but what matters most is that fighting remains fun and challenging. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned pro, Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition satisfies your fighting urges on the go, doing so with a level of style and depth that few fighting games can match."

Eurogamer - 8/10 - "It's hard to see Super Street Fighter IV on 3DS becoming a serious alternative for high-level players, but no-one really expected it to. That Capcom gets so close is a tremendous achievement, and while let down on occasion by the awkwardness of the control layout, the game makes up for this through its innovation, depth, style and the endless joy of a fireball in the chops."

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars

1UP - A- - "This is quite a departure from the last time I fired up a Ghost Recon game to be sure. Still, this is a quality offering for those who are looking for something a little different early on in their 3DS's life. There is more than enough here to please fans of turn-based strategy games and comes highly recommended as a launch title for the 3DS."

GameInformer - 8.25/10 - "Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars is as satisfying of a tactical strategy game as Disgaea,Tactics Ogre, or Front Mission. The franchise may seem like an odd fit for the genre, but this is a wonderful implementation that feels in hte spirit of the Ghost Recon franchise while presenting a delightful strategic challenge. It lacks an engaging story and the multi-tiered progression systems of those other games, but those flaws are easy to overlook."

IGN - 7/10 - "Despite the disappointing multiplayer options, the clichéd characters, and the sometimes repetitious nature of the campaign, the strategy gameplay of Shadow Wars is fun enough to make it a worthy recommendation for any turn-based enthusiast. Hell, it’s good enough to recommend to anyone looking for a entertaining launch game to pick up with their 3DS. Just don’t let the name fool you."

GameSpot - 8/10 - "Learning the ins and outs of combat is very satisfying, and the great difficulty spectrum means even those who are unfamiliar with this type of game can get the hang of it. With rich environments, gratifying tactical depth, and engrossing action, Shadow Wars is not only a great value, but a whole lot of addictive fun to boot."

Eurogamer - 7/10 - "Shadow Wars makes for a relatively meaty handheld offering, then, but it's one that's slightly lacking in personality. Despite its tactical flourishes, the single-player runs out of most of its fresh ideas too early in the campaign, while the license, with its stoic US heroes and canny Russian baddies, means the developers (and this is hardly their fault) don't have too much leeway to add the kind of character, atmosphere or flair you could expect from an X-Com or an Advance Wars. Despite that, Ghost Recon is undoubtedly a chunky, enjoyable addition to the 3DS line-up, and a slick if unspectacular strategy blast."

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