3DS Games to Be Excited for in 2012

The Nintendo 3DS got off to a rough start when it was released last March. Besides the high price, there weren't many games available, but with its price cut in September and plenty of great games releasing this year, the 3DS is finally becoming a system worth owning. Here's some of the promising titles coming out in 2012.

Paper Mario 3DS
This fun RPG franchise will make its 3DS debut in 2012. Instead of the side scrolling elements Super Paper Mario for the Wii used, the new one will return to its turn based roots. Another returning feature is having Partners, like a Chain Chomp, instead of Pixls. Stickers will play a huge role in the game, giving power-ups and helping Mario overcome obstacles. There is also a Battle Chance slot machine that's like Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door's Bingo.

Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D
The 3D update to the classic PS2 game will be released on February 21. It will compatible with the Circle Pad Pro accessory that adds a second circle pad to the 3DS . The game takes place during the Cold War with players as Solid Snake. Besides getting the 3D treatment, the game will feature the ability to use pictures of real life objects in order to create camouflage for Solid Snake.

Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drop Distance
Another game compatible with the Circle Pad Pro is the new Kingdom Hearts. The seventh title in this popular series takes place after Re:coded. Players are Sora and Riku as they try to awaken the worlds from sleep. They must hunt and collect Dream Eaters, and each one gives the heroes different abilities. New worlds like the Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tron: Legacy, and Pinocchio will be visited. It's coming out in Japan this March, and later in 2012 for North America.

Luigi's Mansion 2
The sequel to the popular GameCube title will still have Mario's brother sneaking around and busting ghosts. There are many improvements over the original title, though. There will be multiple mansions, not just one. Luigi also has a strobe effect on his flashlight when he starts vacuuming up the ghosts. He even has a shock effect to use if they try to escape. The attention to detail in the mansion helped make the original a great game. I can't wait to see how it looks on the 3DS. Luigi's Mansion 2 will probably be released in the latter half of 2012.

There are other games like Kid Icarus: Uprising and Animal Crossing 3D that are also expected this year. While the 3DS may have gotten a slow start, 2012 is shaping up to be a great year for Nintendo's handheld.