The Nintendo 3DS harbors an extensive assortment of games. Over a period of nine years, from 2011 to 2020, the system consistently received new releases, coexisting with the Nintendo Switch for a brief duration.
Equipped with a touch screen, the console was an ideal platform for visual novels. Consequently, the 3DS offers a rich selection of visual novels, including sequels from the DS era and new intellectual properties. But which visual novels stand out as the best on the 3DS?
5 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirits Of Justice
Metascore: 81
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirits of Justice represents the sixth installment, and currently the final mainline title in the Ace Attorney series. While the Nintendo DS expanded the franchise with numerous games, the 3DS received two titles in the Western market, namely Dual Destinies and Spirits of Justice. Widely acknowledged as the superior game of the two, Spirits of Justice sees the return of Phoenix Wright as the primary protagonist, delivering an exceptional plot and writing that rival the series' best.
Although it may not be the pinnacle of the series, fans should ensure they experience this title to properly conclude Phoenix's storyline. Fortunately, the game will be reissued in a new collection for modern systems in the near future, catering to players without a 3DS.
4 Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward
Metascore: 84
- Release date: October 23, 2012
- Developer: Chunsoft
- Platforms: 3DS, Vita, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward is the second installment in the Zero Escape trilogy and the sole release on the 3DS, lauded as one of the system's finest games. Despite being part of a trilogy, each game stands alone as a complete narrative, offering a compelling visual novel experience with branching paths and multiple endings. The game's clever flowchart allows players to revisit sections without starting from scratch, enhancing the overall experience.
3 Professor Layton And The Miracle Mask
Metascore: 82
- Release date: October 28, 2012
- Developer: Level-5
- Platforms: 3DS
Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask marks the fifth mainline installment in the Professor Layton series and the inaugural release for the 3DS. Leveraging the new hardware, the game features enhanced 3D character models and improved graphics while retaining the established gameplay. However, the plot falls short in comparison to earlier titles in the series, a recurring issue in the second Professor Layton trilogy. The forthcoming Nintendo Switch release may redirect the series in a more promising direction.
2 Detective Pikachu
Metascore: 71
Pokemon has spawned a multitude of unconventional spin-offs, with Detective Pikachu ranking among the most peculiar. This point-and-click adventure showcases a conversing Pikachu as a co-protagonist alongside player character Tim Goodman. Despite its formulaic gameplay, the game delivers a captivating plot, a surprising feature for a Pokemon spin-off. It offers a delightful exploration of the Pokemon world from a fresh perspective. The game's success led to the release of a sequel, Detective Pikachu Returns, available on the Nintendo Switch in 2023.
1 Corpse Party: Blood Covered
Metascore: 77
- Release date: October 25, 2016
- Developer: Team GrisGris
- Platforms: 3DS, Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, iOS
Corpse Party: Blood Covered is a remake of the second installment in the revered horror visual novel series and the sole release on the 3DS, a departure from the franchise's association with the PSP. While predominantly a classic visual novel, it omits the RPG elements of the original version, introducing distinctive features such as character HP, a rarity in the genre. With multiple protagonists and a compelling plot centered on a haunted high school, the game enthralls horror enthusiasts and visual novel aficionados alike.