"Amazing". "Unbelievable!" "I can't believe it actually works!" "Guess you were right after all". Just a selection of the unaminous love for the 3DS which I saw today on the mean streets of Lincolnshire. After queueing up at midnight to get the console with a selection of games, I ask the question; Was it worth the asking price? Does the 3D make a 'real' difference?
I think you already know the answer to that...
In case for some reason you don't already know (and if not, where have you been for the past 12 months???), the 3DS is Nintendo's new handheld gaming console, designed with a top 3-D screen for glasses-free viewing. Don't simply think of this as a simple 'upgrade' like the DSi or DSLite, however. The 3DS is very much it's own device, just because it shares the same name and number of screens, it doesn't mean they're anything alike.
Take the analogue slider, for example. A much-desired input device, it feels beautifly smooth and amazing responsive, from timing the perfect powerslide in Ridge Racer to executing an inch-perfect landing in Pilotwings.
As a whole, the device all seems rather un-Nintendo, but I mean that in a good way. As opposed to feeling like a toy, the 3DS feels like an expensive piece of hardware, with its clever interface, sturdy buttons, smooth finish and the sturdy 3D depth slider.
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And that's where we reach the 3DS' main selling point, glasses-free 3D. Let me be the first to say-it works. I gave my 3DS to around about 20 people today, and they easily saw the 3D image within seconds. The scenery looms long in the distance, with certain games having effects where confetti, gravel, steam, punches or even dragons pop out of the screen. After an hour of extensive play at 1AM this morning, I can assure you that eye-strain is almost non-exsistant, and at any rate, you should be more worried about the sheer addictiveness of the handheld. Although I knew I needed to be awake in mere hours, I just couldn't stop playing. That's always been a skill with Nintendo, however. They've always made the right console with the right games and a cheery interface that you can't remember when you started playing, and you certainly don't want to stop!
However, I remain slightly skeptical of how useful the 3D effect could be in the long run. Whilst useful, the games were just as enjoyable in 2D, and, with the exception of Pilotwings (and maybe Ridge Racer), the 3D gained you no advantage as to just playing it in 2D. Yes, the effect was nifty and cool, and there's no denying I'll be playing the games in 3D for many months to come, but as far as changing the way we play, I think other features of the device have more potential than the 3D (more on those later)
And what about that troublesome battery life? Coming from half a charge, the 3DS died after 2 hours of play on full 3D and the highest brightness setting, so a battery life of 4-7 hours is what you'd expect, pushing 8 if you enter energy-saving mode. However, is sacrisicing those glourious colours for an extra 30-45 minutes of game time really worth it? You don't need to worry about running out of battery whilst at the home, but if you're the person who flies pan-atlantic on a regular occasion, you'll want to maybe bring some additional entertainment, just in case.
For this next section I'll try and summaraise all of the 3DS' games, apps and other useful aspects of the 3DS that didn't warrant a full paragraph, in under 100 words each. If you aren't interested in this bit, simply skip to the 'verdict' section.
Street Pass
The Street Pass functionality could grow to be something truly magical, or die like DSiWare, depending on what Nintendo and developers choose to do with it. It's all very easy to use and set up, and the possibilties are seemingly endless. It's a nice touch being able to carry your 3DS around, battling people with Street Figther trophies and obtaining hero Miis and puzzle pieces, but I have to wonder whether or not it's only going to be of any use in the biggest cities and gaming expos in the long run
Spot Pass
The other form of connection for the 3DS, Spot Pass allows your 3DS to connect to the Internet to obtain updates, info. and DLC from Nintendo without having to press the button. Simply put the 3DS in its docking station to charge and away you go! A little green LED appears on the right hinge if you have new data, but again, it's up to Nintendo how good this will be. Expect 3DSWare, Internet Browser and other such channels to appear in these updates. Also of note is that the 3DS only requires one friend code, when you've done that then you're set for life.
AR
Personally my favourite pre-installed tech on the 3DS, the AR lets you choose from one of 6 different games, ranging from snooker to archery to graffiti to fishing. All of these are great fun to just tinker with, and it's an amazing sight to see when you first try it out, again, with limitless potential (Anyone for actual AR pokemon fights?) Even if you don't buy a 3DS, make sure you at least try the Shooting minigame, it's truly amazing.
Camera and Music Player
I've bundled these together because they're effectively the same as on the DSi, with a few minor changes. The music player now plays MP3 format (huzzah!) as well as AAC, and the Camera can now take 3D photos and a few new effects, such as sparkle, negativem sepia etc. Disappointing, however, is the quality. The cameras are pretty much identical to those found in the DSi, and the picture quality is really under-par for anything other than viewing on the 3DS iteslf. Not to say it's bad, however. It's a nice distractioon and good if you have nothing else
FaceRaiders
Now...FaceRaiders...What to say about FaceRaiders other than it's the scariest thing which mankind has ever created? It takes a photo of you or a loving relative, slaps that face into a helmet and asks you to shoot down several waves of enemies, who take out the scenery (which is viewed through the camera like AR BTW) and attempt to destroy your ship, whilst you try to rescue other faces. It's a nice, fun addition, but equally disturbing. Not one to do late at night I think.
Mii
Miis originated on the Wii (for obvious reasons), but have now made their way to the 3DS, with all the features intact. The only real addition is the abiity to take a photo of yourself with is then changed into a Mii, which is nice, but it looks nothing like me at all. Nevertheless, I'm still using it, and it's a cool application, but really, you know what to expect here
Ridge Racer 3D
The first of the 3 retail games I've played, and also my favourite. It may be classic Ridge Racer, but that's not a bad thing. It looks great, aside from the godawful vehicle textures, and the 3D really comes into its own with the landscape sweeping away, and certain items flying out of the screen, which makes it a truly immersive experience. The analogue nub is the way to go, but the lack of new tracks and no online feels a bit rushed. But, with over 20 hours of racing on the campaign and great replay value, this is probably one of the best games to buy to tide you over for the next wave of games.
Super Street Fighter IV
A classic game but onto a handheld. What else could you want? You already know if you want this game, and with all the features (pretty much) intact from its HD counterparts, and with the additional features of StreetPass (trophies fight for you whilst you're walking, if you win, you get a new trophy). The 3D effect is good, but since it's a 2D game it's not really that 'amazing'. Great choice for fighting fans.
Pilotwings Resort
A great game where you have to fly around Wahu Island of Wii Sports Resot fame, your task is to fly one of many different machines around the island, through hoops, onto platforms etc. The 3D is probably best utilised here whilst you try and judge the distance to landing, but with only 1 location and only 3 hours length, you have to think there was more Nintendo could have done.
Nintendo have once again raised the bar when it comes to how we game, and after playing with the 3DS, you have to wonder how you were evr sketical about it. Yes, it may not be perfect. Yes, the launch line-up isn't the best ever. And it may be a bit pricey. But there's no denying that it's fun to play, and that's the most important thing. The graphics are a definte step up from the DS series, and other features like AR and Street Pass have almost limitless possibilites. It's clear Nintendo listened to criticisms of their consoles from the last gen, and to silence naysayers they've gone and created one of, no, THE best handheld gaming device of all time.
Seeing really is believeing.
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