3D Classics

3D Classics (3Dクラシックス) is a series of emulated classic video games developed by Arika and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. They have been enhanced with stereoscopic 3D functionality and additional features while largely retaining their original art style and graphics.

Development

The 3D Classics releases were directed by Takao Nakano, a member of Nintendo's Special-Planning & Development Department.[1] Development on the line began in 2009, starting with Namco Bandai Games' Xevious. The development team underestimated the amount of work required to add stereoscopic 3D to a 2D game, requiring much more work than a simple port. Arika attempted a 3D Classics version of the NES/Famicom game Tennis because the background had perspective, but found it looked unimpressive in 3D while requiring re-coding collision detection almost from scratch.[2][3]

Release

During the reveal of the Nintendo 3DS at E3 2010, a non-playable demo titled 3D Classics Collection was shown to attendees, showing video of several NES and Super NES games being emulated in stereoscopic 3D.[4] A total of 18 games were demonstrated, including Super Mario World, Mega Man 2, and Castlevania, with Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé stating these games were planned for future release.[4][5]

The first entry in the 3D Classics line, 3D Classics: Excitebike, was announced at Nintendo's fiscal year 2010 investor's meeting in April 2011. The meeting also confirmed that it would be available at the launch of the Nintendo eShop, and would be free to download for the first month before becoming a paid purchase.[6] The game launched alongside the eShop in all regions on June 7, 2011,[7]

Reception

Modojo's Chris Buffa criticized the 3D Classics line for being remakes of uninteresting games, commenting that the line should focus on major titles such as Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid.[3]

See also

• Sega 3D Reprint Archives
• List of Virtual Console games for Nintendo 3DS (Japan)
• List of Virtual Console games for Nintendo 3DS (North America)
• List of Virtual Console games for Nintendo 3DS (PAL region)
• Virtual Console