2015 was a slow year for the 3Ds. There were a handful of noteworthy games, but it was dormant for most of the year when it came to new releases worth talking about. 2016, however, is shaping up to be much more exciting and we aren’t even out of the first quarter yet! Even more interesting? A lot of the games coming out this year are amazing looking role-playing games.
Take a look below for some of the highlights!
Project X-Zone 2
February 16
The original Project X-Zone came out a few years ago and was a big surprise.I spent every second playing that game in slack jawed awe at how much crazier every minute was the last. It featured characters from all over the video game industry in a strategy game that had no reason to be fun, but was super entertaining.
The sequel is full of even more characters than the last one (53 to be specific) and, really, any time I get to use Ryu in a turn based strategy game I am happy.
Pokemon Red, Blue, Yellow
February 27th
These games aren’t exactly “new” but this will likely be the first time a lot of 3DS owners get to experience the games that started it all. They are being released as part of the 20th anniversary of their Japanese release and will give everyone another chance to collect all 150 Pokemon once again!
Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King
Sometime this year
I have always found it interesting that the Dragon Quest series was never a very big deal in the west. They have all the things that would normally make a successful RPG franchise, and it is a huge game in Japan, but it hasn’t resonated with Western audiences so far.
Dragon Quest 8 was released on the PlayStation 2 back in 2005 and is being brought to the 3DS with some gameplay adjustments.
We don’t have many details yet, but I would bet that we will hear more at this year’s E3.
Dragon Quest 7: Warriors of Eden
Summer 2016
Dragon Quest 7 was never released in the west, but it is finally being brought over. Square Enix is reporting that it will be a completely new game with new gameplay elements and some story alterations thanks to its western localization.
One of the biggest changes is the removal of random encounters. Instead, you’ll be able to see all the enemies on the map and be able to try and avoid them.
Bravely Second: End Layer
April 15th
Bravely Default was one of our games of the year for 2014. It was an amazing game that brought me back to my childhood. The sequel looks like it will deliver the same kind of experience and I can’t wait.
The game takes place after the events of the first game, but will include a new cast of characters going on another whirlwind adventure to save their world. They gave us a little taste of the games setup with the following quote “On the eve of Peace, war is ignited. Agnes Oblige, icon of world peace, has been abducted.”
I can’t wait!