Expanded Online Functionality
Nintendo is a company known for marching to the beat of its own drum. This may cause the company to march off the radar occasionally (Virtual Boy, anyone?), but it's also allowed for countless moments of pure gaming brilliance. Despite the tendency to sometimes aggravate its fan base, it could be argued that this approach is largely responsible for the company's ability to surprise its audience with such unique and distinct gameplay experiences. And up until recently, it's a strategy that's usually worked. But when it comes to online, even the Big N could only shy away for so long.
The 3DS marks a huge leap forward for Nintendo's online strategies, proof that the company does indeed listen to its fans. Mario Kart 7, in particular, flaunts the most robust set of online features we've ever seen from a Nintendo game. In addition to standard multiplayer fare - allowing players to match up against friends and random players, collect ghost data, etcetera - Mario Kart 7 will be introducing online communities. These allow players to create highly customizable play groups, setting parameters for things like which karts, power-ups and tracks can be used during that community's matches.
Show 'em how online's done, Princess!
Each community will have its own set of leaderboards, which will be updated and tracked online. Once a community is created, players will be able to share it with friends via a special code. Communities will also be tracked online, with the 100 most popular appearing on a special Mario Kart channel. The inclusion of such a customizable and in-depth online component is practically unheard of for Nintendo, but it's a great sign of things to come.
Nintendo is also branching out by allowing its 3DS eShop content to be accessible via PCs and smartphones, with the ability to purchase said content already in the works. It remains to be seen what this move means for the company, or what doors it might open for Nintendo products being made available via third party hardware, but it's certainly an interesting move on the company's part.
Throw in DLC for 3DS games, StreetPass and SpotPass content, and Mii Plaza updates - as well as a huge assortment of classic virtual console games, DSiWare and 3DSWare available for purchase on the eShop - and you've got a system with a functional and distinctive online presence. It allows gamers to play games with their friends online, but in classic Nintendo fashion it also keeps the focus on the single-player experience (rather than on tiny campaigns and decked out multiplayer features). It might not be for everyone, but Nintendo's recent leaps forward in this regard are still commendable.
When One Circle Pad Just Isn't Enough
Even though the Vita is still months away from launch, there's one area where it's always had the 3DS beat: dual analog controls. For many gamers, the 3D visuals and lower price tag of the 3DS more than make up for the gap in graphical prowess between the two systems. When it comes to controls, however, it's a near impossible task to argue that a single stick is comparable to two.
That's where the Circle Pad Pro comes in. The peripheral, which attaches to the back of the system and provides an extra circle pad, will allow developers to create games that are comparable to a home console experience. In Resident Evil Revelations, for instance, those playing the game without the device will use the touch screen to manipulate the camera, while those with it will be able to just use the other circle pad.
Playing with the Circle Pad Pro
Other than shedding some light on the inevitable 3DS redesign, the Circle Pad Pro opens up a whole new set of option for developers, making it even more competitive with the expensive Vita. Any third party game that comes to the Vita now has the chance to have a "3D Edition" on Nintendo's handheld. This simple fact alone could mean huge things for the 3DS's catalog, and for the gamers who complain about it on our message boards daily.
In all those ways, the Nintendo 3DS has finally stepped up to the plate. It may be late to the party, but it's now becoming the system it was always meant to be, and we're excited to see what the future holds. Considering how unforgettable the DS was, we can only hope the 3DS will eventually command an equal amount of respect and regard. Given what we've seen so far and what's to come, it's already well on the way.
Nintendo is a company known for marching to the beat of its own drum. This may cause the company to march off the radar occasionally (Virtual Boy, anyone?), but it's also allowed for countless moments of pure gaming brilliance. Despite the tendency to sometimes aggravate its fan base, it could be argued that this approach is largely responsible for the company's ability to surprise its audience with such unique and distinct gameplay experiences. And up until recently, it's a strategy that's usually worked. But when it comes to online, even the Big N could only shy away for so long.
The 3DS marks a huge leap forward for Nintendo's online strategies, proof that the company does indeed listen to its fans. Mario Kart 7, in particular, flaunts the most robust set of online features we've ever seen from a Nintendo game. In addition to standard multiplayer fare - allowing players to match up against friends and random players, collect ghost data, etcetera - Mario Kart 7 will be introducing online communities. These allow players to create highly customizable play groups, setting parameters for things like which karts, power-ups and tracks can be used during that community's matches.
Show 'em how online's done, Princess!
Each community will have its own set of leaderboards, which will be updated and tracked online. Once a community is created, players will be able to share it with friends via a special code. Communities will also be tracked online, with the 100 most popular appearing on a special Mario Kart channel. The inclusion of such a customizable and in-depth online component is practically unheard of for Nintendo, but it's a great sign of things to come.
Nintendo is also branching out by allowing its 3DS eShop content to be accessible via PCs and smartphones, with the ability to purchase said content already in the works. It remains to be seen what this move means for the company, or what doors it might open for Nintendo products being made available via third party hardware, but it's certainly an interesting move on the company's part.
Throw in DLC for 3DS games, StreetPass and SpotPass content, and Mii Plaza updates - as well as a huge assortment of classic virtual console games, DSiWare and 3DSWare available for purchase on the eShop - and you've got a system with a functional and distinctive online presence. It allows gamers to play games with their friends online, but in classic Nintendo fashion it also keeps the focus on the single-player experience (rather than on tiny campaigns and decked out multiplayer features). It might not be for everyone, but Nintendo's recent leaps forward in this regard are still commendable.
When One Circle Pad Just Isn't Enough
Even though the Vita is still months away from launch, there's one area where it's always had the 3DS beat: dual analog controls. For many gamers, the 3D visuals and lower price tag of the 3DS more than make up for the gap in graphical prowess between the two systems. When it comes to controls, however, it's a near impossible task to argue that a single stick is comparable to two.
That's where the Circle Pad Pro comes in. The peripheral, which attaches to the back of the system and provides an extra circle pad, will allow developers to create games that are comparable to a home console experience. In Resident Evil Revelations, for instance, those playing the game without the device will use the touch screen to manipulate the camera, while those with it will be able to just use the other circle pad.
Playing with the Circle Pad Pro
Other than shedding some light on the inevitable 3DS redesign, the Circle Pad Pro opens up a whole new set of option for developers, making it even more competitive with the expensive Vita. Any third party game that comes to the Vita now has the chance to have a "3D Edition" on Nintendo's handheld. This simple fact alone could mean huge things for the 3DS's catalog, and for the gamers who complain about it on our message boards daily.
In all those ways, the Nintendo 3DS has finally stepped up to the plate. It may be late to the party, but it's now becoming the system it was always meant to be, and we're excited to see what the future holds. Considering how unforgettable the DS was, we can only hope the 3DS will eventually command an equal amount of respect and regard. Given what we've seen so far and what's to come, it's already well on the way.
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