One To Watch: Patapon 3 (PSP)

The latest edition to the ever popular Patapon series is scheduled for release in early November 2010, and it is already shaping-up to be a really enjoyable game.

For those of you who are new to the world of Patapon, the game tells the story of a tribe of tiny creatures called - you guessed it - Patapons.

They are a defeated race of warriors who have been oppressed by their enemy the Zigotons until they are almost destroyed.

Tired and down-hearted, the remaining Patapons pray to their god, the Almighty to guide them with the use of the four Spiritual Drums.

Patapon 3 continues the saga of the Patapons in their quest to find the place they call Earthend and the contentment of the mysterious "IT".

The game itself has made some important changes and additions this time around. You can now choose which type of Hero warrior you wish to be at the start of the game.

There are three main classes of Patapon Warrior to choose from - Yumiyacha (bow and arrow warrior), Taterazay (a defence warrior with shields) or Yarida (a spear warrior).

Nevertheless, you have to choose carefully as each warrior will have its own special abilities which will either help or hinder your tribe throughout the game.

For example, the Yarida warriors can now throw twin flaming spears at the enemy, but this can also have the adverse affect of making the grass around the Patapons catch fire, which in turn, can also set your own tribe members alight.

Fever Mode has also been improved in Patapon 3. In the previous games it took at least eight consecutive successful rhythms to whip those little warriors into a frenzy, which at times was time consuming and difficult to achieve. 

It now only takes three consecutive successful rhythms to get your Patapons into fever mode, which is great news for all the casual gamers out there.

However, the biggest change to the third game is the addition of Infrastructure Mode to the Multiplayer portion of the game.

This means that as well as gaming with friends using Ad-hoc Mode, you can now instruct your PSP to find other Patapon 3 gamers online, so that you can play special co-op mission together.

The Infrastructure Mode is a great new feature. It even allows you to 'chat' to your fellow team members by using pre-selected phrases.

You can still equip and deploy your Patapons in the same manner as the previous games, but you now have a 'live' tribe to instruct and keep rhythm with, which adds to the fun.

Patapon 3: Teaser Trailer

However, there are a few teething problems with the new Infrastructure Mode  - the most common one being that you may not always have all the varied types of warrior needed to defeat the enemy.

For example, if your fellow players all tend to favour the Taterazay warrior you will ended up with three or more Patapons with shields but no warriors with arrows or spears, which is necessary when trying to complete the level.

Furthermore, it is possible for the Host to simply terminate the online game without warning, thereby ending the Multiplayer mission.

This can lead to confusion and frustration if you happen to be defeating the main enemy at the time and you suddenly find that the screen has gone black and a little pop-up message informs you that your Multiplayer session is now complete.

Nevertheless, the new modes and additions help to further the Patapon universe and do make for some really interesting an varied gameplay.

 If you can't wait for the game to be released and you have at least a spare 110 MB still left on your Memory Stick, then the multiplayer demo is now available to download from the Playstation Network Store. Take it from us - it is well worth a try!

Golden Joystick Awards 2010: Have YOU Cast YOUR Vote?

This year will mark the 28th annual Golden Joystick Awards. The award ceremony will be held on 29th October 2010 at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel.

The Golden Joystick Awards, which is more affectionately known as 'The People's Gaming Awards', was established by the popular magazine group,  Future Publishing in 1982, and has become an important event in the gaming calendar ever since.

The Golden Joystick Awards are an annual event in the gaming calender.

Each and every winner of the prestigious Golden Joystick has been voted for by the public. Voting forms have already been included in several gaming magazines such as ONM and Official Playstation Magazine, which are both publications developed by Future Publishing PLC.

Now, the final shortlist of nominees has been revealed and Future Publishing are requesting that gamers continue to cast their votes. In a change from previous years, the 2010 awards will focus less on console-specific categories, preferring instead to award titles within specific genres instead. 

Here at Mini Gamers, we are particularly interested to see who will win in the Portable Games category. It is an impressive list, and all of the nominated titles in this category certainly deserve to walk away with the prize.The shortlisted nominees for portable games are as follows:

Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines (PSP)

Assassin's Creed: Discovery (DS/DSi)

Call Of Duty Modern Warfare: Mobilised (DS/DSi)

 Call of Duty: World at War: ZOMBIES (iOS)

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (DS/DSi, PSP, iOS)

LittleBigPlanet (PSP)

Plants vs. Zombies (iOS, iPad)

Pokemon Heart Gold/Soul Silver (DS/DSi)

Professor Layton and Pandora's Box (DS/DSi)

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (DS/DSi)

The other award category to watch out for is the Ultimate Game Of The Year. Again, the list of games is impressive. Although there is very little choice for handheld gamers to choose from this year, it will be interesting to see who manages to scoop the top-spot. As well as winning the stunningly crafted Golden Joystick Trophy winners of this award are automatically included in The Guinness Book of Records as the 'Best Videogame'. 

However, it has to be said that none of the nominees would win without the support of gamers everywhere. Over 421,843 votes have been cast so far and there is still plenty of time for you to take part.

For more details on the awards, or to cast your vote for this year, please click here to visit the Golden Joystick website. May the best game win!

Yet More Confusion for Lego Harry Potter Fans...

It has happened again, Game are now claiming that Lego Harry Potter for the PSP is to suffer further delays and will not be available in store until the 6th of August 2010.

The news, which was reported to us in a comment  by one of the Mini Gamer readers, comes as another shock to the many PSP users who had expected to receive their copy of the game on Friday 30th July.

This latest delay has led  to greater frustration against the game's developers, Travellers Tales, who still refuse to provide a definite reason as to why the PSP version of this game  has been consistently delayed since May this year.

LEGO HARRY POTTER TRAILER - YEAR 2

To make matters worse, Mini Gamers decided to further investigate claims that the PSP version had been delayed once more, and found to our surprise that most other UK retailers seem blissfully unaware of the new release date.

We visited Play.com, HMV, Zavvi, Woolworths and Asda, who all cite the release date of the PSP version as either the 29th or 30th of July, depending on when their new stock is delivered.

If, as we suspect, Lego Harry Potter for the PSP has truly been delayed once more - and is not simply  delayed in one single outlet such as Game - then many other PSP fans who have already pre-ordered this game can expect to have their hopes dashed via emails and letters sent to them in the next few weeks.

Mini Gamers wonders how long it will be before fans abandon all hopes of ever owning this game on the PSP system and choose to buy it in another format instead.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

Has the delay of the PSP version of Lego Harry Potter made you feel angry or disappointed? How did you feel when you were informed that the release date had been changed for the third time? Are you looking forward to eventually getting a copy of the game, or has the delay marred your excitement? Will you now be buying this game in another format now rather than on the PSP?

Here at Mini Gamers, we are interested in hearing your views. Please feel free to leave a comment in the comments box by clicking the 'Comments' link at the bottom of the post (or simply fill in the Comments Box below if viewing the post in a separate window,) and share your thoughts on this issue with others.

Sony offers 'ModNation Racers' Patch

Gamers can race using a variety of vehicles including aeroplanes

If, like many fans of Sony's Modnation Racers, you have struggled to compete against the  myriad of ultra-competitive CPU opponents within the game, then help could soon be on its way to you.

Modnation Racers was released for the PSP and PS3 some time in May this year, and although the game has proven itself to already be a very popular racing simulation, it has suffered complaints from fans that the CPU characters are virtually unbeatable, leading to many gamers being able to complete the final racing levels.

Some of the CPU characters have been accused of being too tough to beat.

Very little is known about the intended patch yet, but Sony has promised that it will include "Less aggressive" CPU drivers. The Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC  (better known as SCEA) has also promised fans that the new patch would take into account some of the other improvement suggestions that fans of the game have asked for.

There is lots of customisation available in this game.

The patch is welcome news, as it means that many gamers will now be able to complete the final levels of the game, and it is also kind of heart-warming to know that Sony is still prepared to listen to what fans of its products have to say about particular issues.

There has been no confirmed date for when the new patch will become available, but the game's developers UFG assure fans that it won't be too long. They are requesting that fans be patient and say that they are putting "The finishing touches" to the patch, which will apparently add a 'Casual' difficulty option to the game's existing Careers Mode in order to help those gamers who just can't keep up on the race track.

Be sure to check in with Mini Gamers for news and updates about the new patch when it arrives!

PEGI & ERSB - What Those Age Ratings Really Mean...

This is the PEGI visual descriptor of a game which depicts violence

IMAGINE THE FOLLOWING SCENE:

 You are wandering around your favourite video games store with some friends who happen to not be avid gamers and you spy a new sports game that you think will be good to try out. However, before you can even take the game from the shelf, your companions point out that the aforementioned game has a PEGI  3+ rating.

Your friends are horrified: "A 3+ game?! At your age?"

 You are then forced to try and save face by purchasing the latest 16+ title - full of violence and bad language instead, when all you wanted was to have a good football game etc. This has happened to me on two separate occasions now, and both times I just crumbled with embarrassment.

Most actual gamers will recognise that the PEGI rating of 3+ does not refer to age or ability of the intended player, but to the game's Individual Content Rating, which shows that a very young child (from the age of 3+) could quite happily view this game without seeing something that they shouldn't.

However, PEGI (Pan European Game Information) who are the main censorship board for videogames in the UK, are the first to admit that this rating does not take into account the actual ability of a child to play the game, so most 3+ games are well beyond the intellectual ability of a normal toddler.

The lowest age rating in the PEGI system (3+) includes games like Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, whose complex game controls and visual style is meant for older gamers, gameshow tie-ins like the ever-popular Deal Or No Deal,  or a quiz game tie-in such as Countdown, which, as any viewer of the afternoon quiz could tell you, contains conundrums that are hard enough to stump the average thirty year-old, let alone a very young child!

You might say that this is pedantic of me, and argue that gamers shouldn't  care what other (non-gaming) people think about their particular tastes, but the fact is that the PEGI rating is often confusing to parents and guardians when trying to choose games for young gamers. I have heard several people talk about games in the following way:

"It says 12+ on the box, but he's very intelligent for his age, so I think he'll find it easy to play the game..."

The trouble is that, (especially in the UK) we are used to seeing age ranges on particular toys. These ratings usually tell us what age group the product is intended for and thus, we know better than to buy a toy aimed at 'ages 4 and over' for an eight year-old and vice versa, but this knowledge does not work in quite the same way when applied to video games.

PEGI rates video games in the following way:

This icon means that a game is suitable for everyone, (regardless of age or ability,) and contains very mild unrealistic cartoon violence, no horror, no bad language.

This icon means that a game is suitable for viewing by slightly older children and it is usually applied to games that contain mild, (but realistic), cartoon violence or mild horror and scary scenes, which may cause upset to younger children. 

This icon denotes games which are not suitable for children younger than twelve years old to view. Games with this age rating may contain some mild action violence, sexually crude humour and themes of gambling.  Games which contain theme songs that are mildly suggestive will automatically be given this rating.

 Games with this rating can contain strong, explicit action violence, and often deal with story themes which include implicit drug-use, racial or sexual discrimination, criminal behaviour and sex. They should not be viewed by anyone who is younger than sixteen. 

Games with this icon are seen as only suitable for adults (those aged 18 or over). Although games aimed at this age group are rare in the UK, graphic violence, strong sexual content, explicit references to gambling or drugs, criminal behaviour and vulgar language (spoken and used in song lyrics) are permitted in games with this rating.

The PEGI system of videogame classification also provides several Content Descriptors intended to give details about what type of themes a particular game might have (such as the 'violence' descriptor at the top of this post).  These are useful as they instantly give a visual representation of why the game has been given the age rating that it has.

Nevertheless, only the age rating appears on the front of the box, so the descriptor is unlikely to be seen until later and this may explain why some people still assume that the age rating refers to the age of the intended player and not to the game's overall content.

PEGI INFORMATION VIDEO

The ERSB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) who are responsible for rating games in America and other countries outside the UK, has its own set of age ratings and content descriptors for video games. Their ratings range from E for EVERYONE to AO for ADULTS ONLY.  The ERSB  rating system is very clear to understand and means that there are likely to be less misunderstandings about who the games are actually intended for. There has been some debate over the past few years about whether the UK could benefit from a new ratings system - a combination of ERSB age ratings with PEGI content descriptors, but as yet, no new rating system has been proposed. Further details about the ERSB rating system can be found here.

Of course,  there needs to be some measure of which games are suitable for which age groups, but is an age rating alone really enough information to decide whether a game is suitable for the intended gamer?

It has to be said that both the PEGI and ERSB rating systems are dependent on the watchfulness of shop keepers or guardians alike, whose decision to allow the purchase of a 12+ or 16+ game for a child who is underage - simply because they think that the age range refers to the ability of the player - could end up having a detrimental effect on young gamers who are then exposed to violent and suggestive themes.

Here at Mini Gamers we know that gaming can be a very enjoyable pastime, but we all have a duty remember that some games are not suitable for a younger audience.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

What do you think of the PEGI age rating system? Have you ever been put off of buying a game with a 3+ rating? Is ERSB an effective way to show which games are not suitable for younger gamers? Are videogame ratings easy to understand? Whose responsibility should it be to censor certain videogames?


Here at Mini Gamers, we are interested in hearing your views. Please feel free to leave a comment in the comments box by clicking the 'comments' link at the bottom of the post and share your thoughts on this issue with others.

21 days until Lego Harry Potter?

It has been one of the hottest debates amongst PSP gamers of late, but it now seems that the final release date for the PSP version of Lego Harry Potter is the 30th of July 2010. Mini Gamers recently reported that the PSP version  game had been delayed by the publishers TT games.

We also contacted them to ask why the game had been delayed when all the other formats of the game had already been released to the public. TT games has so far declined to comment on its decision.

So, it now seems like it will only be another few weeks before PSP gamers can enjoy the rich spoils of this long-awaited addition to the Lego Games series. However, this does not make up for the thousands of  fans who have pre-ordered this game only to be disappointed. We are all keeping our fingers crossed that the release date will not be changed again between now and the end of the month.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

Has the delay of the PSP version of Lego Harry Potter made you feel angry or disappointed? Did you preorder the game? How did you feel when you were informed that the release date had been changed? Why do you think the game might have been delayed? Are you looking forward to eventually getting a copy of the game, or has the delay marred your excitement?

Here at Mini Gamers, we are interested in hearing your views. Please feel free to leave a comment in the comments box by clicking the 'comments' link at the bottom of the post and share your thoughts on this issue with others.

Game Of The Week: Everybody's Tennis (PSP)

Summer tends to bring with it a whole host of sporting games titles, and Everybody's Tennis on the PSP (called 'Hot Shots' in the USA) certainly fits the Summertime mood. This bright, colourful game puts the emphasis on tennis being a sport for the whole family to enjoy.

The game controls are uncomplicated and success in the game is based around getting the timing of your shot correct. Furthermore, the use of the Everybody's Racket function increases the accuracy of your shots and is excellent for tennis newcomers, however, it does reduce the power behind each shot so players may find it difficult to get the ball past their opponent.

The easy controls may make this game seem initially childish or boring, but the reality is far from it. Every character comes with their own set of strengths and weaknesses, making for varied gameplay. There are an incredible amount of characters to choose from too. Players will need to adapt their playing style in order to have continued success in the game.

Unlike its sister game, Everybody's Golf, which focuses more on tournaments and versus-type gameplay, this title utilises some interesting RPG elements in its single-player mode as well. Players can let their characters explore different game enviroments and solve puzzles by challenging various opponents, including a few 'Boss' types as well. The storyline is basic but still very enjoyable.

For those of you who dislike RPG storylines, you can play more traditional tennis matches against opponents of your choice in the Exhibition mode instead. It has to be said however, that the story mode does give you a chance to play against every character in the game, which allows you to quickly suss out their particular playing styles and skills.

The game's producers Clap Handz have tried very hard to make this sporting title into the type of game that fans will want to play over and over again. The bright colours and wacky characters only add to the enjoyment of the game. All the main types of tennis court (hard, clay and grass) are included in the game and all the environments are presented in meticulous detail, which make it a visual eye-fest on the PSP screen.

There is also plenty of unlockable content to be had here and players can look forward to customising their chosen character with many different rackets, clothes and hairstyles. Loyalty Points are also given for using the same character over and over again, which equips them with certain abilities to use within the game.

As an extra treat, one of the characters from Killzone can also be unlocked, leading to some very comical gameplay!

Moreover, if you have enjoyed success in the single-player mode and still want more tennis action,  Everybody's Tennis also features a great head-to-head multiplayer mode for up to four PSP players, so you can test your skills against your friends and family.

Overall, this game has tons of replay action and will keep you entertained long after Wimbledon has finished. The new RPG storylines and 'Boss' tennis opponants make it challenging, whilst the simple controls means that it is easy to just pick up and play. This game is a must-buy item for PSP users. Overall rating: 9/10.

Harry Potter Release Date Debate

There seems to be some debate  about the final release date for the PSP version of Lego Harry Potter. Those of you who have been following the Mini Gamers blogsite for a while now will know that the PSP version was delayed by TT games in June this year and was scheduled to be released at the beginning of July. However, the actual release date now seems the source of some confusion amongst some UK Videogame retailers.

The original release date was supposed to be 7th July 2010. However, this no longer seems to be the case, and to make matters worse, there is clear disagreement as to when the PSP version will now be released to the public. The following gives details of some of the major UK retailers and their release date for Lego Harry Potter (PSP)

Game: (http://www.game.co.uk/)

This retailer states that the game will be released in one week's time on the 9th of July 2010 and is offering a free DVD of the first Harry Potter film with every purchase.

GameStation: http://www.gamestation.co.uk/) (

This seller seems to agree with the 9th of July 2010 release date as well.

Play.com (UK): (http://www.play.com/)

Play.com is now saying that Lego Harry Potter PSP will not be released until the 29th of July 2010.

HMV: (http://hmv.co.uk/)
Again, this retailer seems to agree that the release date is the 29th of July 2010.

Asda: (http://www.asda.co.uk/)

This supermarket retailer is saying that the game will not be released until the 30th of July 2010.

Zavvi: (http://www.zavi.com/)

This retailer seems to agree that the release date for the PSP version is now the 30th July 2010.

Woolworths: (http://www.woolworths.co.uk/)

The Woolworths online store also says that the game will not be released until 30th July 2010.

The release of a new game is a treacherous minefield at the best of times, with dates often being subject to change at a moment's notice, but this is made worse when multiple release dates are given. It is also unclear why the PSP version of this game has been delayed whilst its counterparts on other formats are already available in stores across the country...

Lego Harry Potter Teaser Trailer 

This latest news is a further disapointment for PSP users who had preordered the game for the end of June. Like you, we at Mini Gamers are hoping that the release date for the PSP version of this brilliant game will be sooner rather than later, but at the moment there is no way to tell when the game will actually be released. Keep tuned to the Mini Gamers blogsite for further details.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

Has the delay of the PSP version of Harry Potter made you feel angry or disappointed? Did you pre-order the game? How did you feel when you were informed that the release date had been changed? Why do you think the game might have been delayed?

  Here at Mini Gamers, we are interested in hearing your views. Please feel free to leave a comment in the comments box by clicking the 'comments' link at the bottom of the post and share your thoughts on this issue with others.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold To Feature Wii-DS Co-op Mode

Warner Bros Interactive have  promised that as well as featuring a general co-op mode, their latest game Batman: The Brave and the Bold (based on the cartoon of the same name) will also feature a special Wii & DS connectivity mode, which means that DS users can choose to team-up with their Wii friends as the irrepressible 'Bat-Mite' (Batman's biggest fan) and help the caped crusader to defeat his foes.

The game has many playable iconic heroes and villains from the Batman universe including Robin, Green Lantern, Hawkman, and Blue Beetle, and will also feature cameo appearances from other DC superheroes such as Aquaman and The Flash.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold allows players to explore the dark alleys of Gotham City and even features interplanetary travel to strange alien planets and exclusive locations. Missions will include fighting foes such as Poison Ivy and Catwoman or  solving puzzles and mysteries.

The game is still in production, so very little is known about its gameplay content at present, but it is destined to become a family favourite. The game is set to debut in the UK in September 2010.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (PSP)

 Metal Gear Solid: Peacewalker is the fifth game in the Metal Gear Solid series.The game has been produced by the same team that created Metal Gear 4 and is set to be one of the best stealth titles on the PSP to date.

The main storyline is set in 1974 - four years after the events in the Portable Ops game. Snake, (AKA Big Boss) must travel to Costa Rica where a  rogue CIA unit have taken over the country and have bought with them their last nuclear warhead nicknamed "Peace Walker", which the well-armed rogue soldiers intend to use  as a means of deterring any resistance. It is up to Big Boss and his Militaires Sans Frontières guerrilla group  to save the day once again. They must use their all stealth tactics to dispatch the enemies and rescue the local inhabitants.

The aim of the game is to complete all missions without getting caught or killed.This PSP-exclusive title features all of the excitement of the other four games. Like the other games in the series, Peace Walker utilises third-person gameplay. Fans of the series can choose to hit the enemy with  tranquiliser darts or bullets and even flip or choke enemy soldiers in close combat. Big Boss can also crouch down, which makes stealth attacks much easier.

The previous games in the Metal Gear Solid series have been somewhat criticised for having complicated and lengthy cutscenes or unclear plots, however both of these flaws have been addressed in this game with shorter, more focused gameplay making for a more enjoyable title.

For those of you who prefer to game with friends, Peace Walker features optional co-op play on every single mission throughout the game, and also features a multiplayer mode for up to five persons. Play team death matches or practice capture and defence tactics in a Capture The Flag type game.

Peace Walker is a great stealth title and fans of Metal Gear Solid 1-4 are bound to be impressed with the latest game. If creeping through jungles searching for enemy soldiers is your idea of a good time, then this is the game for you. Overall rating: 9/10

Game Of The Week: Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 (DS & PSP)

Lego Harry Potter has arrived! This game allows players to act as the boy-wizard himself, and features many impressive elements from the first four books and films in the Harry Potter series. The game has gained much hype during its production, but the final product is a masterpiece and is definitely another smash for TT Games, who produce the Lego Games series. Please note, that the following is a review of the DS version of Lego Harry Potter only, as the PSP version has not been released yet, although we are sure that it will be just as spectacular.

Players start the game in The Room Of Requirement and move from there into the main story modes. There are many magical skills to learn, including Levitation, Transfiguration (changing one object into another) and Potions. All interactions and spell-casting is controlled by the stylus.

Furthermore, there are 140 different playable characters to choose from. These include Harry's two best pals, Ron and Hermione, as well as a few quirkier characters like Hagrid's faithful Neapolitan Mastiff, Fang. Each character has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to magic and broom-flying etc, which helps to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.

The most impressive element in Lego Harry Potter is the Game Map. Almost every iconic location from the Harry Potter universe has been included here - shop for wands in Diagon Alley, drink Butter Beers in The Three Broomsticks, meet Centaurs, Spiders and Giants in The Forbidden Forest, and explore Hogwarts until your heart is content. Furthermore, all of the locations are presented in the 3D Lego-style that fans of the series have come to expect.

One of the major pitfalls of other Harry Potter games to date has been how to get players to navigate around such a magnificant universe without getting lost or bored. Lego Harry Potter has simplified this very adequetely, by adding a marker on your locations map, which tells you where to go next. This will also help younger gamers to navigate more easily.

As well as the traditional Story Mode, Lego Harry Potter features some interesting side missions for players to undertake if they wish to do so. Most of which, include some form of puzzle-solving and can often lead players into the more complex and secretive areas of Hogwarts. Of course, there are also the usual Lego Studs to collect along the way. Moreover, the game also features a co-op mode, so you can play alongside your friends and help to defeat the evil Lord Voldermort.

In conclusion, this is a brilliant game that is likely to interest gamers of any age. The main stories are interspersed with hillarious cutscenes and will keep the whole family entertained. This is definitely one game everybody should own. Overall rating: 10/10.   

Lego Harry Potter Delayed For PSP

The release date for the PSP version of  "Lego Harry Potter" has been delayed. For PlayStation Portable fans of the Lego Games series this news has obviously come as a huge disappointment, as many people have already pre-ordered the game and expected to receive it in the post this Friday.The delay will not affect any other formats, including the Nintendo DS, so those gamers can still look forward to receiving their game at the expected time.

 No reason has been given for the delay as yet. Nevertheless, it should not be too long a wait for PSP users, as the game is going be released two weeks later - 7th July 2010, and it has to be said that Lego Harry Potter looks set to be another gaming smash for the developers,  TT Games. Hopefully, it will be worth the extra wait...

E3 News: 3DS Finally Revealed!

"Nothing between you and the experience." [Nintendo 3DS Slogan] 

Nintendo's President and CEO, Satoru Iwata demonstrated the lastest console to join the DS family during the Nintendo Press Conference at E3 yesterday. This revolutionary console allows players to play a selection of DS titles in 3D without the need for spectacles or other 3D devices. This is what the first image of the 3DS actually looks like:

 As you can see, The console looks like any other DS system,  although it does feature an analog stick above the D-pad on the left-hand side. It has a 3.5-inch widescreen LCD display, and  There is a 3D depth slider control on the side of the system, allowing players to choose exactly how much of the 3D effect they want. There's also a gyro and motion sensors in the system, and the analog stick is actually a slide pad. There are two camera lenses on the outside of the system, so users can take pictures and view them in 3D.

Furthermore, In an attempt to reduce smudges caused by the Stylus on the new 3D system, (which Nintendo has admitted would reduce the quality of any 3D effects,) only the bottom screen of the console will feature  Nintendo's usual touch-screen technology, whilst the top screen will be specifically for 3D. The system is also capable of displaying 3D Hollywood movies, but they aren't announcing any specific details at the moment.

Iwata also discussed Nintendo's reasons for wanting to produce a console with full 3D capabilities. He said: "When 3D effects are added to gaming, there's a better sense of height, width, and depth in gaming worlds, so it's easier to navigate them."

As for the wireless capabilities of the 3DS, it is good news. Unlike the older forms of DS console, The 3DS can automatically detect Wi-Fi access points and other 3DS systems, and can therefore communicate with them more easily.

Iwata also discussed the types of DS and DSi titles that gamers could expect to appear on the new system. Amongst those mentioned were: DJ Hero, Kingdom Hearts, Resident Evil, Batman, Assassin's Creed, Professor Layton, Ridge Racer, and Metal Gear Solid. There was also some indication that a new sequel to the Nintendogs game, called Nintendogs and Cats may also receive the 3D treatment in the future.

However, it will still be a long wait before gamers can actually take one of these consoles home. The 3DS is due to be released to the public in March 2011, but if the final product is as good as it promises to be, then it is sure to be worth the wait...

E3 News: Eye Pet on PSP!

Sony's Computer Entertainment America CEO, Jack Tretton had some exciting news for PSP fans at E3 yesterday. He promises that Sony will release more than 70 new titles for the handheld console by the end of 2010.

SONY CEO JACK TRETTON

Amongst the most popular games revealed yesterday, were God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Resident Evil, Kingdom Hearts, The 3rd Birthday, Valkyria II, and Patapon 3. Tretton also revealed that the PS3 virtual pet EyePet would also be making its debut on the PSP at some point this year.

EyePet allows gamers to raise a cute little virtual pet on their console and was very successful on the PS3 last year. The PSP version is thought to utilise the PSP's GO!Cam, an attachable camera that has previously been used the Invizamals game. The PSP version will also allow gamers to create their own toys for their EyePet. Details about the gameplay are very sketchy at the moment, but the trailer looks promising:

Although the majority of the Sony Conference focused on the PS3, it is good to know that Sony has not forgotten about the fans of its handheld. The PSP has been accused of dwindling sales over the past few months, but the addition of so many new titles is bound to gain the PSP all the attention it deserves.

E3 2010 Gets Underway in Los Angeles

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

(called the 3DS) and trailers for new games like
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 , My Sims: SkyHeroes, The Sims 3 and the sports title FIFA Soccer 11.

Sony's PSP games trailers are expected to include some notable sequels to pre-existing titles such as: 
God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars,  and a new Michael Jackson video game in which gamers can reportedly play as the 'King of Pop' himself!

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...

Rooms: The Main Building (DS)

Rooms: The Main Building is an innovative new title for the DS. Players must help the central character known as 'Mr. X' escape from a mysterious building by completing a set of sliding puzzles. The game, which boasts over 100 levels, was developed by Natsume Inc, a Japanese video games production company whose other well-known titles include the Harvest Moon series.

As the plot goes, poor Mr. X receives a strange gift on his birthday. When he opens the gift he finds himself transported into the world of Rooms. Mr. X can only go home when all of the sliding puzzles have been completed and the mystery of the strange building has finally been solved...

As well as sliding puzzles, the game features some clever twists to keep players entertained. These include  keys, telephones, ladders, magic cupboards and much more, which the player must  utilise in order to solve the game. Furthermore, Rooms also features a 'level editor' mode, so that players can create and play their own sliding puzzles. 

This game looks very interesting on the surface. However, it has one overriding flaw - unlike other sliding puzzles, which allow the player to slide the titles in any direction they choose, Rooms only allows players to move a tile if 'Mr. X' is standing in the square at the time. This soon leads to frustration when trying to solve the puzzle, and turns the art of sliding puzzles into a monotonous chore.

It is a shame that Natsume Inc chose to include such an annoying mechanism in this title, as the actual idea behind the game is so inspired and unique. It is not so much that this is a bad game, it actually has a lot of potential, but be prepared to spend a lot of time scratching your head in frustration when the tiles do not move as you want them to. Overall rating: 4/10

Game Of The Week: 2010 FIFA World Cup: South Africa (PSP)

The World Cup is only one week away, and as with other popular sporting events, there is usually a Gaming title to accompany it. The EA Sports game
'2010 FIFA World Cup: South Africa' on the PSP is no different.

In this game, football fans get to experience all the buzz and festivity of the actual world cup. Players can choose from any one of the 199 teams featured and take them from qualification to a good virtual reproduction of the World Cup final. All of the 10 official stadiums have been reproduced as well.



Every part of this game has been engineered to give fans an authentic experience of this year's World Cup. Thus, players will be treated to highly realistic scenes of confetti, waving flags, stramers and cannons - all designed to reproduce the excitement and anticipation of the actual game.

The PSP version of this game also features some welcome new changes to the other titles in this series. For the first time on PSP, Players can now create a virtual avatar of themselves, wear the shirt of their favourite team and lead them to World Cup glory.

Furthermore, the analogue stick can now be utilised in an all-new shooting mechanic, which gives players total control over the ball, leading to more precise shots. Players must strike the ball with the finesse needed to curve it around the wall and past the keeper for the winning goal.

Players can also earn power boosts during the game: Dominate opponents, build momentum and propel your chosen squad to victory. Players can also choose how to boost their team, and which aspects they wish to boost - offense, defense, the entire squad or just your goalkeeper.



The overall presentation of this game is excellent. The virtual players now look even more like their real-life counterparts. Moreover,the unique camera angles helps players to focus in on all the exciting moments of gameplay without losing the clarity of the graphics.

In addition, a new 'Two button' control system for inexperienced gamers and a new penalty system (whereby gamers can practise their shot before actually taking it) also help to bring a new level of accessibility to the game.



EA Sports has clearly tried hard to give fans an authentic World Cup experience with this title. If you have ever dreamt of leading your country to footballing glory then this is definitely the game for you. Overall rating: 9/10.

5 Things To Look Forward To...

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:

1. 'Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4' on DS and PSP



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!

2. 'Super Scribblenauts' (AKA 'Scribblenauts' the sequel)



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.


3. 'The Sims 3' on DS



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.

4. 'Everybody's Tennis' on the PSP



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.

5.A 3D Gaming Experience

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...