Famitsu Rates Japan’s 3DS Launch Lineup

Nintendo’s new handheld will be released in Japan this Saturday, around a month ahead of the US, so their reviews might give a little insight into what we can expect from the new console’s repertoire. I emphasize the “little” in that sentence because many of the games the editors reviewed aren’t actually US launch titles. In fact, it looks like Japanese got at least a couple of gems early.

As you might expect, the scores run the gamut, from great to ok to charitably mediocre.  Of course, the titles reviewed range from AAA titles to games that clearly exist only to exploit the console’s 3D gimmick…

Actually, before we look at the list, I have a question for you; can you guess what game was their favorite?  (Maybe you should write it down in the comments, so you aren’t tempted to cheat.)

• Winning Eleven 3D Soccer:  32 points (8/8/8/8)
• Dynasty Warriors Chronicle:  34 points (9/9/8/8)
• Shanghai 3D Cube:  26 points (7/7/7/5)
• Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition:  34 points (9/8/8/9)
• Super Monkey Ball 3D:  32 points (9/8/8/7)
• Puzzle Bobble 3D:  24 points (6/6/6/6)
• Ridge Racer 3D:  32 points (8/8/7/9)
• Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracles:  32 points (8/8/8/8)
• Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs:  24 points (6/6/6/6)
• Nintendogs + Cats:  38 points (10/9/9/10)

Yes, that’s right, the correct answer was Nintendogs + Cats.  Scoring an excellent 38 out of 40, the editors specifically note that the animals are even cuter in this game, and that the game is excellent at relieving stress.  They also really enjoyed Street Fighter IV: Championship Edition 3D and Dynasty Warriors 3DS, which each earned a respectable 34.

On the other hand, they weren’t as thrilled with Shanghai 3D Cube, a 3D adaptation of a Japanese puzzle game, or (surprise, surprise) Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs.  Personally, I was surprised that the new Professor Layton game only scored a 32; the series has a large following on both sides of the pacific, and is certainly among the 3DS’ most anticipated releases.  Then again, none of the games did as well as their DS counterparts. Nintendogs + Cats’ 38 is technically a step down; the original Nintendogs scored a perfect 40 from Famitsu when it was released.