The "Official" Nintendo DS Launch Thread (NSF56k)
- Thread starter Amir0x
- Start date
Update:
Feel the Magic: It rocks!! i initially played the first couple of minigames (there's usually two or three per scene), and put it down to play Mario. After getting back into it, i couldn't put it down. i didn't realize that you don't have to comlete all of the minigames in each scene, you only have to beat enough games to get 100 total heart points, which are given to you after the completion of each game, and deducted if you lose a game. At times, it's really geeky, as wooing a digital girl would be, but it's always funny and usually fun, although some of the games do drag on a bit as you learn how to work things.
One of my favorites is the boss battle where you use a steering wheel on the touch screen to drive a truck, hit pedestrians to add them to your truck, then slingshot them into the boss truck to beat it. Yeah, this game is very unapologetic in it's wackiness. i'd say i'm close to the end of the game at what i'd guess to be about 90 minutes in. Even so, i haven't completed all of the games in each scene, nor gotten any extra costumes. The funny thing is that it's really a game that could've been released on a PDA. But i haven't seen such a cohesive mix of style, humor, and simple but rewarding gameplay in any PDA games.
Mario 64: After using the touch control almost immediately after the standard control, i've hit a roadblock. The touch screen functions very well, but not perfectly. As noted in the 1up review, Mario 64 is a game that had moments that were difficult even with the N64 analog stick, and to add the artificial difficulty of a control scheme that the game wasn't originally developed for worsens things. i find myself recentering my thumb on the touchpad to regain analog control, and positioning the camera so that jumps are directly ahead. On the plus side, while the use of the second screen as a map screen is often lauded, it's very welcome for me. Call it dumbing down the game, but i don't feel like having to explore every part of a stage for stars; it's much easier to locate them on the map and just go to that location. i don't know everything that's new to the DS version, but judging the game by the main quest so far, it's excellent. i never got into the original N64 version, so it's like a new game to me. And the minigames are like crack. i won't even bother trying to pick a favorite. They're all excellent. i jokingly told a friend on AIM that Nintendo should just only release games like Warioware that were a collection of minigames.
Metroid Hunters demo: i've only loaded the game up a couple of times. i've yet to finish the regulator training mode. It looks good, sounds okay, and controls extremely well, but there's no substance. Walk, shoot a dozen enemies, repeat. It looks and feels like a fan-made Quake mod. The lack of a scanning or even different visors is understandable, especially this early, but the lack of different weapons, or even a charged shot is disappointing.
Overall, i'm satisfied with my DS. It really hasn't presented any groundbreaking gameplay concepts, but i don't expect that from launch games. These are a preview of some of the better games come. While some would see it as a gimmick, introducing things like dual screens, a touch screen, and a microphone to a portable brings a different set of tools that developers can use to innovate than just upgrading the graphic and sound capabilities. i can understand the apprehension towards the touchscreen and lack of a standard analog. While it hurt Mario 64 DS, as i said above the game wasn't originally developed for it, and the touchscreen use is actually really good despite it's flaws.
As if i haven't mentioned it enough, get a stylus pen if you really want to play games that require the stylus. Stylus pens, at the most basic have a stylus in a pen casing, so it's easier to hold solidly. They're also available with ink pens, pencils, laser pointers, etc. You can get stylus pens from any place that sells PDAs, and they start at $10. If you just want a stylus, you may be able to find one at an office supply store clearance bin for less than $10. i'd also recommend picking up a screen protector for the touchscreen. i'll see if Walmart has the Intec protectors in as today as they said they would.
Feel the Magic: It rocks!! i initially played the first couple of minigames (there's usually two or three per scene), and put it down to play Mario. After getting back into it, i couldn't put it down. i didn't realize that you don't have to comlete all of the minigames in each scene, you only have to beat enough games to get 100 total heart points, which are given to you after the completion of each game, and deducted if you lose a game. At times, it's really geeky, as wooing a digital girl would be, but it's always funny and usually fun, although some of the games do drag on a bit as you learn how to work things.
One of my favorites is the boss battle where you use a steering wheel on the touch screen to drive a truck, hit pedestrians to add them to your truck, then slingshot them into the boss truck to beat it. Yeah, this game is very unapologetic in it's wackiness. i'd say i'm close to the end of the game at what i'd guess to be about 90 minutes in. Even so, i haven't completed all of the games in each scene, nor gotten any extra costumes. The funny thing is that it's really a game that could've been released on a PDA. But i haven't seen such a cohesive mix of style, humor, and simple but rewarding gameplay in any PDA games.
Mario 64: After using the touch control almost immediately after the standard control, i've hit a roadblock. The touch screen functions very well, but not perfectly. As noted in the 1up review, Mario 64 is a game that had moments that were difficult even with the N64 analog stick, and to add the artificial difficulty of a control scheme that the game wasn't originally developed for worsens things. i find myself recentering my thumb on the touchpad to regain analog control, and positioning the camera so that jumps are directly ahead. On the plus side, while the use of the second screen as a map screen is often lauded, it's very welcome for me. Call it dumbing down the game, but i don't feel like having to explore every part of a stage for stars; it's much easier to locate them on the map and just go to that location. i don't know everything that's new to the DS version, but judging the game by the main quest so far, it's excellent. i never got into the original N64 version, so it's like a new game to me. And the minigames are like crack. i won't even bother trying to pick a favorite. They're all excellent. i jokingly told a friend on AIM that Nintendo should just only release games like Warioware that were a collection of minigames.
Metroid Hunters demo: i've only loaded the game up a couple of times. i've yet to finish the regulator training mode. It looks good, sounds okay, and controls extremely well, but there's no substance. Walk, shoot a dozen enemies, repeat. It looks and feels like a fan-made Quake mod. The lack of a scanning or even different visors is understandable, especially this early, but the lack of different weapons, or even a charged shot is disappointing.
Overall, i'm satisfied with my DS. It really hasn't presented any groundbreaking gameplay concepts, but i don't expect that from launch games. These are a preview of some of the better games come. While some would see it as a gimmick, introducing things like dual screens, a touch screen, and a microphone to a portable brings a different set of tools that developers can use to innovate than just upgrading the graphic and sound capabilities. i can understand the apprehension towards the touchscreen and lack of a standard analog. While it hurt Mario 64 DS, as i said above the game wasn't originally developed for it, and the touchscreen use is actually really good despite it's flaws.
As if i haven't mentioned it enough, get a stylus pen if you really want to play games that require the stylus. Stylus pens, at the most basic have a stylus in a pen casing, so it's easier to hold solidly. They're also available with ink pens, pencils, laser pointers, etc. You can get stylus pens from any place that sells PDAs, and they start at $10. If you just want a stylus, you may be able to find one at an office supply store clearance bin for less than $10. i'd also recommend picking up a screen protector for the touchscreen. i'll see if Walmart has the Intec protectors in as today as they said they would.
Yeah, my screen has already undergone quite a beating thanks to Feel the Magic. It's not beaten bloody or anything, but there are a significant number of marks to be seen when held at the right angle, in the right light. I'm not too bothered by it, though, I'm just guessing it comes with the territory.
evilromero
Member
Just ordered Band Brothers for DS. It's up to 8-player and has a pretty extensive list of songs, including some from F-Zero, Mario Brothers, Pokemon, Kirby and Fire Emblem. I can't wait. Should round out my titles quite nicely.
Well, I got my DS, Mario, and Feel the Magic yesterday. My 1st unit had one bright blue dead pixel in the mid-lower left portion of the touch screen. I thought I could live with it, but it was irking the hell out of me. I called Gamestop and told them I had a dead pixel, and they said to bring it back and I could have one of the last systems for replacement. I rushed out to replace and got a new one. This one has no dead pixels and I feel much better now.
My impressions so far:
System Build: The system is much larger than the SP but it feels durable, it's not as heavy as I thought but your wrist can cramp if you are using the stylus alot while holding the unit. I also found it pretty uncomfortable playing GBA games in regular d-pad and buttons fashion after awhile. We'll see as time goes on if I can truly grow accustomed to the width again after having the SP. The new game cards are small and neat, as is the slot on the system. I like the push-in, pop-up mechanics. The game boxes are nice as well. About time they get away from cardboard.
Screens: Absolutely beautiful. The colors are clean and crisp. The touch screen is darker from the coating, but it doesn't bother me one bit. But man that top screen is sweet.
Sound: A big surprise to me. I can't believe the sound is this good on a Nintendo handheld. The headphone sound is superb, but the standard stero or surround from the speakers cought me by surprise. It sounds very, very good.
Graphics: Well I can see the jaggy lines that come across in the screen shots, but it doesn't have the same affect. In motion and on the screens the graphics are very clean. The screen shots are not a good representation of what a user will actually see. It might not be PSP calibur, but I'm pretty damn impressed. I can't wait to see what devs do in in future generation games.
Metroid: Didn't play that much, but I picked up the control really quickly. This system will be great for FPS. It was fast, fluid, and looked great considering how bad the screen shots looked. I eagerly await the full game, if the single player is up to snuff. The demo didn't hold a candle to the 2 full games I picked up though. I don't have anyone to try multiplayer with, so I can't comment on that.
Mario 64 DS: It looks great, sounds great, controls ok (still getting used to the control style) and it is fun once again thanks to the additions. The best part of Mario is the mini-games IMO. I can't stop playing them. My girlfriend didn't give a rat's ass about the system until she saw me playing the mini-games. Then I couldn't get the system back. Casino, puzzle, pogo.com like games, they will be a real draw to ultra casual gamers out there. If Nintendo pushes the touch aspect like that, they will draw in a ton of non gamers. My girlfriend loves the system now. It was disgusting.
Feel The Magic: Awesome game. Awesome sound. Very fun and the presentation is top notch. I haven't beaten it yet, but IMO it's worth the money. Very inventive uses of the system. The sailboat game is fantastic. The response on the length and strength of your breath controls the boat with precision. It's so responsive it feels wierd. My girlfriend saw me blowing on the system and she looked at me crazy. Then she got interested. Then she tried it. Then I had hell getting the system back once again. Love the Plants game too. Buy this game! It's perfect for a little, "Break Time!".
So all-in-all I'm more impressed with the system than I thought I would be. Some big name games need to hit pretty soon though. I think the system has alot of potential if utilized right, and can provide a unique and fun experience that can only be achieved on this system. We'll see how things play out, but even as a better GBA, the screens make this thing solid buy IMO. Also, I was told that Mr. Driller was going to get a very small release here in the US, so if that's true, hurry out and pre-purchase. I know I did.
My impressions so far:
System Build: The system is much larger than the SP but it feels durable, it's not as heavy as I thought but your wrist can cramp if you are using the stylus alot while holding the unit. I also found it pretty uncomfortable playing GBA games in regular d-pad and buttons fashion after awhile. We'll see as time goes on if I can truly grow accustomed to the width again after having the SP. The new game cards are small and neat, as is the slot on the system. I like the push-in, pop-up mechanics. The game boxes are nice as well. About time they get away from cardboard.
Screens: Absolutely beautiful. The colors are clean and crisp. The touch screen is darker from the coating, but it doesn't bother me one bit. But man that top screen is sweet.
Sound: A big surprise to me. I can't believe the sound is this good on a Nintendo handheld. The headphone sound is superb, but the standard stero or surround from the speakers cought me by surprise. It sounds very, very good.
Graphics: Well I can see the jaggy lines that come across in the screen shots, but it doesn't have the same affect. In motion and on the screens the graphics are very clean. The screen shots are not a good representation of what a user will actually see. It might not be PSP calibur, but I'm pretty damn impressed. I can't wait to see what devs do in in future generation games.
Metroid: Didn't play that much, but I picked up the control really quickly. This system will be great for FPS. It was fast, fluid, and looked great considering how bad the screen shots looked. I eagerly await the full game, if the single player is up to snuff. The demo didn't hold a candle to the 2 full games I picked up though. I don't have anyone to try multiplayer with, so I can't comment on that.
Mario 64 DS: It looks great, sounds great, controls ok (still getting used to the control style) and it is fun once again thanks to the additions. The best part of Mario is the mini-games IMO. I can't stop playing them. My girlfriend didn't give a rat's ass about the system until she saw me playing the mini-games. Then I couldn't get the system back. Casino, puzzle, pogo.com like games, they will be a real draw to ultra casual gamers out there. If Nintendo pushes the touch aspect like that, they will draw in a ton of non gamers. My girlfriend loves the system now. It was disgusting.
Feel The Magic: Awesome game. Awesome sound. Very fun and the presentation is top notch. I haven't beaten it yet, but IMO it's worth the money. Very inventive uses of the system. The sailboat game is fantastic. The response on the length and strength of your breath controls the boat with precision. It's so responsive it feels wierd. My girlfriend saw me blowing on the system and she looked at me crazy. Then she got interested. Then she tried it. Then I had hell getting the system back once again. Love the Plants game too. Buy this game! It's perfect for a little, "Break Time!".
So all-in-all I'm more impressed with the system than I thought I would be. Some big name games need to hit pretty soon though. I think the system has alot of potential if utilized right, and can provide a unique and fun experience that can only be achieved on this system. We'll see how things play out, but even as a better GBA, the screens make this thing solid buy IMO. Also, I was told that Mr. Driller was going to get a very small release here in the US, so if that's true, hurry out and pre-purchase. I know I did.
Diomedeskun
Member
Sounds like I'll have to get Feel the Magic. I couldn't stand the Mario Control with the strap at first , but now I am quite used to it and it does feel very precise, as long as the strap stays properly on my thumb.
My biggest issue with the DS is that the GBA controls are not adjustable. I don't like the position I have to put my hands into to use A and B; they should be mapped to B and Y or at least have that as an option like the Super Game Boy. Years of Super Nes Games taught me that Y shoots and B jumps, and that position is far more comfortable to use.
I also wish that there was an option to switch out of 24hr time, as it takes a few seconds to realize that 22:00 is 10:00 PM and there seems to be no daylight savings time option either. I realize this is a Japanese developed product for a worldwide market, but those time features should be fundamental if it is to have a clock.
These are two minor issues, but they are annoying. I am happy with my purchase for the GBA improvement alone, and Mario is great, but I will only really feel satisfied once I have Advance Wars and Final Fantasy III in my hands.
My biggest issue with the DS is that the GBA controls are not adjustable. I don't like the position I have to put my hands into to use A and B; they should be mapped to B and Y or at least have that as an option like the Super Game Boy. Years of Super Nes Games taught me that Y shoots and B jumps, and that position is far more comfortable to use.
I also wish that there was an option to switch out of 24hr time, as it takes a few seconds to realize that 22:00 is 10:00 PM and there seems to be no daylight savings time option either. I realize this is a Japanese developed product for a worldwide market, but those time features should be fundamental if it is to have a clock.
These are two minor issues, but they are annoying. I am happy with my purchase for the GBA improvement alone, and Mario is great, but I will only really feel satisfied once I have Advance Wars and Final Fantasy III in my hands.
Am I the only one that prefers controlling Mario 64 DS with the stylus? I actually find I get the most precise control this way, and my hands haven't cramped up or anything yet. I prefer it to the thumb strap thing, even.
Yeah, I wish you could configure GBA controls. My brain just assumes that the B button is the A button.
Yeah, I wish you could configure GBA controls. My brain just assumes that the B button is the A button.
Virgin Wii
Banned
Question for DS owners:
Does the DS unit have a storage compartment for the stylus? Or do you have to carry it around seperately?
Does the DS unit have a storage compartment for the stylus? Or do you have to carry it around seperately?
Virgin Wii
Banned
Yay
Tortfeasor
Member
FYI - The "shortages" may have been overstated. My local GS got in their second shipment today and have tons of systems.
Smiles and Cries
Member
Tortfeasor said:
this is good news if we hear it from other stores
Dracos said:
you know the cost of securing a patent in the US can run around 8 - 10 thousand dollars? Talk about killing the innovation of the individual.
Prepare a nice document proposal as if you were trying to get a patent and go around to local game shop managers. It's all about how well you can convey your idea.
Check out this power point for basic concepts of patent proposals, skip to slide 4 or 5.
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/technology_transfer/data/seminar2-patent intro-3-18-03.ppt
soundwave05
Member
8 1/2 hours of battery life according to PC Mag, huh?
I think that's great.
The 6 hour figure that Nintendo probably gave is probably with WiFi on at all times while playing a game.
I think that's great.
The 6 hour figure that Nintendo probably gave is probably with WiFi on at all times while playing a game.
MrPing1000
Member
lik-sang update, if u preordered after nov13th u aren't getting yurs this year. I ordered 9th October.
Here's hoping it gets to Northern Ireland before Christmas
Here's hoping it gets to Northern Ireland before Christmas
krypt0nian
Banned
Did then change the generic login/passowrd for press.nintendo.com?
I had to clear my cookies for something else and now the one we were using for E3 won't work.
I had to clear my cookies for something else and now the one we were using for E3 won't work.
Agent Dormer
Dirty Drinking Smoker
Posted this in the DS:Windows 95 thread, but figured it would work well here too.
MrPing1000
Member
mrklaw said:
£134 for the console + mario + shipping
*thank you shitty exchange rate*
Ford Prefect
GAAAAAAAAY
Woo! Picked up my system and Mario 64 today. It's charging right now, but I tried a bit of Mario, and the controls will definitely take some getting used to. But the system itself rules, and I'm sure I'll get a lot of fun out of this baby. Can't wait til it finishes charging 
touchpad w/ mario 64 is fine. I wish I could make a movie of me playing some of the more harder parts in the game just to embarrass some of you who complain about the touchpad 
j/k
Anyway, the system is out for "repair" now...who the hell knows when I'll get one back. Dead pixels in the middle of the screen = huge no no IMO.
j/k
Anyway, the system is out for "repair" now...who the hell knows when I'll get one back. Dead pixels in the middle of the screen = huge no no IMO.
more than likely not.. the GBA chip probably sits above the actual DS hardware and the DS hardware interprets the control and display output. I could be wrong though as there is rumble on the GBP.. but I am guessing they just included a rumble output as well, not a touchscreen output though.
just my guess
just my guess
evilromero
Member
I agree. The stylus is very precise and it allows me to perform a lot of tricky manuvers.rawk said:
Ollie Pooch
In a perfect world, we'd all be homersexual
MrPing1000 said:
hah same day i ordered at lik sang ... i'm predicting i WONT be getting it before christmas
i'm off to new york on the 7th of december and coming back through tokyo for a night on the 29th.. i might be able to find one on holiday
Date of Lies
Banned
The platinum coat seems to scratch alot less than the SP's one. Also, the Nintendo sign ont he top isn't a cheap sticker like the SP's. But dust still seems to enter the bottom screen, but it doesnt go under the screen atleast. D-pad is wonderful again and I have no problem with the face buttons size.
I guess I'm anticipating Mr.Driller now.
Everyone at school thought it was really cool and I'm lucky enough to have 2 other people in my class with DS's, althought I think us 3 are the only ones in school with one.
I guess I'm anticipating Mr.Driller now.
Everyone at school thought it was really cool and I'm lucky enough to have 2 other people in my class with DS's, althought I think us 3 are the only ones in school with one.
THAT'S RIGHT. I played mine at work. I played mine at campus. I played mine in the subway. Not a snicker, not a laugh, not a chuckle, and not a funny look.
Just lots of envious ones. A bunch of my classmates and coworkers were totally blown away. The DS is a hit! ;p
Just lots of envious ones. A bunch of my classmates and coworkers were totally blown away. The DS is a hit! ;p
Spiritreaver
Member
Mejilan said:
Actually, dead pixels can be white (always on), black (always off), or various other colors (not usually "dead" but the transistor is only partially working (certain colors are always on, certain are always off). But it's most commonly black or white I believe. So it would be best to test them on white AND black screens to see if you have one or some.
Spiritreaver
Member
:lol That's definitely me. When I got my SP, I used to carry around a thing of scotch tape to help gett he dust off and I also keep around a baggy with some special cleaner to wipre the screen off if I needed to. I've since dropped that habit though, as I constantly worrying about the screen state was getting tiresome.lockii said:Anyone else find they are compulsive obsessive over cleaning the screens? I'm hardly going to get any gaming done on the PSP
seismologist
Banned
Tenguman said:touchpad w/ mario 64 is fine. I wish I could make a movie of me playing some of the more harder parts in the game just to embarrass some of you who complain about the touchpad
j/k
Anyway, the system is out for "repair" now...who the hell knows when I'll get one back. Dead pixels in the middle of the screen = huge no no IMO.
It took a while but I just firgured out how to do touchpad for Mario.
Now I use my thumb on the touch screen and amazingly it feels just like an analog stick. I dont even have to think about it.
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Ever since a couple of people said the stylus worked well for Mario, I've been using that. works great, much better than the thumbpad for me.
Do you know how fucking long it took me to work out how to use Yoshi again? Jesus that's a stupid way, they should have just given him a door, I thought he was in the locked one!
Do you know how fucking long it took me to work out how to use Yoshi again? Jesus that's a stupid way, they should have just given him a door, I thought he was in the locked one!
Crazymoogle
Member
lockii said:
Walk through Mario's door. Swip-swap
Mama Smurf
My penis is still intact.
Or if you have Luigi or Wario open, walk through their door if using them.