3D Classics: Kid Icarus 3DS
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: Mar 23, 2012
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Cubed3
    Feb 13, 2012
    90
    3D Classics: Kid Icarus is definitely worthy of its "Classic" title in this re-release for the Nintendo 3DS.
  2. Games Master UK
    Mar 14, 2012
    85
    Essential stuff. [Apr 2012, p.89]
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  3. Nintendo Gamer
    Mar 6, 2012
    80
    Still a very tough cookie, but one that gets tastier as you go and is perfectly suited to handheld play. [March 2012, p.109]
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  4. Pocket Gamer UK
    Jan 18, 2012
    80
    Take a break from plumbers, swordsmen, and bounty hunters and set some time aside to discover a classic worthy of that title.
  5. Nintendo Life
    Jan 18, 2012
    80
    Kid Icarus was always a lot of fun, but for some reason it never really reached huge levels of popularity like its cousin Metroid. This 3D Classics version is almost identical, but small additions and tweaks like the new backgrounds, 3D effect, high score table and save files ensure that it's worth a look even for those who already played the original to death.
  6. NintendoWorldReport
    May 6, 2012
    70
    This 3D Classic is surprisingly good given the base material. I actually recommend it highly. Try playing with classic controls first, then custom controls, and see how much different the experience is. As somebody who'd simply dismissed the game up until now, I'm glad I had the chance to play it because Kid Icarus is unexpectedly enjoyable.
  7. GameOver.gr
    Mar 26, 2012
    70
    A classic game that few modern gamers know. You should take a look at it -especially if you're going to purchase Kid Icarus Uprsising- just to see how everything began.
  8. Eurogamer Germany
    Jan 20, 2012
    70
    Until Kid Icarus Uprising is released, checking out this remake on the 3DS is well worth your time.
  9. Eurogamer Portugal
    Feb 6, 2012
    60
    Right now Kid Icarus in 3D classics convinces as a retro game. Is far from being impossible to complete, but will cause headaches for those who fail to prepare adequately for the demand.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. AeitZean
    6
    Overall fairly fun, but very hard and very short. for example the monsters that steal your extremely important power ups cannot be killed, requiring you to suicide and start the level over, or pay many hearts (generally more than you'll have) to get them back.

    The castle maps are nearly useless, assuming you bother to activate them. power ups are neither self explanatory, nor easy to activate, requiring you to reach full health before they activate. I found the easiest way was to reach the end of the area, then suicide on the next one to come back with full health. each and every death requires you to restart the area.

    The first ascent (out of the underworld) is quite definitively the hardest part of the game. despite all this when you get good and get it right, its very satisfying to do well at it.

    And then it ends. My stats log lists the game as played for 5 hours when I completed it, but I completed half the game before restarting (I lost all power ups to the thieves and it auto-saved when I reached the next area), and left my 3DS on standby for at least an hour (I don't know if that is included). I could have been much faster if I wasn't so meticulous about power up collection.

    The price is like all eShop titles, more than it's worth. £5.40 for a re-release of an old game, that as far as I can tell has taken little or no effort on their part (except to label which sprites belong to which layer). if the price ever comes down to £2 or £2.50, then this would be an 8.5 or 9 out of 10, but it is too short and insubstantial to warrant the same price as so many full 3D games on steam.

    Finally, the title "3D Classics" is a bit misleading. While technically using the 3D feature to separate the sprite layers of the game, it makes almost no difference and is barely noticeable.    … Full Review »
  2. Nick53
    10
    A very wise move for Nintendo as it makes this 8-bit classic a visual masterpiece and keeps to the original game's control scheme. It truly is essential for this game to appear on the E-shop as Kid Icarus: Uprising is on it's way.… Full Review »
  3. enderboy221
    8
    Pit soars, even after 20 years of collecting dust.

    Kid Icarus on the NES was considered one of the more underrated titles in it's library.     Although it had many problems, it still aquired a cult following. What's wonderful is that 3D Classics Kid Icarus is a better game than the NES one.
    Graphics. Although the graphics aren't that great, this was near the beginning of the N.E.S. lifetime. The real awesome thing about the graphics is the 3D. Pretty 8 bit backrounds have been created for this game, which really highlight the 3D. 8.5
    Sound: The sound effects are nice, and the music is amazing. Each track is great, and really has one of the best soundtracks of that era. 9
    Controls: The controls have been made so you can customize it any way you want. The controls are also spot on. 8
    Gameplay: Kid icarus is a wonderful platformer, with many different ways to go about playing it. Add in the extra power ups, and the buyable items, and you have one deep gameplay expierience. Unfortunatly, the game has random difficulty spikes, and some enemies can be super annoying. (AHEM EGGPLANT WIZARDS!!!) 8
    Replayability: The game is quite short. Although there are many things to find, there isn't much of a reason to go back unless you really like it. 6
    Conclusion: Kid icarus 3D classics is a must-buy virtual console game. If you got $6 dollars to spare, then it is worth it. Definetly not for the weak of heart though. 8    … Full Review »
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