Nintendo 3DS: 3D Depth Slider, Gyroscopic Sensors and Preloaded Software Explored...

There are now only four days until the UK release of the Nintendo 3DS . Mini Gamers takes a look at some of the new 3D hardware features and preloaded software that you can expect to find included in the console.

The 3D Depth Slider is a vital component of the Nintendo 3DS, as it allows gamers to instantly change the level of 3D that they want to experience.

You might think that there is no need for a 3D depth slider at all as you will always play your 3DS games with the slider set to maximum anyway, but the truth is that some 3DS games will work better with the 3D depth on a slightly lower setting.

The 3DS depth slider can also help to control the 3D settings for younger gamers too. Nintendo has advised that children under seven years of age should not use the 3D features of the console as it might damage their eyesight.  The depth slider allows parents and guardians the ability to turn off the 3D capabilities of the console until children are old enough to use them.

Another interesting hardware feature is the new Gyroscopic Sensor. This nifty feature allows the 3DS to respond to movement, such as being tilted. Some of the UK 3DS launch games use this feature. For example, The Sims 3 (3D) has adapted some of the gameplay from the original DS game so that players can cause earthquakes in their Sim's town, by tilting the console left and right.

 Nintendogs + Cats also utilises the gyroscopic sensor. If players tilt their head to look at their puppy or kitten, then their puppy or kitten will also tilt their head in the same direction as the player.

As well as some impressive hardware, the Nintendo 3DS comes preloaded with extra software and features. Firstly, the console comes with six different Augmented Reality (AR) cards.

As anyone who has used Eyepet will know, Augmented Reality helps blend the virtual and the physical world together - want to see a Dog pop out of the middle of your coffee table? It could be possible with AR technology.

Very little is known about what AR mini games are actually contained on each special AR card at present, but some rumours about islands and dragons are beginning to surface amongst the gaming community. Nevertheless, this is pure conjecture at the moment.

Nintendogs + Cats will also use AR technology. Players will be able to see their chosen puppy or kitten sitting on their desk or in the palm of their hand.

Other software included in the 3DS is the Pedometor and Activity log. The built-in pedometor will chart the number of steps that players walk each day. These steps are then recorded in the 3DS Activity Log. If players achieve certain targets, they will be rewarded with special coins that can unlock bonus content in some compatible 3DS games. Well, it never hurts to exercise a little, does it?

Face Raiders is one of the most controversial pieces of preloaded 3DS software to date. In this quirky mini game, players target and shoot at images that they have created via the Mii studio.

It is the only game of its kind that allows you to shoot at images of yourself. Even though it may not be to everyone's taste, Mini Gamers bets that it will prove be extremely popular, especially with the First Person Shooter and Third Person Shooter fans amongst you.

So there you have it - Mini Gamers exploration of the Nintendo 3DS hardware and software features has sadly come to an end. We hope that you found this overview useful.

What do you think of the new hardware features? Which of the preloaded software most appeals to you? Why not leave us a comment and let us know. We appreciate your thoughts.

Japanese Game Publishers Face Economic Slump In Recent Crisis...

Japanese video game publishers face a big economic slump in the wake of the recent devastation caused by the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Crisis, which has affected the north-eastern (Tohoku) region of Japan.

Sega was by far the worst affected by the crisis so far. According to information from the Tokyo Stock Exchange, on Monday the 14th of March, Sega's stock had dropped by a massive 13.5 percent by the end of the day.

Sony and Nintendo also saw big stock losses too. Sony had a loss of 9.1 percent, whilst Nintendo suffered losses of 7.6 percent. Square Enix and Namco Bandai were amongst the least affected video games publishers with losses between 6.4 and 6.2 percent respectively.

Several video game  Japanese release dates have had to be rescheduled due to the economic downturn, including Sony's Motorstorm Apocalypse  and Sega's Disaster Report 4, which has now reportedly been cancelled altogether. Meanwhile, the upcoming European 3DS release has not been affected by the crisis and will go ahead next Friday as planned.

Dispite the economic slump, many video games companies have reportedly chosen to donate money to the victims of the Tsunami Crisis, including Sony, Namco Bandai  and Capcom, who each donated between 100 million and 300 million yen to relief efforts. Sony also donated over 3000 radios.

Meanwhile, The Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami crisis continues to deepen. Many people have been left homeless since the disaster, and although exact figures are unknown at present, casualties are expected to run into tens of thousands over the next few weeks.

Mini Gamers extends its sincere condolences to the victims of this terrible tragedy. For more information on how to give donations, please visit the official Red Cross Japanese Tsunami Appeal website by clicking HERE now.











SOURCES:

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-03-14-japanese-stocks-hit-in-market-slump

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Sendai_earthquake_and_tsunami#Casualties

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_of_the_2011_Sendai_earthquake_and_tsunami_on_the_video_game_industry

Nintendo 3DS: UK Launch Titles Explored...

With little over a week to go until the European launch of the Nintendo 3DS, Mini Gamers takes a look at the video game titles we can expect to see on the shop shelves very soon.


The full UK line-up was recently revealed by Official Nintendo Magazine. Amongst the already heavily
-publicised Nintendo 3DS games like Nintendogs + Cats, and Pilotwings Resort, there is a whole host of other gaming titles which are sure to have a wide appeal. The full list of  UK launch games is as follows:

 - Pilotwings Resort
- Nintendogs + Cats: Golden Retriever & New Friends
- Nintendogs + Cats: French Bulldog & New Friends
- Nintendogs + Cats: Toy Poodle & New Friends
- Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition
- The Sims 3
- PES 2011 3D - Pro Evolution Soccer
- LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
- Ridge Racer 3D
- Super Monkey Ball 3D
- Samurai Warriors: Chronicles
- Asphalt 3D
- Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars
- Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D
- Rayman 3D

[Sourced: http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/23504/news/nintendo-3ds-uk-launch-games-confirmed/]

The twelve UK launch titles (not counting all three separate versions of Nintendogs + Cats) cover an exciting range of genres from Sports and Life Simulations to Tactical RPGs and Platformers. There really does appear to be at least one appealing 3DS game title for every gamer out there, which is a truly impressive feat.

 Nevertheless, this does not mean that the Nintendo 3DS does not contain some disappointing omissions from its launch software list. For example, some long-running and popular video game series such as The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros, Metal Gear Solid and Professor Layton are all scheduled to debut on the 3DS in 2011, but most of them have been given a late Autumn or early Winter UK release date, dispite the fact that they are due to be released earlier in other countries such as Australia and in Japan. 


Obviously, there has to be a limit on the number of big-name titles that are released at the same time in order to ensure continued public interest, but it would have been nice to see one or two of the above game series make the 3DS launch games list.


Furthermore, Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle has already proven itself to be an extremely popular 3DS launch title in Japan. The game shifted over 370000 units in its first launch weekend alone. However, gamers in the UK will have to wait until late 2011 to see what the game is really like.

With only nine days left until the 25th March 2011 release date, expectation and excitement over the 3DS and its launch games continues to grow. What do you think of the launch games on offer? Are there any titles which you wish had made the final launch list?


Keep checking in with the Mini Gamers blogsite over the next few days for more 3DS related news as it happens. If you are a fan of the 3DS already, why not take a look at our new Quizzes page? It features a quiz specifically about Nintendo's new console.










  

Panasonic Scraps Jungle Device

Japanese Electronics corporation, Panasonic , has reportedly scrapped plans to release its portable MMO device, (called Jungle,) just four months after its official announcement.

According to various sources of publicity material, the Jungle handheld device was intended to be a small, portable console with a QWERTY style keyboard, which would allow users to download and play Massively Multiplayer Online games whilst on the move.

Mini Gamers first reported that the new handheld was in development back in October 2010. At that time, Panasonic had created the official Jungle website, and were in the process of developing a Battlestar Galactica MMO for the device.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly, but according to a recent article by GameIndustry.Biz, Panasonic has axed the device due to undisclosed shifts in the current gaming market. This seems unusual, as the Jungle's style of Downloadable Content would seem to fit neatly with the rising social gaming trends that we have seen over the past year or so.

This is Panasonic's second failed attempt at entering the handheld gaming market. Their 3DO multiplayer device also failed to attract enough positive attention when it launched in 1993, and the product was quickly abandoned. Now, sadly, it seems that the Jungle MMO device is fated to fade into same obscurity as its counterpart.

Game of the Week: Pokémon Black & White Edition (Nintendo DS/DSi)



The Pokémon Video Game Series has been steadily popular since its inception almost fifteen years ago. Now the new Pokémon Black and Pokémon White versions on the Nintendo DS/DSi look set to continue the trend.



For those of you who are unfamiliar with the world of Pokémon (translated as 'Monsters in my Pocket'), players must take over the role of a Pokémon Trainer. You must catch and train your Pokémon so that you can compete in battles against other Trainers, in the hope of becoming a Pokémon Master.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version introduce a whole host of never-before-seen Pokémon characters. New Legendary Pokémon include Reshiram ( Pokémon Black Version) and Zekrom (Pokémon White Version).

 Pokémon Black and White DS/DSi versions contain two new battle systems, Triple Battles and Rotation Battles. In Triple Battles, both Trainers must send out three Pokémon at once.

 The position of your Pokémon in the Triple Battles arena has a direct impact on the type of attack that players can perform on the opposing team. For example, Pokémon on the left or right sides can only target the Pokémon directly opposite of them and the two Pokémon in the center position on both sides, while Pokémon in the center can target all Pokémon in the field.

Players can choose to change the position of their Pokémon during their turn, but they must then wait until their next turn to launch a new attack.

In Rotation Battles  both Trainers send out three Pokémon at once, again, but instead of a three-on-three match as seen in the Triple Battles, Players must endure a one-on-one match, whereby the Pokémon in the front can be switched with either of the two other Pokémon sent out without using up a turn.

Depending on the game version, one of these two new battle types will be found in greater quantity than the other; Black has more Rotation Battles than Triple Battles, whereas the White version features more Triple Battles than Rotation Battles. 

Further gameplay changes include The C-Gear , which allows the player to control the various wireless capabilities of Black and White, including any wireless battling, trading and friend codes, as well as the new Feeling Check function.

Another unique feature of Black and White is the Pokémon Dream World, which utilises the official Pokémon Global Link website where the player can befriend and capture Pokémon  normally unobtainable in the main gameplay.

Furthermore, the Dream World function also allows players to gain special Pokémon Abilities, which are then later captured in an area known as the Entralink  after syncing the game back with the Dream World.

Moreover, in a similar way to the HeartGold and SoulSilver Pokéwalker, players can also maintain a house in the Dream World that other players can visit.

Black and White have also introduced a seasonal cycle, however, the seasons are not linked to the real-life calendar, but automatically change every four months or so.

Outside areas will appear different depending on the season, such as changing of leaves in autumn, or snow on the ground in winter. Certain areas will only be accessible during certain seasons, and different Pokémon can be found in the wild in winter when others are only encountered in the other seasons.

The overall graphics have been enhanced in the new Pokémon Black and Pokémon White versions, and the game now features more cutscenes than in previous titles.

 Character speech has now been changed from scrolling text to speech bubbles, which are shown over the character's heads. This means that it is easier to talk to other characters and it also allows more characters to talk at the same time.

Overall, Pokémon Black and White is a very welcome addition to the series. The new features enhance gameplay and provides a lot of refreshing content for fans of the series to explore. If you've ever had the desire to ''Catch 'em all'', then this game is perfect for you. Overall rating: 10/10.

Nintendo 3DS: Midnight Openings Revealed!

Retail giant, Game Group PLC, has revealed the list of locations for its special midnight openings, which will occur on the night of Thursday 24th of March to celebrate the UK launch of the Nintendo 3DS console.

According to the Game website, over 100 of its participating stores will open their doors around 11.45pm. Nevertheless, it is possible that some shops may open earlier to help customers who are wanting to trade in their old DS/DSi consoles for a new 3DS. The shop tills will be open from midnight and will remain open for approximately one hour. Depending on the level of demand and the volume of the crowds, local  branch managers may choose to close  a store earlier or stay open longer than the aforementioned time.

The participating store locations can be found HERE.

Game is not the only retailer to offer Midnight Openings. The official 3DS UK launch venue is at HMV's flagship store at 150 Oxford Street, London. Nevertheless, HMV has yet to confirm whether any of its other local branches will be opening the doors at midnight as well.

Gamestation  has also followed suit with several of its highstreet stores and has prepared its own detailed list of Midnight Openings, details of which can be found by clicking HERE.

Whilst queuing up outside a busy highstreet shop late at night may not sound like most people's idea of fun, but a chance to be one of the first people to own one of the most impressive handheld consoles to date, is certainly an appealing one.

So, what do you think? Will you be attending one of the Midnight Openings in your area, or is it all too much bother?

Keep checking with Mini Gamers for news of more 3DS launch events. If you are a fan of the 3DS already, why not take a look at our new Quizzes page? It features a quiz specifically about Nintendo's new console.

3DS NEWS: More Nintendogs than Cats, it seems...

Nintendo have finally released details of the Nintendogs + Cats breeds that will be included in the new 3DS game, and unfortunately, the news has left us feeling more than a little disappointed.


Nintendogs + Cats is one of the 3DS launch games which will be available to buy from the 25th of March 2011 (Europe) and 27th of March (America)  along with the new 3DS console.

The game comes in three versions -  Golden Retriever, Toy Poodle and French Bulldog but although each game will differ in the initial type of breeds that will be available at the start of the game, the remaining dog and cats breeds can all be unlocked later.

The three game versions with their nine initial playable dog breeds are listed below:

Toy Poodle and Friends

Toy Poodle
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Mini Schnauzer
Boxer
Bull Terrier
Labrador Retriever
Shih Tzu
Jack Russell
Pomeranian


French Bulldog and Friends

French Bulldog
Shetland Sheepdog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Dalmatian
Yorkshire Terrier
German Shepherd
Husky
Basset Hound

Golden Retriever and Friends (AKA Shiba Inu & Friends in Japan)

Shiba Inu
Golden Retriever
Beagle
Mini Pinscher
Dachshund
Maltese
Great Dane
Pug
Cocker Spaniel

However, this is where our disappointment began, because even though the all three versions of Nintendogs+Cats will feature over twenty-seven different breeds of dog, they will only feature three breeds of cat: American Shorthair (Tabby), Siamese or Persian.  This came as a big surprise to us here at Mini Gamers, as we had expected at least eight breeds of cat to appear alongside their canine counterparts.

Furthermore, there is some suggestion that the cat breeds will not even be playable at the start of the game, but will have to be unlocked first, making them sound very much like an afterthought.


 The new features of  Nintendogs + Cats mean that there is now greater customisation between breeds. That means that players can choose different fur patterns, leg lengths and fur lengths for each of their dogs or cats. So even if you had three American Shorthairs within the game, they would all look different and have different personalities.

Furthermore, Cats within the game will act exactly like real-life kittens - they will sleep on windowsills, climb on bookshelves and other surfaces, claw at scratching posts and furniture, chase toy mice and generally do their own thing. They will also be able to recognise their owners via the new Facial Recognition Software.It sounds impressive, but we can't help thinking that the game would be even better if there were more cat breeds to choose from.

Japan has recently released this video trailer of Nintendogs + Cats:

Mini Gamers will be examining more 3DS launch games next month in the lead up to the 3DS release date. Keep checking in with the Mini Gamers blogsite for more news on this subject as it develops.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

What do you think about the fact that there are only 3 cat breeds in the new game? Will this affect the overall enjoyment of the game?

Why not leave us a comment?

Mini Gamers would love to hear your thoughts on this subject.

Half-Term 'Boredom Busters' For Kids (Nintendo DS)

It is Half-Term for many kids in the UK this week, and whilst many will be happy to have a break from the daily routine of schoolwork and timetables, it is not usually long before boredom sets in.

However, if you, or your family are the lucky owner(s) of a Nintendo DS, then Mini Gamers may just have the solution. We take a look at Nintendo's range of fun, educational gaming software, which is sure to keep the kids happy, entertained and educated during the half-term break.

A Little Half-Term Reading:

What is it?

Produced by EA Games, the Flips videogame series turns the DS/DSi console into an E-reader. Each standard game cartridge contains between 6-8 unabridged novels from several popular children's authors like Eoin Colfer, Enid Blyton and Rick Riordan.

The books are completely interactive. As well as using the stylus to turn each page, the stories contain sound effects and animations, hidden items to collect, (such as coins or codes,)  simple explanations about various characters, and the chance to unlock bonus content such as interviews with the author or further short stories.

Who Does It Appeal To?

Boys and Girls aged between 6-12 years of age. Obviously, basic reading ability is necessary for this product.

Where Can I Find It?

Most Video Game stores have various Flips titles in stock. Some Waterstones stores also feature limited stocks. Online retailers such as Play.com and Amazon.co.uk do feature New and Used copies for as little as £8.00.

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Time To Get Those Brains In Gear:

Although videogames often get bad press for rotting children's brains and turning them into media zombies, the Nintendo DS also features a range of junior titles devoted to Brain Training and Problem Solving. The new Junior Brain Trainer 1, 2 and 3 (Maths Edition) are perfect for getting young children's brains into shape before school starts again.

What is it?

Junior Brain Trainer is based on the successful Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training, but it has a big advantage over the adult version in that is closely linked to the current National Curriculum Key Stages 1 & 2 to help develop reading, writing, spelling, maths, geometry, logic and problem solving skills, alongside what children are already being taught in the classroom.

Junior Brain Trainer utilises daily mini-games, which children can play to unlock various bonus content including quizzes and stories and other games.

Who Does It Appeal To?

Boys and girls aged between 5-11 years of age.

Where Can I Find It?

Most Video Game stores have the three Junior Brain Trainer titles in stock. Online retailers such as Play.com and Amazon.co.uk also feature New and Used copies for as little as £10.99.

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Find The Inner Artist:

Their are currently a few titles on the Nintendo DS which deal with the subject of Art, but Let's Draw has an uncomplicated style of teaching, which makes it the perfect tutor for young budding Picassos.





What Is It?

Let's Draw turns the DS into a portable Artists' easel. Children can use the stylus as a crayon or paintbrush and create a whole host of fun characters and designs.

However, the fun doesn't end there - once the art has been created, it can then be brought to life with full motion and sound effects in the Animation Studio mode. Children can also play a range of ten mini-games featuring their own creations.

This title also has spoken instructions, which means that it will be easy for even very young children to learn the various drawing techniques featured in the game.

Who Does It Appeal To?

Girls and Boys aged between 5-12 years of age with an interest in drawing.

Where Can I Find It?

This retails in most Video Game stores for around £14.99, but can be cheaper online. Retailers such as Play.com and Amazon.co.uk also feature New and Used copies for as little as £9.99.

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Unlock The Hidden Chopin:

Every fancied having a full music tutor that could fit inside your pocket? Easy Piano covers basic music theory and practical lessons within a fun and uncomplicated interactive framework.



What Is It?

Easy Piano is a virtual piano tutor for children. It comes with its own Piano Keyboard attachment and colour-coded stickers for the keys, which slots into the bottom of any DS or DS lite console.

 Unfortunately, the Easy Piano game and its attachable device is NOT COMPATIBLE WITH NINTENDO DSi CONSOLES as they do not have a Game Boy Advance slot at the bottom.

Easy Piano teaches children how to read and understand written music, as well as teaching basic lessons on pitch and timing. It features several music-related mini-games and even allows children to compose their own tunes.

Who Does It Appeal To?

Girls and Boys aged between 7-14 years of age with an interest in piano music.

Where Can I Find It?

This retails in most Video Game stores for around £24.99, but can be cheaper online. Retailers such as Play.com and Amazon.co.uk also feature New and Used copies for as little as £9.95.

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So, that completes the Mini Gamers recommendation list for some educational and interactive Half-Term fun. We hope that you found it useful.

One final tip however, The Nintendo DS also features many other educational titles that we haven't had time to mention.  Why not spend some time browsing the Internet to see what other titles are currently on offer.

Please note, the New and Used prices quoted in this blog post were correct at the time of publication, but they are subject to change, thus it might be worth shopping around to find some good bargains.