by Menashe and Andy

New Super Mario Bros 2

Expect this game to be Nintendo’s star title for the 3DS during the 2012 holiday season. If you remember, in Super Mario Bros 3 (NES), the raccoon tail game Mario flying abilities. But, in the recent Super Mario 3D Land, those powers were gone. However, the raccoon tail makes a return in NSMB2 and this time Mario will soar the sky once again. It will also be the first retail 3DS title from Nintendo to also be released as a digital download on the eShop on the day of of its release.

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Animal Crossing 3D

For the first time in the world of Animal Crossing you will be able to be the mayor of the city. We hope that means you won\’t spend most of the game trying to repay your debt to Tom Nook. This version of Animal Crossing will feature the deepest level of detail in the game’s environments and objects to date. The 3D visuals have been highly praised by those who have had a chance to go first-hand with them as they subtly add a lot to the game’s traditionally simplistic graphics. And lastly, who wouldn\’t want to try out the new swimming ability?

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Paper Mario 3D

The fourth installment of this popular series sees a return to the roots. However, the game will include many more action-segments and platforming elements than the original. One quite intriguing aspect of the game is the addition of 3D. The game has always been something of a three dimensional paradox. The game takes place in a 3D world, but its characters are paper-thin. With the new 3D depth, the visuals and possibly even the gameplay will be taking a whole new spin. Also, the visuals will get less cluttered as all the stats will be moved to the bottom screen.

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Fire Emblem Awakening

Join Krom, the valiant Prince of the Holy Kingdom of Iris, as he struggles during a turbulent era. Besides for the fully 3D graphical upgrade, three other new features of Awakening are the \”My Unit\”, the \”Love\” elements, and the DLC. You will be able to construct your own customized unit called, \”My Unit\”, with a character-creation tool. Also, they are bringing back relationships into Fire Emblem from the NES-era. This time around you can fall in love, get married, and have kids. But just because you propose to another character, doesn\’t mean the answer will be yes. Finally, FE:A will be the first Nintendo game to feature paid downloadable content. Good news: Fire Emblem Awakening was one of the highest-rated and best-selling Fire Emblem games in Japan.

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Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle

This will be first time a Professor Layton game is released in 3D. The game features 150 puzzles and another 365 via DLC. The game once again details Layton’s past, as he struggles to keep up with a man in a mask who is terrorizing a city in midst of a carnival. Mask of Miracle also features flashbacks of Hershel Layton in high-school, leading an archaeological expedition with his friend, Lando. Professor Layton Mask of Miracle was the best-selling game in Japan upon the launch of the 3DS.

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Luigi’s Mansion 2

Luigi’s Mansion 2 is being developed by Next-Level Games and is being overseen by Shigeru Miyamoto himself. The original Gamecube game was tested for 3D effects, so this is really the vision Miyamoto had when he conjured the idea for the first game. The visuals currently look stunning and with the dramatic lighting, it makes for one of the best-looking games on the system. Miyamoto has stated that this time around the game will focus more on puzzle-solving and there will be many more mansions which Professor E. Gadd will teleport Luigi (and Toad) to. In one trailer we even saw mummies. Gameplay may include options for Gyroscope movement and Luigi may be able to \”wrestle\” with many ghosts at a time.

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Chocobo Racing 3D

Where can you find Mog the Moogle, Cid, and the Black Mage, outside of a regular Final Fantasy RPG? Why, racing on chocobos, of course. At least, that’s where we they were over a decade ago in Chocobo Racing for the original Playstation. Now, that game is getting a sequel on the 3DS. Not much is know about it, but the original game was compared to the Mario Kart series, so those looking for a Kart-racer with a Final-Fantasy flavor should look no further.

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Heroes of Ruin

What does 365 days of consistent DLC mean to you? Lots and lots of gameplay. That’s what will be coming to you in n-Space/Square Enix’s new action role-playing game for the 3DS. Expect lots of looting, dungeon-slaying, and adventuring. The game will also make heavy, heavy use of connectivity and social features, employing both Streetpass and Spotpass in a feature called the Trader’s Network.

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Rayman Origins

The gorgeously animated platformer has already drawn critical acclaim on other platforms and now it will be coming in 3D to a handheld near you. If you enjoy a game that has tons of personality and zany platforming fun, this is for you. It’s been called the best platforming game of this generation, not called Mario. Wildly creative and beautifully crafted, Rayman Origins fits right in on the 3DS.

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Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

One of the most hotly anticipated games for the 3DS is Kingdom, the Square Enix staff decided to develop Dream Drop Distance after being impressed by the quality from Nintendo 3DS. Set after the events of Kingdom Hearts Re:coded, the game focuses on Sora and Riku’s Mark of Mastery exam in which they have to protect parallel words in preparation of the return of their enemy Xehanort. Besides controlling the two playable characters across a single scenario, the player is able to recruit creatures known as Dream Eaters able to assist them in fights. The game has been well received in Japan.

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Monster Hunter 3G

Gameplay, graphics, and online capabilities were the elements that distinguished Monster Hunster 3 on the Wii. Famitsu even gave it a rare 40/40. Now, Monster Hunter 3 will see a release in 3D as Monster Hunter 3G (Tri-G). Besides for the visual upgrade and the online capabilities, the game will be expanded with new monsters and new areas. Monster Hunter 3G also make use of the Circle Pad Pro.

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Monster Hunter 4

We don\’t know much about Monster Hunter 4 outside of the trailer we saw a while back. What is known is that it will make use of the Circle Pad Pro and it is the first Monster Hunter game to be originally made for a handheld. That shows Capcom’s confidence in the 3DS. Expect tailor-made 3D visuals and new gameplay elements, as were present in the trailer.

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Epic Mickey 2: Power of Illusion

Power of Illusion is not, I repeat, not a 3D action-adventure game like its console counterparts. Instead, it is a throwback to the \”Illusion\” Mickey series of yesteryear. In particular, it is a tribute to Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse by Sega. Just like that retro cult hit, Power of Illusion will be a side-scrolling platformer, only, it will retain the paint/thinner mechanics from Epic Mickey on the Wii. The game features stunning hand-drawn sprites of Disney characters.

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LEGO City Stories

Lego City Stories has the honour of being the first confirmed Wii U title. Developed by TT exclusively for Nintendo, LCS will also have a version on the 3DS. The game was originally revealed at E3 2011 and is LEGO’s take on Grand Theft Auto, but replaces violence with colourful bricks, and murder with a job system. You can still count on plenty of destruction, though.

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Pokemon Black & White 2

Pokemon Black & White 2 is the first time in the series history that a direct sequel has been released. Players will find that the Unova region has been covered in thick ice, causing new areas to be accessible, as well as new gyms and Pokemon.

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Time Travellers

Time Travellers has been known about since before the 3DS’s unveiling at E3 2010, however it was only recently that the first gameplay details were revealed. The game revolves around a terrorist attack and the events which unfold in the subsequent years. Unsurprisingly, it features time travelling!

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Guild 02

Guild 02 has just been announced, mere weeks before Guild 01’s release. The game, like its predecessor is a compilation of games from several well know developers including Keiji Inafune, Kazuya Asano, Takemaru Abiko and Kazu Ayabe. As you can tell from the screenshot, it will include all sorts of unique forms of gameplay. Shooting ants with a mini-tank?!

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Bravely Default: Flying Fairy

Originally announced at Nintendo’s first Nintendo Direct conference, this 3DS exclusive title from Square Enix is a return to the glory days for the JRPG. It isn’t all old news though, as the game features heavy use of the 3DS’s AR capabilities. For fans wanting a deep RPG experience on their favorite handheld, Bravely Default is one to watch.

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Professor Layton VS. Phoenix Wright

Not much has been seen of this game in recent months, however it is known that the game takes place in a medieval city in the underworld. It will blend the Professors investigative gameplay with the attorneys inquisitive courtroom dramas. Fans of both series will surely be pleased.

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Extreme Escape Adventure

Extreme Escape Adventure started off as a remake of the cult DS title, 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors, in 3D. However during development, the team decided to start adding new sections and eventually the game morphed into an entirely new title. Hopefully, we\’ll have a new point & click adventure classic on our hands.

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Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate

Castlevania: Los-Mof was just reaveled a few days ago, but we already know a considerable amount about it. The game is developed by Lords of Shadow developer SteamWorks and blends the DS Castlevania’s 2D with Lords of Shadow’s 3D gameplay, as well as leading the story straight into the sequel.

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Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy

When Theatrhythm was released in Japan it became the world’s first title to feature the Nintendo Network logo, due to the titles massive DLC support. The game falls in the rhythm genre and features songs from the entire back catalogue of the Final Fantasy series. It should be available in the West sometime in the summer.

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Ace Attorney 5

Nothing is known about this title, including platform, however it is very likely going to wind up on the 3DS as that is where the previous 4 games in the series all have seen release. Capcom hasn’t got many announced games for Nintendo platforms at the moment, so this would surely level things up a bit.

3DS Games That Have A Good Chance Of Showing Up To E3

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The World Ends With You 2

My personal favorite game on the 3DS and my favorite Square Enix game of the last five years, I really hope we get to see the sequel to The World Ends With You on the 3DS this year. Creator, Tatsuya Kando, has already hinted about a sequel strongly, so there is a good chance we\’ll be seeing it at E3. The question is what new elements will we see thrown into the game due to the stronger capabilities of the 3D. I\’m personally hoping it retains its 2D sprites because the art-style of the game was one of its strongest point. But, I\’ll take anything they throw my way.

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Super Smash Bros 3DS

We already know it exists. Last year at E3 2011, Super Smash Bros games were revealed for both the Wii U and 3DS. Iwata jumped the gun a bit because he had nothing to show for it. But hopefully this year more details will be given out. One thing we do know is that both the Wii U version and the 3DS version will interact with each other. We\’ll have to wait another two days to find out what exactly than entails. Whatever it is, expect it to be a lot of fun.

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Pokemon Grey

While the game on the show floor will no doubt be Pokemon Black & White 2, we may hear about Pokemon Grey for future release sometime during the year. Hopefully this time it will have full 3D graphics and make great use of the 3DS\’ many talents. This could be the first Pokemon game that actually represents a major leap forward in gameplay for the series as the graphics will no doubt be getting their first major overhaul.

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Legend of Zelda 3DS

It’s almost a given that we will be seeing a 3D Zelda before the end of the year. The bigger question is whether it will be a remake of Majora’s Mask or a new game entirely. In my mind, there is no doubt at all that we will eventually see a Majora’s Mask remake on the 3DS. The question is only whether Nintendo wants to save it for later in case there is a need for a quick hit game during a software drought or will they release it already now. No one can know for certain, but definitely be expecting some form of Zelda on the 3DS at this year’s E3.

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New 3DS Model

While this is not a game, it certainly should not be unexpected if Nintendo announced a redesigned 3DS model for later this year at E3. While it’s not as imperative now that the Vita holds less of a threat to the Nintendo’s handheld stronghold, Nintendo will no doubt have a a new and improved version of the 3DS coming within the next 12 months, possibly for the holiday season.