A Tech Expert‘s Definitive Ranking
Greetings fellow gaming enthusiast!
As a competitive gaming analyst, I‘ve logged countless hours punishing controllers across every generation of Nintendo handhelds. My beat-up launch model Nintendo 3DS houses an impressive roster of genre gems accumulated across its lifespan.
Throughout the 3DS‘s run, fighting games provided tech showcase opportunities while bringing fan-favorite franchises to the glasses-free 3D display. But which titles stood out from the pack as must-own recommendations? That‘s what we‘ll uncover today.
I‘ve compiled quantitative metrics and hands-on impressions into definitive rankings. You‘ll discover how the 3DS‘s unique stereoscopic effect brought new dimension to fisticuffs. Let‘s dive in!
Reviving the Fighting Spirit in Portable 3D
Nintendo enjoyed absurd success with their previous DS handheld, which amassed over 150 million sales as reported by Statista. For developers, the prospect of succeeding that phenomenon seemed daunting.
However, the 3DS turned heads immediately thanks to breakthrough stereoscopic technology producing glasses-free 3D visuals. This novel display innovation brought genuine depth to characters and stages by overlaying images for each eye.
According to reviews, the 3D fighting visuals impressed with smooth 60fps fluidity. Standout elements like projectiles curved realistically through space. Fighters appeared to leap from backgrounds dynamically thanks to layered parallax plains.
The capability tempted revered fighting franchises like Street Fighter and Tekken to showcase the format. However, weaker processing capabilities meant the experience couldn‘t match Sony‘s beefier PlayStation Vita hardware. Despite limitations, the best efforts captured frenetic portable fisticuffs through the 3DS‘s unique lens.
| Console | 3DS | PlayStation Vita |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 800×240/400×240 per eye (3D mode) | 960×544 (qHD) |
| Release Date | Feb 2011 | Dec 2011 |
| Lifetime Hardware Sales | 75.94 million | 10-15 million (Estimated) |
| Notable Exclusives | Super Smash Bros., Super Street Fighter IV |
#7: Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion
- Metacritic Score: 58
- Release: May 2011
- Systems: Nintendo 3DS, Wii, PS3, Xbox 360
Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion brings together childhood cartoon heroes for manic melees. This crossover fighting game draws inspiration from Nintendo‘s iconic Smash franchise according to Nintendo World Report.
Players do battle across familiar Cartoon Network backdrops using normal attacks to build up power for outrageous "Punch Time" super moves. With nearly 40 characters, fan-favorites like the Powerpuff Girls, Samurai Jack, and Johnny Bravo are ready to brawl.
As a concept, the zany animations and voice acting appealed tremendously to younger fans. Unfortunately, mature players found the controls severely lacking according to IGN‘s review. Successfully chaining strikes proved needlessly complex versus the fluid mechanics of its big brother, Super Smash Bros.
The simplistic combat left hardcore players dissatisfied. Yet Punch Time Explosion still delighted Cartoon Network devotees through its adherence to source material. Vibrant level theming persists, down to Danger Mouse‘s London underground lair. This playful personality triumphed over middling game mechanics for family fun.
#6: BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II
- Metacritic Score: 79
- Release: March 2011
- Systems: Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
The BlazBlue anime fighting series has cultivated popularity through its ultra-fluid combat modeled after intricate dance choreography. Continuum Shift II brings the frenetic sword-and-sorcery fisticuffs of its two-dimensional sprites to the 3DS handheld.
Rather than traditional best-of-three battles, BlazBlue utilizes a "Rebel" mechanic according to hardcore site Siliconera. Exchanges play out with players vigorously chipping away at each other‘s vitality gauge. This forces split-second defensive reactions while seeking openings to unleash crushing combos.
With eighteen unique fighters, no two matches feel the same given the eclectic movesets. Characters newfile projectiles or spin lengthy blade-chains to control space similar to Soul Caliber. Nintendo Life praised the gorgeous hi-bit animation and wealth of content spanning eleven game modes. Playable in stereoscopic 3D, fights burst with color and effects.
While niche next to mainstream juggernauts, BlazBlue‘s hypnotic combat depth richest rewards dedicated players. The extensive campaign also admirably chronicles its convoluted mythology for fans. Continuum Shift II earns applause for translating the excitement of stuffing joysticks to Nintendo‘s handheld.
#5 Tekken 3D: Prime Edition
- Metacritic Score: 76
- Release: March 2011
- Systems: Nintendo 3DS
As one of fighting‘s quintessential 3D franchises, Tekken helped set the template for polygon pugilists. Hence Tekken 3D: Prime Edition bringing blistering 60fps fisticuffs to the glasses-free 3DS handheld according to Prima Games.
Battle mechanics will prove instantly familiar to series veterans. The storied roster returns packing ranged strikes, grapples and juggle combos to deplete health bars. Characters maneuver smoothly in 3D space compared to more rigid 2D sprites. The tactical element of side-stepping attacks adds fun back-and-forth as players angle for superior positioning.
Unfortunately, Prime Edition lost points due to the inability to play online according to NintendoLife‘s review. Local multiplayer persists, with victors able to collect figurine trophies of defeated characters. Also included with purchase was the CGI Tekken movie Blood Vengeance in full stereoscopic 3D – proving nice bonus value.
While imperfect, Tekken 3D: Prime Edition affirmed the muscular franchise as an impressive portable fit. It reinforced notions that fighting games benefited greatly from native stereoscopic effects absent cumbersome glasses. With tight controls and forty playable fighters, its absence of online play slightly dampened an otherwise great showing for the king of 3D punch-outs.
#4 WWE All-Stars
- Metacritic Score: 71
- Release: March 2011
- Systems: Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii
While some traditionalists scoff, wrestling games have undoubtedly fall under the fighting umbrella thanks to their competitive melees. And WWE All-Stars exemplifies outrageous arcade action with its athletic showdowns.
All Stars channels nostalgic WWE WWF games of yore according to retrospective reviews. Developer THQ sought inspiration from Midway‘s iconic NFL Blitz series per interviews. The result screams 90‘s era "attitude" with ridiculously buff wrestlers pulling off spectacular aerial stunts.
Game Informer described All Stars as achieving a deliberate old-school Jam vibe. Arcade-style special moves like flurries of lightning kicks or teleport piledrivers lend superhero flashiness. Despite a lack of simulation complexity, personality proves ample compensation thanks to famous faces like Macho Man Randy Savage.
By modernizing superstars of previous eras with jacked physiques, All Stars pays bombastic tribute to WWE‘s history. Easy pick-up-and play controls keep the focus on high-flying spectacle. This over-the-top offering equally welcomed fighting game fans and wrestling diehards for body-slamming action.
#3: Dead or Alive Dimensions
- Metacritic Score: 81
- Release: March 2011
- Systems: Nintendo 3DS
I‘ll address the bodacious elephant in the room upfront – yes the Dead or Alive franchise notoriously spotlights female fighters with revealing outfits and exaggerated proportions. Yet behind shallow first glances lies remarkable technical depth deserving of applause.
Dimensions represents possibly the finest handheld distillation of fast-paced Dead or Alive combat to date. Kicks, grabs and counters flow silkily at 60fps in stereoscopic 3D according to Destructoid‘s glowing review. Ubiquitous multiplayercaretakers drop environmental hazards like exploding barrels to amplify the chaos.
The epic Chronicle Mode spans fifteen years of core Dead or Alive plot for newcomers to the oeuvre. More advanced players can explore technical quirks in the counter system and combo choreography that add richness. Even DOA‘s obsession with skimpy costumes takes on new humor when admired in glasses-free 3D.
Peer through the T&A and Dimensions impresses as a showcase for 3DS graphical prowess with effects bursting from layered planes. Local and online battles enhanced competitive longevity too. This accomplished portable package overcame franchise baggage to showcase great games could overcome gratuitous skin.
#2 Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
- Metacritic Score: 85
- Release: September 2014
- Systems: Nintendo 3DS
Let‘s address the obvious – Super Smash Bros. plays by its own rules. But that hasn‘t stopped the mascot-mashing series from growing into a Nintendo institution after numerous iterations. Portable Smash on 3DS retains the trademark chaos despite under-powered hardware.
According to Giant Bomb‘s review, buttery 60fps animation outpaced the single-screen resolution and smaller 3DS controls. The insane inter-dimensional premise returns with heroes like Mario, Link and Star Fox furiously battling across iconic Nintendo locales. Matches burst with color and activity amplified by a new visual intensity thanks to stereoscopic 3D depth.
Changes to dodging and blocking also add tactical considerations when managing space or analyzing opponents says Eurogamer. Comeback potential felt increased too – now a well-timed Smash Ball super attack can reverse fortunes even against near KOs. Combine this comeback potential with portable convenience and Super Smash Bros. 3DS became an instant daily ritual for Nintendo diehards.
#1 Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
- Metacritic Score: 84
- Release: March 2011
- Systems: Nintendo 3DS
In the pantheon of acclaimed fighting series, Street Fighter reigns supreme having largely template the genre. So for 3DS, Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition took on heightened importance to showcase Nintendo‘s newest handheld hardware. Luckily for fighting fans, the port delivered as a must-own ambassador.
From a content perspective, 3D Edition generously includes 35 iconic World Warriors according to Destructoid‘s glowing appraisal. The sprawling roster spans heavy hitters like Ryu and Chun-Li along with strange additions like freakshow fighter Blanka. Each feels distinctive thanks to bespoke movesets encompassing projectile attacks and aerial launchers.
Battles burst with stereoscopic effects accentuating background and foreground depth. The powerful graphical engine maintains smooth 60fps speed even with advanced visual settings enabled. An optional over-the-shoulder camera perspective also adds a dash of extra three-dimensional immersion. Put plainly, punch-outs never looked better on Nintendo handhelds thanks to SF‘s visual polish.
As a complete portable fighting package, Super Street Fighter IV decisively showcased early 3DS graphical potential and online capabilities via multiplayer and collectible figurines. Fighting fans agreed – for buttery smooth combat on-the-go, SF reigned supreme as Nintendo‘s quintessential launch brawler.
Still Champion After This Round
That caps off our countdown of the Nintendo 3DS‘s heavy hitters – no pun intended! While the portable powerhouse meets its sunset, the best fighting feats of its catalog persist as exemplars of the handheld‘s strengths.
Critics and gamers praised how bespoke stereoscopic 3D accentuated franchises bred on fast motion and visual bravado. Meanwhile, focus testing helped developers optimize limited controls for satisfying face-button mashing. The result provided fans a window into experiencing beloved IP like Street Fighter uniquely optimized.
Hopefully reliving these hit titles inspires you to revisit your old 3DS for one more best-of-five throwdown. Smash on Super Smash Bros! Hadouken those hot takes on Social Media. Because while the 3DS rides off into the sunset, its fighting legacy remains hall-of-fame worthy.
