CodeMonkey

This isn't a game, as evidenced by the fact that it's in the "applications" section of the 3DS eShop. So the question is whether or not it's a *good* app. My answer is that yes, it is. The information is very comprehensive, including base stats, Pokedex entries from both the Black and White versions of the game, evolutions, and a complete list of which moves are learned at which levels, and which can be taught with TMs. It's definitely cool to have this information (although it's all available on Bulbapedia regardless...) The 3D Pokemon look very good. The AR functionality (allowing you to put one of your Pokemon in the real world and take a picture) is fairly pointless in my opinion. It's always fun to open up your 3DS and see which new Pokemon have been downloaded for you via SpotPass. However, not all of the Pokemon can be obtained this way, meaning you have to exchange information with another 3DS owner to catch them all. If you don't know anyone else with a 3DS, this is really annoying. Overall, though, it's informative, good-looking, and free. Definitely worth checking out if you like Pokemon at all.

So, I never played this game back in the 90s. In fact, I didn't really play any video games until this summer, when I bought my 3DS. But even without the nostalgia factor, it's an awesome game. The controls work very well. The gyro aiming is much more precise than the analog stick, at least for me. The only problem is that it doesn't work well with 3D on, since looking at the 3DS screen from the wrong angle just makes you see double. The touch-screen interface is great. I had heard horror stories about the Water Temple in the original game, mostly relating to how annoying it was to get the Iron Boots on and off. In this version of the game, the boots can be toggled just by pressing a button or tapping the touch screen. Lo and behold, the Water Temple was no problem. The graphics are beautiful, especially with 3D turned up. The music is amazing as well, and does a great job of setting the mood. But most of all, the gameplay is wonderful. I loved exploring the world of Hyrule: destroying evil, trying to help the civilians I met, working magic with songs, solving puzzles in ruined temples, and being scared half to death by the freaking zombies (sorry, Redeads) in the well. I was sad to see it end (not that the ending wasn't great too...)

It may not be the best game out there, but it's fun and it's free. The puzzles are quite simple for the most part, but I found the ones with the Magnetic Glove to be pretty enjoyable. Randomly-generated levels provide lots of replay value, as do challenges like getting 5,000 Rupees in each stage. The graphics aren't top-of-the-line for 3DS/DSi, but they're colorful and clear. The music gets a bit repetitive after a while, especially if you spend a long time in a level. Since I knew this game was originally multiplayer only, I expected the single-player mode to be a bit awkward--but once I started playing I never had any problems with it. Actually, I think that single-player may be easier, since you don't have to worry about one of your friends running off to grab rupees instead of stepping on the switch you need to progress :) Anyway, it's free, so unless you're almost out of memory blocks on your DS, there's no reason not to download it.