Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS (2014, 3DS) - Dedede Still the Best, Online Play Still the Worst

I can still remember picking up a copy of the original version of Super Smash Bros. when it launched on the Nintendo 64 way back in 1999. I was in high school at the time and this was before I really followed gaming news or online reviews, so all I knew about the game was that it was an unconventional fighting game that took characters from a variety of Nintendo titles and tossed them into a four player arena. I didn't know who was in it, what it would play like, or whether I'd even like it, but it would end up being my most played game on the system. I was hooked on this series from year one.

Review - Chibi-Robo Photo Finder (2014, 3DS)

 Chibi-Robo Photo Finder is a budget-priced 3DS eShop game and the fourth installment of Nintendo's Chibi-Robo series. As in the other games, Photo Finder stars a tiny household robot who cleans up junk, collects objects, and works, often thanklessly, to make people happy. The original 2006 game is one of my favorite Gamecube titles, but neither its 2007 DS sequel Park Patrol nor this new game recaptures that magic. The saddest thing is that the second DS game, released in 2009, was the closest in spirit to the original title, but never got released outside of Japan.

Review - The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (2013, 3DS)

The Legend of Zelda series is Nintendo's one big franchise that I wish I could enjoy more than I do. I still enjoy the original Legend of Zelda, I'm absolutely crazy about Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and I think SNES installment A Link to the Past is wonderful, as is the 1993 Game Boy title Link's Awakening. Beyond that, I was lukewarm on much of the series. A Link Between Worlds is the title that turned that around.

Review - Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy (3DS, 2012)

Theatrhythm is probably the most nostalgia-driven game I've ever played and continues a trend started with Dissidia for giving Final Fantasy spinoffs hard to remember nonsense names. It is a rhythm game that uses Final Fantasy music as its base and is filled to the brim with characters, videos, and songs from the first thirteen games in the series. Each game in the series gets three main songs in addition to opening and closing tracks, and there's a ridiculous amount of downloadable songs to add on to the experience. Using marionette-like character graphics for its heroes, Theatrhythm is a unique, immensely charming experience that unfortunately doesn't have a ton of staying power.

Review - Kid Icarus (3D Classics)

This review will cover what's new and changed in the 3DS version of Kid Icarus. This game is not a straight emulation of the NES original; it includes some new graphics, sounds, and gameplay features that make it a unique experience. For my thoughts on the original game, please read this review. Most of the core concepts apply to both versions, but I think keeping these reviews separate will be helpful to old fans wondering if the new edition is worth their time.

Review - Pushmo

 Pushmo is the first great original game released on the 3DS download shop. It's a first-party, Nintendo made title being sold for under $10 that could have very easily been sold as a full price retail title. It's a new IP from Nintendo, who in the last few years has been notoriously poor with bringing new IPs to North America, and they did this one right.