Comeback 'Kid'

“Kid Icarus” was one of those big-launch titles for the original Nintendo back in the 1980s. Everyone assumed he was going to be a Nintendo mascot alongside Mario, Samus and Link. That never seemed to happen until now, as the first Kid Icarus game in more than 20 years, “Kid Icarus: Uprising,” has been released.

The story, while completely nonsensical, features great voice acting and writing. Conversations are hilariously self-aware sometimes, such as when characters complain about loading screens or talk about the 1980s, and they rarely let up.

The graphics, 3-D effects and overall gameplay are wonderful, too. The game uses a solid mix of shooting and melee combat to keep the action frantic but tactical.

The problem, though, is that the control scheme involves you holding the Nintendo 3DS with your left hand to move the analog nub, and then using your right hand to aim with the touch screen.

The game includes a stand, which helps with hand pain, but it never feels natural. It’s a shame because the rest of the game is so great.