Incoming! The most exciting 3DS games for May 2015

Why hello there. Taking a break from G-rank Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, or perhaps all the spangly new DLC for Super Smash Bros. for 3DS?

I've been sinking a whole lot of time into StreetPass Fishing myself. If there isn't a Hylian Loach in there I'm going to be bitterly disappointed.

This month there are a few gems to be had spread across all manner of genres, so you're bound to find something for you. I just wish there were more Virtual Console games heading our way. Sigh...

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker
Atlus - 5th (North America)

Much like how Devil Survivor Overclocked was a spruced up version of tactical RPG Devil Survivor, this is a full-featured update of the original Devil Survivor 2 on the DS.

There's a new character, voice acting, and difficulty options, as well as a whole new scenario that takes place post-game. I'm guessing you'll need to have some familiarity with the series, but feel free to challenge me on that in the comments below.

Bloo Kid 2
winterworks - 7th (Europe)

Nintendo hasn't opened the floodgates to indies as much as Sony has, but it's good to see the odd gem sneak across from other platforms. We gave the mobile version of Bloo Kid 2 a Bronze Award, calling it "An old-school platformer in the truest sense."

Bonus points if you recognise the boss in the screenshot above from a well-established Ninty property.

Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition
GungHo / Nintendo - 8th (Europe), 22nd (North America)

I'm a tad worried about this one, as a few folk I know are absolutely hooked on the mobile version of Puzzle & Dragons. An addictive fusion of puzzle, RPG, and strategy plus beloved Nintendo characters? I'm already rubbing my thighs, Vic Reeves-style, in anticipation.

Attack on Titan: Humanity in Chains
Spike Chunsoft / Atlus - 12th (North America)

Based on the anime everyone keeps telling me to watch, this is an action game where you have to defend some walls from immense, towering Titans. Sounds a bit like tower defense to me - let's hope that's not the case.

Thanks to some copyright issues the European release is somewhat delayed, and when it does appear it'll be under the title Shingeki no Kyojin: Humanity in Chains (that's the Japanese title of the series).

Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.
Intelligent Systems / Nintendo - 15th (Europe)

The developer of Advance Wars and Fire Emblem has made a steampunk strategy game, and it's compatible with amiibo (Marth, Ike, Lucina, and Robin). It's like a dream come true.

Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX
SEGA - [Edit: delayed until September 11th]

My pick of the month is this rather natty rhythm game. Look familiar? It's the little sister of Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F on the Vita.

Each of the Vocaloid characters are here in their chibi (small and cute) forms, but the higher difficulties still pack a punch for the frenetically fingered.

Fossil Fighters Frontier
RED Entertainment / Nintendo - 29th (Europe)

Another late arrival, this time for a lesser-known series in Europe. It's kind of... Pokémon with vehicles and dinosaurs. Find fossils, bring 'em back to life, then battle them. I mean, what could go wrong?

3D Thunder Blade
M2 / SEGA - some time in May (North America, Europe)

Despite being the SEGA nut that I am, I'm not too familiar with the Thunder Blade series. It's an arcade helicopter game meant to ape the '80s show Blue Thunder, which I've never heard of, let alone seen.

In any case, M2 has been knocking these 3D Classics out of the park so you might as well complete the set.

Downtown Nekketsu Jidaigeki
Arc System Works - 28th (Japan)

If you're big on imports, you should be more than familiar with Kunio-kun, and his adventures in not only beat 'em ups, but also all manner of sports title spin-offs. If not... perhaps River City Ransom sounds familiar? Well, it's essentially more of that.

This is a direct sequel to beat 'em up classic *ahem* Downtown Special: Kunio-kun no Jidaigeki Dayo - Zenin Shugou! on the Famicom, with Story, Mission, and Battle Royale modes.

Chance for localisation: 12.78%. The Kunio-kun games haven't made it to the West since the Game Boy Advance days. Fingers crossed for a digital-only release, though.