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Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy
Billed as the puzzling professor's final game (although we certainly hope it won't be), Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy picks up the story where the previous game left off, as the professor, his trusty apprentice Luke, and helpful sidekick Emmy set off on a globe-trotting adventure to unearth the secrets of the mysterious Azran artefacts, beginning with the discovery of a 'living mummy' - a woman frozen in ice. Easy to jump into, even if you haven't played the other games in the series, and with an epic story full of plenty of twists and turns to enjoy, Professor Layton is sure to be a hit with those who prefer slower paced, wordier games, particularly if they're a fan of puzzles and brainteasers too. With the story only really being there as an (admittedly, very good) reason to tie a load of logic based brain teasers together, you'll be solving puzzles galore across your adventure, from simple logic challenges to deviously difficult slide puzzles and head-scratching riddles - and with around 150 puzzles in the main story and another 350 hidden amongst the scenery, there's certainly plenty to keep even the most active minds busy. With 365 additional puzzles available to download - one a day, over the course of the next year - this is one you won't be able to put down. Just don't try to play it before you go to bed, lest you'll be up all night trying to figure out that one perplexing puzzle...
Buy this if they like: Puzzles to have answers, Top hats, Gentlemen
Check back soon for our full review
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Virtue's Last Reward
Hands down one of the best 'story games' on the console, Virtue's Last Reward is a roller-coaster ride of mystery, murder and moral conundrums that you won't want to put down until you've finished. Nine strangers awake to find themselves trapped in a huge warehouse complex with only one way out - a single locked door that requires nine points to open. But to earn points, you'll need to play a game of trust with your companions - while allying is the best solution for everyone involved, betraying rewards you with an extra point, inching you that bit closer to escape, while docking two points from the 'friend' you just stabbed in the back. And if you weren't already under enough pressure, it turns out that when someone reaches zero points, they die. When you're not dicing with death, you'll be solving the many fiendish puzzles, brainteasers and riddles to escape the maze-like rooms of the complex, learning about your companions as you go in a "visual novel" that contains more reading that anything else. Depending on your decisions, the story has dozens of different endings to experience, each one fleshing out the story further - and generally raising more questions than they answer, until the final ending hits you like a ton of bricks.
Buy this if they like: Good stories, Difficult Decisions, Psychotic virtual rabbits
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Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi
Imagine a choose-your-own-adventure novel set in 1860s Japan, amidst samurais and political turmoil - then add in some eligible bachelors, a gripping story and more than a touch of romance, and you'll have something approaching Hakuoki. One for the ladies, the young Chizuro Yukimura sets off in search of her missing father, a doctor who it turns out is in cahoots with a group of special police-style samurais called the Shinsengumi, and has been missing in action for some time. Under their protection, you resume your search for your father, as you discover some rather dark and bloody secrets - and depending on the conversational options you choose during the game, maybe even find love, amongst the political drama, backstabbings and betrayals of the story's twists and turns. Another "virtual novel" that's easy to pick up and play and great for anyone who loves a good page-turner, this is one that even the least experienced players will be able to enjoy.
Buy this if they like: Romance novels, Samurais, Slightly effeminate guys
Check back soon for our full review
Buy Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi from Amazon
Fire Emblem: Awakening
With more strategy than someone trying to work out when to make a break for the loos at a chess convention, Fire Emblem is one of the 3DS's best games, and a great pick for anyone, regardless of their strategic preferences. With an appealing mix of sword-fighting, levelling, and potentially even romance wrapped up in a fantasy storyline, Fire Emblem is every bit as accessible as it is deep. With a reasonably lengthy cutscene setting the scene before each mission, it's up to you to choose some troops to take onto the battlefield, as you engage in a turn-based battle with the baddies. Shuffling your units around, trying to lull the enemy closer without wandering into a trap yourself, while being sure to keep your weaker characters protected, you'll find yourself always trying to think two steps ahead as you try to outmanoeuvre your foes - along with trying to position certain characters together in order to increase their relationship stats. If they get to know each other well enough, they'll get married, and even have a child that can join you in future battles. While many may write off strategy games as being too complex, Fire Emblem boasts a fantastic tutorial, an almost perfect learning curve, and a selection of difficulty levels to boot, making this a game almost anyone can pick up and love.
Buy this if they like: Chess, Thinking, Medieval Romance
For more, read our full review, or for more on the game's suitability, check out our Parent's Guide
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Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies
Ever wanted to be a lawyer? Well, now you can - without the fees and long years spent at university too. With mysterious mythical creature-related murders, courtroom bombings and the death of a close friend all waiting to be solved, there's never a dull moment as you collect evidence, interview witnesses and put forward your case in the courtroom. Part puzzle game, part mystery novel and packed full of funny dialogue and entertaining characters, from the simple Judge to the slimy prosecutor Payne, to the strangest witnesses you've ever come across, it's a thoroughly entertaining game that doesn't take itself seriously in the slightest. Yet another "visual novel" style game to make our list, unfortunately, Phoenix Wright is only available as a £19.99 download from the eShop - making it rather difficult to give as a gift, particularly as the closest denomination you can get on a prepaid card is £25. If you don't mind putting your card details into the eShop, that's probably the best way, although sticking a huge 'Phoenix Wright Gift Voucher' sticker on a £25 eShop voucher could also do the trick.
Buy this if they like: Lawyers, Puzzles, Objections
Check back soon for our full review
