Nintendo has released a new FTP Pokemon game on the 3DS, downloadable through the e-shop. It's called Pokemon Shuffle, and it's a match-3 game kind of like Bejeweled, but also similar to Facebook games in how it operates, since it uses idle-game methods. 

You have so many 'hearts' that you can use to battle with: 1 heart = 1 battle. "Battles" consist of trying to match at least 3 on-screen pokemon to perform an attack on the one you're fighting. Get its HP down to zero with your matches, and you'll get the chance to catch it and/or advance to the next level. Your hearts regen over a period of time, or you can buy them with a micro-transaction through the e-shop.

This is proof that Nintendo can do free (with micro-transactions) games and do them well, in my opinion. I'm not going to be spending any money on it, as I don't mind playing for a bit then waiting for my hearts to regen over time.

One good thing about this game is that it doesn't FEEL like a FTP game. It's not as graphics-intense as the main pokemon games, for example, but it is well done, the music is FANTASTIC, and the mechanics are well thought-out. It's also cute, which is a bonus in my book. 

What does everyone else think, if you've downloaded this game yet? If you've got the space, I recommend it, for the soundtrack if nothing else. It's beautiful and nice to simply leave your 3DS open to listen to, in my humble opinion. n

I got this game about a week ago, and I think the addiction has got me. I think Nintendo took some inspiration from those apps on phones like Candy Crush. I really like it, though. Actually, I just remembered Nintendo is making Mario & Puzzle and Dragons. Puzzle and Dragons is EXACTLY like Pokemon Shuffle. I see a pattern going on. Up next: Zelda puzzles in a different style!

A Pokémon puzzle game. I can just play that on the Cartoon Network site. Personally, I'm not interested now, but if I get to see it in action, then maybe I might actually get it.

LunarDarkness2 : Puzzle and Dragons? I actually haven't heard of that. I'll have to check it out now, it sounds interesting, especially if it's like Pokemon Shuffle. You're not the only one who has been claimed by the addiction, I think. I'm on level 70 now and UGH. UMBREON IS SO HARD TO CATCH. XD

paper luigi : I don't think it's the same one as on the Cartoon Network site. XD;  If you want to see it in action, I think you can google Pokemon Shuffle and go straight to the website. They have a video of the game play. It's pretty neat, especially for a 15-minute-break de-stressing game, which is what I use it for.

Yunimori : meant the Cartoon Network thing as a joke. But yeah, if it's as good as you say, it's definitely worth checking out. Thanks for bringing up a possible good game.

paper luigi : Oh, I didn't know, sorry! I've never actually been to the CN website, so I thought you were serious. Sorry about that. ^^;  You're welcome, though. I think it's good for the music if nothing else, and hey, it's free, so it's not like anyone loses anything just checking it out. It's a cute game, really.