StreetPass: Changing Perspectives

The Nintendo 3DS system was released on March 27, 2011. I got my system on April 1, 2011, and I'm not even fooling you. Ahem...anyway! I've been seeking StreetPass encounters ever since. My very first tag was arranged, so it felt pretty cheap. You could say my first genuine tag was a few weeks later when I went to the local Taco Time and came home with that green light on!

Up until the end of August this year, StreetPass tags were rare and special occasions for me. Then I moved to a significantly bigger town with a significantly larger college campus than I previously attended. Talk about culture shock! Most of the changes seemed awful to me, but one change did not: increased probability for StreetPass tags! I mean, they actually happen in big places? And not only that, but they happen often in big places?! Now I can expect StreetPass tags almost daily, and there are even a couple of regulars that I've tagged more than once.

How have your perspectives changed (or stayed the same) on StreetPass? 

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance - A Review

It's often button-mashy, and the storyline is absurd, but Nintendo 3DS game Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance has a lot of good things going for it.

Now that I've told you straight up some things I don't like about this game, let's talk about something I do like. I like the overall presentation in Kingdom Hearts 3D. The player controls characters Sora and Riku in a quest to unlock seven sleeping worlds to become true keyblade masters. The graphics are really excellent and some of the best on the Nintendo 3DS. And though I detest the plot, it unfolds in a better manner than in any previous entry to the series. Gone are the inconsistent text bubble segments that could have and should have been voice acted. In fact, I don't remember seeing or reading from a single story-essential text bubble in the whole game, and it's a very welcome improvement to the series.

Gameplay in Kingdom Hearts 3D also impressed me. Button mashing is still a problem, like in every other Kingdom Hearts game, but KH3D adds a few twists that do an admirable job at keeping the combat fresh and exciting. The first of those is called flowmotion. Using the "Y" button, the player can send Sora or Riku into walls, poles, and enemies to perform impressive acrobatics. Within battle, flowmotion unleashes devastating attacks against enemies. Outside battle, flowmotion can be a quick, entertaining way to get around. A second gameplay addition called reality shift lets the player interact with certain elements on the touch screen. Each of the game's worlds has a particular brand of reality shift. While some are better than others, all provide a satisfactory break in the monotony of combat.

Unfortunately, Kingdom Hearts 3D continues the series tradition of digging itself into a twisted, not-the-least-bit-captivating storyline. I stopped caring about Sora as a character a long time ago. And Xehanort, the main villain, doesn't evoke even the smallest shred of fear in me. The game attempts to create suspense, only to cause confusion. It endeavors to surprise, only to bore, because anything that can happen, does happen! There are no surprises left!

Conclusion
Though it's clear by now that I have come to dislike the Kingdom Hearts storyline, I hope you realize that that didn't stop me from really enjoying Kingdom Hearts 3D. Yes, the combat is ultimately button-mashy, but a couple of tactful gameplay twists keep it exciting. The 30+ hours it took to beat it felt well-spent. All in all, I recommend this game.    

Random thoughts on upcoming 3DS game Code of Princess

Sometimes I feel like these games come from out of nowhere! Whether that's true or not, I think we can all agree it's often a good thing.

So! Code of Princess. According to the official site, it's a beat 'em up with RPG elements, due for a Nintendo 3DS release on October 9th, developed by Atlus and Kinu Nishimura. I'm afraid to say that name doesn't mean much to me, but you get a pretty keen sense of her creativity and imagination just by looking at the concept art.

There are some gaming realms I have yet to really dive into, and the beat 'em up genre is definitely one of those. Maybe it's just me, but Code of Princess seems to throw together a lot of elements that you wouldn't normally expect to see together. When I think "beat 'em up", I think buff guy in some big city, takin' out bad guys. Am I wrong? Most likely. Anyway, beat 'em up + RPG + fantasy storyline that involves monsters and massive swords...it just doesn't seem to add up. However, I must say I'm intrigued by the whole idea.

And beyond that, there isn't much else for me to say. I love it, though! The gaming industry holds so much magic and variety, I wonder if I'll ever get bored or run out of new things to try! What are your thoughts on Code of Princess?  

Nintendo Direct 9.13.12: Thoughts on Nintendo TVii

Hey all! Did you have a good weekend? We're back with another post on the upcoming Wii U console.

Much time was dedicated during the recent Nintendo Direct to a Wii U feature dubbed Nintendo TVii. Using the Gamepad in conjunction with the TV screen, users can access TV, movies, and sports from sources such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Instant Video. A short, three-step process illustrates the convenience of Nintendo TVii: first, find something to watch (only those things from your available sources will appear). Second, choose a source and watch it. Third, engage with what you're watching. The Gamepad can provide instant access to IMDb while watching a movie, for instance.  Or you can access stats and player info. while watching football. Thanks to the Wii U Gamepad, the possibilities are extensive, to say the least.

I'm dedicating a whole post to just Nintendo TVii because I think it's a great concept. Leading up to this most recent Nintendo Direct, the company made some pretty big statements about how Wii U will change the way we interact with not just video games, but entertainment in the general. Nintendo TVii is shaping up to be an admirable fulfillment of that promise. What do you think?

More Nintendo Direct 9.13.12 Posts

• Wii U Launch Details
• Nintendo Land and Other First Party Wii U Games

Peach vs. Daisy

Ever since Mario existed, so has Princess Peach, but what about a gal for Luigi? That's where Daisy comes in! Princess Daisy is a Nintendo character who first appeared in Super Mario Land, where she is the princess of Sarasaland, and was captured by Tatanga and rescued by Mario. Are you surprised that it was actually her who Mario had saved? Unfortunately, that was the last appearance by Daisy for over 10 years (with the exception of her role as Luigi's caddy in NES Open Tournament Golf.)

Although Daisy is not as big to the series as Peach, Daisy is still a loved character. She is always an essential in almost all of the Nintendo sport games, and also in some of the Mario Parties. The question is, is Daisy a more favorable character than Peach?

This is really a personal opinion (please answer it yourself in the comments below!), so I shall state mine! Daisy is better than Peach; it's as simple as that. Did anyone think that perhaps she isn't in the plat formers because she's too awesome to get captured a second time? After it happened the first, and only, time, she knew how to keep it from happening again!

I guess I'm also biased because I love sports, and Daisy seems to be more of a tomboy. Peach, on the other hand, seems to be the opposite of that; a.k.a. a girly-girl. I also love Luigi, and Daisy is the other half of Luigi.

If you have more questions about Daisy, please feel free to ask in the comments; or check out this website: http://nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/Princess_Daisy
It gives you some nice little information about Princess Daisy. Well, I hope you have a great day!

Nintendo Direct 9.13.12: Nintendo Land and other first party Wii U games

During yesterday's Nintendo Direct, a lot of emphasis was placed on the launch game Nintendo Land, and specifically on the Metroid-based game within, Metroid Blast. In it, the player with the Gamepad takes control of Samus Aran's ship, while Wii remote users fight a land-based battle in the shoes of the great bounty hunter herself. And by the way, the mix of Mii style and power suit style yields some pretty cute results. But back to the subject at hand...this basic scheme of things is the foundation of a few play modes that include the cooperative Assault Mode, a competitive ship vs. ground units mode, and a multiplayer free-for-all mode. Only Assault Mode was demoed at the presentation, but I'm certain there's a lot more variety in just this one game than meets the eye.

A second first party launch title, New Super Mario Bros. U (maybe you've heard of it), didn't get as much attention as Nintendo Land, but we did learn a thing or two. First, that only some of the levels will allow the player to don the Mario overalls as their own Mii character. Second, a rush mode in the game will see the player through scrolling levels that increase speed as more coins are collected, also increasing the challenge. Third, the game features "challenges" with special, often challenging (go figure), objectives. And of course, your mad Mario skills can be shared with friends via Miiverse if you so desire. New Super Mario Bros. U is shaping up to be another strong entry in the iconic franchise.

The Wii U exclusive LEGO City Undercover stars Chase McCain, an undercover crime fighter dispatched to take on Rex Fury. Players who pre-order the title can get their hands on a LEGO mini figure of Chase McCain. And a Wii U game previously known as Project P-100 has received its final title: The Wonderful 101. Click here to see the trailer. Personally, I think it looks like a pretty cool game!

What do you think about the first party titles coming to the Wii U?

More Nintendo Direct 9.13.12 Posts

• Wii U Launch Details
• Thoughts on Nintendo TVii 

Nintendo Direct 9.13.12: Wii U launch details

Sorry you all, but I didn't give any prior notice about today's Nintendo Direct, which was so packed with news I'll be talking about it for days to come. It took place at 10:00 AM Eastern time this morning (8:00 for me), with a singular theme: Wii U. Today I'll be talking about the essential info. that we've been waiting on for a long time:

• Launch date: November 18, 2012
• Launch prices: Basic Set - $299.99; Deluxe Set - $349.99

You're probably wondering about the basic set vs. the deluxe set. Here's the rundown:

•  Basic Set
• Color: White
• Includes:
• Wii U console
• Gamepad controller
• AC adapter
• HDMI connection
• Sensor bar

• Deluxe Set
• Color: Black
• Includes
• Everything listed above for the basic set
• Gamepad charging cradle
• Console stand
• Gamepad stand
• 32 GB storage
• Nintendo Land game disc
•  Enrollment in the Deluxe Digital Promotion, which rewards points for digital purchases

First of all, I'm very impressed with the price points. Before today, I was certain of one thing: the Wii U wasn't going to be $249.99, which was the launch price of the Wii. Still, for an HD console and its controller-with-a-six-inch-touch-screen, $299.99 comes off as very fair. Add a game, a stand for the console, etc. for just $50 extra, and you won't see me complaining. As for the release date, I'm basically indifferent, aside from the fact that my birthday comes 8 days after.

I have to confess, I find it odd that the two launch colors correspond only with their respective sets. If I had my way, I would be able to get the deluxe set in white. Maybe that's just me...

Now I've told you what I think, so I would love to know what you think! Is the launch price too expensive in your opinion? Will you go with a basic set or a deluxe set? Let me know your thoughts in a comment!

More Nintendo Direct 9.13.12 Posts

• Nintendo Land and Other First Party Wii U Games 
• Thoughts on Nintendo TVii 

To the sufferers of gaming frustration

It's funny that I should start thinking about the idea for this post during a time when I feel like I have little touble in the way of gaming frustration. Nevertheless, you can be assured that I understand gaming anger probably better than most people, being myself an easily-frustrated person.

To better understand this issue, let's break it down and examine it piece by piece. What is gaming anger? It's the process of becoming upset, frustrated, or angry due to some unfortunate game-related occurrence. What kinds of occurrences could trigger frustration? The most common and easily acknowledged answer is pure game difficulty. And it's in this instance that you might hear stupid comments like "Wow!!!! Mario really doesn't want me to succeed here!" from the player. Why then, when we know that "it's just a game", do we take it so seriously it drives us to anger? "It's just a game" only causes me to get mad all the quicker. There's an evil little voice in my head that says, "It's just a game, so you should be the master of it!" I want to beat the game, not see it beat me! So I get mad when I can't beat something.

How can you combat your gaming anger? Though I didn't like the DS game Professor Layton and the Curious Village very much, I allowed it to teach me something worthwhile. When it comes to games, I am a perfectionist. Playing that game, I hated spending coins to unlock hints, because I felt like it tainted my perfect file. I came to understand that many games aren't meant to be easy, and so some will offer assistance. You can see that assistance as a slap in the face and then scream at it, or you can see it as part of the game and embrace it whether you chose to use it or not.

For the moment, I guess it seems I'm taking my own advice! Comments? Questions? Derogatory remarks? You know where the comment box is!

Nintendo recruits Penelope and Monica Cruz to promote New Super Mario Bros. 2

Kudos to Nintendo for getting Penelope and Monica Cruz, two high-profile celebrities, to promote New Super Mario Bros. 2. Watch the video above to see a humorous wager unfold between the two sisters.

You've probably noticed by now that I don't share many videos on the blog. So when I do, you know that they're something special! If watching this doesn't put a smile on your face, you have proven me wrong. Either way, let me know what you think in a comment! 

Can you believe a non-fan drew these Zelda characters?

I have many friends who are not Nintendo fans. And I know they're pretty much awesome when they spend several hours drawing Zelda characters for me. In this case, I'm referring to my friend Clarissa Jack, whose work you can see here on this post. I highly encourage you to view an enlarged version by clicking on it, because the limited space on the blog doesn't do it justice.

Clarissa also allowed me to take even more of her time in an interview, which you can read right here:

Me: You're not a gamer. What drew you to these characters aesthetically?
Clarissa: I started out just wanting to do Midna, but I looked at some of the other characters and decided to do a montage.

You seem to have mixed different iterations of the characters to create a more original look for them. What made you take those liberties?
Well, it's true, I had at least three different pictures for each character. I didn't just want to copy/paste. In fact, I'm against that style. I wanted to make them my own.

About how long did it take you to complete this project?
It took the longest just penciling them in; I would say it took about five hours to do the pencil work, about one hour for the pen work, and about four hours for the coloring. Fi alone took about an hour to color, but she was the most fun.

Are there any other Nintendo franchises that you have an interest in doing artwork for?
Probably not. I'm not familiar enough with any of the other franchises to draw them.

Thank you for your time!
You're welcome!