3DS Dreams: Games That Should Have Made The Jump

Hey everyone, let's talk about the Nintendo 3DS! That little handheld console that brought us some seriously awesome games and a sweet 3D effect (that, let's be honest, we all loved to play with, even if it gave us a headache sometimes). It's a nostalgic trip for many of us, and it got me thinking: what if some other games had made their way onto the 3DS? Imagine the possibilities! We're going to dive into a world of "what ifs" and discuss some titles that, in a perfect world, would have graced our 3DS screens. So, grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and let's explore these dream ports!

The Uncharted Territory: Action-Adventure Games on the 3DS

First up, let's talk about action-adventure games. These are the kind of titles where you get to be a hero, explore cool worlds, and generally save the day (or at least try to). The 3DS, with its dual screens and portability, seems like a natural fit for these types of games, but the reality of the hardware posed some limitations. One of the biggest hurdles was the processing power. The 3DS, while impressive for its time, wasn't exactly a powerhouse. That made it difficult to port games designed for more powerful consoles. But, if we could wave a magic wand, here are some games that would have been epic on the 3DS.

Imagine, if you will, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune on the 3DS. This game, with its cinematic action, would have been a perfect fit. Think about scaling cliffs, dodging bullets, and uncovering ancient treasures – all on a handheld. The 3DS's 3D capabilities could have really enhanced the experience, making those perilous climbs and gunfights feel even more immersive. Sure, the graphics would have to be scaled down, but the core gameplay and the thrill of the adventure would remain. The touch screen could have been used for inventory management or aiming, and the dual screens would have offered some interesting possibilities for the user interface. While the 3DS was not made for this kind of games, the action packed gameplay would have attracted a new set of players.

Another prime candidate would be a Tomb Raider reboot. Lara Croft's latest adventures, with their emphasis on exploration, puzzle-solving, and intense combat, would have been a blast. The 3DS would have been the perfect console to enjoy her adventures. Picture yourself solving ancient puzzles using the touch screen, carefully navigating treacherous environments, and engaging in thrilling battles, all in the palm of your hand. The 3D effect could have made the environments feel more expansive and added a whole new layer of immersion. It's a shame we never got to see it happen, but the potential was definitely there.

Then, let's not forget about a potential Assassin's Creed installment. The open-world exploration and stealth gameplay of Assassin's Creed could have been a great fit for the 3DS. The developers would have to get creative to make it fit the limited power of the console. The dual screens could display the map, inventory, or even special abilities, while the 3D effect would add a sense of depth to the detailed environments. The touch screen could have been used for navigation, parkour actions, or even combat, making the gameplay more intuitive and accessible. The portable nature of the 3DS would have made it the perfect device for experiencing the world of assassins on the go. Ubisoft did release Assassin's Creed: Revelations for the 3DS, but not the same gameplay experience as other consoles had.

RPG Dreams: Role-Playing Games That Could Have Been

Alright, RPG fans, gather 'round! Role-playing games, or RPGs, are all about immersing yourself in a rich world, building your character, and going on epic quests. The 3DS had a fantastic library of RPGs, but there's always room for more, right? Here are some RPGs that would have been amazing on the 3DS.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, with its massive open world, would have been a game changer. The detailed environments, complex characters, and engaging storyline would have been perfect for the handheld. Imagine playing as Geralt of Rivia, hunting monsters, making tough choices, and exploring a vast and beautiful world – all on your 3DS. The graphics would have to be adjusted, of course, but the core experience would still be there. The touch screen could have been used for inventory management and map navigation, while the 3D effect would add a sense of depth to the world. The 3DS would have been the perfect console to enjoy this epic adventure on the go. It's true, the console was not made for this, but the game's mechanics would be perfect for the system.

Mass Effect, with its rich story, engaging characters, and tactical combat, would have been a great fit. The 3DS could have allowed us to explore the galaxy, build relationships with your squadmates, and make difficult choices that would shape the fate of the universe. The gameplay is perfectly crafted for the console, and could attract more players. Imagine leading Commander Shepard through space, making important decisions, and exploring new planets, all in the palm of your hand. The 3D effect could have added an extra layer of depth to the environments, and the touch screen could have been used for menus and tactical commands. A 3DS installment would have been a unique opportunity for BioWare to provide players with a more personal, portable Mass Effect experience.

One more game that would have been awesome is Divinity: Original Sin. This would have brought a new level of complexity to the 3DS. The turn-based combat, deep character customization, and engaging story would have been a perfect fit for the handheld. The game is a true role-playing experience, and it would have been perfect for the 3DS. The touch screen could have been used to control characters, manage inventory, and navigate menus, while the dual screens would have provided ample space for the game's interface. The game would have offered a deep and engaging experience. This would give players an opportunity to customize your character, explore the world, and make difficult choices on the go.

Strategy and Simulation: Building Empires on the Go

Strategy and simulation games are all about planning, resource management, and making smart decisions. These games are perfect for handheld devices, as they allow you to take your time and think through your moves. The 3DS would have been an ideal platform for these types of games.

Civilization VI is a perfect example of a strategy game that would have thrived on the 3DS. The turn-based gameplay would be a perfect fit for the handheld, allowing players to take their time and make strategic decisions. The dual screens would allow for a good user interface. Players could use the touch screen to manage their cities, resources, and units, while the 3D effect would have added depth to the maps. The game's strategic depth and replayability would have made it a perfect fit for the 3DS, offering players hours of entertainment on the go.

Another game that would have been an excellent fit is Cities: Skylines. Imagine being able to build and manage your own city on the 3DS! Players can plan the city's layout, manage resources, and deal with the many challenges of urban development, such as traffic management and population growth. The game's detailed simulation would have been perfect for the 3DS. The touch screen could have been used to make building choices, manage your city's finances, and respond to events. The dual screens would have allowed for a more intuitive user experience, and the 3D effect could have brought the city to life.

Stellaris, the grand strategy game set in space, would have been a great fit for the 3DS. The game's complex mechanics would offer a deep and engaging experience. The game's strategic depth would be perfect for the 3DS, and the console's portability would allow players to take their interstellar empires on the go. Imagine exploring the galaxy, discovering new civilizations, and engaging in diplomacy or war, all from the comfort of your handheld device. The touch screen could have been used to manage your space empire, and the dual screens could have been used to display information, maps, and menus. This would have offered an unique experience for players.

The Reality Check: Why These Ports Didn't Happen

Okay, guys, let's get real for a second. As much as we'd love to see these games on the 3DS, there were some major hurdles. The biggest one was hardware limitations. The 3DS just wasn't as powerful as the consoles these games were designed for. Porting these games would have required a lot of compromises in terms of graphics, performance, and even gameplay. The dual screens, while innovative, also presented some challenges for developers. Optimizing games for two screens, and a lower resolution, took time and effort, not to mention money. Then there's the issue of development costs. Porting games can be a costly and time-consuming process. Developers had to weigh the potential sales against the cost of development, and sometimes the numbers just didn't add up. Finally, there was market competition. The 3DS had a lot of great games, but it was also competing with other consoles, and handheld devices. The competition for the players' attention was fierce.

Conclusion: Dreaming of What Could Have Been

So, there you have it! A glimpse into a world where some of our favorite games made their way onto the 3DS. While we never got to experience these dream ports, it's fun to imagine what could have been. The 3DS was a fantastic console with a great library of games, and the thought of adding these titles to the mix is pretty exciting. Even though these ports never happened, the 3DS remains a beloved handheld, and its legacy lives on. So, next time you're playing your 3DS, maybe take a moment to imagine what these games would have been like. And who knows, maybe one day, in a parallel universe, we'll actually get to play them!

Thanks for reading, and let me know in the comments what games you would have loved to see on the 3DS! And as always, happy gaming!"