Nintendo 3DS Pre-Launch Event London: Impressions

For those that don’t know, Nintendo sent out a couple invites last week for a 3DS pre-launch event taking place across the country. I was fortunate enough to receive one of these invites and attended a session over the weekend allowing me to get my grubby mitts on the 3D handheld for the first time ever.

The Console

The console itself is a solid piece of kit, like we expected anything less from Nintendo by now. The all-new rubbery Circle Pad controls like a dream, and while it’s no analogue stick, it still feels like a huge improvement over the PSP’s initial effort. Buttons feel responsive and ‘clicky’ like it’s little brother (the DSi), and I only came out feeling hard done-by the small and badly positioned D-pad.

Onto the console’s big feature, the 3D: it works, it bloody works! Better on some games than others, but more on that in a bit. The depth is stunning and didn’t take much getting used to at all, at least it didn’t for me. As expected, there is a “sweet spot” of some sort, tilting your head or moving outside of it loses the 3D effect altogether, and while this may cause concern to some, I found it a non-issue. Who angles their head off to the side when playing a handheld? Anyone?

I didn’t experiment too much with the 3D Depth Slider, but played around with it long enough to know it does the job. I kept the slider maxed out for most games, barring a few that didn’t play too nice on the eyes (Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D and Asphalt 3D).

Overall a pretty solid effort from Nintendo, that does exactly what it says on the tin. Like any launch, you’re guaranteed to see a lot of developers rushing their games and ports to market for day one consumption. Give it some time though, like the DS, once the hardware’s understood I’m excited to see what developers will pull off with the technology a year from now.

The Games

Due to the short time slots we were given, I wasn’t able to play all the games on show. Here’s what I did play, and of course a few quick thoughts.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

My favourite game of all time, in 3D. What more must be said? Ocarina of Time looks gorgeous, and although being over a decade old it surprisingly stood out to me as one of the best looking games on show – weird, I know. A large amount of the game has been reworked and I couldn’t help but notice a lot of the models, Link in particular, seemed to have that subtle cel-shaded look, the same polish and shine used on the Mario Galaxy titles. Nintendo could release this game as a port ten years from now and it would still sell by the bucket load, so it’s nice to see they’re taking their time with it rather than porting it straight from the N64 cart.

No problem whatsoever with the controls, Z-targeting felt fine and the gyroscope mechanic when in first person is a welcome addition that works brilliantly. I was quite excited to hear that the bottom screen acts as the pause menu, and was initially under the impression that this would rid the game of it, allowing you to change your items and gear in real time – unfortunately this is not the case.

It’s sad to hear Ocarina of Time won’t make it in time for launch, as there seems to be no killer app for the 3DS. Here’s hoping the “launch period” isn’t too big a window.

Kid Icarus: Uprising

Here’s a game I couldn’t wait to get my hands on, and once I did, I couldn’t wait to get them off. Let me explain, the game isn’t bad by any means, but the controls… I don’t know if this is Nintendo’s idea of solving the 3DS’ dual analogue problem, but the controls are simply mind-boggling. Picture this – you’re made to fire or attack with the left bumper, while doing this you’re simultaneously using the stylus to control the in-game camera. This means you’re essentially holding the handheld with one hand at all times, which as I’ve learned, is pretty uncomfortable and tiresome.

Uprising looks pretty, and undoubtedly makes great use of the handheld’s 3D visuals especially when Pit takes to the sky. Unfortunately it’s not very nice on the hands, so let’s hope Nintendo sort this out, or at least offer an alternative control layout. Makes me sort of glad this isn’t a launch title after all.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D

I think the Pro Evo series has gone to shit in recent years. That said, this version plays well and the third-person perspective is a nice touch. I did find that my eyes had a hard time adjusting due to the 3D seeming a tad overdone compared to other games on show. Nothing else to report, and pretty much what I expected from Konami despite the recent hype.

Steel Diver

I wasn’t able to play this for too long, one thing I can say though is the game makes great use of the on-board gyroscope for spotting ships with your periscope. Someone put this mechanic in the next Splinter Cell game, I do miss the ol’ Optic cable.

Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition

I know a lot would disagree as this is being pushed as the 3DS’ killer app, but Street Fighter on a handheld isn’t my thing, and due to me struggling with the 3DS’ D-Pad I didn’t spend much time with it to be honest. It’s Super Street Fighter IV as you know and love it. The game plays like Super Street Fighter IV, and it… surprise, looks like Super Street Fighter IV. If that works for you it’s a no-brainer. Do stay away from the new 3D over-the-shoulder camera option though.

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D or Resident Evil Horde as I like to call it, takes the Mercenaries Modes from the last two games and boxes it up for 40 smackeroos. Way to milk the cash cow Capcom! Hold out for Revelations.

AR Games

Probably more impressive than the 3D itself, the augmented reality stuff really blew me away. This is something I can see this being a big hit if pulled off correctly. As always at these events, I played it under a controlled environment, and it’s questionable to how well it works in the real world. That said, I’m assuming devs can build portions of augmented reality into their games and that’s where I see the 3DS really shining. All it takes is the right developer. Boss battles anyone?

Non-Playable Demonstrations

Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater – The Naked Sample

The Boss and Snake battled it out again in an impressive 3D demo. I must note, I love what Konami have done with the title overlays. Expect the same zaney Metal Gear, with a 3D twist of course. Come to think of it, just imagine the sort of mindfucks Kojima could conjure up with an additional dimension at the helm. Sign me up right away!

Mario Kart

Like a lot of games, I don’t know how much of this game being in 3D will help it. Oncoming boulders looked impressive though. Still early days I suppose.

Star Fox 64 3D

Out of all the non-playable demonstrations, Star Fox 64 3D or Lylat Wars where I’m from, really stole the show. Enemies flying in from off screen really show what the device is truly capable of. Like Ocarina of Time, Nintendo don’t seem to be resting on their laurels with this one either. Hold out, it’ll be worth the wait.

Animal Crossing

Another game I can’t see benefitting off 3D.

Sky 3D

Nintendo did a great job in getting Sky on board for the 3DS. Footy looks phenomenal, even on the small screen.

Closing Comments

A pretty sound event, and while I would have liked more time, Nintendo have me where they want – hook line and sinker. I’ll be picking this up on day one, see you on March 25th.