10 Reasons I'm Happy To Own a 3DS in 2012

The future of Nintendo's new handheld is looking even brighter with 2012 under way.  The majority of my most anticipated games for this year are on the 3DS, and I'm here to share my enthusiasm for the oft-berated little machine and its diverse upcoming line-up.  Some of these don't have release dates set for North America just yet, but that isn't going to keep me from getting hyped about them!

10.  Resident Evil:  Revelations (February 7)

9.  Spirit Camera:  The Cursed Memoir (April 13)

As of late, the horror video game genre has faded into obscurity, with more action-packed spooks stealing the spotlight.  Spirit Camera is so intriguing, though, because its dark ambiance paired with 3D effects gives it some serious potential to scare.  It's also the first game to make heavy use of augmented reality; players progress the story by viewing pages of the included 16-page AR book through the 3DS camera at certain points in the game, and "in other moments, characters will emerge from the pages . . . via augmented reality in the form of evil spirits that attack from all directions."  It will be interesting to see how the technology pans out.  Since I'm pretty much a wimp, I'll probably cry for Mommy at least a few times.

8.  Kid Icarus:  Uprising (March 23)

7.  Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle (TBA)

While us American and European 3DS-owning losers suffered through a series of remakes and otherwise forgettable titles in 2011, Japan got the fifth Professor Layton game as a freakin' launch title.  Well, this year, it will be my turn to solve puzzles with Herschel in 3D.

6.  Paper Mario 3DS (TBA)

5.  Extreme Escape Adventure:  Good People Die (JP:  February 16) [Update:  North American title confirmed to be Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward]

In 2010, a completely unexpected hit on the Nintendo DS was found in the visual novel 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors.  While it performed poorly in Japan, it flew off North American shelves, prompting publisher Aksys to reprint the game and boasting a reported 170,000 copies sold in the West.  To those anticipating 999's spiritual successor, Good People Die, a North American release was a no-brainer.  The closest we've gotten to a response on the question of localization is the ever popular "no plans" remark from a lone Aksys employee.  However, their website points to a "<MYSTERY GAME>" which is scheduled for release this Fall, so there is hope yet.  With 24 different endings to translate, it could be a long wait.  Yes, you read correctly--24 unique endings.  What else does this game bring to the table?

Like its predecessor, a colorful and diverse cast of heroes find themselves in a desperate game of survival, and the gameplay involves puzzles behind doors you must solve in order to advance.  In this case, survival depends on "BP," points which can be increased or decreased depending on interactions with your partner.  If your BP drop to zero, you die.  Specifically, you can choose to cooperate or betray.  You can read all about the nitty-gritty details here.  Good People Die is just the kind of quirky third-party title the 3DS needs to get the attention of more niche gamers who have yet to pick up the system.

4.  Tales of the Abyss 3D (February 14)

I missed Tales of the Abyss on the PS2, but I certainly won't this time around.  I'm ready to see what all the excitement surrounding the Tales series is about.  Securing a copy of Abyss 3D is also a chance to prove that Westerners still love Japanese RPGs--so keep yours coming, Namco Bandai!

3.  Fire Emblem:  Kakusei (JP:  April 19)

2.  Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure (March)

SEGA has no shortage of rhythm game franchises, but as far as I know, this is their first game with a sort of Professor Layton/adventure game vibe to it.  Meet Raphael, a suave art thief looking to uncover the mystery of his father's disappearance.  Instead of solving puzzles, players will help him elude law enforcement and Napoleon Bonaparte's minions through a series of rhythm games that utilize the 3DS's unique hardware marvelously.  As an admirer of all things French, I can't help but be charmed by the fact that the game takes place in Paris or that his dog's name is Fondue.  Raphael's story looks like it will be sufficiently fun and silly, which means--if I can afford it--I will definitely be picking it up when it releases in March.

1.  Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney (TBA)

(Follow both trailers to Youtube to see the subtitles.)

I'm far too thoroughly excited for this game to only post one trailer.  I've recently become a fan of both handheld franchises, Ace Attorney and Professor Layton; so naturally, I'm looking forward to the upcoming Level-5/Capcom crossover.  The scenario itself is quite interesting, for one.  I've always found witch trials fascinating, and just how are Phoenix and Maya finding themselves in seventeenth-century Europe anyway?

The townsfolk are going to work together to try and screw this girl over, huddling and conspiring right in the midst of her court hearing.  Nick certainly has his work cut out for him.  A more ingenious crossover could not have been conceived; Wright's eye for contradictions combined with Layton's puzzle solving expertise can yield nothing short of epic results.  That's why I can't wait to crack the mystery of Labyrinth City this year on my NTSC 3DS, Capcom! *cough*

P.S.:  Nick will totally kick Herschel's ass in this battle... of wits!

More on the Way

Here's what else we have to look forward to in 2012 and beyond.

• Fantasy Life
• Bravely Default: Flying Fairy
• Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance
• Monster Hunter 4
• Time Travelers
• Rodea the Sky Soldier
• Luigi's Mansion 2