Nintendo 3DS thoughts

[Yasume]

It looks fantastic and I'm getting it on day 1, but I really need that Virtual Handheld. If they add that it's perfect.

[Versus22]

Originally Posted by Jogurt the Yogurt

That's OK, no one's bought any DSiWare games, hahaha!

Because it basicly has nothing compared to the retail store [laughs!], except it bailed me out for Club Nintendo this year. I wouldn't have got platinum without it.

[hansolo350]

Another feature has been announced:

3DS Features Software Install (andriasang.com, 06.17.2010)

[Kiwi the Tortoise]

My two cents on 3DS:

If you followed my movie reviews, you'll already know my opinion on 3d.
It's fun the first time, but the novelity wears of quickly. It's still good to look at, but it doesn't actually improve a product.

Still, I find myself kinda thrilled. Not because of the 3d, but because it's finally a new handheld by nintendo that isn't light/slim/XL/SP or i.

There are some games on the release list that I would certainly get.
But are all those remakes truly neccassary?

Well, lets wait & see how it turns out.

[SKTTR]

Originally Posted by Kiwi the Tortoise

If you followed my movie reviews, you'll already know my opinion on 3d.
It's fun the first time, but the novelity wears of quickly. It's still good to look at, but it doesn't actually improve a product.

Yes, the novelty wears of as quickly as with everything that's new.
And yes, it will still be good to look at!

But have you played 3D games already? Aren't you aware that 3D in combination with Motion-, Gyro-, Touchscreen-, Camera-, Microphone-, Analog-, and Digital controls is going to open up completely new gameplay elements (that couldn't be done before) for the next 30+ years?

[Kiwi the Tortoise]

Originally Posted by SKTTR

Aren't you aware that 3D in combination with Motion-, Gyro-, Touchscreen-, Camera-, Microphone-, Analog-, and Digital controls is going to open up completely new gameplay elements (that couldn't be done before) for the next 30+ years?

I imagine a game on a handheld that has'em all.
But hopefully they keep out the camera-support or the embarrasment of playing it might get documented to haunt you for the rest of you life.

Originally Posted by SKTTR

Motion-, Gyro-, Touchscreen-, Camera-, Microphone-, Analog-, and Digital controls

These three combined in a handheld might be a funny idea, since throwing the console around & shouting at it might actuallly have an effect on a frustrating game for a change

[Tides of Chaos]

Originally Posted by hansolo350

Another feature has been announced:

3DS Features Software Install (andriasang.com, 06.17.2010)

That's pretty cool. I probably won't use it since I'd rather use the space to download titles off of the shop (which will hopefully have a VC, er, VH), but it definitely seems like a good idea for those who don't want to bring their physical games with them on trips.

[pdRydia]

My thoughts on 3D gaming / the 3DS:

[1] I think it's pretty clear that 3D has the potential to add to gaming. Several gaming genres rely on clearly defined distances, and 3D may very well be able to depict these distances better than 2D. I got to see a third person shooter in 3D, which obviously benefited from the technology: as compared to its flattened brethren, the distance between the character and cover (ditches, rocks, bushes, etc.) was very clear.

I can't comment on 3D movies, as I haven't seen any. Movies and games are crafted in an entirely different way, aimed for different audiences who participate in a different way, so I'd be wary of drawing too many similarities.

[2] I wonder how hard it will be to make visual sense of these games, particularly if your eyesight is degenerating in one eye faster than the other. Will I know it's time to replace my glasses when I have to adjust my 3DS a certain amount? Will this cause headaches or eyeaches in the same way the Virtual Boy did?

I wonder if level design will have to be adjusted with 3D display in mind. Will a game that is playable in 3D be more difficult (or easier) to play with the 3D turned off? When I'm old and gray with a cataract obscuring vision in one eye, will I still be able to play my fave 3D game?

[3] Every developer is going to be eager to incorporate this shiny brand new technology into their games. Many won't even think about doing so in a way that benefits gameplay. In this way, it'll be much like the Wii's motion control (or even the DS's touch screen/dual screen/microphone, back in its early years).

However, motion control is an input devices, and ****ty input implementation seriously detracts from a game, sometimes making it nearly unplayable. I don't see the forthcoming 3D bandwagon detracting from games in quite the same way poorly thought-out motion control has. My main concerns are:

• Will the technology raise the cost of games overall? Let's face it, I'm a cheapskate, and that's part of the reason I like the DS--games cost anywhere from $20-40 new and $5-30 used. I rarely pay more than $30, and try to stay below $20.
• How long will it take for developers to figure out that they can use this technology to make gameplay better, and not just to make it "oooh, pretty!" Honestly, if I wanted pretty games, I wouldn't be looking for them on the DS.
• How long will it take for Nintendo/developers to figure out that 3D on the 3D isn't mandatory, any more than motion control on the Wii or touch screen control on the DS is mandatory? Yes, yes, the ability to use 3D is the main draw of the 3DS and all, but it's obvious that great games can be made without 3D, and if a developer wants to do that, they shouldn't be forced to waste resources tacking on 3D, y'know?
• And what about that region locking?

Really, I'm pretty excited and optimistic overall. But I'm not getting my panties in a bunch waiting on its release, because most my questions won't be answered till quite some time after release.

[edit]

Originally Posted by http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/06/17/3ds_software_install/

"According to the paper, gamers will be able copy 3DS software to internal memory. Multiple games can be stored with the system in this fashion. You'll be able to switch between games by selecting a title from the system's main menu.

"The paper notes that due to this feature, there'll be no need to swap cartridges. When outside of the home, you won't need to carry game cartridges with you."

Oh, nice! Finally, Nintendo giving us something flash carts and pirates have provided us with for years! Good on 'em!

[Refa]

I'm assuming developers will not be using 3D technology in their 2D (not 2.5D) games.

[pdRydia]

Originally Posted by Refa

I'm assuming developers will not be using 3D technology in their 2D (not 2.5D) games.

Will anyone bother making 2D games for the 3DS?

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by pdRydia

Will anyone bother making 2D games for the 3DS?

No, unfortunately.

If they do, you can be damn sure they'll use some kind of tacked-on 3D effect.

[Mickeymac]

It looks like an impressive piece of technology. I'll see if I can get it as a present this Christmas after the next, seeing as how it'll probably miss this Holiday season. I just hope it doesn't cost too much.

I think what's most impressive is the current line-up. I'm pretty picky, especially when it comes to unreleased games, yet I'm already looking forward to 5 or more games. Maybe this time I'll actually have something to play on the damn thing when I first get it, unlike the GBA and DS.

[The shoemaker]

Originally Posted by hansolo350

Another feature has been announced:

3DS Features Software Install (andriasang.com, 06.17.2010)

Nintendo claims this is false or heavely implies it in an IGN interview.

[Refa]

Random question, but how many consoles/handhelds have had great launches? I'd think the SNES, but looking it up, it only had 3 games (coulda sworn Super Castlevania IV was a launch game).

[hansolo350]

Originally Posted by Refa

Random question, but how many consoles/handhelds have had great launches? I'd think the SNES, but looking it up, it only had 3 games (coulda sworn Super Castlevania IV was a launch game).

Usually when people say launch game they mean games that come out within a month or two of a console's launch.

[Ouenben]

Originally Posted by hansolo350

Usually when people say launch game they mean games that come out within a month or two of a console's launch.

Really? I've never heard anyone use it to mean anything other than games released with the console.

Launch games as in games released on the launch of the console?


I'll eat a DS Game if that 'install 3DS games to the memory" thing ends up being true... I think it probably refers to DSiware style stuff for 'taking lots of games with you' and 'installing them to the memory'

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Considering the 3DS is only supposed to have a meagre 2GB of onboard memory, it does seem unlikely that you'd be able to install entire games and "eliminate the need to bring your games with you!!!" (unless your whole game collection is 1-2 small games...)...

[Ouenben]

Where did you hear about the 2GB interneal memory?

I know that 2GB is the max size for game cards (At launch anyway)

Behold the cartridge:


Notable difference is the little bit sticking out at the top. Probably to stop it fitting in DS consoles, like the GBC games in GB.

[Versus22]

Originally Posted by Jogurt the Yogurt

Considering the 3DS is only supposed to have a meagre 2GB of onboard memory, it does seem unlikely that you'd be able to install entire games and "eliminate the need to bring your games with you!!!" (unless your whole game collection is 1-2 small games...)...

Unless it would be exactly the same structure as the PSP [activate game code onto (1-5)system(s), running it from digital memory sticks/SD(HC)], but that will never happen in a long time by Nintendo.

[theUndead_feature]

I just watched a 3DS presentation video and was pleased to discover there was a slide that augmented the depth of the 3D effect. Hopefully I'll just be able to turn it off entierly.

[hansolo350]

Originally Posted by theUndead_feature

I just watched a 3DS presentation video and was pleased to discover there was a slide that augmented the depth of the 3D effect. Hopefully I'll just be able to turn it off entierly.

You can turn it off completely.

[theUndead_feature]

Fantastic! Now I'll just wait for the next Mario game to sell it to me.

[SlurmNator]

Just wondering why you would not want to use 3D graphic?

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by SlurmNator

Just wondering why you would not want to use 3D graphic?

My guess is because, in his IMO , it's a silly gimmick that won't look good / won't make the game look good. That's just my guess.

[The shoemaker]

Originally Posted by Jogurt the Yogurt

My guess is because, in his IMO , it's a silly gimmick that won't look good / won't make the game look good. That's just my guess.

You should change your title from "This Space for Rent" to the default title. I'd like to see what title a user with 12 000 posts would get :P

I've never seen a 3D movie but I've always concidered it a big gimmick that wouldn't really make a big difference to the overall experiance. I felt the same way about the 3DS untill I heard of all of it's features. This is truly the succsessor the DS and I'm very anxious to try it out. Hopfully you guys are wrong and the developers figure out a good way to utilize the system in it's first year and not just make low quality games with 3D effects.

[Refa]

I think people are more upset about ports of N64 games...

[Versus22]

Seeing ports from other competitor's consoles is not that bad though.

I'm very excited to see Super Street Fighter IV being ported to Nintendo 3DS (as I said before).

[pdRydia]

Good ports are fine. Not everyone owns every console, and there are plenty of reasons to prefer handheld gaming over console gaming (or vice versa). It's also nice when we get a port/remake of a rare or expensive game. Even a port that is an obvious cash-in is a worthy addition to a console's library if real effort is put into making it playable, balanced, and different from its predecessor.

Crappy ports, on the other hand...

[link64]

Originally Posted by Versus22

Seeing ports from other competitor's consoles is not that bad though.

I'm very excited to see Super Street Fighter IV being ported to Nintendo 3DS (as I said before).

Actually I think fighting games could work well on the 3DS just think of how the NGPC handled fighting games(the analog stick working the same way).

[Versus22]

Originally Posted by pdRydia

Good ports are fine. Not everyone owns every console, and there are plenty of reasons to prefer handheld gaming over console gaming (or vice versa).

Handheld consoles are easy to work with: There is no noise [or hardly any] from the machine, and you can take the console with you on a trip much easier than home consoles. Plus [on the massive game lineup for the DS family (including 3DS)], there are a lot of big name franchises that are very enjoyable.

Imagine if a new Mother game was announced for Nintendo 3DS...

[pdRydia]

Originally Posted by Versus22

Handheld consoles are easy to work with: There is no noise [or hardly any] from the machine, and you can take the console with you on a trip much easier than home consoles. Plus [on the massive game lineup for the DS family (including 3DS)], there are a lot of big name franchises that are very enjoyable.

Yeah, I love handhelds. I love that I can lounge in any old position with a handheld without having to crane my neck around to the TV. I also like being able to tote the DS from the couch to the kitchen to the car and back.

Handhelds have ****ty sound, though, unless you put on headphones, and I hate headphones--especially when I'm commuting or traveling.

[Refa]

What about the Turbo Express? Doesn't that use the same soundchip as the TG16? I like TG16 music...

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Same soundchip, meh! Speakers matter a lot, unless you're plugging your handheld into your home stereo system, in which case it loses much of the portability that's getting raved about. Let's not lose our focus, Refa.

[theUndead_feature]

Originally Posted by Jogurt the Yogurt

My guess is because, in his IMO , it's a silly gimmick that won't look good / won't make the game look good. That's just my guess.

Exactly. Back when I could look at 3D it would cheapen anything it was apart of. It still does it. Avatar is just as good as it was in 2D but I had troves of people insist I was missing out and that it added to the film.

It doesn't matter anyway. I have to turn it off now. 3D effects always give me a headache or hurt my eyes so I couldn't use that feature even if I wanted to.

[Versus22]

Originally Posted by pdRydia

And what about that region locking?

Oh, nice! Finally, Nintendo giving us something flash carts and pirates have provided us with for years! Good on 'em!

My thought is that Nintendo may allow users to download/install demos of 3DS software on the machine.

As for region lock thing, I don't really care about it, as LONG as we get almost all of the games Japan gets that has great reviews.

[pdRydia]

Originally Posted by Versus22

As for region lock thing, I don't really care about it, as LONG as we get almost all of the games Japan gets that has great reviews.

We won't, and the review industry kinda sucks anyways.

[The shoemaker]

Originally Posted by Versus22

As for region lock thing, I don't really care about it, as LONG as we get almost all of the games Japan gets that has great reviews.

How about just every game that's great.

[Refa]

I can't believe you guys are actually saying region locking is OK. Region locking is bull****, and considering the DSi was the first handheld to ever feature region locking, well, no wonder it sucks. I hope the 3DS doesn't have someting stupid like this...

[Versus22]

I can't read Japanese!
If Nintendo would put a global language system on every single game (including the ones that are not available in your country), then I would hope Nintendo would keep the 3DS + DS game cards region-free for 3DS system.

[pdRydia]

Originally Posted by Versus22

I can't read Japanese!

Neither can I! Doesn't stop me from importing games from language-neutral genres, like puzzlers and platformers.

In my IMO, if someone here in the U.S. wants their game in Japanese--or wants a game from Japan/another region--then that's a potential source of revenue Nintendo should be actively looking to exploit and expand. They shouldn't be trying to squash that niche market because they're too stupid to figure out how to serve it properly. Purposefully trying to prevent potential customers from buying and playing the games of yours that they want to buy and play--besides being stupid--leads to bad feelings and increased piracy.