The Best RPG From Every Year Of The 3DS’s Life

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Summary

  • The Nintendo 3DS initially struggled with a high price and weak launch lineup but bounced back with a price drop to $170.
  • The 3DS had a strong library of RPGs from 2011 to 2019, with standout titles like Fire Emblem Awakening and Bravely Default.
  • 2017 marked the last remarkable year for the 3DS with games like Fire Emblem Echoes and Radiant Historia, before the Switch took over.

The Nintendo 3DS initially struggled like the Virtual Boy, facing a lukewarm reception during its launch. Its high starting price of $250 was difficult for many consumers, and the initial game lineup also failed to impress. However, Nintendo took notice and swiftly reduced the price to $170, which helped turn things around. In the end, much like the DS, the 3DS became a resounding triumph for Nintendo.

The library boasted a wide array of genres, but what truly stood out were the Role Playing Games (RPGs). Let’s delve into the top RPGs from each year during the lifespan of the Nintendo 3DS (from 2011 to 2019). It’s important to mention that while the 3DS wasn’t officially discontinued until 2020, no significant RPGs or major games were released in 2020. This is because 2019 marked the final push for the 3DS amidst the launch of the Nintendo Switch in 2017.

9. Samurai Warriors: Chronicles (2011)

A Switch-Heavy RPG

The initial release year for any console typically doesn’t shine, and this applies to the role-playing game (RPG) collection of the 3DS as well. However, Samurai Warriors: Chronicles, which was available at the console’s launch in North America, can be considered the standout RPG of that year, simply due to a lack of strong competition.

The game is strong, particularly because it introduced a unique mechanic that lets players switch between four characters within a single map – something not found in any previous Musou game. It’s worth noting that Japan had an even better RPG experience with “Tales of the Abyss“, though this wouldn’t reach North America until 2012.

8. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (2012)

Drawing On Pokemon

In 2012, the Nintendo 3DS experienced a significant improvement, with Nintendo making a comeback following a price reduction in late 2011 and an overall stronger selection of games. Among these games, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance stood out as the best Role-Playing Game (RPG) of the year, offering a compelling split campaign starring characters Sora and Riku.

In this instance, the pair collects creatures resembling Pokemon to assist them in dream realms modeled after classic Disney films like “Tron Legacy” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”. Notable titles from 2012 include “Crimson Shroud”, “Heroes of Ruin”, and “Theatrhythm Final Fantasy”.

7. Fire Emblem: Awakening (2013)

A Redemption Decades In The Making

Japan enjoyed playing “Fire Emblem: Awakening” in 2012, a game that significantly boosted their reputation in role-playing games (RPGs) that year. However, North America took advantage of this game in 2013. This was the first “Fire Emblem” game to offer difficulty settings in the Western market, expanding the series’ popularity among a wider range of fans.

Besides the world map being a nifty addition, it was engaging since players could level up by earning XP, and the romantic subplots added depth to the gameplay. Notably, other exceptional RPGs from 2013 include titles like “Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends of the Titan,” “Mario & Luigi: Dream Team,” and “Pokemon X&Y.” However, 2013 was quite packed with quality releases.

6. Bravely Default (2014)

Final Fantasy Reboot

Compared to 2013, the year 2014 saw fewer releases of Role-Playing Games (RPGs). Among the top ones from that year, two stand out, both having been initially released in Japan in 2012. One of them is the highly acclaimed “Bravely Default”. Originally titled “Bravely Default: Flying Fairy” for its North American release, this game was essentially a reimagining of the classic “Final Fantasy”, although it didn’t use that name. Now, you can experience this remastered version on your Nintendo Switch 2.

This game was a role-playing game (RPG) that featured turn-based combat, a Job system, and crystals. Many fans had been eagerly waiting for such a game since “Final Fantasy 9” was released in 2000. The other RPG released for the 3DS in 2012 was “Fantasy Life.” Additionally, elements from “Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire” and “Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth” can also be found in this game.

5. The Legend Of Legacy (2015)

SaGa Reborn

In 2015, RPGs had a relatively quiet year, but there were still some exceptional games. The Legend of Legacy bore a resemblance to the SaGA series much like Bravely Default did to Final Fantasy.

In a distinctive manner, the game titled “The Legend of Legacy” featured an unconventional turn-based combat system reminiscent of the SaGa series. Instead of leveling up by earning Experience Points (EXP), players honed their skills and advanced by interacting within battles. For instance, frequently using a spear would amplify its strength, offering a distinctive 3DS gaming experience. Regarding games from 2015 that garnered significant attention, it’s worth mentioning “Etrian Mystery Dungeon” and the double-pack “Puzzle & Dragons Z + Super Mario Bros. Edition“, both of which can be classified as RPGs to some extent.

4. Dragon Quest 7: Fragments Of The Forgotten Past (2016)

At Long Lost

In 2016, we saw a significant improvement over the preceding two years, beginning with “Dragon Quest 7: Fragments of the Forgotten Past,” which made its way to North America following its Japanese debut in 2013. This new version virtually rendered the PS1 original outdated due to numerous life-enhancing upgrades, such as the Vocation system and time-traveling feature.

Without a doubt, it’s the top-notch “Dragon Quest” game on the 3DS, and it significantly contributes to the series as a whole. Other outstanding RPGs from 2016 that are worth mentioning include “Final Fantasy Explorers”, “Fire Emblem Fates”, and “Project X Zone 2”.

3. Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows Of Valentia (2017)

A Proper Remake

In 2017, the 3DS experienced its most outstanding year, particularly significant since the Switch was launched in March of that same year. Among the numerous RPGs released in 2017, Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia stands out as a clear favorite. This game is a remake of the Fire Emblem Gaiden on the NES, but unlike most entries, it offered the unique feature of dungeon exploration alongside the traditional grid-based battles.

This game had a classic RPG feel and was significantly enhanced on the Nintendo 3DS due to its compelling narrative and online connectivity. Among the standout titles of 2017 were Ever Oasis, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions, and Monster Hunter Stories.

2. Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology (2018)

Maybe Not Perfect, But Pretty Good

2018 didn’t see many entirely fresh Role-Playing Games (RPGs), as the standout game of the year, Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, was essentially a slightly upgraded version of a Nintendo DS game. However, the original DS game is undeniably one of the best RPGs on that system, and it received a minor improvement on the 3DS, much like Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux did when it was ported to the 3DS.

Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology offers turn-based combat with a hint of strategic surprises and time-bending brainteasers. If it seems similar to its initial launch, that’s because it doesn’t require major adjustments when the core gameplay was already solid to start with.

1. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2019)

Closing Out On A Crossover

In 2019, the game “Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth” marked the final significant RPG release for the Nintendo 3DS.

In conclusion, the 3DS found a fitting finale in 2019, as fans also relished playing games like “Etrian Odyssey Nexus” and “Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey.

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2025-07-27 12:34