It could be argued that handheld gaming has undergone a bit of a drought recently, especially in terms of 3DS games. Nevertheless, there are several upcoming 3DS titles on the horizon which have given us a slight cause for celebration.
As well as some great movie tie-ins such as The Adventures ofTinTin: The Secret of the Unicorn and Captain America: Super Soldier, 3DS gamers are also scheduled to get their hands on some unique 3DS games, including James Noir: Hollywood Crimes, Dr. Lutrec and the Hidden Knights, Spiderman: Edge of Time, TheSims 3: Pets and NCIS 3D, to name but a few.
Nevertheless, there's more good news for fans of retro games and virtual board games, as both Mahjong 3D: Warriors of the Emperor and Tetris 3D will be making their debut on the 3DS console by the end of the month.
It may not be Mario Kart 7, but we reckon that this eclectic list of games will help to keep most 3DS gamers satisfied in the run up to Christmas. What's even better though, is that the Mini Gamers blogsite is dedicated to previewing and reviewing as many of the new games for you as is humanly possible.
Remember to check in with the Mini Gamers blogsite for more news on these games as it occurs.
The SCEE has announced that it will stop distributing current PSP and PSP-3000 Development Kits from the 15th November 2010.
Development Kits are tools which help Software Developers to develop games and applications for particular devices such as games consoles. Sony now wish to stop distribution of their PSP development tool (dtp-t2000a) and testing tool (dtp-h2500a), however, they stress that they will continue to loan the tools to software developers who request them after the deadline.
According to the gaming blogsite VG247, Sony has openly admitted that it is going to stop distribution of the development kits for its PSP and PSP 3000 consoles. However, Sony's latest console, the PSP Go will not be affected.
A representative of the SCEE said: “Due to the certification on the current development and test tools expiring, we will be stopping selling them on November 15th 2010, however, we will continue to provide loan stock for registered and new developers, until a new certified model is available.” [source: http://www.vg247.com/2010/10/07/sony-to-stop-distributing-current-psp-development-kits-in-november/]
The decision comes after months of speculation about falling sales figures and lengthy game delays. PSP hardware sold 62 million units worldwide by September 2010, whereas its main competitor, the Nintendo DS had already sold 132.04 million units worldwide by June 2010.
The SCEE's decision has also fuelled further speculation about a brand new type of PSP console (nicknamed the PSP2), which could possibly be in development right now.
Sony still refuses to acknowledge the existence of such a console, let alone confirm whether the device will be heading for a 2011 release to combat possible Nintendo sales from the 3DS, which is set to debut in March 2011.
Nevertheless, Shaun Himmerick, Executive Producer on the upcoming Mortal Kombatreboot, not only revealed that the device existed, but also that his team had one.
In a PAX 2010 interview about the upcoming reboot, Himmerick let slip that his team had been working with a PSP2 development unit at Netherrealm Studios, thus offering definite proof that a new Sony console is in production at the moment.
However, whether or not a new console is in development does not change the fact that older-style PSPs will no longer be supported after the 15th November 2010. This means that there will be less new games and applications available to people who cannot afford the latest PSP Go console, despite recent price reduction promises.
Furthermore, old PSP stock will be reduced in many retail stores, making the original PSP and PSP 3000 consoles and their software completely obsolete within a few years.
There are still a few new PSP games on the horizon, such as God Of War: Ghost Of Sparta, EyePet , or Buzz: The Ultimate Music Quiz, as well as some of those delayed games mentioned above, but we at Mini Gamers are saddened that these games will be more of a last hurrah for this great console, rather than a continuation of its previous success. November the 15th 2010 marks a very sad day for handheld gamers everywhere...
Have YOUR say....
What do you feel about the SCEE's decision? What does it mean for your current PSP? Will you be buying a PSP Go?
If you have any thoughts on this issue and wish to share it with others, why not leave us a comment by clicking on the COMMENTS link at the bottom of this post (or by filling in the COMMENTS BOX if viewing this post in a separate window).
The Sims 3 comes to the Nintendo DS console systems on the 29th of October,but we couldn't wait until then. Mini Gamers takes a look at some of the features that players can expect from the new game.
1) Create-A-Sim Gets A Whole New Look:
The classic 'Create-A-Sim' mode, which has been present since the Sims 2 DS games, has now been given an extra makeover, meaning that more unique Sims can be created than ever before. Earlier Sims DS games had only allowed players to select from a very limited list of faces, hairstyles and clothes, meaning that all the characters were pretty generic.
The Sims 3 (DS) does away with the old character templates. Instead, the stylus is used as a sculpting tool so that each feature of a Sims' face can now be moulded to the players chosen specification. This brings the 'Create-A-Sim' mode more in line with the PC version of The Sims 3, and makes it easier to create realistic characters.
2) Detailed 'Build Mode'
Again, the 'Build Mode' has been re-developed to bring it closer to the PC version of the game. Players can literally paint their own wall designs, floors and furniture. Preset options are also available if you are lacking inspiration though. The stylus can also be used to pick up and place new furniture items.
3) A Truly 'Open' Story:
Unlike the PC version, The Sims 2 console games only ever contained a single narrative. The new game allows players to decide the fate of their chosen Sims through the use of Personality Traits and Karma Powers.
Whilst the Personality Traits are already a strong part of the PC version of The Sims 3, Karma Powers have been specially designed for the console version and the type of Karma Powers you can unlock during the game depends upon what particular console version of the game you have purchased.
For the Nintendo DS/DSi consoles, there are eleven total Karma Powers that can be unlocked. These are:
+ Winter Wonderland:triggers a permanent winter season in the game.
+ The Muse:helps painting and cooking skills.
+ The Riddler:helps logic and mechanical skills
+ Casanova:other Sims cannot resist you.
+ Bless the Mess:everything broken or messy within your Sim's home is fixed and cleaned for you.
+ Wormhole: makes your Sim travel quickly.
+ Instant Beauty: you can edit your Sim's physical appearance in Create-A-Sim mode.
+ Super satisfy: immediately fulfills needs.
+ Giant Jackpot: you get money.
- Cosmic Curse: depletes all of the target Sims’ needs.
- Epic fail: makes Sims fight, burp and fart, get demoted or fired, break things, causes fires and more.
Although there are a total of nine positive Karma Powers (+) and only two negative ones (-) , overuse or misuse of these powers can cause bad or unexpected things to happen, which in turn may disrupt your Sims overall lifetime goals. Use those powers carefully!
Overall, The Sims 3 on Nintendo DS/DSi is as close to the PC version as it could possibly be. With so many plot twists and an open storyline, this game is sure to keep Sims fans busy for a very long time to come. There is talk that a version of this game will also be making its debut on the 3DS next year, but until then, this game is a true life-simulation masterpiece. Overall rating: 10/10.
For those of you who don't already know, E3, (Electronic Entertainment Expo,) is one of the largest annual gaming tradeshows in the world, where the next generation of games and gaming hardware is revealed to the top dogs of the gaming industry, and the 2010 line-up is already proving to be very interesting indeed.
Announcements for the DS are expected to include a reveal of Nintendo's plan for a 3D console
Meanwhile,several rumours are also circulating that Sony's PSP announcements will include plans for a new PSP console called The PSP 2, although I must stress that this is purely conjecture at this stage.
So far, there has been no clear winner at E3 2010, but handheld gamers are sure to hope that either Sony or Nintendo walk away with the best overall line-up this year. Check back with 'Mini Gamers' over the next few days to see exactly what Nintendo and Sony have to offer fans of their handheld consoles...
It could be argued that handheld gaming is undergoing a bit of a 'drought' recently, but don't worry, here are five things that handheld gamers should put in their diaries:
Yes, the boy-wizard is scheduled to be practising his potions on our handhelds sometime next month, and reports of the new Lego game are certainly promising. As expected, players will be able to control several aspects of Harry's daily life, including his lessons and his first four battles with Voldermort as well as exploring a very detailed Lego version of Hogwarts. All of this will be presented in the bright, humorous style that fans of the series have come to expect.
No doubt this will be a popular game for players of all ages. Not long to wait now!
The sequel to the ever-popular DS game is back, and this time, Maxwell's world is even more interactive than ever! As well as new challenges and puzzles to explore, the game's dictionary has now been modified to include multiple adjectives so Maxwell can now choose to have 'Rainbow Wings' or 'Robotic Roller skates' for example.
Furthermore, it is clear that Warner has been listening to fans of the original 'Scribblenauts', as Maxwell can now be controlled by the D-pad controls and not just via the stylus - thank goodness for that!
'Super Scribblenauts' is due to be released some time in September this year, and you can rely on 'Mini Gamers' to bring you the review.
The third incarnation of the best-selling PC Game of all time is finally coming to consoles some time in September 2010, and the DS version promises to be a real treat. For the first time, 'The Sims 3' offers handheld gamers the chance to play a game which is closer to its PC counterpart.
Players will be able to control multiple characters as part of a family and will be allowed to give them unique personality traits and decorate their homes in whatever style they wish. Furthermore, as a console exclusive, players unlock all-new Karma Powers. Wield the ultimate control over your Sims giving them wealth, beauty, and love - or take it all away with the click of a button.
It certainly sounds exciting! Hopefully this will be one game that actually manages to live up to the hype! Expect a full review when the game is finally released to the public.
Yes, you read that correctly, the team behind the 'Everybody's Golf' games are due to release this sporting title onto the PSP in early July 2010. Now players can get to experience the game of tennis as never seen before.
'Everybody's Tennis' works on the same principle as its predecessor - to make the game of tennis accessible to people of all ages and abilities, so expect bright, colourful graphics and quirky characters.
As with 'Everybody's Golf', characters can be customised using items that are unlocked throughout the game. The overall gameplay is said to be easy for novices to interact with, but the games developers are promising an advanced shot system for more confident gamers. This is definitely a game which should be on every sports-gamer's wishlist.
Nintendo have announced plans to create a fully-3D DS console, without the need for wearing those ridiculous spectacles! Furthermore, Nintendo has promised that the new console will be backwards-compatible with older forms of the DS and DSi consoles.
It is difficult to see how this might work, but the 3D DS is set to be unveiled at this year's E3 convention in Los Angeles next month. If you can't wait, the Nintendo DSi already possesses a DSiware title which utilises 3D technology:
This kind of technology in a game console is a handheld gamer's dream! However, there may be a long wait before the console is actually released to the public. Watch this space...
'The Sims 3' is coming to consoles in autumn of 2010. That's great news, of course, but dispite releases being confirmed for Wii, X-Box, PS3 and DS, no release has yet been planned on PSP. One possible reason for this could be the PSP's supposed poor sales in the UK and Europe, although this is only speculation.
However, it does seem strange that EA has decided not to opt for a PSP release this time around especially as 'The Sims 2' PSP games ('Pets' and 'Castaway') were very popular. Also, the PSP version of 'The Sims 2' was the first handheld version to offer gamers a realistic handheld experience of the original PC game and its expansion packs. Thus it seems odd that EA would deliberately choose not to release 'The Sims 3' on the PSP.
Moreover, there is another point to be made in relation to this issue. Should games developers be allowed to restrict popular games to only a few consoles, or should games that are likely to have a wide appeal be produced for all formats? What do you think?
