So not long ago Nintendo released four new games for the 3DS Streetpass set, updating the look of the place for free but having the games for a price unlike the Puzzle updates and Find Mii II addition. The games are five bucks a pop but can be bought for 15 bucks if you just bundle purchase the entire lot. I was at first "meh" on the idea as the other games were free, but seeing how many passes I get at home, Walmart, the mall, staying with Mariah, and fuck even at WORK due to the kids hiding their 3DS on their persons and lockers, I figured I could give it a chance. Not to mention 30 bucks credit for registering Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei made them basically free.
My thoughts: .... well fuck... these are actually fun.
The reason behind the cost is because each game was developed by another studio. The games are Flower Town, Mii Force, Warrior's Way, and Monster Manor.
Flower Town
For those that have ever played Harvest Moon, this game is pretty much that but with only flowers. Your Mii is dropped into a town that thrives on flowers (no more weird than two towns that settle disputes with cooking contests), and you are welcomed by the surprisingly bishie Mr. Mendel. Flower Town can be slow but can be deep. Your task is simple, you just have to grow 20 unique flowers through Streetpass. The more people you hit, the faster the growing process, and best of all the other people need not have the game to get hits, you just reap all the rewards. On your quest to get 20 you have a shopping mall to buy more seeds, customizations in terms of pots and decor for your garden, and the ability to sell anything you grow or harvest. There's even a sidequest system to get more decor and seeds that you can't get through shopping. It's a bloody RPG and gardening simulator. X_X; It all works surprisingly well given the concept.
Mii Force
THIS game. Thiiiiis fucking game. Earth Defense Force and Galaga say "hello" in what looks like a homage to those aforementioned titles, Sentai, and Star Fox. You are the leader of the Mii Force (I'm basically the White Ranger given my palette choice), an elite group of pilots who must fight against the Skull Bone Gang and their incredibly phallic spaceship. Streetpass grants you recruits who can link up with your fighter to bolster its firepower and serve as shields. The levels are varied, there are a lot of collectibles, and it even has leader boards. Firing is a full 360 degrees which can be rotated using the shoulder buttons and each different color Mii has different abilities like beam saws and piercing lasers.
Warrior's Way
Another strong one, this game is all about the whimsy of WORLD DOMINATION. You use Streetpass to see other prospective world conquerors, and the game gives you the option of seeing them peacefully...or going into battle against them with both armies on the line. The story mode once you get past this is about dominating 20 countries and taking their soldiers and materials for yourself using a resource management game mixed with good ol' rock-paper-scissors. I love my samurai theme and wish I could wear it for the rest of my games, though if samurai is not your thing you have two other choices. Mariah for instance chose the medieval theme, and I've already faced an in-game warlord that uses futuristic design. All the time you are supported by your faithful butler... who is the one to push you to world domination in the first place.
Man, BATMAN doesn't get that much support from his own butler. When has Alfred ever jumped into the Batmobile, ya know?
Monster Manor
Another game with RPG elements, it mixes Ghostbusters and Luigi's Mansion with Tetris. Streetpass gives you pieces that fit onto a board, with the goal being to make full rounds about the floor so you can find the stairs and go up. Matching colors in square formation create rooms that have treasure chests, and at any time putting a piece down brings you a random encounter with a ghost. Battles are action RPG in style with no waiting for turns beyond making sure your pack has the battery power to defend or blast your enemy. You can level up, change out weaponry, carry potions, upgrade your survival chances through heart tanks, and generally have a good ol' RPG time.
The best part is that from Find Mii II comes the ability to hire anyone from your plaza and random NPCs to bolster your chances. Each allows for up to ten units. Each time you complete a segment like a floor, win a massive battle, or grow a plant etc, you get a plaza coupon which is the new way to get hats for your Mii.
Mii Force, Warrior's Way, and Monster Manor are definitely action games and fun as hell to play, though Flower Town has a calming charm that belies the sinister play at your inner OCD like Harvest Moon or Animal Crossing. If you have a 3DS, I suggest getting the bundle and keeping Streetpass on at all times. For 15 bucks, it's a clever and varied distraction.
That said, Graham, change your Mii to Akurei and meet up with me. Dag and Aku will have a proper fucking war.