As I walked up to the Nintendo booth, I saw several lines that branched around the booth. As I followed the lines, I saw that each one was to try out one of their new products. The longest line was for the 3DS, the new handheld video game system that promises to give you 3D visuals without the need for 3D glasses. There were also long lines for the new Legend of Zelda game, subtitled Skyward Sword and Metroid: Other M, as well as smaller lines for Kirby’s Epic Yarn and Donkey Kong Country Returns.
I also saw rows and rows of other featured titles that completely playable, such as Wii Party, Mario Sports Mix, New Carnival Games, GoldenEye 007, Sonic Colors and Just Dance 2, just to name a few. Epic Mickey was also on hand, which you can read about here.
Since my time was limited, I was asked what I wanted to see the most. I really wanted to check out the new Nintendo handheld, the 3DS.
3DS
Nintendo really knows how to make a splash. The DS trumped the PSP, even with inferior graphics and without all the bells and whistles. They know that the gaming experience is not once born purely of the latest technology, but through the love of the craft of making purely entertaining experiences.
However, ever since the shocking announcement of the motion controller for the Wii left many people scratching their heads thinking “What are they doing?”, Nintendo has proved that if you mix new and exciting technologies with the love they pour into every game, you can have something very special. Now that every major developer is on board with motion controls, Nintendo is moving forward…into 3D.
A short time ago, Nintendo made an announcement about their new handheld device that will be the successor to the DS. They said it will still feature two screens, one of which will be a touch screen, but will now add an analog stick. It will still have a camera, but the graphics capability will receive a big upgrade. Oh, and the top screen will feature 3D graphics without having to use glasses. What?! Is that even possible?
Well, at Nintendo’s booth at E3 I was taken up to a platform where rows and rows of these incredible devices were lined up, each with their own personal greeter. Each section covered a different demo of the 3DS hardware. Is this a watered-down pseudo-3D experience, or is it the real deal? It’s real, alright. And it’s awesome!
As I reached the top of the platform, it was suggested that I first check out the Nintendogs + Cats demo.
Nintendogs + Cats
In this limited demo but playable demo, I was able to choose from three breeds of dogs (no cats yet, sadly), a Yorkie, Beagle, or Golden Retriever. After arbitrarily picking a Yorkie, it put me in a room with my chosen dog who wandered aimlessly around as I marveled at the 3D I was watching without the use of glasses. I was instructed by the demonstrator that I could control the 3D level by moving a slider on the side of the screen. As I moved the slider up and down, it seamlessly shifted the 3D into 2D and back. Absolutely amazing. I couldn’t help but smile. I then realized that I could probably do other things, and sure enough I could pet the dog, dress up the dog, or play catch with a ball and frisbee. As I changed the dogs outfit, I finally noticed how much the graphics have been improved over the DS. Then, I played catch with a tennis ball and the physics were really good. I felt like I really lobbed the tennis ball and it bounced around realistically until the dog picked it up. Good boy!
Star Fox 64 3D
I was then ushered to the next station where I tried my hand at another playable demo: Star Fox. This was another marvel. It took a short time to get my bearings because the 3D was so amazing. You could fly under or around objects and you were tasked with shooting down other ships that were all around you, including behind you. I recalled playing Top Gun for the original Nintendo, and I remember the parts where you were being tailed, and it was impossible to tell where the enemy really was. Here, I could tell exactly how far behind me he was, and it was easier to time my brakes so he would fly right by, then I could boost to line up a shot and blow him away. I was just getting used to it when the demo ended, and I was left wanting more Star Fox.
Mario Kart
Mario Kart was my next destination, and unfortunately it was not a playable demo. However, the game trailer had tons of little touches that made the 3D really pop. The game promises to offer plenty of connectivity options you have come to expect, including ghost data exchange.
Kid Icarus
Featured in the Nintendo press conference, Kid Icarus is a classic Nintendo franchise that has yet to see a sequel despite all the begging fans have done. Finally, Nintendo has found the right platform for the sequel, which you will agree with once you see the direction they are heading with it. The original Kid Icarus featured brutally difficult platforming, but at the end when you gain your wings, it turns into a side-scrolling flight game. They seem to be taking that mold into a 3D environment and making the game very much like Space Harrier games, but way better. It was actually a little bit like Star Fox 64 3D.
Animal Crossing
This was another game that brought to my attention the improved graphics that this system will offer. Much cleaner and detailed and with similar gameplay as previous titles. Nintendo notes they will be taking advantage of the enhanced wireless functionality of the 3DS.
Steel Diver
I didn’t know what to expect from this game, but they promised that it would feel like I was looking into an aquarium…and it did! I’m sure I sound like a broken record at this point, but seeing the 3D without glasses truly felt like the future. If nothing else, it would make it easier to play games like Mario Galaxy because you can really get a feel for where you are in the environment. In Steel Diver, I was the pilot of a submarine that looked like it was in a mini aquarium.
DJ Hero 3D
This was the first 3rd party demo that I got to play. Activision Publishing, Inc. put together this fun demo which wasn’t helped or hindered by the 3D. It was neat as the virtual record spun with your commands on top, however this would have been just as good in 2D. At the same time, if you can do it…why the heck not? Besides, there may be other little touches that I missed while being engrossed in the gameplay and music.
Samurai Warriors 3D
The second third party game I tried was Tecmo Koei Games’ Samurai Warriors 3D. I was tasked with beating down 50 enemies in 2 minutes. I barely missed it as I fumbled with the various combos and mass damage I was causing. If I had another crack at it, I wouldn’t of had a problem. This was another game where I felt the 3D was cool, but not essential. Once again, though, I must emphasize that it didn’t cause any issues with the gameplay and the visuals were still pretty neat.
Paper Mario
This was just a little movie featuring some neat things that they can do with Paper Mario in 3D. The added dimension allows Mario to climb back into those bushes that are in the background and find hidden things. Also, it looks like it will feature the turned-based combat with timing elements from The Thousand Year Door, which I loved!
PilotWings Resort
Back to 1st party games. No surprise that this game will be stunning when it comes out. Flight games and 3D visuals go hand in hand. I don’t know how we have played these games for so many years without it. I’m kidding, of course, but I did find this one of the stronger demos on the floor, along with Star Fox 64 and…
Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D
This little demo featured a camera that you could move around in different directions. The 3D in this was so amazing and thoughtful, it was like a little Pixar short film. It had humor, great visuals, and a couple of fun moments like when an enemy drops a pack of cigarettes and goes fishing around for them.
After I had time with these little demos, I was ushered over to a gentleman who asked me if I would like to try the 2D camera, to which I responded “Of course!” Once I snapped the photo, I could then adjust the 3D ration until it was just right and voila!: a 3D photo!
There were so many other little demos that I just didn’t have the time to check them all out. However, I can leave you with this: I promise you have never seen anything like it. You have to see it to believe it. It’s my guess that there are other features that will be announced as we get closer to launch in 2011.
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