You don’t need a giant console, a bundle of HDMI cables, and a big-screen TV to enjoy a good video game. Maybe a few years ago, you did, but today’s portable consoles are gaming powerhouses. And — perhaps even better — tablets such as Apple’s iPad and Sony’s S Tablet have opened the door for a wave of cheaper but incredibly fun alternatives.
The grip of the iPad and the rise of all those Android tablets was truly profound, pushing aside Nintendo’s 3DS and forcing outlet after outlet to recognize the legitimacy of tablet gaming. So here, we take a bold step: We’re combining tablet games with traditional portable console games in our year-end portable gaming roundup:
BEST OVERALL GAME: Super Mario 3DS Land
Until 3DS Land came around, Nintendo’s new portable lacked a defining title. And then Mario saved the day. His first 3D foray doesn’t try too hard to prove that it’s 3D, instead focusing on old-school Mario gameplay, and that’s the key to a good portable title. Truth is, Nintendo’s 3D tech is more gimmick than anything; the finest titles on the 3DS play well in both 2D and 3D. Mario’s latest adventure captures all the fun nostalgia of his past entries, while blending in plenty of omigod moments. And yes, it’s a great way to pass an eight-hour plane ride.
BEST TABLET GAME: Jetpack Joyride
The gameplay of this iPad hit was simple — just get some nerd with a jetpack past obstacle after obstacle after obstacle — but developer Halfbrick added plenty of intrigue, letting you pick up creative upgrades, keeping track of coins and including a bevy of achievements to motivate you to keep playing. And just for good measure, there’s a slot machine, too. In a year full of great iPad games, this is far and away the very best.
An added bonus? At the moment of this writing, the game was available for free on Apple iTunes.
MOST UNDERRATED: Shinobi
Sega’s quiet ninja received little acclaim when he landed on the 3DS in November, and that was a mistake. In an era when games get easier and easier, Shinobi is a throwback in the same way that Dark Souls was, blending ultra-challenging gameplay with a few new conventions to keep gamers from getting frustrated.
At its heart, this is an old-fashioned side-scrolling-on-your-tiptoes slugfest past enemy after enemy, but new scoring options keep things interesting, and an underrated story holds your attention. Don’t go get Shinobi unless you’re prepared to die often. But if you’re up for the challenge — or that last person on your Christmas list is — this is well worth your time.