Are boys better gamers than girls?

I'll just tell you what I think right off the bat: boys are generally better at video games than girls. I've seen it time and time again.

I am a girl, and I have been playing video games for as long as I can remember. Super Mario World was my sustenance growing up. I beat The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the first time at a young age, and I have since beaten it countless other times. I played all three Super Smash Bros. games in an abundance during their respective times. And I'm not gonna lie: I work my butt off to be as good at games as I can be.

Why then does my younger brother often trump my own Super Smash Bros. Brawl skills when he doesn't take video games nearly as serious as me? Why also can he beat me at Metroid Prime 2 multiplayer when I've got several hours on him from playing single player?

I have decided that boys are more aggressive than girls, and that's why they tend to have more natural skill in gaming. Many games are reflex- and instinct-driven, and boys just surpass girls in that area, plain and simple. However, there are certain kinds of games that I think us girls have an advantage in. I'm talkin' puzzle games! Girls tend to have more patience than guys, and that suits them to games with a slower pace. And I can't forget to mention dance games. Girls are definitely better dancers than guys...or at least more willing to dance!

Obviously, these are just generalizations. Even though I'm a girl, I love to play all types of games. And if you are a boy who's unafraid to break out the mad skills with Just Dance, great! What I'm saying is that boys are typically more naturally gifted at video games. What are your thoughts?

Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble! The Final Round is here!

In Round 3 of the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble, we saw the defeat of Magnus to Medusa (Battle) and the defeat of Medusa (Battle) to Poseidon. Our cliff-hanger match saw Poseidon facing off against Palutena. Who will the winner be? We'll find out today!

But first, of course, let's take a look at reader comments! Thanks to everyone who offered their vote! Both of our finalists got some love: Parko is alone in his support for Poseidon, but I see no reason to doubt the abilities of the god of ocean and sea! Anonymous and Skyler have both taken the side of Palutena. Poseidon was able to make it this far, and Palutena is a first-time fighter in this tournament, so it's hard to gauge whether she'll be a real contender or a real push-over. I'm gonna have to put my official vote on Poseidon.

Ladies and gentlemen, I declare it is time to find out! Drum roll, please! Our Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble winner is:

Palutena! And just like that, she sneaks last-minute into the tournament for the ultimate prize!

Whew! This has been a ton of fun for me, so I hope it was for you too! I actually added three new AR Idol cards to my collection since I staged the tabletop tumble, so perhaps we'll see a more well-organized tournament take place sometime in the future. Thanks again to those of you who participated! And congratulations to Palutena!

The Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble continues! Presenting Round 3!

Did you have a good weekend? Awesome! Well, a new week is in full swing, and we're starting it off with a little tabletop action! Last round saw the tough-as-nails human Magnus win against Three-Headed Hewdraw, First Blade, and God of Death, Thanatos. In our cliff-hanger match, we had Magnus vs. Medusa (Battle). The results of that match will be revealed today, but not before I weigh in, as well as discuss reader thoughts.

Anonymous is quite convinced that Medusa (Battle) will walk away victorious. And as much as I want Magnus to take the win, I can't help but lean towards Medusa (Battle) myself. I also think it's prudent to mention that there is a battle in Medusa's name on this card. Surely that means something ominous for our intrepid human. Still, Parko has high hopes for Magnus.  I think it's time we find out, don't you?

Presenting Round 3!

And the winner is...Medusa (Battle)! Magnus is finally taken down! I don't know about you guys, but that is very sad news to me! Time to pull out the big guns!

Match 7: Poseidon vs. Medusa (Battle)

 

We know now to not underestimate the evil Medusa (Battle). But does Poseidon, god of the oceans, have the power to take her down? I'd like to think so! But there's no telling what will happen in this battle! My official vote goes to Poseidon, however. Here are the results!

And the winner is...Poseidon! Unaffiliated triumphs over evil! As we near the end of our tabletop tumble, we realize that there is some major power at work in these final battles!

Match 8: Poseidon vs. Palutena

We have reached the eighth and final match of the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble! You know what that means, don't you? I can't very well do anything but leave Poseidon vs. Palutena as a cliff-hanger match! Does Palutena have the power to match Poseidon's in battle? I'll leave that question for all of you good readers to answer! Let your voice be heard with a comment! See you next time for the big finale!

Welcome back to the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble! Commence Round 2!

If you'll recall from Round 1 of the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble, Pit has fallen to Three-Headed Hewdraw, but not before he managed to take out Mik! Today we learn who the winner of Round 1's cliff-hanger match, Magnus vs. Three-Headed Hewdraw, will be! First, however, let's have a little discussion. Three-Headed Hewdraw surprised me with a victory against Pit, angel of light. But is our three-headed villain a match for Magnus, the strongest of humans? Parko of Play Nintendo seems to think so. Even so, I think I'm going to put my money on Magnus.

Let's find out! Commence Round 2!

And the winner is...Magnus! He really is one powerful human if he can defeat the enemy that defeated Pit!

Match 4: Magnus vs. First Blade

Maybe all Pit needs to win this thing is a weapon! Enter First Blade card! Magnus, on the other hand, has proved a formidable enemy. I think First Blade is the underdog in this match-up. Therefore, I feel I have no choice but to favor Magnus once again. Will my faith in Magnus prove to be my strength or downfall?

 

And the winner is...Magnus! And he triumphs once more! Will this guy ever go down?

Match 5: Magnus vs. God of Death, Thanatos

Time to give Magnus a real opponent! That is to say, I would think that God of Death, Thanatos would be more of a match than, say, Three-Headed Hewdraw. I'm gonna have to pass on betting on this match. Let's get straight to the results:

And the winner is...Magnus! Will Magnus never meet his superior in battle? Do we even want to see him go down?

Match 6: Magnus vs. Medusa (Battle)

It's time for this round's cliff-hanger match. I think Medusa (Battle) is definitely more intimidating than any of Magnus' opponents so far. But hasn't this determined human already proved his mettle? Who will you root for? Show it by leaving a comment! Until next time!

Nintendo Lifeline presents the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble! Let Round 1 Begin!

I gotta say, I've been having a blast with the AR Idol cards that work with Kid Icarus: Uprising. From what I've heard, there will be hundreds of these things! And no, they won't be that easy to get, either. Here's a little tip for you, though: the April edition of Nintendo Power magazine contains a pack of three! So, out of hundreds, I have a whopping 9 cards. How 'bout that!

Anyway, I spent a ridiculous amount of time yesterday playing around with my AR Idol cards. It gave me the inspiration for today's post. Ladies and gentlemen, let Round 1 of the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble begin!

Match 1: Pit vs. Mik

I'm going to have to put my money on Pit in our first battle of the day. He is, after all, an angel. And for those of you who've played the game, you know that the enemy Mik is quite a weakling. Shall we find out?

And the winner is...Pit! Was there ever any doubt? But will Pit be strong enough to face his next opponent:

Match 2: Pit vs. Three-Headed Hewdraw

I'm a sucker for a classic good vs. evil plot. And we all know that good wins! Therefore, I'm goin' with Pit once more for our second match-up of Pit against Three-Headed Hewdraw. Also, I beat Three-Headed Hewdraw myself in the game with Pit, so what else would I do? Let's see for ourselves:

And the winner is...Three-Headed Hewdraw! And Pit goes down! Who'da thunk it?

Match 3: Magnus vs. Three-Headed Hewdraw

 After Three-Headed Hewdraw's surprising victory against the servant of light, I'm starting to think anything can happen in this tournament. Will Magnus pull off the victory that evaded Pit? Or will Three-Headed Hewdraw prove his strength once more? I'm going to leave the commentary open to you guys. Leave your thoughts in the comments! We'll find out once and for all in Round 2 of the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble! See you then!

Giant AR Card: A Club Nintendo review

I don't expect many of my readers to be big enough Nintendo fans that they frequently use Club Nintendo, but I regard my precious Club Nintendo coins as very valuable. You don't just spend them on anything!

Today's Club Nintendo item is the recent Giant AR Card. I simply jumped at the chance to get this one for 200 coins. You've seen my regular AR photos: little Mii's on my desk, little Nintendo characters at school. But if you're a regular Nintendo Lifeline reader, you've also seen glimpses of what the Giant AR Card can create: a giant dragon coming to life on the back lawn, a giant Mii rushing down the stairs. (For all that and more, visit this previous post.)

Now that you have an idea of what this thing is, let's get down to business. First of all, this card is even bigger than I originally expected. Sometimes it's a little too big. To get it to register with my Nintendo 3DS camera, I've used a rickety ladder and the top of a high deck, among other things. Don't get me wrong, though: the size is great. Best part about it. There is something valid to dislike about the Giant AR Card, though: it is painstaking to get it to register because 1) it's too floppy and 2) it catches glares all too easily. As if it wasn't tedious enough to set up the regular-sized AR card, this one is even more difficult to work with. But if you can get past that, it's quite fun to mess around with.

So is the Giant AR Card worth 200 of your precious Club Nintendo coins? Well, if messing around with augmented reality appeals to you, definitely. If not, the added frustration might not be worth it. Have a great week, and spend those coins wisely!

Augmented Reality: a photographic history

The following photographic history represents my progression in learning how Augmented Reality can be used effectively. Therefore, the photos are in chronological order by date. All were taken by the use of the Nintendo 3DS system's Augmented Reality function.

The first photo I took using AR! This image demonstrates an effective, albeit unintended use of background objects such as the mouse and notebook.

Mii characters can also come to life on real-world surfaces. Additionally, they can assume a slew of poses at the press of a button.

I haven't used the Graffiti tool since this was taken, but my first swing at it wasn't half bad!

A miraculous image that squishes all of my family members together with a certain degree of clarity.

I endorse this particular issue of Nintendo Power magazine.

One photo in a series that captures the idea of the game Save Mii!

It's not just the built-in AR Games application that projects video game images into the real world. This example comes from Nintendogs+cats.

Probably my first attempt to create an image with a humorous premise in mind. Does it look like the Mii on the left has just kicked the Mii on the right to the ground?

The image that originally adorned my "About the Author" summary. It has recently been changed to accommodate my new haircut.

This photo signifies my very first StreetPass encounter, which was arranged beforehand. I've had three more chance encounters since.

Nintendo Lifeline author Mary represents the retro gaming scene with posts that revolve mostly around the 16-bit era.

Say hello to this beast of an AR card! My youngest sister kindly consented to appear in the image to show the size of the card.

This shot captures a life-size Mii as it hurries downstairs to get some much-needed peanut butter from the pantry.

We recently payed a fortune to have this stone dragon adorn the lawn in the back yard.

My youngest brother and his friend casually look on as the stone dragon comes to life right before their eyes.

A scene that captures some of the beauty that awaits those who take the AR fishing challenge.

ANNOUNCEMENT! Thanks for making it through my photographic history! Beginning this Monday, posts on the Nintendo Lifeline will be published at 3:00 p.m. MST on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, as opposed to 1:00 p.m. MST. A minor, insubstantial change, I know. Have a splendid weekend, and don't forget to like us on Facebook by finding and clicking the appropriate button on the sidebar to the right!

Two days, too much to cover...but I'll try

Update: Here are the links to a handful of new trailers Nintendo has released at E3:
Paper Mario
Mario Kart
Animal Crossing
Super Mario
Ocarina of Time 3D

I'll get straight to it today: starting with the brand-new eShop for Nintendo 3DS. With this important system update, Nintendo offered 3DS users everywhere two free downloads. The first is 3D Classics: Excite Bike. The original NES title remains untouched except for the addition of 3D depth. And it just so happens that a cool 3D trick comes into play: as the player moves the 3D depth slider, the whole background image shifts along with the depth itself.

The second piece of free Nintendo goodness is the Pokedex 3D. Users will start out with a limited amount of Pokemon data, but more can be obtained through SpotPass and by other means. Pokemon can be viewed in full 3D and can also be placed in the real world through augmented reality. Also included is comprehensive info on each acquired Pokemon: types, stats, and moves are just a few examples of what players can expect.

As if that didn't take up enough space, those little tidbits are nothing compared to the flood of new details revealed from Nintendo's E3 media conference, which took place Tuesday morning. Here goes:

2011 is The Legend of Zelda 25th anniversary. Fans can expect a host of celebratory events to take place throughout the year, starting with the ability to download The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console service. That'll be seven bucks, please! Next, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D will be released on the 19th of this month. Club Nintendo members will be treated to a complimentary copy of the game's official soundtrack for registering their game...offer valid while supplies last, people! The long-awaited Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will finally be released for Wii this holiday season. A special promotion will see fans with super-awesome gold Wii-motes with the Zelda crest on the front.

New trailers are available for the following Nintendo 3DS games: Mario Kart, Super Mario, Animal Crossing, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Star Fox 64 3D, Paper Mario, and more. In fact, 3D versions of said trailers can be downloaded for free on the Nintendo 3DS system. They all look amazing, by the way! The current Nintendo 3DS drought will be remedied by year's end, no doubt about it.

Readers, if you've made it this far, you're in for a treat, because Nintendo has pulled back the veil on their next home console. Rumors that the controller would have a built-in, 6-inch touch screen were, indeed, true (see the image on this post). The official name of the console is (drumroll, please)...Wii U! If Wii was able to capture the non-gamer market, then Wii U will capture the hardcore market. All thanks to a highly versatile controller and HD graphics capabilities. Non-gamer market, worry not: Wii U is backwards compatible with Wii games and accessories. In fact, Wii-motes will continue to be at the forefront of control with Wii U. The intention is that four Wii-motes and one touch screen controller can be used at one time. It's a new system, but incorporates the ol' Wii overtly, yet...subtly. Expect more details to emerge before the system's 2012 release. 

Why Nintendogs+cats has a very small niche: A Review

I'll tell you right now the type of people this game is best suited to: First, those who desperately want pets, but aren't allowed them. And second, those who did not get to experience the original Nintendogs on the Nintendo DS system.

Of course, this game adds quite a bit to the original formula to spice things up. The graphics, for one, are about ten times more realistic. And I dare not forget to mention that it's all in stereoscopic 3D. The little pets are noticeably more responsive to voice commands. AR compatibility adds a special touch. Lets see...I guess that's about it.

Oh, wait, there is one more thing. Kittens, of course! How could I forget! I'll tell you how: they don't do anything! They just sit and...look cute. I suppose I'm being a bit harsh, though: kittens do add a welcome touch of variety. And it's not like I had to pay the $800 for one...

If there's one other thing I want to mention before this review comes to a conclusion, it's this: Nintendogs+cats is not for hardcore gamers who want that deep, satisfying plot with killer gameplay. It seems pretty obvious, but I did happen across an unhappy customer on my internet travels who sent the game back, calling it "booooooooring". Well, what did you expect?

Nintendo 3DS Perplexities: Augmented Reality (AR) Games

I hate to use Wikipedia, but the definition it provides for "augmented reality" is the following: "...a term for a live direct or an indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input, such as sound or graphics."

With that general idea, I'll give you the run-down on how Augmented Reality is used by the Nintendo 3DS system. Every unit comes packed with six cards. No, not game cards. Not SD cards. They are, literally, paper cards with images on them, like any ordinary playing cards. The image in this post may give you a sense of them.

After opening the AR Games application of the 3DS, the system's two outward-facing cameras (two cameras allow for a real-time 3D view) can recognize the images on the AR cards. By this method, the 3DS is able to accomplish a huge number of mind-boggling tricks. Turn any surface into a fishing pond that ripples and churns. Or watch Nintendo characters come to vivid, 3D life on the dining room table. Nintendo has provided a sizable handful of entertaining diversions within this built-in 3DS software.

Still have questions about AR Games? Let me know in the comments and I can respond to them!

Three reasons to pick up this month's issue of Nintendo Power magazine

1. Cover Story
Take one look at that cover and you already know why this is a must-have issue of NP. In case you missed the memo, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a legend in the video game world. A masterpiece. The pinnacle of game-making as we know it. Next month, Nintendo 3DS owners all over the globe will have the privilege of experiencing this work of genius all over again, in full 3D. Don't miss the in-depth coverage Nintendo Power has to offer!

2. A Guide to Kick-Start Any 3DS Owner's Experience
This issue of NP includes a short buyer's guide to Nintendo 3DS cases, five essential tasks to get started, tips on effectively using StreetPass, info on four must-own launch titles, tricks to get the most fun out of AR Games, and more. My favorite feature? The opportunity to collect the Mii iterations of select NP staff members by the use of QR codes printed right into the magazine. Plus, no Nintendo fan should miss out on the chance to receive a very special Mii...but why ruin the surprise! Find out who it is for yourself! 

3. A Celebration of the Zelda Series' Silver Anniversary
Can you believe the Zelda series is 25 years old? I'm not even that old yet! It's hard for me to believe that video games have been around for so long. This issue of Nintendo Power continues to reflect on the things that made Zelda into what it is today.

Happy reading!

Now That I've Had the 3DS For a While...

The 3-D Visuals
The visual effect of the 3DS is astounding...when you can find your 3-D sweet spot. It's not something that I can show to many people at once. But it gives the feeling you're looking into a window to another world. This is especially true of the Mii Maker channel, where the little characters I've created look up at me, and I look down at them. It is a little bothersome that adjusting the system in my hands turns the screen blurry, but it's easy to overlook.

Built-in Software
It's not just the cool 3-D visuals that are cutting edge with this piece of hardware...it's the awesome little diversions that come in every unit. Augmented Reality (AR) games are played by placing little cards on any surface. The two outward-facing cameras on the 3DS pick up on which cards are on the surface and turn it into a gaming zone with a lot of mind-boggling features. Face Raiders is another game that comes built into the 3DS. Not only does this game allow the player to shoot friends' and family members' faces with tennis balls, but it takes place in whatever environment the player is in, thanks to the two cameras.

Games
So far I've got Steel Diver and Pilotwings Resort to play on my handheld 3-D screen. The controls in Steel Diver are hard to master, but the 3-D in this game is really pretty. It's mild (so I can turn the 3-D depth slider all the way up) but still impactful.  Pilotwings is a different story. The effect is very powerful, so I find it hard to look at with the 3-D all the way up. But the 3-D really enhances the game at about half-way down or less. Steel Diver and Pilotwings Resort are two solid titles.

What's Missing?
The only short-coming I can identify with the 3DS is that many of the important online features are missing at this early stage. There is an internet browser at the top of the main menu, but "it won't be available until a future update"? That's only half of it...I would have liked to see the eShop available at launch, but it won't be available for a month or so. The 3DS does have dismal battery life, but that doesn't bother me too much. Other than that, the 3DS is a cool little system. $250 seems like a lot to spend, but I'll get my money's worth out of it before the end. 

Owning 3DS: Day One

I was a little late getting a Nintendo 3DS system. I opted with amazon.com for my big purchase, and got my 3DS early yesterday. So it's been a little over a day! What an experience! As I began to use the system, it counted down to the moment the 3D effect would turn on. To be honest, this initial demonstration was anti-climatic. The good stuff would come later with the variety of menu displays (yes, even the menu displays are cool in 3D) and the use of built-in software.

At this point, I haven't played much Augmented Reality or Face Raiders, but I am impressed by what I have seen. For the most part, I am able to keep the 3D depth slider as high as it will go, but I occasionally slide it down half-way when I discover my eyes are tiring.

The fun of 3DS has been showing it to my family members and friends. I have watched the same awe again and again with each new person. "It's like there's a little 'me' in the system!" exclaimed my brother as he viewed the 3D photo I had taken of him. "This is cooler than Xbox 360 or even the Kinect!" a friend raved after experiencing Augmented Reality. The most common response of all was simply "that is really, really cool."

Day one: success!

First Nintendo 3DS TV Spot for North America

I just finished viewing the first official TV Spot for the Nintendo 3DS. I myself am waiting for the release of Nintendo's new handheld with great excitement.

The spot begins with a bit of Steel Diver content, which gives way to a demonstration of the augmented reality feature of the system. For those of you who don't know, augmented reality will allow the owner of a Nintendo 3DS system to play games right on their own table, counter, desk, or other flat surface (in my case, I can't wait to see a game come to life on the circulation counter of the library where I work). Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition is the final game to be showcased in the ad.

This TV commercial is impactful in at least two ways. First and foremost, it emphasizes the single most exciting feature of the 3DS: its ability to immerse gamers through full, stereoscopic 3-D graphics. The Steel Diver segment shows the player's reflection within the game, as if he is truly at the controls of a submarine. The same goes for Street Fighter, during which the player is seen in the background, controlling the game while watching the fight unfold. The augmented reality portion hints at the second reason why the spot strikes me: the constant feeling of motion. This corresponds with the motion-sensing capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS system. It's also what makes the TV spot really exciting. The transitions among and within the three main attractions are smooth and pleasing to the eyes.

Overall it's a great advertisement. It hits on the very best features of the 3DS system in 30 short seconds, creating a lasting impression.