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Nintendo DS: Initial Impressions
Managed to get hold of my DS this morning at 9.30, and have been playing it on/off since. If any of you guys have any questions feel free to take aim. Here’s some general rambling thoughts I’ve decided to share with you, along with some pictures (more to follow).
The Unit
So after ripping off the several layers of FedEx packaging, I retrieved the new handheld baby from its box. Mind you, I should hardly call it a baby; it’s actually fairly big, larger than I had anticipated at least, and also pretty heavy too. The two screens are nicely sized, with both being marginally bigger than an SP screen, and the touch screen seems to be extremely durable. Despite pictures not showing this, the A and B buttons are a different colour to the X and Y buttons, the latter being slightly darker. Oh, and it’s a very welcome return for the larger, original GBA-like shoulder buttons. Good stuff.
The screens are nice and bright, even more so than the SP. You can’t turn them off whilst in game although there is an option on the menu screen. Also impressive is the sound quality; you’ll have to really hear it for yourself to gauge an accurate reaction, but it’s miles better than previous portable Nintendo consoles. And before you bombard me with questions about whether it charges using an SP charger and what have you; yes, it does indeed.
It’s nice to hold, and probably suits those with larger hands. You certainly feel less cramped with it, and I’m yet to have my hands go numb because they’re far more stretched. The stylus is a bit on the small side, but okay to hold, and slots nicely in behind the DS so you don’t have to carry it around separately. It’s a nice little set-up, there’s no doubt about it. You’d hardly call it pocket-sized, but it’s a joy to hold, hear, watch, and “Touch!”
Oh, and Pictochat is good for a laugh.
Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt Demo
Before moving on to the slightly more problematic elements of First Hunt, I think I should first pass on my satisfaction upon seeing the opening credits for this game. Honestly, you’ve seen the movie a load of times before, but having it right in front of you, staring back, just makes you realise the graphical potential of this machine. Then when you play the game, that previous feeling of amazement begins to etch out somewhat.
The annoyance is glaringly obvious, and you’ll all know the next two words I’m going to say are “control system”. It’s not without effort from Nintendo; there are five control systems in place. The problem is not one of them really captures the pace or exploration requirements the game seems to set. Option number one is using no touch sensitivity at all; and this is completely hopeless. Without some kind of analogue it feels controlled and scroll-ish; entirely unnatural considering the game’s roots. Then there’s using the touch screen and thumb strap to turn and observe your surroundings, but then there’s the problem of having to use the ABXY buttons to strafe and move forward/backwards. Again, this doesn’t feel comfortable. And then you can choose to tap the screen with the stylus where you want to fire AND look using the stylus also. Again, this proves troublesome as you try to look and end up firing a round you didn’t intend far too frequently.
The control system is flawed, and feels desperately in lack of an analogue. Sure you’ll warm to the controls over time, but it’ll never be the same as having a stick there ready to push in whatever direction you feel necessary. I feel like I’m moaning at this game too much, it’s not poor and if it’s released it will be a success. The graphics and sound are spectacular and it bares considerable resemblance to it’s ‘Cube counterparts. Nintendo do need to do some serious thinking about the whole analogue touch screen idea for First Hunt at least, because it feels like a potentially brilliant game forced into an incapable control set-up.
Super Mario 64 DS
So the controls letdown Metroid, but do they let down the Nintendo mascot too? Yes, but you’ll be glad to hear it’s not to the same extent. Indeed, Mario 64 DS has a control set-up that is suited to what it needs to achieve, whereas Metroid needs some evaluating.
First off let me say how awful using the d-pad is in 64 DS, it’s slow, it’s unresponsive, it’s like controlling Mario with a friggin’ compass. Second off let me say how pleasing it is when you finally get to grips with using the touch screen in combination with the thumb strap to control your character. At first it will seem unforgiving, flawed, and you’ll find your thumb slipping off the edge of the screen. I can safely say after cracking on at this game that there is a large reduction in frustration with the controls as you progress. Indeed, it will never match the perfect N64 set-up, but Mario DS feels worth playing every inch of the way.
As well as this, the graphics are really quite remarkable. They surpass the N64 original in terms of smoothness and polish, no question, but you’d definitely have to place them closer to the N64 end of things if you look beyond this. The audio effects are nice too, many sound ripped from the N64 but it doesn’t matter; it means all the more treasured memories.
And there’s new stuff, a lot of new stuff. This isn’t a port in the slightest. As well as multiplayer, which I haven’t been able to try yet, there are mini-games and brand new objectives from the word go. Even the very first boss requires a different strategy to kill him, and you start the adventure out as Yoshi. The mini-games will keep you amused as well, and there seems to be quite a selection as you continue on your journey.
I’m really pleased with this. The controls are never going to feel spot on because you haven’t got an analogue there, but Mario 64 DS is as close as Nintendo could have come. The new mini-games and alterations breath new life into what was already an incredible platformer. Bare with the controls, master them, and you’ll hardly be able to tear yourself away from this.
Asphalt Urban GT
I booted this racer up. Took it for a couple of spins. Turned off my DS, took out the teeny-weeny-itty-bitty cartridge, and stuck Mario back in. It seemed absolutely dire.
Then, a little later after a little more Mario, I gave it another shot, and to my surprise it wasn’t nearly as bad as the first time. In essence, it’s an extraordinarily average racing game, that doesn’t make use of DS’ features. However, you do warm to the boosting function, the pretty accurate handling, and the nicely designed tracks to. It looks good, it sounds rather annoying, but it sets its stall out as a decent racing game and waits for competition. Has it got any? No. What is its next piece of competition? Ridge Racer, and that looks utter crap.
It has good points; the break away from such games as Burnout where rivals sit on your ass until you crash. The one-upmanship of rivals and nicely designed steering are also pleasing inclusions. However, there are also parts of the game that aren’t delivered, that will at some point be bettered. There’s no major use of the second screen, or the touch screen function, and the action camera angle changes that occasionally pop up as you race are not only under whelming but hinder your progress as you lose concentration of direction as they roll.
It’s not bad, and I’m not disappointed with my purchase as it’s decent fun to play, but it’s just crying out to be surpassed by somebody.
Pictures
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds1.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds2.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds3.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds4.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds5.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds6.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds7.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds8.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds9.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds10.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds11.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds12.jpg[/URL]
So there you go, folks. Like I said, if you have any more questions or want me to take a picture of something I will do (with obvious exceptions ahaha). I'm looking to try and pick up a copy of Feel The Magic so if I do I'll lob my impressions up here too. Oh, and I'll probably add to this post with new thoughts/pictures/general ramblings.
Hope you enjoyed reading and all that malarkey.
Managed to get hold of my DS this morning at 9.30, and have been playing it on/off since. If any of you guys have any questions feel free to take aim. Here’s some general rambling thoughts I’ve decided to share with you, along with some pictures (more to follow).
The Unit
So after ripping off the several layers of FedEx packaging, I retrieved the new handheld baby from its box. Mind you, I should hardly call it a baby; it’s actually fairly big, larger than I had anticipated at least, and also pretty heavy too. The two screens are nicely sized, with both being marginally bigger than an SP screen, and the touch screen seems to be extremely durable. Despite pictures not showing this, the A and B buttons are a different colour to the X and Y buttons, the latter being slightly darker. Oh, and it’s a very welcome return for the larger, original GBA-like shoulder buttons. Good stuff.
The screens are nice and bright, even more so than the SP. You can’t turn them off whilst in game although there is an option on the menu screen. Also impressive is the sound quality; you’ll have to really hear it for yourself to gauge an accurate reaction, but it’s miles better than previous portable Nintendo consoles. And before you bombard me with questions about whether it charges using an SP charger and what have you; yes, it does indeed.
It’s nice to hold, and probably suits those with larger hands. You certainly feel less cramped with it, and I’m yet to have my hands go numb because they’re far more stretched. The stylus is a bit on the small side, but okay to hold, and slots nicely in behind the DS so you don’t have to carry it around separately. It’s a nice little set-up, there’s no doubt about it. You’d hardly call it pocket-sized, but it’s a joy to hold, hear, watch, and “Touch!”
Oh, and Pictochat is good for a laugh.
Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt Demo
Before moving on to the slightly more problematic elements of First Hunt, I think I should first pass on my satisfaction upon seeing the opening credits for this game. Honestly, you’ve seen the movie a load of times before, but having it right in front of you, staring back, just makes you realise the graphical potential of this machine. Then when you play the game, that previous feeling of amazement begins to etch out somewhat.
The annoyance is glaringly obvious, and you’ll all know the next two words I’m going to say are “control system”. It’s not without effort from Nintendo; there are five control systems in place. The problem is not one of them really captures the pace or exploration requirements the game seems to set. Option number one is using no touch sensitivity at all; and this is completely hopeless. Without some kind of analogue it feels controlled and scroll-ish; entirely unnatural considering the game’s roots. Then there’s using the touch screen and thumb strap to turn and observe your surroundings, but then there’s the problem of having to use the ABXY buttons to strafe and move forward/backwards. Again, this doesn’t feel comfortable. And then you can choose to tap the screen with the stylus where you want to fire AND look using the stylus also. Again, this proves troublesome as you try to look and end up firing a round you didn’t intend far too frequently.
The control system is flawed, and feels desperately in lack of an analogue. Sure you’ll warm to the controls over time, but it’ll never be the same as having a stick there ready to push in whatever direction you feel necessary. I feel like I’m moaning at this game too much, it’s not poor and if it’s released it will be a success. The graphics and sound are spectacular and it bares considerable resemblance to it’s ‘Cube counterparts. Nintendo do need to do some serious thinking about the whole analogue touch screen idea for First Hunt at least, because it feels like a potentially brilliant game forced into an incapable control set-up.
Super Mario 64 DS
So the controls letdown Metroid, but do they let down the Nintendo mascot too? Yes, but you’ll be glad to hear it’s not to the same extent. Indeed, Mario 64 DS has a control set-up that is suited to what it needs to achieve, whereas Metroid needs some evaluating.
First off let me say how awful using the d-pad is in 64 DS, it’s slow, it’s unresponsive, it’s like controlling Mario with a friggin’ compass. Second off let me say how pleasing it is when you finally get to grips with using the touch screen in combination with the thumb strap to control your character. At first it will seem unforgiving, flawed, and you’ll find your thumb slipping off the edge of the screen. I can safely say after cracking on at this game that there is a large reduction in frustration with the controls as you progress. Indeed, it will never match the perfect N64 set-up, but Mario DS feels worth playing every inch of the way.
As well as this, the graphics are really quite remarkable. They surpass the N64 original in terms of smoothness and polish, no question, but you’d definitely have to place them closer to the N64 end of things if you look beyond this. The audio effects are nice too, many sound ripped from the N64 but it doesn’t matter; it means all the more treasured memories.
And there’s new stuff, a lot of new stuff. This isn’t a port in the slightest. As well as multiplayer, which I haven’t been able to try yet, there are mini-games and brand new objectives from the word go. Even the very first boss requires a different strategy to kill him, and you start the adventure out as Yoshi. The mini-games will keep you amused as well, and there seems to be quite a selection as you continue on your journey.
I’m really pleased with this. The controls are never going to feel spot on because you haven’t got an analogue there, but Mario 64 DS is as close as Nintendo could have come. The new mini-games and alterations breath new life into what was already an incredible platformer. Bare with the controls, master them, and you’ll hardly be able to tear yourself away from this.
Asphalt Urban GT
I booted this racer up. Took it for a couple of spins. Turned off my DS, took out the teeny-weeny-itty-bitty cartridge, and stuck Mario back in. It seemed absolutely dire.
Then, a little later after a little more Mario, I gave it another shot, and to my surprise it wasn’t nearly as bad as the first time. In essence, it’s an extraordinarily average racing game, that doesn’t make use of DS’ features. However, you do warm to the boosting function, the pretty accurate handling, and the nicely designed tracks to. It looks good, it sounds rather annoying, but it sets its stall out as a decent racing game and waits for competition. Has it got any? No. What is its next piece of competition? Ridge Racer, and that looks utter crap.
It has good points; the break away from such games as Burnout where rivals sit on your ass until you crash. The one-upmanship of rivals and nicely designed steering are also pleasing inclusions. However, there are also parts of the game that aren’t delivered, that will at some point be bettered. There’s no major use of the second screen, or the touch screen function, and the action camera angle changes that occasionally pop up as you race are not only under whelming but hinder your progress as you lose concentration of direction as they roll.
It’s not bad, and I’m not disappointed with my purchase as it’s decent fun to play, but it’s just crying out to be surpassed by somebody.
Pictures
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds1.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds2.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds3.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds4.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds5.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds6.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds7.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds8.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds9.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds10.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds11.jpg[/URL]
[URL]http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?loc=img107&image=nds12.jpg[/URL]
So there you go, folks. Like I said, if you have any more questions or want me to take a picture of something I will do (with obvious exceptions ahaha). I'm looking to try and pick up a copy of Feel The Magic so if I do I'll lob my impressions up here too. Oh, and I'll probably add to this post with new thoughts/pictures/general ramblings.
Hope you enjoyed reading and all that malarkey.
Page:
Thanks, yeh I found that last night playing in bed right after I'd posted about it >_<
Yuss, this is true. Go to the options section of the menu to activate this.
Tphi wrote:
> I haven't found a function yet that will allow
> you to power up straight into a game. Minor niggles though.
IGN.com said there was an option to go straight to a game;
"The system can simply boot to the Nintendo DS game automatically without going to this menu system, but that has to be selected in the options menu."
[URL]http://ds.ign.com/articles/564/564540p2.html[/URL]
> I haven't found a function yet that will allow
> you to power up straight into a game. Minor niggles though.
IGN.com said there was an option to go straight to a game;
"The system can simply boot to the Nintendo DS game automatically without going to this menu system, but that has to be selected in the options menu."
[URL]http://ds.ign.com/articles/564/564540p2.html[/URL]
Prime isn't too bad to control, just a little awkward. Haven't tried it with the thumbstrap yet, but I'm hoping it'll make all the difference.
Anyways, I'll just post some of my first impressions here in the midst of all this friendly banter before I go to bed.
So my DS finally came (so no more posts updating the forum about it's current location, happy now? :P). I'd disagree with Ash I'd say I could fit it into my pockets pretty easily, it's the exact size of an original GBA except it's about one and half times as deep. It seems pretty sturdy, especially the touchscreen, although I haven't gone about dropping it just to see how tough it is. :S
On startup you realise how cute it is :) It asks for your Name, Birthday, Colour Scheme and Time/Date (US format >_<) which you use the stylus for for the first time. And it hits you what a great way of controlling things it is ^_^ The stylus is tiny but as Ash has said the slot in the back is very useful and there's no way it'll fall out. And it comes with a spare tucked into your demo of Metroid's case.
After entering your details you have to restart. And this brings me onto one of the irritations I have. When changing any settings, quitting Pictochat, or switching DS carts on the menu screen, you have to turn the whole unit off, and it won't recognise the Cart change until you do. This takes the whole of 10 seconds though so it's not too much of a big deal. Another little gripe while I mention it is that you have to go through the menu screen to load up any cartridge and I haven't found a function yet that will allow you to power up straight into a game. Minor niggles though.
I looked around the main functions which are all pretty basic. Calender (although you can't do anything with it but look at it), Clock (woo..) and an alarm is about it until you start messing around with the understated gem of PictoChat. I had a mate over this evening and we spent a good half hour just writing stuff in :) Maybe it's just the novelty of it but it is very entertaining ^_^
I played the Metroid demo first.. Now I've read the whole of this thread before I posted this and I'm going to be totally honest here and say that.. the control scheme I picked (not sure which one but you use Shoulders for firing, D for strafing and moving and the Stylus for a "mouse-look") isn't bad at all. Only when it comes to jumping (which in this mode is performed by tapping the touch screen) do the controls become frustrating. But it's a brand new system. I'm still working out the best way to hold the thing and I find myself switching hands to put the strap on for Mario/Metroid. I'm giving it more time before my final judgement on this one.
As for the game itself.. well the big Wow is the opening FMV. Holy crap.. watching it you know you hold a powerful gaming machine in your unworthy hands. The graphics for the rest of the game are obviously not going to match it but are still pleasing, and make me think how Tallon IV would look if it were made for the N64. The sound is nice too. The three modes are entertaining but short, endless rooms filled with Metroids and those small blue spiny bast'ds from Tallon IV Overworld interspersed with an odd section requiring jumping on platforms and another where you have to go through a morph ball maze. I don't know where the full version of the game is going but all you'll play in the demo is pretty basic, it does it's job though and whets your appetite for something alot more substantial which is hopefully what the full version will be. Obviously, yet to play the multiplayer.
Mario 64 DS. Looking very nice. And sounding very nice too.. the opening has a star flying round the screens and it *really* shows off the system's pretty good sound system. The opening scene's fly-by of the Castle is another "Wow" moment ^_^ I have to admit much of my time has so far been spent on the hideously addictive mini-games, a small number of which are unlocked from the start. Even playing around with the character's faces and writing notes on the title screen like in Pictochat is entertaining. The game itself has plenty added to it, and defeating Big Bob-omb with Yoshi was great :D You can also look at the multiplayer levels for practice purposes (great to hear the Delphino Plaza music coming from the DS's speakers in the new Mario Sunshine level).
Right. I'm off to go down on Peach's slide again before bed. :D
So my DS finally came (so no more posts updating the forum about it's current location, happy now? :P). I'd disagree with Ash I'd say I could fit it into my pockets pretty easily, it's the exact size of an original GBA except it's about one and half times as deep. It seems pretty sturdy, especially the touchscreen, although I haven't gone about dropping it just to see how tough it is. :S
On startup you realise how cute it is :) It asks for your Name, Birthday, Colour Scheme and Time/Date (US format >_<) which you use the stylus for for the first time. And it hits you what a great way of controlling things it is ^_^ The stylus is tiny but as Ash has said the slot in the back is very useful and there's no way it'll fall out. And it comes with a spare tucked into your demo of Metroid's case.
After entering your details you have to restart. And this brings me onto one of the irritations I have. When changing any settings, quitting Pictochat, or switching DS carts on the menu screen, you have to turn the whole unit off, and it won't recognise the Cart change until you do. This takes the whole of 10 seconds though so it's not too much of a big deal. Another little gripe while I mention it is that you have to go through the menu screen to load up any cartridge and I haven't found a function yet that will allow you to power up straight into a game. Minor niggles though.
I looked around the main functions which are all pretty basic. Calender (although you can't do anything with it but look at it), Clock (woo..) and an alarm is about it until you start messing around with the understated gem of PictoChat. I had a mate over this evening and we spent a good half hour just writing stuff in :) Maybe it's just the novelty of it but it is very entertaining ^_^
I played the Metroid demo first.. Now I've read the whole of this thread before I posted this and I'm going to be totally honest here and say that.. the control scheme I picked (not sure which one but you use Shoulders for firing, D for strafing and moving and the Stylus for a "mouse-look") isn't bad at all. Only when it comes to jumping (which in this mode is performed by tapping the touch screen) do the controls become frustrating. But it's a brand new system. I'm still working out the best way to hold the thing and I find myself switching hands to put the strap on for Mario/Metroid. I'm giving it more time before my final judgement on this one.
As for the game itself.. well the big Wow is the opening FMV. Holy crap.. watching it you know you hold a powerful gaming machine in your unworthy hands. The graphics for the rest of the game are obviously not going to match it but are still pleasing, and make me think how Tallon IV would look if it were made for the N64. The sound is nice too. The three modes are entertaining but short, endless rooms filled with Metroids and those small blue spiny bast'ds from Tallon IV Overworld interspersed with an odd section requiring jumping on platforms and another where you have to go through a morph ball maze. I don't know where the full version of the game is going but all you'll play in the demo is pretty basic, it does it's job though and whets your appetite for something alot more substantial which is hopefully what the full version will be. Obviously, yet to play the multiplayer.
Mario 64 DS. Looking very nice. And sounding very nice too.. the opening has a star flying round the screens and it *really* shows off the system's pretty good sound system. The opening scene's fly-by of the Castle is another "Wow" moment ^_^ I have to admit much of my time has so far been spent on the hideously addictive mini-games, a small number of which are unlocked from the start. Even playing around with the character's faces and writing notes on the title screen like in Pictochat is entertaining. The game itself has plenty added to it, and defeating Big Bob-omb with Yoshi was great :D You can also look at the multiplayer levels for practice purposes (great to hear the Delphino Plaza music coming from the DS's speakers in the new Mario Sunshine level).
Right. I'm off to go down on Peach's slide again before bed. :D
Morbo wrote:
> That's why I'm always right, and you're mostly wrong.
>
> Come on now thats more than a little petty.
aka correct
> That's why I'm always right, and you're mostly wrong.
>
> Come on now thats more than a little petty.
aka correct
You don't know do you :P.
Going back to your criticism though, I am critical towards Nintendo... in fact only last week I wrote a post about Nintendo's inability to grab the new generation and that they maybe facing the final curtain.
Going back to your criticism though, I am critical towards Nintendo... in fact only last week I wrote a post about Nintendo's inability to grab the new generation and that they maybe facing the final curtain.
Dringo wrote:
> Ah right, only when argueing with me I see.
>
> Sillyness aside what is it exactly that you are right about?
You mean you've spent half an hour arguing something...but you're not sure what it is?
In this case I'm right about you being a knobtard. That's a combination of you being a fool and posting retarded comments in this thread.
> Ah right, only when argueing with me I see.
>
> Sillyness aside what is it exactly that you are right about?
You mean you've spent half an hour arguing something...but you're not sure what it is?
In this case I'm right about you being a knobtard. That's a combination of you being a fool and posting retarded comments in this thread.
Dringo wrote:
> Another angle is that maybe Ash doesn't like PC FPS Keyboard/mouse
> games...
>
Thats the right one for me, i don't like first person shooters that much so the controls are a bit alien to me, so I won't take to them as fast as other games that i do like.
> Another angle is that maybe Ash doesn't like PC FPS Keyboard/mouse
> games...
>
Thats the right one for me, i don't like first person shooters that much so the controls are a bit alien to me, so I won't take to them as fast as other games that i do like.
Ah right, only when argueing with me I see.
Sillyness aside what is it exactly that you are right about?
Sillyness aside what is it exactly that you are right about?
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