Hands On - Future 3DS Titles

IGN UK recently held a little shindig at the legendary 100 club on Oxford St, in association with Nintendo 3DS celebrating the 100th edition of their fine podcast. While there wasn't anywhere near enough Geoff Capes for my liking, there were several other distractions that more than made up for it.

Nintendo very kindly set up a number of booths showcasing several new titles that are due for release in the next year, and while some are some way out from completion, all were in a fit state to be played.

Mario Kart 3DS

Mario Kart has always been one of my favourite Nintendo titles, so when the 3DS version was announced i was interested to see how well they integrated the 3D aspect into the game. Not only does the screen give you a real sense of depth, something sadly lacking from Sony's attempt at 3D with Gran Turismo 5, but they've also gone out of their way to improve upon the game play rather than just port a high res version of the DS game over.

You can customise everything about your Kart at the start of the game, from bigger wheels to a different chassis, everything can be changed. Little things like this certainly help make a more personalised experience and i certainly felt a change in my Karts behaviour when i opted for chunky off road style tyres for my vehicle.

The other thing that shines through in this game is just how much more they were able to get out of the hardware this time round. Graphically this is a far superior version of the game than we have seen on a portable console before, it might just be the best looking Mario Kart game out there on any platform.

The only way for Mario Kart to get any better would be for this to happen:

Resident Evil: Revelations

I'll hold my hands up here and admit that i've never been a big fan of Resident Evil. Not my kind of game at all but i can appreciate the innovations that the series has introduced and the story that was being told. Whenever i play a game where gunplay forms a vital part of the game i expect the ability to move while i'm aiming. Unfortunately whoever trained the S.T.A.R.S. unit dealing with the T-Virus outbreak was a stickler for the basics, meaning that when you want to use your gun in Revelations you have to stand still and become a fish in the proverbial barrel. This is in part down to the lack of twin sticks meaning that you use the same control nub to aim as you do to walk around, leaving you vulnerable to zombie attack.

Capcom should, however, be applauded for producing a very high fidelity game. Waking up in a run down bedroom and walking around to find a way out i was struck with the level of detail in the environment, and also by the feeling of depth that i gained when turning the 3D slider on. Aiming at oncoming zombies felt natural enough although i would prefer it if i could back away while laying down fire. Lighting and shade effects are all very nicely used in game but unfortunately the animation for draining the bath tub (stupid place to leave a screwdriver) felt very DS like.

As expected from a Nintendo handheld game there was good use of the touchpad in game, in this case you unscrewed a fuse box by touching the screw heads and then shorted the circuit to open the locked door. It's a shame that GTA did this before, but it's nice that they varied the gameplay none the less.

This will no doubt be a good game for fans of the Genre, but if the console versions leave you nonplussed then i'd say avoid it.

Star Fox 64 3DS

As you'd imagine given the title, this is the N64 version of Star fox, but it's much more besides. For starters the entire game has had a graphical update to better take advantage of the 3DS' extra power. Secondly if you so wish you can control your flight path completely independently of the control stick/nub by using the systems' in-built gyroscope.

Not being one for new fangled control systems i opted for the old school control stick method and dived into the game head long. Once again the use of 3D in this title is implemented extremely well, and rather than taking away from game play i actually felt it gave me more of an idea where i was in the level and therefore an advantage over playing in two dimensions. Pilot Wings was proof of concept where flying games are concerned on a 3D system, Star fox takes it up a level or two.

Colours are vivid and vibrant as you'd expect from the Star Fox universe while game play is fast and fluid. If you enjoyed the first coming of Star Fox 64 you'll love this.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater 3D

The most impressive thing about Snake Eater is that there is near enough no difference between the 3DS version and it's older PS2 sibling. With the 3D turned off it's a carbon copy, really showing off the power of Nintendo's little portable console.

Turn the 3D on however, and the ported version of Metal Gear Solid 3 really kicks it up a notch. One of the most laborious tasks in the game for me was crawling slowly through the long grass, trying to get close enough to a guard for a sneak attack from behind. Although the grass was wonderfully animated and you could always come across a creepy crawly or two, there was little to interest you while you crawled on your belly. With the extra dimension that the 3DS gives you the long grass takes on a life of its own. Equally, the canopy above your head comes to life when viewed in 3D, light tumbling through branches of varying size and distance gives the jungle some real atmosphere.

Unfortunately the control scheme is a little too cobbled together for my liking. The lack of dual analogue sticks means that you have to draw your gun and then aim using the shoulder button and the a,b,x & y buttons. Konami have made the best of a sparse control setup but i always felt that i was playing a port rather than a made for purpose game. A real shame, because the graphics and use of 3D really set this game apart.

Kid Icarus -Uprising

Back in 1986 Kid Icarus was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System, a fairly by the numbers platformer with catchy music and a fun look to it. Since then it has developed quite a following. 1991 saw a sequel released for the Game Boy, largely using the same mechanics as the NES game it further cemented Pit, the games lead character as a firm favourite among Nintendo fans. Fast forward to 2011, a full twenty years later, and the long awaited three-quel is finally here, and what's more, it's in 3D.

Again it has to be said that the power of Nintendo's latest hand held is very effectively demonstrated from the outset. Pit is brilliantly realised on the 3DS as are the numerous villains and bosses you play against. The whole game world is stunning to behold. Gameplay is fast and furious throughout, whether on the ground or in the air during the flying sections of the game you feel in total control thanks to the innovative aiming system that makes use of the touch screen and left shoulder button. Unfortunately, as greatly innovative as this control system is, it has a major flaw that may cripple it's long term playability.

Imagine holding a 3DS in your left hand, with your thumb twiddling the control stick and your index finger pressing the left shoulder button, with your right hand completely devoted to aiming by way of the stylus and touch pad. After a couple of minutes playing you have to re adjust your left hand to continue to support the system. it really is the most awkward way to use a 3DS and can unfortunately lead to hand cramping, not just that but it also distracts you from the game itself and can lead to Pit taking damage while you take a second away from aiming to re adjust your hand hold on the system.

Another example of a great looking game let down by a so so control scheme I'm afraid

Super Mario 3D Land

I thought there would be no better game to end this report with than Super Mario 3D Land.

If Nintendo know anything it's how to make a good Mario game. Better than that, if Mario Galaxy is anything to go by then they know how to make a good 3D Mario game. This is the first truely 3D game to feature Mario (outside of the Kart track at least) and so many interested eyes are going to be cast over it to see how it fairs. I'm glad to say that it's doing very well so far.

Graphically the game is very similar to the aforementioned Galaxy Series, It plays very much like the 3D versions of Mario that can be found on the Wii. Although the build i laid my hands on didn't have a world map to look at, i would be surprised if it wasn't similar in appearance to that of New Super Mario Brothers or Super Mario Bros. 3.

The overall feel of the game is very Nintendo and very Mario, Any Mario fan that plays this game will feel right at home with it. Nintendo should be applauded for how they've incorporated 3D into this game, not only does it help you judge your jumps but it also allows the developer to play a few tricks on you with perspective. On one occasion I slid down a drainpipe to be greeted with a room viewed in 3/4 perspective, from the appearance of the room i should have been able to jump straight up and grab the giant coin, but once I tried I realised that it was all an optical illusion. Every giant coin to be collected appears to be protected by some form of optical illusion or perspective puzzle, something that the use of the systems 3D definitely helps in identifying.

So, overall it has to be said that the 3DS has some very impressive software on the horizon, and while there are certainly control issues with some of the titles on offer, it's good to see that games like Star fox, Mario 3D and Mario Kart keep it simple and let the game do all the talking. Sometimes the best games are the ones with the simplest controls...

Second Halo Trilogy Named

The Penny Arcade Expo has this year played host to the inaugural Halo Fest, an event that celebrates everything Halo.

Ten years after the original Halo hit the shelves, and on the back of the announcement of a re-tooled anniversary release of the game at this years E3 as well as the first sighting of Halo 4, new developer 343i have announced that the next original Halo release will indeed be part of a new trilogy and have duly christened it as "The Reclaimer Trilogy".

"Reclaimer" was the term often used by Guilty Spark in the original Halo: Combat Evolved when referring to Master Chief, and points to the fact that we'll be playing an awful lot more as the eponymous last Spartan.

Steve Jobs Resigns as Apple CEO

Steve Jobs resigned today In a letter addressed to both the board of Apple and the general public. In the brief letter Jobs stated that his in-ability to meet his "duties and expectations" was a primary reason as to why he had decided to step down. He continued to recommend that Tim Cook be appointed as his successor in the role and also intimated that he would like to stay on as Company director, Chairman of the board as well as an Apple employee. The letter is printed in full below.

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple's brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

Jobs' health has come under close scrutiny in recent times. In 2004 he announced to company employees that he had been diagnosed with a rare, less aggressive, form of pancreatic cancer known as islet cell neuroendocrine tumor. During Jobs' treatment for his illness Tim Cook stepped in to cover the role as CEO of Apple until he returned later that year.

Concerns for Jobs' health resurfaced after he made keynote speeches at the Worldwide developers conference in both 2006 and 2008, although sources within Apple claimed Jobs' health was "robust" after his 2006 appearance.

In January 2009 Jobs took a 6 month leave of absence to focus on his health after he had "learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought". Jobs would go on to have a Liver transplant in April of that year, his prognosis was described as being "excellent"

Finally in January of this year it was again announced by Jobs in a letter to employees that Jobs would be temporarily leaving the company again, after being granted a medical leave of absence so that he could "focus on his health". Again Tim Cook stepped up as acting CEO during this period and cemented himself as the heir apparent to Jobs' role as Apple inc's figurehead.

This is, of course, a massive blow for Apple. The man who co-founded the company in the 1970's and became a cult like figure for Apple product fans worldwide has become as synonymous with the Apple brand as Mario is to Nintendo. Shares in Apple saw a decrease in price immediately after the announcement of Jobs' resignation which is no surprise, and i fully expect them to regain their value shortly.

Tim Cook has been duly appointed as the new CEO of Apple and Steve Jobs has been elected Chairman of the board, the best result all round for the company and everyone involved.

Jobs is still an influential member of the Apple board and has an important role in the company's future even now. Thankfully he now has some more free time to make sure he's as healthy as he can be, that's what really matters when you get down to it.

Games get the blame...again.

Britain has been rocked in the last few days by the scenes of rioting and looting in and around the city of London. Originally sparked by the shooting of Mark Duggan in Tottenham, violence has spread through the capital like a cancer, fed by young thugs with seemingly nothing better to do than throw street furniture at the police and set fire to hard working peoples businesses. Young men and women walk the streets in broad daylight, no effort made to hide their identities as they loot Footlocker, Ladbrokes and Sainsbury's.

Unfortunately, certain parts of the media have decided once again, and in the most predictable of moves, to blame Video games for all of this. Yesterdays edition of the Evening Standard printed a story in which they were at great pains to link Video games to the riots, even quoting an unnamed police officer who laid the blame for all of these events firmly at the feet of Rockstar Games.

"These are bad people who did this. Kids out of control. When I was young it was all Pacman and board games. Now they're playing Grand Theft Auto and want to live it for themselves."

There's no doubt in my mind that these are bad people that are doing this, and even less doubt in my mind that some of them have played GTA, but to claim that it is a major contributing factor to the riots that initially started in Tottenham is a massive stretch.

Unsurprisingly the Evening standard has since changed the content of the story so that a passage that read "Children as young as ten, inspired by video game, among the looters." is nowhere to be seen. Sensationalism from a newspaper to sell copy? probably. A complete lack of understanding as to how Video games actually affect people? Certainly.

Let's not forget that twenty odd years ago the Video Nasty controversy was in full effect, Films like Childsplay were blamed for many violent crimes much in the same way that Video games are today. Just take a second to think about this though, have any of the Saw movies been blamed for violent crimes or murders in the last decade? I don't think so.

Video games are the big bad bogeyman that parents like to blame for their children's' bad behaviour, just like VHS tapes of bad horror films were the scapegoats all those years ago. Video games can definitely give people ideas. Games can emotionally affect people in good or bad ways, Shadow of the Colossus is a great example of that, But if you want to blame GTA for little Timmy turning into a baseball bat wielding hoody, you're just plain wrong.

Little Timmy turned into that horrible little man because of his surroundings, his peers, his parents, and because he's more than a little bit screwed up in his head. If someone wants to go out and take part in the riots they'll do it no matter if they played GTA or not, they'll do it because their head is wired wrong.

We talked about shoddy games journalism on this weeks show, it seems to me that journalism in general is in a state at the moment...

Fight Night Chump-ion - Spoilerific Review

Oh dear EA, how could you create such a great story mode and botch it so badly at the end?

Fight Night Champion is the first in the franchise to feature a custom built story mode to supplement what has now become the standard Legacy and Fight Now modes from last year. You play as Andre Bishop a former amateur boxing champion turned pro who was framed by a corrupt boxing promoter and sent to prison for assaulting a police officer and carrying an unlicensed weapon.

The problem I have with this game isn't anything to do with character development or scripting, all of which is top notch and a real credit to the guys at EA Canada. The reason that the story mode falls down is that the path it forces you to take makes no sense whatsoever.

EA Canada are at great pains to develop a bond between the player and Andre Bishop. His back story is classic underdog stuff. Framed for assaulting a police officer he's locked away in prison only four years into a promising career, through flashbacks you play through Andre's rise to prominence and learn all the techniques needed to succeed in professional boxing. you face the nine time amateur boxing champion and defeat him in what is presented as a real upset, you learn how to take down a man quickly in sparring sessions, you witness the relationship between Gus, your trainer and adoptive father, and the Bishop brothers.

When Andre is framed and sent to prison you're right there with him. After several vicious fights you both emerge from the state prison more ruthless and hungry than ever. Andre, having put on several extra pounds of muscle in order to survive in jail, is now a legit heavyweight but is left mopping floors after brother Raymond gets him a job at the gym. Embarking on Andre's comeback you're faced with new challenges. In one match Andre breaks his right hand, meaning that you have to box the majority of the match one handed and still win. This raises the stakes but is also a great way for the game to teach you how to box behind a jab rather than swing for the fences in the vain hope that you catch the opponent with a lucky shot.

Eventually, through hard work you reach the top and a possible face off with current Heavyweight champion Isaac Frost, and unfortunately this is where things take a turn for EA Canada's story mode.

I have no trouble with the idea that the Bishop brothers would fight each other for a shot at the title, and while i can also understand why Andre would take a fall to let his brother have a shot at the title, it makes no sense for me as a gamer to play a game just to lose on purpose.

Worse still, when Raymond gets his shot at the champion you find that you're in control of the Champ and not your brother! Why on earth would i want to control the champion at this stage? Surely if the idea is to impress on the player just how strong Frost is it would be better that you play as Raymond and get obliterated?

Never the less Raymond loses and is brutally knocked out, setting up the fight that everyone wanted. And now it's personal.

Having set all of this up it would make sense to let me go hell for leather against this guy wouldn't it? Surely i can swing for the fences and get sweet revenge for my fallen brother?

nope.

For the first three rounds of the title fight you're instructed by your corner to run away. Yes, that's right, in the grudge match of the century, a blood feud where the older brother is gunning for vengeance in his brothers name, you have to spend the first three rounds RUNNING AWAY from your opponent! at least when you complete this ridiculous task the corner then tell you to start putting in body shots, unfortunately this is ruined by a counter which is placed in the corner of the screen to tell you when you've hit him 75 times. I thought this was a game about realism? oh well.

At least after another three rounds of body punching I could look forward to being able to let loose on the bastard that brutalised my brother, oh wait, I have to run away for another two rounds?

great.

Finally, in round 8, you can fight Frost like he's a regular human being and not some kind of Omnipotent Greek God carved out of granite.

It would have been so much nicer if i could ignore the corner and box my own match, but they've overpowered Frost so much that it is literally impossible to beat him until round 8 when they normalise his stamina and punching power. If you even attempt to stand your ground before then you're toast. I didn't buy a Superman game, why am I fighting him?

Why spend all that time building up a great story only to completely gimp it at the end with totally nonsensical game play choices and almost impossible endgame fights? EA had a gem of a game here for 90% of the play through, it's such a shame they blew it with the last three fights...

/Rant