Nintendo had a rough start to last decade. The Wii was an unbelievable success when it first launched in 2006, but momentum almost came to a halt after 2010. The 3DS launched in 2011 but sales came in lower than expected due to a higher price tag and lackluster launch lineup.
The ten games listed below from 2011 reflect this. There are definitely some heavy hitters that made Nintendo fans happy, but a lot of them are either mediocre or re-releases. Fortunately, Nintendo would get their act together several years later and come out with the Nintendo Switch, an incredibly innovative hybrid console.
10 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword
While Skyward Sword is perhaps the least celebrated of the mainline Zelda games, it is still considered a fine action-adventure title. Some took issue with the mandatory use of motion controls and the slow pacing. The dungeons were a particular point of praise, however. Fortunately, the upcoming re-release on the Nintendo Switch does away with mandatory motion controls, though those who like it can still utilize the Joy Cons for a traditional experience.
9 Mario Kart 7
While Mario Kart is not exactly the greatest measure of skill in kart racing games, it is always fun to whip out at a party. Mario Kart 7 is in a somewhat different situation because it came out on the 3DS. Downsizing the Mario Kart experience worked, however, since the game was met with great reviews. Most are happy the series returned to consoles with Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U and eventually the Switch.
8 Nintendogs + Cats
Everyone old enough to remember the Nintendo DS fondly recalls the phenomenon surrounding Nintendogs. The update for the 3DS, Nintendogs + Cats, did not spark the same pop culture fury, but it was still more Nintendogs goodness for fans.
Feline lovers could get in on the action this time too. The game is able to fulfill pet owners’ fantasies of getting their dogs and cats to play friendly with each other.
7 Pilot Wings Resort
The Pilot Wings series started out on the SNES and was an impressive title both technically and gameplay-wise. Pilot Wings 64 was one of the two N64 launch titles, but it was mostly overshadowed by Super Mario 64. This 3DS title retained similar gameplay and allows you to utilize Miis. It also ties into Wii Sports Resort. The main complaint against it is the short length, but many 3DS games are more bite-sized adventures.
6 Ocarina Of Time 3D
You know it is a relatively slow year for a company when their most exciting title is a re-release of a 1998 classic. Of course, Ocarina of Time is often considered one of the best video games ever made, so it is a pleasure for most to be able to replay it. An involved 3D game like this does not always work ideally on a handheld like the 3DS, however. The visual improvements were met with praise, and the game also comes with the Master Quest from the first re-release for the GameCube.
5 Kirby Mass Attack
What’s better than one Kirby? How about many Kirbies? In Kirby Mass Attack, you control a whole group of Kirbies exclusively with the Stylus. While leaning into a console’s unique feature is a risky bet for a game, Kirby Mass Attack’s reviews praised the gameplay. The game was released on the Wii U virtual console in 2016 as well. Like Kirby Tilt ’n’ Tumble, the series has always done well by doing something unique with a portable system’s capabilities.
4 Star Fox 64 3D
Star Fox has been out of the limelight since Star Fox Adventures on the GameCube. The last mainline entry, Star Fox Zero, was met with pretty lackluster reviews. At least fans of the series had a solid re-release of Star Fox 64 on the 3DS to play in 2011. The N64 title still holds up extremely well after all these years. The gameplay is solid and the branching paths beg for multiple playthroughs. This title also adds variety with tank segments and multiplayer.
3 Kirby’s Return To Dreamland
Kirby gets a lot of spin-offs, but a true Kirby platformer comes out once in a blue moon. Like prior Kirby games, the pink ball can swallow enemies and absorb their abilities. Up to three other friends can join you.
It also falls into the same traps as other Kirby games. Mainly, it is way too easy. The game is fun with less experienced gamers, but hardcore gamers might yawn their way through it.
2 Mario And Sonic At The London 2012 Olympic Games
The Mario And Sonic games are not going to be taking home any game of the year awards, but they are always a good time at a party. The gameplay turns several events from the Summer Olympic Games into minigames. Each time the Olympics come around a new title in this series similarly appears. Even though this title commemorates the 2012 competition, it came out in 2011. 2019 saw the release of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, even though the actual event is delayed.
1 Super Mario 3D Land
Part of this 3DS game’s genius is the more concentrated platforming challenges of 2D Mario titles put into a 3D environment. Prior 3D Mario games were more focused on exploration. This same design would go on to influence Super Mario 3D World. When compared to Mario games for the Nintendo DS, it shows just how much more the 3DS can do. We hope Nintendo continues this format for future Mario adventures.
