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Top 10 most anticipated 3DS games of 2013

2013's hottest 3DS games

Top 10 most anticipated 3DS games of 2013
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It's been really tricky trying to write this article.

It's not for a lack of quality games headed to The Big N's 3DS, no siree. It's actually because I've been far too busy rubbing my hands with glee at the thought of 2013's roster to put fingers to keyboard.

Next year is looking pretty incredible for fans of Nintendo's handheld, with loads of big-name RPGs incoming, plenty of top-class hardcore franchises on their way, and a few off-the-wall-but-keep-an-eye-on-'em-because-they-could-be-amazing potential surprises just around the corner.

So, read on to find out more about the 3DS games you simply must get hold of in 2013. Somehow.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf
By Nintendo - Out Q2 2013



I've already waxed lyrical about all the awesome new features of what will surely be 2013's 3DS Game Of The Year.

In case you're still unconvinced, though, just know this: the already-available Japanese version has been getting some exceptional reviews, with critics raving about its visuals and town interactivity in particular.

Ace Attorney 5
By Capcom - Out 2013



Having spent the last few Ace Attorney games playing as everyone except the iconic finger pointer that is Phoenix Wright, I'm delighted to report that the spiky-haired one will return to the courtroom in this fifth instalment (in the main series) in the name of truth, justice, and brilliantly written video game narratives.

According to insider info, Ace Attorney 5 will have a "much darker plot than previous episodes". That'll be perfect for the more worldly wise Wright.

There's no confirmed date for this, but it's hitting Japan in 2013 and Capcom has already told us that it plans to release it in the West.

Dragon Quest VII
By Square Enix - Out February 2013 (in Japan)

When Square Enix announced in October that it was remaking Dragon Quest VII exclusively for the 3DS, I did a little wee. Yes, I was that excited.

Needless to say, it's another gorgeous adventure set in a charming Akira Toriyama world.

Dragon Quest VII will definitely makes its way over to the West in 2013, even though no official announcement about this has been made yet. Mark my words, people.

Fire Emblem: Awakening
By Intelligent Systems - Out April 2013



I've managed to go hands-on with this little beauty - albeit briefly - thanks to an imported copy and a friend that reads Japanese.

Though there's a question mark hanging over the quality of the English translation, it's shaping up to be a real wake-up call for the strategy genre.

Deep mechanics, excellent use of 3D, and a huge storyline - who needs a new Advance Wars, anyway?

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
By Nintendo - Out March 2013



During a recent Nintendo Direct broadcast, Satoru Shibata stated that 2013 would be the "year of Luigi".

It's nice to think that the 'other' plumber will get his time in the spotlight, and what better way to kick things off than with a sequel to a tepidly received GameCube launch title? Hmmm.

Dark Moon looks as though it'll be crammed full of puzzles, and will feature the odd PG-rated scare along the way.

Yatagarasu
By Circle Edge - Out 2013

Given that Circle Edge has already shown off Yatagarasu (at the PAX Prime event in August), it's safe to say it's nearing completion.

The team behind it is made up of a couple of ex-SNK (The King of Fighters, Fatal Fury) employees with loads of fighting game experience.

The title itself started off life as an indie doujin brawler. Now, it's headed for the 3DS, and I can't wait to see it.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate
By Konami - Out March 8th, 2013



In my brief preview of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate earlier in the year, I was rather positive about this upcoming game.

And considering Konami will have had plenty of time to polish it up before its release in 2013, I'm expecting to be even more positive about the final product.

In truth, it feels a bit Symphony of the Night and a little Rondo of Blood. This can only be a good thing, mind, for they are the series's standout instalments. Plus, it should be pretty challenging - something to really sink your teeth into next year.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
By Capcom - Out March 2013



Love it or hate it, the Monster Hunter series is here to stay. And Capcom will be keeping Western fans of this property happy with this expanded and updated 3DS version of Monster Hunter 3.

So, you can expect more monsters to slay, more items to use, more of everything, really.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate will undoubtedly live up to its lofty moniker by providing the definitive version of the multiplayer hunt-'em-up.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
By Sega - Out February 8th, 2013



It'll be interesting to see whether the 3DS version of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed can genuinely go toe-to-toe (or pedal-to-pedal?) with the mighty Mario Kart 7 and become the premier kart racer on the 3DS platform.

There are plenty of legendary Sega characters and wacky vehicles from which to choose in this unabashed nostalgia-fest, so, yes, you are being spoiled somewhat.

Oh, and the system's not exactly overflowing with quality racing games at the moment, so it'll be great to have another.

Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
By WayForward - Out 2013



Would you be interested in playing a brand-new exquisitely 2D Metroidvania title?

Would you like that same title to feature pirates, ghouls, and magic?

Then, you will be wanting to purchase Shantae and the Pirate's Curse in 2013, won't you.

WayForward has reportedly made some big improvements in this upcoming title, including designing a better map system and building lots of little hidden paths for you to discover throughout your adventure.

Peter Willington
Peter Willington
Die hard Suda 51 fan and professed Cherry Coke addict, freelancer Peter Willington was initially set for a career in showbiz, training for half a decade to walk the boards. Realising that there's no money in acting, he decided instead to make his fortune in writing about video games. Peter never learns from his mistakes.