Ever Oasis (Nintendo 3DS)

I'm about seven hours in on my play through and what a great game! It got an awful write up from Kotaku that it definitely doesn't deserve. This game is a finely tuned balance between town (oasis) management and exploration. The pacing of the game is perfect for making sure that these two elements work well together. You can't focus on one more than the other since the game regularly links the oasis building element to the exploration paths. It's so seamlessly combined that neither ever feels like it's taking priority.Presentation of this game is gorgeous. I think it's the best looking game I've played on 3DS and the art style is refreshing compared to the well trodden RPG paths before it. The soundtrack is in line with triple A titles and is very pleasing to the ears even though you will quickly get used to the same pieces.Gameplay itself is deceptively complex. Although the battle system is simple in many ways (hit it until it's dead) it also includes weapon types that favour certain monsters so selecting different units with a strength as your player character in the heat of battle means you can more quickly deal out the damage. Likewise, you'll get used to the same types of attacks from the enemies but skilfully timed dodges are still very satisfying.When you couple this the need to farm certain types of items from certain enemies (to restock your oasis), the layers of complexity soon add up to draw you in.It's one of those games where there's always something you need to do next and 'just one more day' or 'I'll just do this... then stop' are lies you're going to keep telling yourself. I really hope this becomes a mainstay franchise, it would be criminal if the almost neglectful marketing of this game means it doesn't end up in more hands.

Developed by the team behind the excellent Majora's Mask port and the director of Secret of Mana I was excited for the potential this game had. Without question it was going to be something different and I had to try it on that basis alone, however the questions was how successful it would be in implementing its ideas.First off the good:The graphics are great, very charming, colourful and well-designged.There isn't really anything else like this I'm aware of- a combination of Zelda, RPG and Harvest Moon.It can be very addictive as you build and build your Oasis.The combat is great and challenging enemies never really becomes a chore. You will dodge, roll, hack and slash in real time and it's great fun!Now the downsides:The only real issue with combat comes when you are fighting two very powerful enemies at once and due to the lock on system you can't see one or the other. This can lead to you being wiped out through no fault of your own as you will never have the chance to dodge the attack. More often than not though, you'll have a lot of fun with the 3D Zelda-type combat here.The story is a weak point here. The progression is very linear. The game is at it's best when you have several quests to choose from at once and different areas to explore. Problem is these are few and far between as usually you are boxed into where you have to go and when by the story and structure of the game.Then worst problem the game has is that you have a party of three at any one time. Each character can have a different ability required to ovvercome certain obstacles in the game. It's not uncommon at all to get to an obstacle in a dungeon and have to warp back to the oasis to change characters, return back, only to come accross another obstacle that you need to go back and change your party for. This is very frustrating and the biggest issue with the game.Also, I wish the game world had been larger. It's a decent size but I'm certain the 3DS could have done and has done much larger.I can recommend this only to people who have finished the bigger, better action-adventure and/or RPG's on the 3DS (go get Xenoblade Chronicles well before you get this) and are looking for something to occupy their time in a fun way.

Ever since I pre-ordered the game I've not been able to put it down. It's a great mix between Animal Crossing, Zelda and Harvest Moon (being an avid Harvest Moon fan I've enjoyed that aspect of it!) The artwork and characters are cute, the oasis/farming part is pretty easy (does get annoyingly difficult for the last few Bloom Booths when collecting their items) and the fighting aspect isn't too hard (some end game bosses are annoying to beat). Yeah the post game sucks and is tedious. But I've been slowly getting through it just because I don't wanna put the game away JUST yet.

I've been playing this for 2 days and I have to say I'm hooked! Another great game on the 3DS.Exploring, town management, dungeons, crafting, mining, action, magic RPG. A lot to do but it doesn't feel repetitive or a chore to play. Easy to pick up controls. It's 3D side scrolling in your Oasis but once outside it turns into a 3rd person action RPG.I recommend this charming RPG, 5/5 stars.

I love this game. I love the storyline and gameplay. Loads to do in the game and it's challenging enough without being too easy. I'm a massive Zelda fan and struggle to find anything else I want to play so was pleasantly surprised that I am enjoying this so much. Lots of tasks, battles, a bit of farming, exploring, the list goes on. I would highly recommend this. I'm about two thirds through the game and can't stop playing it! I would love to see this develop into a series.

Cute without being sickly, engaging without being over complicated.If you like Zelda, Return to Popolo Crois, or just want a fun game that is colourful, different and heartwarming, this is the game for you

This is a great game not just for kids but adults to it dosnt force you to progress fast you can go at your own pace and enjoy yourself doing all the different things available e.g. mining,farming and fighting evil but cute enemies I would recommend this to anyone it's fun for all ages and a very good game to pass the time.

A great little game for anyone on the go.This game has a great mix of action and story telling.I've sunk a lot of time into this game and still feel like there is a lot more left to do, definitely a good purchase and great value for money.