Have you been looking to relive some classic gaming action recently? Just need a quick burst of entertainment for your commute? Well, it‘s my sincere pleasure to showcase the top action-packed games available for the Nintendo 3DS.
See, the 3DS was revolutionary when it launched back in 2011 for letting users enjoy glasses-free 3D visuals and effects on a handheld for the first time. And with upgraded processing power over previous models, it also became home to some all-time great action titles over its lifetime.
I‘m talking breakneck platformers, hard-hitting brawlers, blazing shoot ‘em ups – everything that defines raw gaming excitement through skill, movement and combat. These genres absolutely thrive on the 3DS thanks to the fancy stereoscopic tech and controls.
So whether you‘re a devout Nintendo fan or just a casual player seeking a new addicting game, I‘ve compiled this definitive list of must-play action gems exclusive to the 3DS library. I‘ll even breakdown what exactly makes for a stellar, pedal-to-the-metal action game too!
Let‘s dive in friend – your next 3DS obsession awaits!
What is an Action Video Game?
Before highlighting stellar examples, let‘s define this beloved genre. Action games emphasize kinetic movement, quick reflexes, and split-second decisions, including iconic subgenres like:
- Platformers – Jump between platforms to navigate environments and obstacles. Famous icons like Mario and Sonic fall here!
- Fighting Games – Directly battle opponents in close quarters combat. Special moves and combos reign supreme!
- Beat ‘Em Ups – Fight through swarms of enemies using melee combat and occasional weapons. Great for co-op action!
- Shoot ‘Em Ups – Blast through waves of enemies and obstacles using projectile weapons and quick evasion.
While the genre casts a wide net, I‘d boil it down to two key traits:
- Exciting gameplay focused on combat, evasion and movement
- Reaction-based action that keeps players actively engaged through quick thinking and reflexes
This emphasis on living in the moment through non-stop challenges makes action games a perfect match for portable 3DS play whether riding the bus or waiting for an appointment.
Now let‘s explore the absolute best examples pushing 3DS capabilities to their limits!
#7: 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Release Year: 2015 (originally 1991)
Developer: Sega
Metascore: 87
Kicking off our list is a beloved 16-bit icon revitalized and enhanced for Nintendo‘s glasses-free 3D environment. 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 serves as an upgraded Nintendo 3DS port for the 1991 Sega Genesis classic.
|Game Info||
|-|-|
|Title|3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2|
|Genre| Platformer |
|Release | 2015|
|Developer|Sega|
|Systems|Sega Genesis, Nintendo 3DS|
|Metascore|87|
For the uninitiated, Sonic 2 refined the blisteringly-fast platforming of mascot Sonic the Hedgehog across vibrant worlds filled with enemies, obstacles, and gadgets. Players guide the Blue Blur through seven kinetic stages themed after environments like casinos, ancient ruins and skies to thwart the schemes of main villain Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik.
This version enhances the pixel-perfect Genesis original with smoother animations and backgrounds only possible via the 3DS hardware. Most notably, it adds a wonderful sense of depth and perspective to Sonic‘s trademark loops, spins, and leaps care of stereoscopic 3D. Yet it smartly retains the precise platforming and pixel charm that made Sonic 2 legendary.
Whether you yearn for a nostalgia trip or merely a masterclass in platforming design, 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 delivers a must-play retro revival exclusive to Nintendo‘s 3D innovations. Time to spin dash into the history books my friend!
#6 Rage of the Gladiator
Release Year: 2010
Developer: Ghostfire Games
Metascore: 88
Proving action gaming shines across genres, Rage of the Gladiator abandons platforming in favor of first-person gladiatorial combat. Drawing inspiration from classic Punch-Out!, players assume the role of heroic Gracius, fighting for survival against mythological beasts and warriors.
The gameplay emphasizes carefully timed defensive maneuvers like blocking and countering opponents before responding with your own strikes when openings appear. Land enough hits while keeping your guard up, and you‘ll come out the victor. What‘s clever is how the first-person view through the 3DS screen paired with gyroscopic motion makes players feel truly in the battle. Foes appear to leap right out of the screen with each attack thanks to 3D!
Between fights, gold earned can purchase weaponry and armor upgrades to face mightier challengers down the road. This compelling loop of tight battle tactics and steady character growth has earned Rage of Gladiator outstanding reviews, including an 88 Metascore. Give it a look if you crave Herculean action brought uniquely to life through the 3DS hardware innovations. Those colosseum lions won‘t battle themselves after all!
#5: 3D Streets of Rage II
Release Year: 2015 (originally 1992)
Developer: Sega
Metascore: 89
Rounding out the retro revival entries is another 16-bit legend reborn through the 3DS library. Streets of Rage II earned renown on Genesis as a pinnacle of co-op beat ‘em up excitement. Players smash through waves of thugs, punks and toughs against backdrops like grimy cities and eerie amusement parks. Special police operatives Axel, Blaze and newcomer Skate utilize every dirty trick in the book like grapples, throws and weaponry to clean the streets!
Just like our previous retro revival entries, this 3DS port pairs immaculate gameplay with new stereoscopic 3D flair that adds depth and perspective to urban brawls. But the title shines brightest in local co-op by linking two 3DS systems for double trouble. Few experiences encapsulate raw arcade excitement like tackling goons across crime-ridden cities with a buddy at your side!
In many ways, Streets of Rage II only reached its full potential through modern upgrades afforded by the 3DS hardware innovations. Elevated visuals alongside flawless gameplay cements its seat among the action elite. Ready to be part of the solution friend? The streets call!
#4: 3D Gunstar Heroes
Release Year: 2015 (originally 1993)
Developer: Sega
Metascore: 89
This next revival once again showcases Sega‘s 16-bit catalogue enhanced through the 3DS. Gunstar Heroes blended run ‘n gun shooting popularized by Contra with inventive weapon systems and frantic action. Players control the Gunstar twins, masters of marksmanship bonded by family ties and a mission to stop world conqueror Colonel Red.
Stages all emphasize shredding reflexes by dodging hundreds of bullets and obstacles before returning fire when openings allow. Destroying certain enemies or environmental objects rewards unique weapon drops to equip for varying tactical advantages. But where the game truly shines is the dynamic weapon combinations possible. By selecting two gun types, players create new armaments with distinct attacks opened by quick button combos.
This version for 3DS retains the stellar combat while smoothing 90‘s era pixel graphics and adjusting display dimensions to match modern handhelds. Most impressive is the introduction of stereoscopic 3D, which adds exciting depth and perspective to explosive run ‘n gun chaos. It‘s a technical showcase breathing new dimension into legendary action. Give it a shot friend!
#3: Super Mario 3D Land
Release Year: 2011
Developer: Nintendo
Metascore: 90
What action list would feel complete without gaming‘s sacred mascot – Mario! Super Mario 3D Land continued Mario‘s trademark 2D running and leaping into the modern age through literal new dimension. While levels feature familiar layouts with flagpoles, power-ups and hazards, the title regularly shifts between 2D side view and fully-explorable 3D spaces. This creates opportunities for deeper exploration and secrets while retaining that pure platforming DNA.
Visually, the game delights as the first to showcase Mario with depth and perspective only possible through stereo 3D wizardry. Classic abilities like riding Yoshis return alongside new power-ups like the Tanooki Suit, granting our mustachioed hero special raccoon abilities. Expect plenty of clever touches from long-running developers at Nintendo EAD Tokyo.
It all coalesces into a polished, tactile quest filled with ups, downs and surprises specifically tailored for glasses-free 3D. Topped off with perfect controls, charm and the coveted Nintendo seal of quality for action gameplay, Super Mario 3D Land earns its critical acclaim. Join the adventure today!
#2: Shovel Knight
Release Year: 2014
Developer: Yacht Club Games
Metascore: 90
This modern retro indie darling feels ripped straight from legendary platformers on NES and SNES hardware. Presentation exudes personality through 16-bit visuals, sweeping soundtracks and charming world designs. The hero Shovel Knight swings, slashes and digs through obstacles and foes with surprisingly multifaceted combat options via…a shovel! Tight controls keep platforming exhilarating whether bopping goomba-like foes or completing pixel-perfect jumps across chasms.
But Nintendo‘s 3D wizardry takes already immaculate action gameplay to new heights. Playing in stereoscopic 3D adds a wonderful sense of depth and layers to every stage. Bright colors pop from hand-crafted level geometry like fiery castles and underwater lagoons. With visual flair to spare, Shovel Knight stands as testament to masterful indie design elevated by bleeding edge hardware capabilities in 3D.
Yacht Club Games created a love letter equally appealing to devoted retro fans and an entry point for younger gamers. Backed by outstanding reviews, Shovel Knight‘s premiere on Nintendo handhelds cemented the game as an all-time classic 2D action game and earns it our silver spot. Dig in!
#1: Cave Story 3D
Release Year: 2011
Developer: Nicalis
Metascore: 93
Perched at #1 is Cave Story 3D, a masterwork in 2D action brilliance enhanced through the 3DS display technology. This gem began in 2004 as cult classic Cave Story by Japanese developer Pixel. Created over five years entirely solo, the game enthralled gamers through slick platforming and exploration across vivid worlds filled with story to discover.
The 2011 Nintendo 3DS version constitutes the first official HD console release thanks to publisher Nicalis. Here players guide soldier Quote through subterranean levels battling corrupt scientist and their mutated creations to protect innocent creatures. Boss fights especially shine by demanding pattern recognition and quick reflexes to gradually whittle down health bars.
While Cave Story already featured sublime gameplay and level design, Cave Story 3D expands everything tenfold through 3D visual wizardry. Entire environments receivedpolygon overhauls granting physicality to Pixel‘s flat pixel art aesthetic. Paired with depth afforded by Nintendo handhelds, this grants the 2D experience exciting new dimension showcasing gameplay from fresh dynamic angles.
Stellar reviews awarded Cave Story‘s 3DS debut an outstanding 93 Metascore. Given such excitement stemming almost solely from masterful translation to 3D, Cave Story 3D shines as a technical and creative showpiece for action gaming on the go. Shiokawa Research Laboratory awaits!
And that my friend caps off our action-packed tour of beaten knights, blue critters and mustachioed heroes exclusive to Nintendo‘s legendary handheld catalogue. But hundreds of amazing genre entries had to be omitted given 3DS strengths across gameplay genres, so consider the above just a sampling of combat-centric excellence.
Here‘s hoping these overviews help in discovering your next 3DS joyride. Thanks so much for reading – enjoy wonderful worlds!
