Nintendo Announces the 2DS...

 

Nintendo has announced that it will be releasing its latest dual-screen console on October the 12th 2013. The 2DS is supposed to be a new take on the 3DS model, which allows users to take advantage of the latest 3DS titles, without  actually having to play them in 3D.

The introduction of a 2D model of the 3DS is a strange one. For a start, the 3DS already comes equipped with a 3D depth-slider, which allows users to lower and turn off the 3D effect if they so wish, which makes the notion of a 2D console rather obsolete.

Nevertheless, one of the advantages of this latest addition to the Nintendo dual-screen range, is that it will come with a lower price tag than its predecessor. Nintendo claims that the 2DS will come with a recommended retail price of £109.99 when it is released in the UK, at least £50 cheaper than the current 3DS prices. Nintendo also claim that the 2DS will be fully backwards compatible with older Nintendo DS titles as well, meaning that gamers will get more value for their money.

Although the 2DS is an exact replica of the 3DS in terms of its gaming  functionality, the outer design of the new console is very different. For the first time, the 2DS will not have the clam-like feature that has been prevalent in the other DS consoles. Nintendo have removed the hinge between the upper and lower screens, and have instead opted for a block design which is very reminiscent of one of  the earlier Nintendo Gameboy consoles.

A further advantage of the 2DS is that it may also help to quell the fears of those who claim to experience bad side-effects from viewing the 3D images on the 3DS console, or those with eyesight problems that prohibit them from enjoying auto-stereoscopic 3D, at last giving those affected another way of enjoying the latest gaming titles.

Nevertheless, despite having a few basic advantages, the 2DS console does seem rather retrograde. Mini Gamers is doubtful whether the ability to display 3D images in a 2D format is the USP that most gamers will be looking for when deciding what console to put at the top of their list this Christmas. The question remains: Is 2D now the new 3D?

 

HAVE YOUR SAY...

 

 

What do YOU think about the new 2DS console?

 

Had you decided against a 3DS console, and if so, has the 2DS inspired you to try the latest 3DS titles in a 2D format?

 

Whatever your opinion on Nintendo's latest console, why not share it with us by commenting in our Comments Box below. We'd love to here from you.

 

 

 

Still undecided about the 2DS? Watch the latest trailer here.

 





Game of the Week: Super Mario 3D Land [3DS]

The Super Mario Bros franchise has FINALLY been given its first outing on the Nintendo 3DS. The game mixes 2D side-scrolling action, which is traditionally associated with Platformers, with new autostereoscopic 3D environments.

Although the 3D effects don't particularly aide the overall plot, the use of the 3DS gyroscope and the increased depth perception does mean that there is more of the environment to explore, and players may just find some Star Coins, (or Star Medals as they are now known,) hidden in some very unlikely places. There are three Star Medals to collect per level.

The way that the game switches with ease from 2D to 3D and vice versa really helps to keep players on their toes and is a truly refreshing way to play.

Power-ups also help to keep the game interesting. This time however, most of the minor traditional power-ups have been dropped, and only a few essential power-ups remain. The main power-ups in Super Mario 3D Land are as follows:

Super Leaf/Tanooki Suit - Turns Mario into a Tanuki type creature (Tanooki) and grants him the ability to float, fly and administer special spinning kicks etc.

The Boomerang Suit -  Gives Mario the ability to throw Boomerangs at his enemies and it can also be used to pick up Coins, Star Medals or other Power-Ups.

? Box Helmet - This item will only be found in the latter levels of the game. Although it will be disguised as an ordinary Question (?) Block, it will attach itself to Mario's body when hit and it will earn players some extra coins as Mario walks around the environments wearing it.

Poison Mushroom - This item can only be gained once you have completed the regular game and have accessed the Special Worlds portion of the game. This item will result in Mario characters losing a life if they touch it, so it is best avoided, but this mushroom can be destroyed by a fireball.

 This is a really fun game to play and can be quite challenging at times. One slight disappointment was that there are only two types of Boss fights: Aerial Fights against Boom Boom or Castle-based attacks against Bowser. Both of which are easy to overcome after a little bit of practise.

This brings us to the final criticism of Super Mario 3D Land, which is that the overall game seemed incredibly short and it would definitely not take Mario veterans longer than a day or two at most to complete the game's standard levels.

Nevertheless, it is a superb game which really does appear to have been made for use with 3D. In fact, had this game been released earlier, it would have probably single-handedly raised 3DS sales by about two-thirds. Truly a game worth owning. Overall Rating: 10/10.

3DS Games Are Set To Get Cute This November...

It has long been suggested that the reason why the Nintendo DS range of handheld console was so popular in the years after its release was its selection of easy-to-play, family-centred titles, which were typically aimed at the younger gamer and female audiences.

This could explain why Nintendo have chosen to release several casual gaming titles which seem set to capitalise on the 'cute' factor in the run up to Christmas 2011 Amongst those on the cute list for release throughout the coming month are:

Coral Pink 3DS console (release date: 18th November 2011).

The new console will reportedly be bundled with the Nintendogs + Cats 3DS game for that extra 'Awwwww' factor. The pink console will also be joined by an Ice White 3DS console on the 2nd of December 2011.

Puppies World 3D (release date: 11th November 2011).

In an obvious attempt to build on the success of Nintendogs + Cats, Ubisoft plan to release their first pet simulation for the 3DS, entitled Puppies World 3D. As you might expect, the game has several little dog-shaped companions for players to play and interact with.

Alongside the usual feed, bathe, groom, train and play routine associated with this type of game however, does come one or two surprises, including the ability to snap a 3D photo of any room in your actual house and turn it into a virtual playroom for your puppies, which does sound rather intriguing.

Zoo Resort 3D (release date: 11th November 2011).

Ubisoft have also chosen to release Zoo Resort 3D (AKA Animal Resort). a kind of Zoo Tycoon for the 3DS. The aim is to set up and manage your own zoo full of exotic wild animals, including tigers, elephants and polar bears.

This game may not sound too impressive at first, but one look at a 2D version of the trailer for this game and we were really excited. A perfect gift for budding zoologists this Christmas.

Cooking Mama 4 (3DS) (release date: 11th November 2011).

Yes, Mama is back, and this time she is cooking up a storm in an entirely new dimension! With brand new recipes to try out all displayed in full autostereoscopic 3D, this seems like the perfect game to turn kids into the next generation of super-cooks.

So, with all this extra cuteness, will hardcore 3DS fans be ignored this month? The answer is no, there are some great November titles for hardcore gamers too, including the release of the long-awaited Super Mario 3D Land.

However, the fact that the 3DS is finally starting to branch out into other areas of the gaming market, and target different audiences, is a good sign, which could actually enhance the 3DS' popularity in the long run. 

Stay tuned to the Mini Gamers blogsite for more news and reviews of 3DS titles this November.

The Adventures of TinTin: The Secret of the Unicorn Review [3DS]

Movie tie-ins have gained a rather notorious reputation for not being very good, and we have to say that unfortunately, The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn does very little to improve this reputation.

The game starts (rather oddly) with a mini-game. Players must try and fly an aeroplane through a thunderstorm whilst avoiding several random lightening strikes.

However, as there are no instructions for this portion of the game, players could find themselves with a 'Game Over' screen before they've even properly started! Nevertheless, once past this early section, a set off clear on-screen instructions helps players to know what to do next.

The game is divided into chapters and the main plot is told in a series of animated 3D comic-strip stills, which are very entertaining and look graphically stunning in 3D.

Nevertheless, as with other games of this type, the actual playable missions contain a set of very easy and unexciting tasks such as 'ESCAPE' or 'FIND TINTIN' or 'FOLLOW ALLAN' etc.

In fact, the only portions of the early levels that we found remotely interesting was when we were able to play as Tintin's pet dog, Snowy.

Snowy has the ability to dig at soft earth in tunnels and to climb up walls using his paws. He can also sniff out other characters, which adds a refreshing extra dimension to what would otherwise be a very repetitive game.

The game seems to be marketed at gamers under the age of ten, but this is at odds with the game's 12+ rating (for violence).

However, even the apparently 'violent' comical fighting scenes are aimed at a younger intelligence. For example, the majority of bad guys face away from Tintin, which means that they can be easily defeated with a quick blow to the back of the head. Occasionally one or two enemies will come bounding across and attack Tintin first, but again, this is a rare and refreshing experience.

One area in which the game does temporarily redeem itself is with the end-of-level Boss characters, including Allan Thompson. These 'Boss' fights really do require ingenuity on the part of the player and help to lift this otherwise stagnant game.

In conclusion, The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn is a good game for younger gamers, but would fail to impress an adult audience overall.

Although the 3D graphics do look amazing, there is not enough clear plot or in-game action to make this game a worthwhile purchase except to the most die-hard of Tintin fans, and perhaps not even then... a total disappointment. Overall rating 5/10.

Super Mario Heading To Nintendo 3DS For Christmas...2012.

*THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED!!!*

To read the new release date details, please CLICK HERE

2012 - The year of  Mario?

Mini Gamers was conducting the usual trawl through the 'New Releases' and 'Coming Soon' sections of various online retailers, looking for items which might be of interest to our readers, when we spotted that the highly-anticipated 3DS game, Super Mario 3D had now been given a release date on the Play.com website.

However, our initial joy soon turned to disapointment when we realised that the date provided was actually for the 2nd of December next year (2012).

Furthermore, the original Nintendo 3DS release calendar cited the potential North-American release date for the game as 'Holiday 2011', but it seems as though this may now also be delayed until sometime next year.

It is unclear whether MarioKart 3D, which it was also hoped would make a 2011 debut will now also be given a 2012 release date, but we can reveal that two other Mario-related 3DS titles - Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and Luigi's Mansion 2 are both scheduled for release on the 3DS console next year, making 2012 the year of Mario 3D.

Nevertheless, the news of a 2012 release is likely to be a huge source of disappointment to both Mario and 3DS fans alike. The 3DS has failed to reach estimated sales figures over the last few months, which has now resulted in a swift price-drop by Nintendo.

One of the main reasons that the 3DS is thought to be unpopular outside of Japan is the lack of many big name 3DS titles, including MarioKart 3D and Super Mario 3D, amongst others.

Thus, it could be argued that by delaying Super Mario 3D until the end of next year, Nintendo have only served to worsen the overall perception of the 3DS as an expensive but short-lived product in the current gaming market.

In fact, the only good thing about Super Mario 3D being released in the UK in December 2012, is that it will give gamers plenty of time to save up money to buy the game. That's if the Nintendo 3DS is still in circulation by that date, of course...



New System Update Solves Charging Light Problem For Nintendo 3DS

For the last nine days or so, many European 3DS owners have been struggling with a bizzare problem: The 3DS charging light indicator, (which glows orange when the console is first placed on charge,) now refused to turn off, which meant that many 3DS fans did not know whether the system had reached its full charge or not - some people were forced to leave their consoles on charge for over a day before realising that the console had already reached its maximum charge, and many other 3DS users feared that prolonged charging could damage the battery pack.

For those of you who have been affected by this issue, we can reveal that the charging light indicator problem is actually a minor problem caused by the introduction of the Nintendo eShop and Internet Browser in the last Systems Update, but it made many 3DS users understandably very worried.

 Various 3DS forums have been awash with concerns and complaints since the problem began, from 3DS users, who have all tried different and inventive ways to combat the problem, including removing and then replacing the 3DS battery pack in order to get the charging indicator to turn off. Others simply contacted Nintendo and were told to return their consoles for testing and repair.

Thankfully though, Nintendo has today released a second Systems update, which does seem to have solved the charging light problem. Good on you, Nintendo! It is so far unclear whether this Systems Update will also fix the Ridge Racer 3D compatability issues mentioned by Nintendo on the 7th of June 2011, but at least it will now put thousands of minds at ease about whether the Nintendo 3DS is actually charging correctly.

If you are a new 3DS user and are unsure of how to download the latest update, simply go to Settings, select System Update and then follow the onscreen instructions.  Happy Gaming!

Nintendo 3DS: MYST Release Delayed...

At the beginning of April, Mini Gamers discovered that online retail giants Play.com and Amazon.co.uk were both advertising a MYST 3DS game for preorder. The game was given a late April release date. Very little had been discussed about the game up until that point, and we were very confused as to why a popular franchise such as Myst should not receive a lot of publicity before its supposed release date.

Today however, just three weeks after it was first available for preorder, the game has since been taken off the preorders list on both sites and is now stated as: "Date to be confirmed" or "Out Of Stock - Unavailable"  What's worse, is that there is now no way of knowing when this product will be available for preorder again.

This particular 3DS title has ironically been shrouded in MYST-ery ever since it first surfaced online, and it looks like that mystery is set to deepen for the time being. Remember to check in with the Mini Gamers blogsite for more news on this subject as it happens.

Nintendogs +Cats (3DS): How To Unlock New Breeds And Other Questions Explained...

It has become apparent over the last few days that many of you are still searching for answers about the new Nintendogs + Cats 3DS game. Mini Gamers takes a look at some of the more common questions about the game and attempts to provide you with the answers.

Q1. How do I unlock new breeds of dog?

 If your dog takes part in competitions with opponents whose breeds have not yet become unlocked, and if your dog wins First Place in the competition, then there is a good chance that the opponents' breeds will become unlocked the next time you visit the kennels.

Rather annoyingly, this game does not tell you when a new breed becomes available, so it is worth checking the kennels regularly to see if a new breed has become unlocked. Please note, however, that if new breeds have recently become unlocked, it may be some time before the method above will unlock any more breeds.

Q2. How can I make money in Nintendogs + Cats?

There are different ways to make money in Nintendogs + Cats. For example, you can sell any unwanted items back to the Second-Hand Store. This can also include items found when you are walking your dog.

 Enter your dog in the Daily Competions. The more skilled your dog gets at each competition, the higher they will progress and the more money you will earn.  You can enter each competition twice a day and can make several hundred pounds in this way.

If you have more than one dog, each dog can enter a competition twice a day, which means that you will make even more money over time.

If your dog wins the Nintendogs' Cup for the first time, they will get a Gold Crown along with their £500 prize money. This Crown is worth £1,500 when sold to the second-hand store.

However, please note that it is only possible to win the Gold Crown once for each of your dogs in each of the three competitions on offer. Once these crowns have been sold there is no way to earn them back again.

The other option for making money is to find Piggy Banks on your walks. If your dog is lucky enough to find a Piggy Bank, wait until you get home and then drop the piggy bank on the floor to break it open. You will unlock a random amount of money inside.

Q3. Can cats go for walks or take part in competitions too?

Unfortunately, the answer to this is no. Cats behave very much like their real counterparts in this game and pretty much do their own thing. We hate to say it, but cats do seem very much like the - well - underdogs in this game really.

It would have been nice if there had been a Cat Show competition in the game, but this has not been included. You might find that your cat randomly brings you a present every now and again, but that is about it.

Q4. I own the original Nintendogs game as well, is there a way to transfer or import my old dogs into the new Nintendogs + Cats game?

Again, the answer to this is no. Unfortunately, the two games are incompatible with each other and there is no way to import your old dog into the new game.

Q5. How many cats and dogs can I actually own in Nintendogs + Cats?

Although there are twenty-seven breeds of dogs and three breeds of cat in Nintendogs + Cats, you can only own a maximum of six pets in total. This includes three pets at home and a further three pets in the Hotel.

This is a stark contrast to the original Nintendogs game, which allowed players to keep up to eleven pets in one go, three at home and eight in the Dog Hotel.

Mini Gamers was very disapointed to learn that the number of pets had been reduced as this has a serious negative impact on the overall replay value of the game.

Q6. What is the 'Surprise Me' function about in Nintendogs + Cats?

The 'Surprise Me' option mixes together different colours and fur patterns to create several varients on the traditional fur patterns that are available within each of the main breeds of dogs and cats available in the game.  If you don't know what colour of dog you would prefer, select this option. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you find!

Q7. Can Puppies and Kittens grow up or have their own puppies and kittens?

No, your puppies and kittens are designed to stay cute and adorable forever. If, however, you do want a game in which your dogs or cats can grow, you might want to check out the PETZ range of games on the Nintendo DS, but this is not available for the 3DS. Sorry.

Q8. Where can I find the 'Secret Path'?

The secret path does not always seem to appear in the same place within the game, although it almost always leads your dog to the Mountain trail. You must look for a signpost with a woman walking her dog on it. Select 'yes' when prompted and you will soon find yourself on the secret path, which means a lot more presents and items to sell.

Q9. Why are there Traffic Cones on my walks?

The Traffic Cones are actually a hidden mini-game. Guide your dog successfully through each of the coloured cones on your walk and you could find yourself rewarded with an extra present at the end of your walk. It takes practise though!

That marks the end of our Mini Gamers Nintendogs + Cats FAQ. We hope that you found it useful. If you would like to read more about this game, please take a look at our full hands-on review of the game.

Nintendo 3DS: PES 2011 3D Review

The Pro Evolution Soccer  (PES) franchise has often been accused of living in the shadow of fully-licensed football games such as the ever-popular FIFA video games series, nevertheless, the inclusion of PES 2011 3D in the list of Nintendo 3DS launch titles has proven to be a stroke of genius and really allows this fantastic game to shine.

PES 2011 3D has a lot to offer both new and old fans of the series. As well as full football commentary during every game, PES 2011 3D features an impressive list of  6 different stadiums, 10 leagues, 60 national clubs, 170 league clubs.

The game also features three different gamplay modes, including an Exhibition single-player match mode, a Champions League Mode and a Masters League Mode, however, in a change from other games in the series, PES 2011 3D does not feature any Training Modes.

The 3D graphics adds greater depth and realism to the game. It is now easier to become immersed in the action via the new Player's Camera view, which centres the camera directly behind the main player.

Mini Gamers could not believe how lifelike the new 3D AI players seemed to be. They looked much more like their real-life counterparts and moved easily and realistically along the pitch. Parts of the game really felt like we were taking part in a real football match!

The D-pad controls are fairly easy to understand and mostly involve using the directional circle pad to move, and pressing the 'A' button to pass the ball between players and to execute sliding tackles.

Nevertheless, this is where we encountered our first problem - the sliding tackle function did not always work first time and we often found ourselves fouling the other players (and being presented with a 'yellow card' by the referee) when we tried to use it.

Sliding tackles aside however, this really is a very enjoyable game. One of the features that Mini Gamers found most impressive was the camera replays after every goal. They really do show the game from every possible angle and reminded us very much of an actual televised football match.

The PES 2011 3D game is a fantastic addition to the series and the new 3D depth makes the matches really interesting. If you like football games, you will definitely want to give this title a try. Overall rating: 9/10.