As college students, we know you need to relax every once and a while. Sure, there's Netflix and Hulu, but why not blow off steam with a handheld game? Our top picks for the Nintendo 3DS are sure both to help you chill and to fill your heart with nostalgia for a simpler time.
"Animal Crossing: New Leaf"
Who hasn't wanted to rule their own little town? In the latest traditional installment of the Animal Crossing series, you (the main player) become mayor of a town of your creation. It's your job to enact ordinances and fund public works projects to improve your town and attract new anthropomorphic villagers. This game is best played a little bit each day: every day is a new day in town, full of new treasures to find and friends to meet. Add in a charming array of villagers and a lovely soundtrack, and you have an adorable way to unwind.
"Story of Seasons"
In a similar vein, "Story of Seasons" is a very relaxing gaming experience. Your character is a young farmer, determined to improve Oak Tree Town. You plant and raise crops, tend to your flock of cows, sheep, and even rabbits, and befriend your fellow villagers. Unlike "Animal Crossing," the game isn't played in real time: an "hour" only lasts sixty seconds. If you like the premise of "Animal Crossing" but don't necessarily want to open up your 3DS every day, "Story of Seasons" is the game for you.
"Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney"
This game series is a classic. You play as Phoenix Wright, a rookie defense attorney in fictionalized Los Angeles who aids people falsely accused of murder. The game unfolds as a sort of visual novel: you investigate crime scenes and defend your clients in trials, cross-examining witnesses and presenting evidence to uncover the truth. It's an exciting and absorbing gameplay experience with an incredibly witty script.
"Pokémon" X & Y
Only '90s kids remember Pokémon…but kids of all ages can enjoy exploring and capturing Pokémon in the Kalos region. Modeled loosely after France, Kalos features a new team to beat, a new Champion to battle, and even a new type of Pokémon to catch, the Fairy type. Plus, you get to customize your character's appearance and connect with players all over the world to battle and trade. If you've been a fan of the Pokémon series from the beginning, you will lose yourself in the nostalgia of this game. If you've never played a Pokémon game before in your life, this is a fun place to start.
The "Professor Layton" Series
Rarely does a game simultaneously challenge you and relax you, but the "Professor Layton" series manages to do both elegantly. You play as the title character himself, Hershel Layton, a professor of archaeology with a penchant for puzzles. Accompanied by the professor's apprentice, Luke Triton, you explore curious villages and solve puzzles of all sorts, often discovering a larger mystery along the way. Nothing can prepare you for the final reveals or the emotional impact of the finales. If you love fascinating mysteries, mind-bending puzzles, and captivating stories, look into "Professor Layton." This is a truly unique series with an engaging cast of characters and an enchanting gameplay experience; we highly recommend it.
What are your favorite games for the Nintendo 3DS? What were your favorite Nintendo games when you were growing up?
