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Nintendo 3DS Thread: Out EVERYWHERE now! Friend Code extravaganza top of page one.
Rehab
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
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.
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
The Best Place to Buy a 3DS Is...
IGN also has some Nintendo 3DS Deals posted now too.
Game Developers Conference 3DS Coverage:
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:
Videos courtesy of Nintendo:
Recent news of interest and reviews: (brought to you by UncleSporky)
(More recent posts seen first, oldest posts towards the bottom)
Other news:
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:
3DS Launch Window Games List (link here)
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/
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:
3DS Netflix Streaming Coming This Summer
Watch both 2D and 3D content from Netflix on your 3DS beginning this summer.
Iwata says "thats right, racoon tail bitches!" (laughs)
Also, this is by the same team that did the Super Mario Galaxy games.
And lets not forget about Zelda!
Compare:
Watch both 2D and 3D content from Netflix on your 3DS beginning this summer.
1UP wrote:Although Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime was certain to reinforce that the primary function of the 3DS is playing gaming, he did reveal that Netflix streaming will be coming to the 3DS this summer.
As with other mobile devices that can stream Netflix, your progress when watching content will be saved so that you can leave off on your 3DS and then resume playing from that same spot on your Wii (or whatever other device you choose to watch Netflix on).
In addition to the 2D programming that's already available on Netflix, 3D content "is also on the way." 3DS owners will be watching movie trailers in 3D before the Green Lantern film launches in June.
Iwata says "thats right, racoon tail bitches!" (laughs)
Also, this is by the same team that did the Super Mario Galaxy games.
And lets not forget about Zelda!
Compare:
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:
3DS American launch list.
Automaticzen wrote:Each first-party game has a suggested retail price of $39.99.
First-Party:
Pilotwings Resort
Steel Diver
Nintendogs + Cats
Third-Party:
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
The Sims 3
Madden NFL Football
Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D
Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
Ridge Racer 3D
Super Monkey Ball 3D
Bust-A-Move Universe
Samurai Warriors: Chronicles
Asphalt 3D
Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D
Rayman 3D
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars
Australian line-up announced.
PaperLuigi44 wrote: »For the full list of games launching alongside the Nintendo 3DS on March 31, check out the list below:
Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition
Nintendogs + Cats: French Bulldog & New Friends
Nintendogs + Cats: Golden Retriever & New Friends
Nintendogs + Cats: Toy Poodle & New Friends
Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D
Ridge Racer 3D
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars
Raving Rabbids: Travel in Time
Rayman 3D
Asphalt 3D Nitro Racing
Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D
[UPDATE] Ubisoft has since confirmed that all of its games mentioned above will be available on March 31.
Videos courtesy of Nintendo:
Recent news of interest and reviews: (brought to you by UncleSporky)
(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:- 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.”
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:
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:
3DS Launch Window Games List (link here)
Nintendo said today it will release more than 30 3DS games in the United States during the console's launch window, which takes place between the March 27 launch date and the E3 Expo in June.
A representative clarified to say that specific launch dates for the below games have not been announced yet. Here are the 23 confirmed for the launch window so far:
First-Party Titles:
Pilotwings Resort
Nintendogs + Cats
Steel Diver
Third-Party Titles:
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D
Madden NFL Football
The Sims 3
Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
Ridge Racer 3D and Dual Pen Sports
Super Monkey Ball 3D
Thor: God of Thunder
CRUSH 3D
BUST-A-MOVE UNIVERSE
Samurai Warriors Chronicles
Dead or Alive Dimensions
Asphalt 3D
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars
Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D
Rayman 3D
Rabbids Travel in Time
Nintendo noted the following games are currently "in the works." It's unclear at this time if these titles will be available during the launch window:
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
Star Fox 64 3D
Kid Icarus: Uprising
New Mario Kart
New Animal Crossing
New Paper Mario series
A representative clarified to say that specific launch dates for the below games have not been announced yet. Here are the 23 confirmed for the launch window so far:
First-Party Titles:
Pilotwings Resort
Nintendogs + Cats
Steel Diver
Third-Party Titles:
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D
Madden NFL Football
The Sims 3
Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
Ridge Racer 3D and Dual Pen Sports
Super Monkey Ball 3D
Thor: God of Thunder
CRUSH 3D
BUST-A-MOVE UNIVERSE
Samurai Warriors Chronicles
Dead or Alive Dimensions
Asphalt 3D
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars
Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D
Rayman 3D
Rabbids Travel in Time
Nintendo noted the following games are currently "in the works." It's unclear at this time if these titles will be available during the launch window:
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
Star Fox 64 3D
Kid Icarus: Uprising
New Mario Kart
New Animal Crossing
New Paper Mario series
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/
NNID: Rehab0
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Posts
Things that might interest you as a new 3DS owner:
Most metal fucking boxart so far:
Bask in its glory!
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.
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.
Even FFX which was remarkably close to launch was what, one year out from the American launch and about the same from the Japanese?
Basically the same question answered from the last thread:
I'm a terrible resource here myself as I care about all the things that you couldn't care less about. :P That and things related to Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, and fighting game goodness of course.
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.
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.
Almost as sure a sign that a console launch is close as unboxing videos. It just passed the 8 day and 22 hour threshold.
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!
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.
9 more days and I have my own.
NINE.
Hey, I have a blog! (Actually being updated again!)
3DS: 0860-3240-2604
then tell us how awesome the menus look
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
Is Europe (extremely marginally) ahead of the game for once? Expecting mine on Friday.
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).
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.
Like Mega Man Legends? Then check out my story, Legends of the Halcyon Era - An Adventure in the World of Mega Man Legends on TMMN and AO3!
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.
Those satellite islands were always around Wuhu though, weren't they?
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!
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.
YES! Considering we just got Kirby: Epic Yarn, this is a huge improvement. :^:
General consensus seems to be SSFIV is the best choice of the launch titles, having the most 3DS-exclusive features of the lot.
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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.