Why Have These Popular 3DS Games Been Cancelled?

It has only been four months since the Nintendo 3DS launched throughout the UK and the rest of Europe, but already several top video games publishers have announced that they are cancelling their up and coming titles for the handheld console.

The list of 3DS games which have been confirmed as having been cancelled includes the following:

Saints Row: Drive By

My Garden

Assassin's Creed:  Lost Legacy

Mega Man Legends 3

Bomberman

Tetris 3D

Omega Five

As well as the above confirmed cancellations, there are also four more games whose production has been halted, pending decisions on whether to cancel them or not. These games are as follows:

DJ Hero (delayed, pending cancellation decision)

Crush 3D (delayed, pending cancellation decision)

Shinobi (delayed, pending cancellation decision)

BloodRayne: The Shroud (delayed, pending cancellation decision)

It is unclear why  many of these games have been axed, but what is even more worrying is that these titles come from big-name franchises and developers, and thus should have been extremely popular upon their release.

However, Sega has come forward and announced that it has chosen to delay their pre-released games, Crush 3D and Shinobi because of potential poor sales of the Nintendo 3DS console.

Studio Chief, Paul Mottram spoke to GameIndustryBiz about the cancellations recently. He said: "we're finding that everyone is not knowing what platform is going to succeed - we did our first 3DS title - we got Crush onto that, but we had to delay the release of that because of the success of the platform." [sourced from: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-07-14-nights-at-the-roundtable-interview]

Assassin's Creed: Legacy cancelled? Why?!?

The cancellations are also going to mean big gaps in the current 3DS release schedule, meaning that Nintendo 3DS users will have to wait even longer before new titles become available.

Nevertheless, It seems as though some of the cancellations have nothing to do with the Nintendo 3DS at all, but are rather the unfortunate consequences of major shifts within the video games industry instead.

For example, DJ Hero for the 3DS has reportedly been delayed, pending cancellation, because Activision is eventually planning to cease production of ALL its music-related game series, including Guitar Hero for the Wii, PS3 and Xbox because of: "Continued Declines in the Music genre..." [sourced from: http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/23615/news/dj-hero-axed-alongside-guitar-hero/]

Furthermore, according to a recent article on the CVG website, new 3DS titles like Bomberman and Tetris 3D, which were going to be developed by Hudson Soft, may have in fact been cancelled because of a company shift in which Hudson Soft has now become a wholly-owned, (as opposed to partially-owned,) subsidary of Konami, but this has not yet been confirmed.

However, even if this is the case, it still does not explain why other well-known videogame developers including EA (My Garden), THQ (Saints Row: Drive By) and Ubisoft (Assassin's Creed: Lost Legacy) have all cancelled their 3DS projects as well.

These game cancellations certainly do not bode well for the future of the Nintendo 3DS. An article for Kotaku.com summed up the problem nicely: " If developer after developer jumps ship, what kind of message does it send studios thinking about making a 3DS title?" [Sourced From: http://kotaku.com/5822519/whats-with-all-the-cancelled-3ds-games]

Mini Gamers is very disappointed to learn that these cancellations have occurred. The hope of the 3DS now rests with the other highly-anticipated game titles such as Resident Evil: Revelations, Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater, Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle, Kid Icarus: Uprising, StarFox 64 3D, MarioKart 3D, to name but a few.

However, it has to be said that with many of the above games not being released until Winter 2011 at the earliest in Europe, 3DS gamers could be in for a long and boring wait before something truly interesting comes along.

Let's just hope that these games can do enough upon their release to promote and secure the Nintendo 3DS' dominance in the handheld gaming market over the next twelve months or so.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

What do you think of the above cancellations?

Do you think these cancellations will harm the Nintendo 3DS' reputation?

If you would like to share your opinions with other readers on the blogsite, then please leave your comment in our comment's box. We appreciate your thoughts.

Professor Layton and the Specter's Flute/Last Specter Gets New Title For Its UK Release Date...

*Professor Layton 4 Release Date Announced. CLICK HERE for details...*

Professor Layton is one of a few videogame series to which the question: 'What's in a name?' seems to be of great importance. The previous three games in the series all had different Japanese, American and UK titles, and it now seems that the fourth game  is set to continue this trend.

The game was initially released in Japan as Professor Layton and the Specter's Flute. However at E3 2011, a new trailer revealed that the game would also be known as Professor Layton and the Last Specter. The Trailer also revealed a North-American release date of 'Fall 2011'.

However, a recent announcement about the UK release revealed that the fourth Professor Layton game would have a different title yet again. Apparently the UK version of the game will now be known as Professor Layton and the Spectre's Call. 

Unfortunately, there is still no specific UK release date yet, although the game is apparently still scheduled for release in the UK some time in  late 2011, which means that it will probably hit the shelves in time for the Christmas rush, but this is purely conjecture at the moment.

However, it is now also looking increasingly likely that the long-awaited fifth game in the series, Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle, which will make its debut on the Nintendo 3DS, will now not reach UK stores until 2012 at the earliest.

Keep checking in with the Mini Gamers blogsite for more news on this game as it develops.



Game of the Week: Dream Trigger 3D [3DS]

Dream Trigger 3D is a brand-new Arcade Shooter game specifically for the Nintendo 3DS. In the game, players must use 'Sonar' (a set of coloured squares on the bottom touchscreen) along with rhythmic music, in order to locate and shoot flying enemies in over fifty stunning 3D enviroments.

The overall plot of Dream Trigger 3D is pretty loose. You must locate and shoot various enemies whilst using a cycling trigger system with a close-up reticule for improved targetting if needed. The idea is to return each environment to a peaceful enemy-free state before moving on to the next level.

Enemies are shown on the bottom screen as a set of pixalated purple squares (see screenshot above). Nevertheless, it is still hard to spot them amongst the mass of other colours and shapes within the environment, so keeping a close eye on the patterns of the bottom screen is a must.

Once enemies have been located and their overall attack pattern formulated, players can then plant Sonar Bombs along the enemies' trajectory.

This helps to expose your enemies, which in turn can increase your ammo - a definite necessity in this game, as the enemy bullets tend to rain down on you pretty relentlessly.

The bright 3D graphics help to make the environments both a stunning and slightly hypnotic experience. However, this trippy style may not be to everyone's taste.

Nevertheless, the game has been especially designed for use with the 3DS console, and is therefore a unique and endearing game which can definitely hold its own amongst the various game 'remakes' which have graced the 3DS console so far.

In conclusion, this is a simple little game once the controls have been mastered. The 3D graphics are stunning and are put to great use within each of the environments on offer. However, the bright colours and music rhythms may not appeal to some hardcore shooter fans.

If you have a 3DS and are looking for a unique, graphically stunning, single-player game with high replay value, then this is most definitely the game for you. Overall rating: 8/10.

Nintendo Launches European Video Service For The 3DS

It's finally here! Nintendo has launched its much anticipated Nintendo Video Service throughout Europe tonight.

The video service, (which is available to download  for free from the Nintendo 3DS eShop), will provide short  2D and 3D video clips and films to 3DS users. The video service in the UK has already provided two separate free video samples - 3D Magic and Oasis Cup, which will both be available until the 20th of July 2011.

3D Magic is a very short video clip showing an unknown Magician doing simple card tricks for the camera. The use of 3D is quite subtle in this clip, but still looks amazing on the 3DS screen. The magic tricks aren't that bad either...

Oasis Cup is a seven-minute short film about a little lizard called Oscar Oasis. This quirky and humorous little film is definitely worth a look. It shows how Oscar and his friends cope whilst they are lost in the desert.

The 3D is amazing and certainly sets the pace for any future short films which might appear on the new Nintendo 3DS Video Service.

The Video Service also includes Internet links to the videos that it uses where available. This means that if you wish to find out more about Oscar Oasis, you can click the 'Oscar on Internet' link and be taken to relevant web pages about Oscar Oasis and TeamTo - the very talented Production Team behind the animated series.

Spotpass notifications for the Video Service can also be set to 'ON'. This means that new videos can be downloaded even when the console is in Sleep Mode.

It may not be the full 3D film service that many users had been hoping for, but the new Nintendo Video service provides an extra interactive element for the 3DS, and, if the two video samples are anything to go by, the service is shaping up to be something very interesting indeed.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

What do you think of the Nintendo Video Service so far?

Does it live up to your expectations?

Do you like the two sample videos?

What suggestions do you have for future 3DS videos?

Please leave us a comment in our 'Comment's Box' and let us know what you think. We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Sony To Drop PSP Digital Comic Service...

The Sony PSP Digital Comic Service is to be dropped just seventeen months after its initial launch. According to a message on the Official Playstation Blog, which warned users that the latest comic update would also be the last.

Playstation Store director, Grace Chen, claimed that the Digital Comic Service would no longer feature any new comics after the 6th of July 2011, but was quick to add that users could: "continue to download any of the over 4000 existing comics from the comic store as usual..." [sourced from:http://us.playstationcomics.com/main/blog/weekly-update-060711.html]

Just to confirm, although it has been announced that Sony intends to 'drop' the service, (which would seems to suggest that the service is to cease,) the truth is that the PSP digital comics that are already in the store will remain unchanged and can still be downloaded as normal, but there will be NO MORE NEW STOCK of comics after the above date.

 However, the playstation blog also mentioned that the Digital Comic Service would continue on other Sony products, although no specific details were given at this point.

 Mini Gamers is saddened by the news, but we are also left wondering whether there might be plans to move the Digital Comic Service to the newest Sony handheld, the PS Vita, which is set to debut in December 2011.

Keep checking in with the Mini Gamers blog for more news on this subject as it happens.

Game On: Educational Video Games As A Tool For Learning...

Since the dawn of the home video game era in the late '70s and early '80s , there has been much bad press concerning young children's exposure to violent games, and the possibility that video games might turn children into  'zombies', who are incapable of thinking and behaving outside of their chosen virtual environments.

However, a  recent speech given by the British Secretary for Education, Mr. Michael Gove, could be about to change the reputation of videogames forever.

Michael Gove

Speaking to The Royal Society last week about the future of education, Mr. Gove praised educational videogames as a tool for learning.

In particular, Mr. Gove highlighted the work of british-born mathematician, Marcus du Sautoy, who has developed videogames in order to teach many advanced aspects of mathematics to young schoolchildren.

Mr. Gove said: "When children need to solve equations in order to get more ammo to shoot the aliens, it is amazing how quickly they can learn. I am sure that this field of educational games has huge potential for maths and science teaching."   

[sourced from: http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/speeches/a00191729/michael-gove-speaks-to-the-royal-society-on-maths-and-science]

Of course, it has to be said that educational videogames are nothing new. The Nintendo DS has many educational titles aimed at young gamers and adults alike.

Nevertheless, Mr. Gove's speech is an indication that the general perception of videogames may at last be changing, and that the value of videogames as an educational tool is now being recognised outside of the gaming community.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

What do you think of Michael Gove's comments?

Do you agree that videogames should be used as a tool in the classroom?

Let us know what you think of this issue by leaving a comment in the comment's box below. We'd love to hear your thoughts.



PSP News: Last Chance To Claim Your Free Games...

There is now only one day left for Playstation Network users to claim their two free games from the PSN store.

The two free games offer is actually part of a wider 'Welcome Back' package which was offered by the online network store after a malicious system hack forced all Sony online services to close for several weeks.

 Handheld Gamers have been offered a choice of two games from the following PSP titles:


LittleBigPlanet

Guide your own customised sackboy/sackgirl character around several environments, unlock extra content such as stickers and even create your own levels to display online.

ModNation Racers

Customise your own 'Mod' character, design your racing kart and tracks and then race around until your heart's content. Use various collected weapons against your opponents, including UFOs, electricity, and gunge amongst others.

Alternatively, play through the game's STORY MODE as 'Tag', a young Mod who wants to be the best racer on the ModNation Racing circuit. 

Pursuit Force

Leap from vehicle to vehicle in a series of challenging high-speed chases.

Killzone Liberation

Now you can battle against the fearsome Helghast in the palm of your hand. 

So, if you haven't yet played any of these games, now is your chance to own some of the most popular titles to ever grace the PSP for FREE!!!

But you will have to hurry as the offer expires on the 3rd July 2011.

If you wish to know more about Sony's Welcome Back offers, please click HERE


Resident Evil Mercenaries: 'One-Save' Feature Does Not Mean 'Play Once', Explains Capcom...

It has been a difficult week for the guys at Capcom. Since news about the perma-save/one save only feature included in their Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D game for the Nintendo 3DS became public knowledge, they have been busy trying to persuade the gaming community that the fact the game's save data cannot be reset does not affect the overall replay value of the game. Are they right?

 

Initial information gathered on Tuesday suggested that the perma-save function would also prevent the game from being reset back to the very beginning, meaning that the game could essentially only be played once.

However, Capcom have now begun to set the record straight on exactly how the one-save-only feature would work. According to them, the perma-save feature was added in order to give the game an intrinsically Arcade gaming feel.

According to Capcom sources, Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D is a time-based score attack game, akin to the old 80's-style Arcade games. Players must defeat zombie hoardes in order to rack up an overall high score before the timer runs out.

As such, the game does not feature a traditional campaign mode as offered by most modern shooter games.

However, when asked to comment about whether the fact that the game's data could not be reset or deleted also meant that the game could only be played once, Capcom were quick to offer this statement:

 

"This is not true. Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D is a non-linear experience where there is no set end to the game. It is a score attack game and progression is defined as improving upon previous high scores. Players can replay each mission as many times as they like to continually challenge themselves to improve."

[sourced from: http://www.capcom-unity.com/resident_evil/go/thread/view/7391/27944601/About_the_Save_Data_(Official)]

Capcom also responded to claims that the perma-save feature would affect trade-ins and used copies of the game by saying:

"Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D consists of 30 time-based missions, through which the player unlocks skill upgrades as they progress through the game. Anyone purchasing a copy of the game secondhand would have access to all the missions and skills that the original owner unlocked, in addition to the content that was available to the original user." [ibid.]

Nevertheless, this does not mean that trade-in prices of the game have not been affected since the news about the perma-save went public.

HMV has refused to accept trade-ins of Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D when the game becomes available in the UK on Friday, over fears that customers will be disappointed with buying a game that already has all the content unlocked.

Meanwhile, in Japan, Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D has been dramatically reduced in price in many stores in order to get customers to purchase the game dispite its apparent low resale value.

However, the Electronics Boutique (EB Games) store in Australia has gone one step further and has actually recalled all copies of the game from its stores in protest against the perma-save feature. Speaking to Joystiq.com recently, a representative of the EB Games Facebook Group said:

"We made the tough decision to remove [the game] from sale because we have everybody's best interests in mind, and don't feel its fair that you guys would be paying $60 for what is essentially a one use game."
[Sourced from: http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/game-retailers-go-back-and-forth-on-resident-evil-mercenaries-3/]

So, Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D CAN be played more than once, allbeit with any users' highscore data and previously unlocked bonuses and weapons undeletable, which is fantastic news for those gamers who wanted to purchase the game but were afraid that the game could not be replayed or would offer very little incentive to replay the game.

Nevertheless, the inclusion of the perma-save feature still has some members of the gaming community fuming.

One of the major causes of upset amongst Resident Evil 3DS fans at the moment is that Capcom has essentially removed the right to start the game over from scratch if players wish to, which could be said to deny gamers the feeling of personal ownership over the game.

It also means that any gamer who buys this game second hand will not be able to unlock any content for themselves and will also start the game with the previous owner's highscore in place (until they can beat it), which some gamers argue is very unfair and takes away some of the core enjoyment from the game.

The 'beat your high score' type of game is most definitely reminiscent of the 1980s Arcade games, which is what Capcom claims they are trying to achieve with this game.

Could Capcom's decision to include the perma-save function be seen as a gradualistic move away from the modern campaign mode games, which tend to offer gamers a wider choice within the game and  greater customisation options than Arcade-style games. If so, then what does this mean for the future of videogames as a whole?

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D is set to debut in the UK from tomorrow.

HAVE YOUR SAY:

Is the use of a Perma-Save acceptable in videogames?

Would you buy this game?

Do you agree that not being able to unlock content in used copies of the game will make Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D less appealing to gamers in the future?

Please leave us a comment and let us know your thoughts on this subject.