10 Amazing Games (With ABYSMAL Combat)

The fact that 1986's Kid Icarus received a sequel 26 years later was surprising enough, but even more eyebrow-raising was the utterly insane control scheme it used.

Kid Icarus: Uprising's combat is split into two parts. The first half of each level takes the form of a rail shooter, where you maneuver angelic protagonist Pit around various obstacles while blasting vast and varied foes. It's terrific fun, and a great reminder of how satisfying the neglected genre can be when done right. Then the action moves to the ground and things get painful. 

Literally.

Uprising's ground controls are, frankly, barking mad. Players are forced to hold the 3DS in one hand and control the camera while swiping the stylus with the other. Unsurprisingly, the strain of holding the console in one hand starts to tell, and before too long your aching wrist will be begging you to put the console down. Fortunately, by the time that happens you'll feel be grinning despite the pain.

You see, what makes Uprising worth battling through the pain for is its wonderful script. Characters constantly banter back and forth throughout the levels, making each level feel like an episode of the best animated show never made. Running jokes abound, the fourth wall is routinely shattered and everyone involved sounds like they're having the time of their lives.

Plus, each level takes around 20 minutes - long enough to nail the Saturday morning cartoon vibe, and also the length of time you'll be able to hold the 3DS before your wrist falls off. Peak level design!