Nintendo 3DS Thread: Out EVERYWHERE now! Friend Code extravaganza top of page one.

Rehab · March 2011

Get your 3DS Friend Codes here.

I'll try to keep on top of this as much as I can, but the following should provide anyone with more then enough Penny Arcade people to friend and is as comprehensive as I could get for now.

Junior Yank wrote: »

These people aren't in SirUltimos's web thingy:

The Mantiz: 2878 - 9572 - 9277
MarioG: 0860-3240-2604
SurferRosa: 2449-4619-8069
Fiji: 0387-8776-3145
Damagemanual: 0301-9784-2762
Draysoth:2320-6133-3744
earthwormadam 1719 3175 9934

I'm going to start adding a bunch of people now.
My FC is 3952 7010 1022

SirUltimos wrote: »

Okay dudes, I have the site set up.

http://www.sirultimos.com/3ds

Right now you can't click anyone's name to email them, but I'll finish that up tonight. And make it prettier. Feel free to add all your friend codes and regions (I'm gonna have it so you can sort by region).

This thing is out everywhere now and the 3D revolution is now in full swing.

Here is what Game Rankings has to say and here is what Metacritis has to say.

Most people posting seem to be saying that Splinter Cell: Ghost Recon is really good and Super Street Fighter IV is getting a lot of play too. Appartenly the Lego Star Wars game isn't too bad either.

And now, some launch news . . .

3DS Preorders More Than Double The Wii's

Game Revolution wrote:

Hey, did you know that the 3DS is landing on Sunday? Japan has been messing around with glasses-free 3D for over a month and Europe got their hands on the latest Nintendo portable today. It feels like the Game Boy Advance launch!

I must not be the only one feeling that way because the 3DS has reached new preorder heights:

We've been seeing very strong demand for the Nintendo 3DS. We've been working very closely with Nintendo to maintain our reservations, to keep them open, and Nintendo's been very good in providing us with additional supply. But demand has been so strong that we are working literally every day with Nintendo to ensure that we have sufficient product.

That's Gamestop's Tony Bartel.

What's more, Nintendo has confirmed that preorder numbers for the Nintendo 3DS has reached a point by which they double the Nintendo Wii's numbers at the same point before the home console's launch.

Now for some perspective: The Wii was VASTLY understocked before its own launch. The 3DS probably has much more availability. I camped out to preorder a Wii. I'm confident in the fact that I'll probably be able to walk into a store on Sunday morning and find a 3DS available for me without a preorder. Anyone with money that says I'm wrong? Say $250?

The Best Place to Buy a 3DS Is...

Game Revolution wrote:

The Nintendo 3DS is the most expensive handheld in history, but it packs some pretty powerful specs under the hood along with a glasses-free 3D screen. Still, the price may have some consumers passing on a 3DS on launch day. Now you don't have to, if you use our money-saving tips, that is.

Amazon.com is offering a $25 credit toward the purchase of a 3DS game and a free credit toward a select accessory when you purchase a Nintendo 3DS. The saving doesn't have to stop there, Amazon is also offering a $10 credit with the purchase of a select 3DS game. So, you can use the $25 credit to get a game, which gives you another credit to buy another game! Confusing? Good!

If you don't feel like waiting for the 3DS to be shipped to your door, K-Mart has a similar deal that takes place at the point sale. No waiting for promotional credits, either. If you buy a Nintendo 3DS at K-Mart between March 27 and April 2, you can instantly save $25 off a 3DS launch title.

If you're upgrading your old DS, DSi or DSi XL to a 3DS, then you might want to check out GameStop instead. They're offering a $100 trade in credit when you trade in a DSi XL for a 3DS, a $75 trade in on a DSI for a 3DS, and a $50 trade in credit on regular DS models when purchasing a 3DS.

Still on the fence? No fear, Game Revolution's review of the Nintendo 3DS and key launch software are coming soon. We'll have extensive 3DS coverage including a FAQ that answers all of your burning questions. (If you've got any questions you want answered, go ahead and ask 'em here).

IGN also has some Nintendo 3DS Deals posted now too.

Game Developers Conference 3DS Coverage:

Spoiler:

3DS: A brief introspective look:

This is the Nintendo 3DS. As you can see, it is a sophisticated looking handheld with an elegant design even in its default closed position. Notice the beautiful aesthetics of the two perfectly positioned cameras on the front. The real surprise comes when you open it though. Behold, the timeless and innovative two screen inventiveness birthed by the classic Nintendo DS makes its triumphant return, but improved! Those who are especially astute will observe that the bottom screen is a touch screen and the fashionable stylus which offers truly extraordinary comfort and control when utilizing this device. It is mesmerizing in its boldness and simplicity, no? But hold your gaze upon it no longer at this time, for I implore that you glance at the even more exquisite screen located just above.

Now this ladies and gentlemen is a breathtakingly immaculate and advanced screen. From the inception of this wondrous product it was decided that this central feature would delight users with a wide screen display, the capacity to create gorgeous renderings of an unparalleled resolution, and more stunning yet . . . real 3D images, without the need for detestable and garish glasses which only serve to make one look quite foolish. The genius spark behind it astounds and amazes! You will not care to look at the "exquisite" art in your private collection after experiencing this marvel for yourself. What was once thought to be a work of nigh perfection will quickly begin to pale in comparison, and every piece will begin to appear flat and boring by their very nature. You will henceforth cease to desire their supposed qualities, and crave the stimulation of images that pop out! Also, encased in this brilliant iPod-like shell are other novelties which I do not quite comprehend. However, I have heard genuinely engaging and intellectually rousing discussion of gyroscopes, embedded microphones, communication of a wireless nature, universal codes which are said to be friendly, and perhaps most intriguing of all . . . alternate realities.

This is the Nintendo 3DS.

Its cutting-edge tech, in a truly luxurious handheld.™

Its also magic!

Launch Games Lineup for America/Australia:

Spoiler:

Videos courtesy of Nintendo:

Recent news of interest and reviews: (brought to you by UncleSporky)

Spoiler:

(More recent posts seen first, oldest posts towards the bottom)

UncleSporky wrote: »

So it turns out there are not just 6 AR games. There are actually 14!

You start with nothing but target shooting unlocked, and after playing it you unlock the next one, until you've unlocked all six of the starting AR games:

- target shooting
- minigolf
- fishing
- graffiti
- Mii viewer
- Star viewer

At this point a new cube appears that lets you flip the table surface upside down to reveal a shopping area where you can buy eight more "games" using game coins earned through the pedometer:

Spoiler:

- a clock
- a globe
- a second target shooting game
- a second minigolf game
- a camera that lets you save pictures of every other AR game
- a table terraforming program (think Sim City/Sims mountain editor)
- a free fishing mode (in contrast to the game version)
- a fish model viewer to look at what you've caught

So while the total package is still less than something like Wii Sports, it shapes up to be much more significant than what we were originally told, especially when you also factor in Face Raiders, StreetPass RPG / Puzzle, and the other included software.

UncleSporky wrote: »

Some quotes from the Famitsu reviews:

- Super Street Fighter IV (9/8/8/9, 34 points): "The way you can use the touch screen to launch even charge moves in an instant is actually kind of revolutionary for the series, a change that I think could lead to some neat new tactics. Despite that, the controls can still be very difficult at times, even with the ability to redefine buttons. Whether you're able to overlook that will define your overall the opinion of the game."

- Dynasty Warriors 3DS (9/9/8/8, 34 points): "Nothing has changed much in the DW formula, but switching between characters while shouting out orders to your side gives this game a new sort of real-time strategy feel. Going 3D makes it easier to gauge positioning between yourself and enemies, which makes the game easier overall."

- Nintendogs + Cats (10/9/9/10, 38 points): "The sheer fuzziness factor on all the pets is too cute. Watching them totter around in 3D is so calming, and the act of petting them has much more of a you-are-there feel to it. Keeping a dog and cat together gives you a huge number of must-see moments, and the ability to interact quickly and easily with other pet owners is great...The play style hasn't changed much from the old game, but Nintendogs + Cats still has plenty of new surprises," one of them wrote in this week's new issue. "The 'cute' level of the puppies and kittens has really shot up from the first one, and just watching their expressions and mannerisms is a great stress relief."

- Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle (8/8/8/8, 32 points): "The simple interface and screen setup is similar to the rest of the series and put together very well. The animated parts are in 3D and there are a variety of new features and game gimmicks, but the play style hasn't changed much. It's a natural progression for the series, 3D support included."

- Super Monkey Ball 3DS (9/8/8/7, 32 points): "Having three different games to enjoy is great, although the Monkey Fight and Race bits are rehashes of other titles and not all that exciting. The core Monkey Ball game, though, uses 3D in a variety of gimmicks and traps to make the whole experience a lot more impactful and exciting. It's simple to learn and highly addictive."

- Ridge Racer 3D (8/8/7/9, 32 points): "The courses are full of floaty jumps and other gimmicks to get you inside the game more. Racing across them is pretty fun, and the drifting (which tends to throw off beginners in other games) is simple to pull off. The rival cars you race in Grand Prix mode and so on are pretty tough, though, and I wonder if the game's still too hard overall. A difficulty selection would have been nice...Ridge Racer 3D brings you back to the Ridge of a simpler time -- which sounds like a slam, but it's true. From the competition to the drifting, it encapsulates what makes racing games fun really well."

And first shots of the graffiti mode and Star Viewer:

UncleSporky wrote: »

All AR games revealed!

Fishing and billiards are among six new augmented reality games that will come preloaded on Nintendo 3DS, according to an anonymous source who provided details of five as-yet-unannounced titles to Wired.com.

The glasses-free 3-D portable gaming system launches Saturday in Japan, and AR games are among its most highly anticipated features. While Nintendo has demo’d one of the games, the company has remained mum about the other five.

Speaking anonymously to Wired.com, a source who was provided a preview of the Nintendo 3DS filled us in on the mystery titles in Nintendo’s AR Games line: Fishing, Graffiti, AR Shot, Mii Pics and Star Pics. Our source provided photographs that purport to be from two of the games.

The source said the titles were provided in advance of the 3DS release but were later pulled back by Nintendo. So it is possible that the final lineup may have changed.

You’ll find descriptions of all five launch games below. (Note: The names of each game are descriptive and not necessarily official titles.) Asked Tuesday about the AR Games lineup, a Nintendo of America representative said the company would not comment.

...

Nintendo’s AR Games for 3DS

AR Shot
This game is described by our source as a sort of combination of pool and miniature golf. You aim at the ball with a cue stick and hit it around the course, hoping to sink it in the hole at the far end. You can walk around the surface of the table to take shots from different angles. This game was also described in a forum post by a British journalist with a 3DS.

Fishing
Your table becomes a fishing pond, and you lower and raise your rod into the water to pull out bigger and bigger fish. Eventually, a shark might pop out of the water (and out of your screen using the 3-D effect). Our source was quite impressed with the control of the fishing rod and the visual effects that transform your surface into a pool of water.

Graffiti
A 3-D drawing application in which you can use several different paintbrushes and other visual effects, including fire. You can then manipulate the resulting 3-D image, using the 3DS buttons to make it spin around or bounce.

Star Pics
Many of the AR Games, including the one that Nintendo demonstrated to Wired.com, are played using a card with an image of a yellow question mark. Star Pics is played with other cards in the package that feature famous Nintendo characters: Mario, Link, Kirby, Samus Aran and Pikmin.

When you point the 3DS’ cameras at these cards, 3-D models of the characters appear on your table. You can pose them in different positions, then save pictures of scenes you create.

Mii Pics
Very similar to Star Pics, but it uses Mii caricatures that players make of themselves. (You can import your Miis from your Wii console into your Nintendo 3DS.) Nintendo made an oblique reference to this game in its official 3DS literature, calling it “an interactive photo shoot with your Mii characters.”

Spoiler:

I love how these warp the surface.

So altogether, the (mini)games included with the 3DS are:

AR Shot
AR Fishing
AR Target Shooting
Face Raiders
StreetPass Mii RPG
StreetPass Mii Puzzle

And I'd guess it's likely that Flipnote Studio will be available and still free, unless they're developing a 3D version!

Also, supposedly the first round of review scores from Famitsu, in case anyone cares:

nintendogs + cats (3DS) – 10/9/9/10
Samurai Warriors: Chronicles (3DS) – 9/9/8/8
Super Street Fighter IV 3D (3DS) – 9/8/8/9
PES 2011 3D (3DS) – 8/8/8/8
Professor Layton and the Mask or Miracle (3DS) – 8/8/8/8
Ridge Racer 3D (3DS) – 8/8/7/9
Super Monkey Ball 3D (3DS) – 9/8/8/7
Shanghai 3D Cube (3DS) – 7/7/7/5
Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D (3DS) – 6/6/6/6
Puzzle Bobble 3D (3DS) – 6/6/6/6

Other news:

Spoiler:

IGN wrote:

It would be accurate to say that the 3DS is sold out throughout Japan. However, this is one system that won't be totally impossible to find for long. Following the system's launch Saturday morning, we found one retailer that was expecting a new shipment as early as Sunday!

The system did sell out quickly upon release, however. Most shops were pre-order only, but the ones that did have same day units drew lines of up to 1,000. Stock depleted quickly, and in most cases if you hadn't lined up by 9:00, you were out of luck.

Nintendo has officially said that it will have 1.5 million systems shipped to Japanese shops by the end of this fiscal term (March 31). Nikkei has confirmed an initial shipment of just above 400,000 units, a figure that's in line with initial shipments for the Wii and original DS.

Launch titles included Nintendogs + cats (available in three versions), Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, Combat of Giants Dinosaur 3D, Ridge Racer 3D, Samurai Warriors Chronicle, Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, Winning Eleven 3D and Puzzle Bobble 3D. One major shop in Tokyo told Japanese gaming site Famitsu.com that Ridge Racer, Winning Eleven, Street Fighter and Layton were particularly popular.

Retailers throughout Tokyo have been adding a big 3DS presence to their game areas in the build up to the system's launch. In most cases, displays consist of demo kiosks allowing users to sample the system's launch titles.

Contrary to speculation, the 3DS's digital download store and internet browser will be up and running from launch, Nintendo has confirmed.

A Wired report earlier this week claimed that the new handheld's eStore would not be ready on the day of release and would be added in later via a firmware update.

However, a spokesperson for Nintendo told Eurogamer today that although neither an internet browser nor the eStore would be included in the console's "initial firmware" they will be "updated on day one".

According to MCV, Europe is getting 900,000 units of the 3DS console. This news comes via what they call “a number of well connected parties.”

Nintendo have made about four million (probably just under four million) 3DS consoles available at launch, meaning that the US and Japan will be left with about 3 million units between them.

In addition, the UK trade paper – which focuses on the commercial side of the gaming scene – reckons that Nintendo are aiming to get four and a half to five million units out in Europe within year one.

A fuckton of commercials like this to be expected soon!

1UP has the 3DS Launch in Japan Covered:

The 3DS is Now Available - Info Here

Coming soon:

Spoiler:

3DS Launch Window Games List (link here)

Spoiler:

Links to prominent 3DS related sites:

http://www.nintendo.com/3ds

http://ds.ign.com/

http://www.3dsbuzz.com/

http://nintendo3dsblog.com/

http://www.nintendoeverything.com/

https://sites.google.com/site/nintendomediaground/

Rehab · March 2011

Forumer impressions pulled from the last thread by order of appearance (starting from page 90):

Spoiler:

Heleor wrote: »

Played the 3DS at PAX. Had a very bad first impression of Kid Icarus since I (foolhardedly) jumped into hard mode from the start. Couldn't figure out how to dodge, so died very fast.

When I came back the next day, I played easy, which did a very good job of teaching the controls, and the on-foot sections weren't nearly as bad. I can definitely see some people getting vertigo in the flying sections though, and the joke about it being almost 25 years since they saw Medusa was hilarious.

Ocarina was Ocarina in 3D. What was curious was that the item screen was just an 8x8 grid, and you could rearrange items at will. It may just be a demo interface, but if not, I miss the menu which had a spot for every item.

Norfair wrote: »

I got to try out one of the demo units at Best Buy last night. First off, the Aqua Blue is a lot nicer looking in person than it is in pictures. I'm sticking with black, anyway, because so many of my other devices are black already, but the Aqua Blue is nice. I got to have a nice, long session (20 minutes) with it, mainly because my local Best Buy thought it should be shoved in the back corner of the store, where nobody would know it was even there unless they looked for it.

The 3D effect was amazing. It's a shame that Pilotwings has so little content; I tried out free flight mode and just took my time cruising around, and once I hit the sweet spot for the 3D, it was amazing. Flying under the bridge, along the ground, up the mountain... the depth effect was outstanding. I felt it actually enhanced the game by giving a greater feeling of speed; the game just didn't feel like it moved as fast in 2D mode, although obviously the plane was going the same speed in both modes.

I also managed to get the Home button to work; some people on other boards have said it's disabled, but it worked for me. The main 3DS menu is locked down, anyway, though; you can only launch the Pilotwings demo or the 3DS camera app, and I didn't get a chance to use the camera because someone else finally wanted to play. I figured I shouldn't be a dick and hog the unit, so I let the guy take over. No sign of a Street Fighter demo or any other games. I guess I'm going to stick to my pre-order for Lego Star Wars, since fighting games just don't interest me anymore (single player is frustrating and sucks, and I'm not good enough to play competitively anymore), and none of the other launch titles interest me after checking out what media there is (not that the Lego game is really that exciting, y'know, but I have to have something to try out on my new toy ), but now that I've used a 3DS, I'm glad I'm getting one. Can't wait for the better games to start rolling out, and my backlog will keep me occupied until that happens.

DOA isn't going to be available at launch, BTW; it got moved back to May several weeks ago.

Zerokku wrote: »

Figured I'd cross post my impressions from over on GAF -

Got around to a Best Buy after my class tonight. (For anyone in Arizona, the San Tan Mall Best Buy out in Gilbert has the demo unit in) and figured I'd give my impressions:

First off - The look. The thing looks sleek, theres no doubt about it. Also, god damn is it small. Pretty sure its a bit smaller than the DSLite. I doubt we'll be seeing a smaller revision, at most we'll see a 3DS XL, but I highly doubt that we'll end up with 4 different versions like we did this time. Anyways, as for the color, I'm glad I stuck with Black, the blue is absolutely atrocious looking. Some people may like it, but the sea-green-blue look just looked awful to me.

Controls - The Slide Pad felt great, And probably the best possible solution without having a full on stick, while still being better than the shitty psp nub. It'll be a pleasure playing 3d games with that as opposed to a dpad this time around. The buttons were all nice and clicky, much better than the god awful mushy buttons of the DS Lite. I actually didn't bother with the Stylus at all so I can't really comment on that.

The Graphics and 3D - Its about gamecube quality, though there was some disappointing aliasing around some of the models. Overall though, Wuhu island looked fantastic, and honestly far closer to its wii counterpart (in terms of graphical fidelity) than I expected. As for the 3D Its both different, yet better than I was expecting. To reiterate whats been said already, its like looking into a window. Took an initial adjustment period of 30 seconds or so before it really just clicked with my eyes. For the sweet spot in terms of viewing angle, I was disappointed as hell. You can't move it nearly as much as I expected without distorting the 3D. Not that it will really make that much of a difference since its a handheld and I'm going to have it in more or less the same position relative to me no matter what, but still, a lot smaller than I was expecting.

I kept the 3D on half for about 5 minutes, before ramping it up to full. Despite what people have said, I thought Pilotwings on full 3D was fantastic, and I can't imagine playing it at any level of 3D besides that, though 2D looked great too. Looking down at the bottom screen, up at the 3d screen and even at my surroundings and didn't have any weird issues adjusting between anything. I may end up playing some games in 2D mode when I feel like it, either way it looks absolutely fantastic. I played for about 20 minutes total, and walked away without feeling any Eye strain whatsoever, and I repeat this was after Pilotwings on Full 3D for 15 minutes, which many people have complained about. I did have probably the weakest and most pathetic "headache" ever, but it was almost nothing, and subsided after just a few minutes.

That being said, while the 3D effect is something else, It's not really the selling point for me, so yah.

Boognish wrote: »

My local BestBuy put their 3DS out yesterday. I was pretty disappointed at first. The sweet spot seemed too strict and there was a lot of ghosting and eye-struggling. However, after moving closer to where I'd normally hold my DS, the 3D became clean and crisp with none of the prior issues. It turned out the spot I found at first kind of worked, but wasn't really the optimum viewing distance. They should have two set up with one a foot or two higher like water fountains.

If you walked away unimpressed by the 3D display, make sure you are getting closer to the screen. Sure, it was incredibly uncomfortable to play that way for any length of time, but that's probably the actual distance I would hold it at when it's no longer bolted down.

Warlock82 wrote: »

Yeah the Best Buy I visited had a demo kiosk. Good reminder as to why I hated Pilotwings back on the SNES Yawn... Wish they were demoing a different game.

3d looked pretty nice, but yeah, you really have to get a specific distance from the screen for it to look good and it was hard with the thing bolted in like that. The effect wasn't as pronounced as I thought it'd be either, but it could just be that one game. I did like the analog nub though, seemed to work well. Not sure I'm crazy about the weird Start/Select/Home buttons on the bottom, but probably won't be an issue.

yalborap wrote: »

Found a 3DS demo unit at my local Best Buy. Played a good 5-10 minutes.

Pilotwings is interesting, and I could see myself picking it up when it's cheap just as a good showoff game, but it didn't feel like my sorta game for actual gameplay.

The 3D effect was pretty cool. Not sure if I'd leave it on all the time, especially for games with a lot of back-and-forth, but it's definitely slick.

Gonna finish paying mine off in about two days, when my next paycheck comes in.

LBD_Nytetrayn wrote: »

So, guess what I did yesterday?

Sorry, no unboxing video... partly because it didn't come in a box, and partly because my wife didn't have the patience for it (I did consider your idea, Uncle Sporky, but I don't know the first thing about video editing, and I was afraid getting the right programs and learning would take too long. Maybe next time).

Yeah, seems my stuff is different from the typical U.S. deliveries. But really, I'm alright with that.

azith28 wrote: »

I got to stop at my local Best Buy and lo and behold, they did have a demo unit 3ds.

Now that was the good part. the bad part was that they mounted it at about waist level, so im standing with my legs spread apart to lower my height to try and hit the sweep spot...finally got it and demo'ed pilotwings.

The 3d effect when i was able to get into the sweep spot was impressive. its not so much that it jumps off the screen like 3d tv's do, but it makes what we have been calling '3d gaming' for the last two decades much more of a reality. You really feel like the screen has depth to it . I only played it about 10 minutes because while i was glad to put my hands on one before release, i didnt want to be annoyed by the odd positions i was having to stand at to use it correctly. I think with it in my hands would make all the difference in that respect so i can position it correctly.

Then i went home and saw the AR videos with the little mini games....I gotta say this is pretty incredible looking. The first thing i can see envision is a game thats basically a 3d angry birds. lots of games like that could be made and they would be awesome from that perspective.

I did have a ponderance however. Maybe someone who reads this and has a demo unit can test this.

If you made a color copy of the AR card and blew it up to about the size of an 8x11 sheet of paper would the games still work and make a bigger sized image? If this worked with something like a posterboard sized image the effects would be pretty awesome...like the games where your looking down into the tabletop, you could be using your ds to see a big hole in the floor.

InkSplat wrote: »

Got to play with the 3ds demo today. I was really impressed with the 3d effect.

However, I'm not sure i can go through with buying one. The more i think about it, the more i doubt I'm going to put enough playtime in to justify it.

I hardly ever play my ds as it is. I think I'm going to have to fight my desire to purchase something new and shiny this time.

Two Headed Boy wrote: »

3DS games have arrived at my work.

Spoiler:

I didn't know the packaging was thinner than DS cases.

Spoiler:

Things that might interest you as a new 3DS owner:

Lunker wrote: »

And yes, that Nyko battery review on Joystiq really got me excited:

'll stop with the suspense: does the Power Pak + work? Pretty much! Here are the results of my experiment.

3D on, brightness maximum, wireless on:
Nyko Power Pak +: 5:33
3DS battery: 2:52

3D off, brightness at minimum, Power-Saving on, wireless off:
Nyko Power Pak +: 9:04*
3DS battery: 4:40

*only tested once, because it took nine hours

Plus it doesn't look nearly as bulky as people were saying:

Xaviar wrote: »

Yamauchi, Iwata, Miyamoto

UncleSporky wrote: »

:o :o :o

Resident Evil Goodness

Most metal fucking boxart so far:

69e399ff2e077bde14c584682bf07310.jpg?v=227250

Bask in its glory!

Goodfella2487 · March 2011

Preordered. My eyes will likely fall out of my head after playing this the next five years, but I ain't even mad.

Astale · March 2011

So, as a person who likes handhelds, likes JRPGs, but generally couldn't care less about Nintendo-specific games (mario, zelda, metroid) what does the 3DS lineup have to offer for ME? Also to be honest I don't even care about the THREE DEE thing at all, I'm more interested in the horsepower behind the graphics or whatever.

Jintor · March 2011

Shadow Wars maybe? I dunno, I'm just getting it because I really really need a new handheld right about now. My DS Lite is cracked and breaking up...

DeathPrawn · March 2011

Astale wrote: »

So, as a person who likes handhelds, likes JRPGs, but generally couldn't care less about Nintendo-specific games (mario, zelda, metroid) what does the 3DS lineup have to offer for ME? Also to be honest I don't even care about the THREE DEE thing at all, I'm more interested in the horsepower behind the graphics or whatever.

It'll probably be like the DS in that the pickings will be slim at first, but eventually there will be all sorts of crazy awesome RPGs released. There's already a Paper Mario game announced, and given how well their DS offerings fared I'd be shocked if Square-Enix isn't working on all kinds of 3DS games.

Xenogears of Bore · March 2011

Astale wrote: »

So, as a person who likes handhelds, likes JRPGs, but generally couldn't care less about Nintendo-specific games (mario, zelda, metroid) what does the 3DS lineup have to offer for ME? Also to be honest I don't even care about the THREE DEE thing at all, I'm more interested in the horsepower behind the graphics or whatever.

It's getting an SRPG near launch and Paper Mario within the first year.

After that you'll get MM Legends 3, Rocket Slime 3, and a crap load of Atlus, plus whatever PSP ports end up on the thing.

Power wise the thing is comparable to a Wii but with modern shader support.

Lorahalo · March 2011

It doesn't look like there's much in the way of JRPGs right now, I guess SMT could count but it's sort've just a 3D port from the DS. I except Atlus to give us a boatload of awesome though.

Xenogears of Bore · March 2011

If you don't count Zelda the last system to launch with a good RPG was the SNES with FF II.

Even FFX which was remarkably close to launch was what, one year out from the American launch and about the same from the Japanese?

SirUltimos · March 2011

I love the smell of a new thread in the mornin'

Lorahalo · March 2011

If the next Etrian Odyssey doesn't come out in a PAL format somewhere, I'm gonna punch someone. That is one game I am hoping like hell comes out here. Which is unlikely, since I'm pretty sure EO2 or 3 both didn't get a PAL release.

CygnusZ · March 2011

Has Picross 3DS been announced?

Rehab · March 2011

Astale wrote: »

So, as a person who likes handhelds, likes JRPGs, but generally couldn't care less about Nintendo-specific games (mario, zelda, metroid) what does the 3DS lineup have to offer for ME? Also to be honest I don't even care about the THREE DEE thing at all, I'm more interested in the horsepower behind the graphics or whatever.

Basically the same question answered from the last thread:

UncleSporky wrote: »

Tales of the Abyss
Paper Mario
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked (Atlus)
Final Fantasy (working title)
Harvest Moon 3D (working title)
Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance
Fantasy Life (Level-5)
Mega Man Legends 3
Etrian Odyssey (working title) (Atlus)
Eternal Eden
Class of Heroes 3Dx3D (Atlus)

Shin Megami Tensei is listed three times on upcoming game lists, so it's likely there are several in development for 3DS.

I'm a terrible resource here myself as I care about all the things that you couldn't care less about.

That and things related to Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, and fighting game goodness of course.

Xenogears of Bore · March 2011

Yeah, it's basically, port, port, shit that's far off, port, port, and Paper Mario.

CygnusZ · March 2011

Well, if you've never played Abyss I can wholeheartedly recommend it. Especially knowing how many of the Nintendo loyal seem to love Symphonia.

mntorankusu · March 2011

I missed this from the old thread, since I never check the op, but

Watch both 2D and 3D content from Netflix on your 3DS beginning this summer.

the article you linked to is wrong. I don't know if it's been confirmed since then, but they were not referring to Netflix when they said "3D content is also on the way". They didn't announce 3D content for Netflix at GDC. I don't know if it's been announced since then, but if it has, then someone find an article with a correct quote.

Astale · March 2011

Abyss was my favorite tales just because of Jade.

Lodsiek · March 2011

I went and played the 3DS at Best Buy today. Spoiler'd for length.

Spoiler:

The first thing I noticed was the screen; as I drew closer, black interference bands danced across it since I was too far away to properly see it. First, I bent way the hell over to see the 3D... later I realized that the system was held down by a strong magnet -- I could pick it up off the display, and I did. (It was still tethered.)

If you looked at the screenshots in the last 3DS thread -- the ones where you could cross your eyes and see them in 3D on your PC monitor -- you'll know what to expect when first drawing the system towards your face. It's an odd sensation, and at first it takes a little adjustment. I was able to get the image 100% clear in about 4 or 5 seconds, and after that it was much quicker. Your eyes are less aware of being "fooled" the more you play, it seems.

Pilotwings was the only thing on display. I tried to hit the Home button but it was unresponsive -- "I'll fix that," I thought, and hit the power button. Nope. Booted right back into Pilotwings. Oh well.

So I started up a Free Flight and immediately began messing with the 3D slider (and therefore flying like absolute crap). The slider works by increasing the maximum depth of the 3D... so at a low setting, objects might range from 1-10 mm beyond the screen, and when you max it out, it's more like 1-50. So the farthest objects (like the horizon or distant scenery) appear to be much farther away when the slider is turned up. While this looks really cool in the background, the foreground seemed to suffer a bit: at higher 3D I'd have trouble focusing on my plane because I couldn't focus well on the tail and wings at the same time. This is easily fixed by turning the 3D down. Very glad they put this on a slider; a menu setting would have been really annoying. You'll be adjusting it a lot when you first play, and you'll probably have different preferences for different games.

Objects at different depths are just like they are in real life: you'll have to choose to fully focus on one and not the other. Higher 3D setting amplifies this effect. In Pilotwings, menus appear to be level (or closely level) with the screen itself, and the scenery seems to be significantly farther away. Interestingly, if I tried to focus on the horizon near the edge of the screen, I'd see two different screen edges, similar to what you'd see if you looked at something far away through a window frame.

As for actual gameplay, I flew around quite a bit and did a mission so I'd have the little markers in the sky to fly through. I constantly adjusted the 3D, turning it up and down to see what effect it had on gameplay. It is indeed easier to judge distances with added depth, and it also gives the game a much better sense of physical presence -- it looks for all the world like a little diorama behind the 3D screen. What surprised me was the feeling I got from using the 3D display; it was not as magical as I'd imagined, and not incredibly thrilling. In fact, after a bit I turned the 3D off just to see if it was even making a difference...

...and I felt like someone had just slapped the ice cream cone out of my mouth. The transition to 3D was pleasant and immersive, but the transition BACK to 2D really makes you feel what you're missing. 3D visuals really made a difference, but not in a gimmicky way. It's more like feeling the game becoming what it was always supposed to be. It might be hard for me to go back.

When I walked out of the store, I did get the odd sensation that my eyes were slightly crossed. No headache though, and the feeling went away in a few minutes. I think it's going to be a question of getting used to it.

TL;DR: It looks good. 3D works and feels very natural (at least in Pilotwings). Slider is a great way to implement this.

If anyone has a question about the 3D effect/visuals and can't get to a demo unit I'll try to answer.

Xenogears of Bore · March 2011

I'm probably the biggest Nintendo fanboy around these parts and I'm not afraid to admit that I've never liked Pilotwings at all.

RidleySaria · March 2011

I'm gonna try to track down a demo unit this weekend. Hopefully I get there before hoodlums scratch the screen to shit with keys. I remember seeing that when the DS Phat came out. So painful.

Rehab · March 2011

Things are getting serious at the main website for Nintendo. They have a countdown clock and everything!

Almost as sure a sign that a console launch is close as unboxing videos. It just passed the 8 day and 22 hour threshold.

PaperLuigi44 · March 2011

RidleySaria wrote: »

I'm gonna try to track down a demo unit this weekend. Hopefully I get there before hoodlums scratch the screen to shit with keys. I remember seeing that when the DS Phat came out. So painful.

Fun story: When the Guitar Hero drums came out we had a demo unit at work, and somewhere down the line there was actually a kid who punched the drums rather than use the drumsticks.

He didn't get to use them for long.

Anywho, I'm ready for my DS IN THE THIRD DIMENSION!

VALVEjunkie · March 2011

guys, you can get those demo units to back out to the main menu

first, turn the system off, then hold L, R, START, and SELECT all at once for three seconds. then turn it back on and you'll get a message about streetpass, from there press the HOME button and you're good to go.

I'm not sure how much trouble you'd get in if you got caught doing this, but that's how.

MarioG · March 2011

God, playing with the demo station didn't make the wait better at all. It made it worse. Why would I tease myself like that?

9 more days and I have my own.

NINE.

VALVEjunkie · March 2011

mario go back tomorrow and try that trick I posted

then tell us how awesome the menus look

Spoit · March 2011

Lorahalo wrote: »

It doesn't look like there's much in the way of JRPGs right now, I guess SMT could count but it's sort've just a 3D port from the DS. I except Atlus to give us a boatload of awesome though.

As was pointed out in the other thread, RPGs are the kinds of games that take dev time, and as such are generally not so common near system launches

Jam Warrior · March 2011

MarioG wrote: »

God, playing with the demo station didn't make the wait better at all. It made it worse. Why would I tease myself like that?

9 more days and I have my own.

NINE.

Is Europe (extremely marginally) ahead of the game for once? Expecting mine on Friday.

harvest · March 2011

I call my Gamestop and see if they're doing a midnight launch. That's much preferable to having to get up early Sunday morning.

Rehab · March 2011

Spoit wrote: »

Lorahalo wrote: »

It doesn't look like there's much in the way of JRPGs right now, I guess SMT could count but it's sort've just a 3D port from the DS. I except Atlus to give us a boatload of awesome though.

As was pointed out in the other thread, RPGs are the kinds of games that take dev time, and as such are generally not so common near system launches

Not that it really matters anyway, Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D is going to make everyone forget that they ever desired other games, let alone gave thought to making other purchases. Once it graces us with its presence and enters 3DS slots everywhere we will find ourselves at the pinnacle of the heighest heights of gaming. All the other games we have consumed will not even begin to compare. Henceforth, they will all exist in a vast gaming ghetto located far far below the most sacred and revered of plateaus upon which Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D will be placed. People everywhere will simultaneously connect, their 3DS systems tethered to walls so that their batteries never run out, and we will all weep for joy as we are united in a moment that defies all others. We will unblinkingly gaze into the greatest achievement that could ever be achieved, and we will all be too hopelessly transfixed to bother to wonder how this could have resulted from that which was created by the hands of mere mortals. Our fragile copreal bodies will be overtaken by the sheer brilliance of an experience that will transcend interactive art and become something greater, something God-like, although we will never truly possess the language required to even begin to adequately describe it. Nor will we bother to either, as we will remain transfixed eternally, powerless to ignore that which is before us and rendered completely unable to do all else. Rendered completely unable to want anything else.

Or . . . at least this undefiable moment in time would last eternally, but as mortals it would have to eventually end as is written by the laws of nature. And so we will take in this splendor that nullifies all else until we collectively perish, and at this time we too will become like the dinosaur, but through them we will have seen the virtual equivalent of the face of God. And if he exists and we meet him in the afterlife, here we will all find ourselves united once again. United in the immense dissappointment that he is not a dinosaur, fighting other dinosaurs . . . in 3D. And at this time we will wish to undo the fact that we ever existed as the only thing that we could ever possibly begin to desire will be out of reach for all eternity. An eternity without Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D.

Forumer Two Headed Boy actually received this at work and so we should hopefully have impressions about the game soon. They might have to be transcribed by someone else as he basks into the void of perfection murmuring about its utter . . . perfectness, but I look forward to it nonetheless! I'm anxious to hear about the 3D effect (and the overwhelming bliss of course).

Jintor · March 2011

Perhaps this is an indication that I spend too much time on the internet, but I can't tell if that's gentle sarcasm and you expect it to be kind of alright, or vicious sarcasm where you expect it to be a total piece of shit

LBD_Nytetrayn · March 2011

mntorankusu wrote: »

I made this back when we first got a good look at the AR games, so you can print one without needing to scan or copy it (or so you can make boobs pop out of your computer screen, whatever):

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/211987/arcard.png[/IMG]

That was fun, but it's kind of tricky to move around it when you're facing it top-down on the screen.

As for those whose issue with Pilotwings was that it was just Wuhu Island again, it may interest you to know there are some surrounding islands this time. One is marked on the map as a smaller, private island, another a deserted island, and then way out there, you've got the "island" which housed the golf courses in Wii Sports, if I'm not mistaken.

The Mantiz · March 2011

Oh God! I just realized that this is out in under a week

Spoiler:

MinionOfCthulhu · March 2011

The Mantiz wrote: »

Oh God! I just realized that this is out in under a week

Spoiler:

Man what the hell Europe gets it before the Glorious United States? What the hell.

I didn't think about this until now but I'm glad I never played any of the games with Wuhu Island in it, so Pilotwings will feel that much more new to me.

RidleySaria · March 2011

LBD_Nytetrayn wrote: »

As for those whose issue with Pilotwings was that it was just Wuhu Island again, it may interest you to know there are some surrounding islands this time. One is marked on the map as a smaller, private island, another a deserted island, and then way out there, you've got the "island" which housed the golf courses in Wii Sports, if I'm not mistaken.

Those satellite islands were always around Wuhu though, weren't they?

Algertman · March 2011

I see 3DS carrying cases at GS already. Would most standard DSi cases work just aswell?

Nackmatholn · March 2011

Of note for the Best Buy 3DS units: They may seem to be bolted down if you try to pick up the system whole handed. Pick it up by the edges, and if you are still having trouble, slide it back towards the display to get the magnet to let go. Now the tether is still just about 6" to short for your average gaming adult, but it will look a little less like you are praying to it. Even though you want to.

Wraithverge · March 2011

MarioG wrote: »

God, playing with the demo station didn't make the wait better at all. It made it worse. Why would I tease myself like that?

I am avoiding going into Best Buys in my area for this reason specifically. I've been able to keep myself busy enough to not think about it (until I check this damned thread) but I'm really getting antsy.

Keep posting impressions, I will continue to live vicariously through you all!

Rhesus Positive · March 2011

Gah.

One week to go. I've booked the day off, I've moved money around my accounts, I've finally finished a bunch of games to get some money off with trade-ins... Now all I have to do is wait.

I'm thinking Rayman for the launch title, unless I see terribad reviews. I loved the 2D game and never got to play the 3D one.

The Mantiz · March 2011

MinionOfCthulhu wrote: »

The Mantiz wrote: »

Oh God! I just realized that this is out in under a week

Spoiler:

Man what the hell Europe gets it before the Glorious United States? What the hell.

YES! Considering we just got Kirby: Epic Yarn, this is a huge improvement. :^:

Jave · March 2011

I'll definitely be scouting the mall this weekend to see which stores will have it on Day 1. I doubt we'll get any demo kiosks down here, though who knows?

General consensus seems to be SSFIV is the best choice of the launch titles, having the most 3DS-exclusive features of the lot.

Descendant X · March 2011

I don't know if I can handle waiting another week. I'm going to pick up Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey this weekend as it's only $18 new at EBGames.

I was going to get Samurai Warriors but I may have to wait a few days after launch.

I've taken the last week of March off so that I can play 3DS until my eyes bleed.

Penny Arcade

Nintendo 3DS Thread: Out EVERYWHERE now! Friend Code extravaganza top of page one.

Posts