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!

Why Pilotwings Resort does all the right things: A Review

The idea behind Pilotwings Resort for the Nintendo 3DS is very simple: the player takes flight in three different vehicles to complete a variety of missions around the game's location, Wuhu Island. Easy enough? Okay, then, this review has come to a close!

I'm just kidding, of course. The three vehicles are: airplane, jet pack, and hang glider. What would you expect from a game like this? For the controls to be spot-on, that's what! I'm very glad to say that there is no disappointment where controls are concerned. The feel of each vehicle is distinguished from the others and has its own unique quirks. The airplane is easy to control, but can pull off more tricks. The jet pack is versatile, but difficult to master. The hang glider has limited maneuverability, but can pick up some serious speed. Thanks to the 3DS system's circle pad, controlling the three vehicles is seamless and feels authentic, not to mention amazing.

Wuhu Island is a great place, especially in 3D. The sensation of flying is only enhanced by the depth. I literally felt dizzy when I tried a loop-the-loop for the first time. That aside, the 3D effect aids gameplay and provides a visual kick that suits this game well.

Every other element in Pilotwings Resort blends perfectly. The sound effects are convincing, the music is catchy, and the visual style is appropriate. The mission mode is a bit bare, but I'll definitely be heading to Wuhu Island frequently during the lifespan of my Nintendo 3DS, even if it's just for a relaxing, four-minute glide. 

Real Dogs vs. Nintendogs+cats Dogs: A Comparison

Meet Boyd and Cali.

Nintendogs+cats arguably provides the single most authentic virtual pet experience out there. The depth provided by the Nintendo 3DS puts it in an entirely different league than others of its kind. Touch screen interactivity only increases it's edge over the competition. How does owning virtual pets compare to owning real ones? With three dogs wandering around my own real-life home, I feel very qualified to answer that question:

Care and Maintenance
I have to hold my breath when I serve our real dogs (Cali, Slater, and Brynlee) food. How they can possibly eat that stuff, I'll never know, because it does not smell nice to human sniffers. And after I'm done, it's over to the sink to wash my hands of the crumbs. In Nintendogs+cats, however, one effortless tap makes the food appear instantly. A second tap, and the food bowl is taken away in a flash. No smell, no mess. The same goes for water.

All three of our real dogs hate baths. Slater tolerates it, but his widened eyes tell all. Cali constantly attempts to shake off the soapy water. And Brynlee makes wild bids for freedom every chance she gets. My virtual pets (Molly and Boyd), on the other hand, seem to enjoy the experience. Unfortunately, however, I need to wash them about three times as often as my real dogs.

Winner: Nintendogs+cats dogs.

Fun and Personality
One thing virtual dogs can never measure up to is how much personality real dogs have. Molly and Boyd may differ slightly from one another, but they do all the same things for the most part. They'll stick their rear ends in the air. They'll roll in the grass in the same way. They'll greet other dogs similarly. Real dogs have personalities that differ as much as humans. Slater is emotionally unstable, but the sweetest dog you could imagine. (We're pretty sure he was abused by whoever had him before us.) Cali is apprehensive about humans, yet she needs a lot of love. Brynlee is a bit of a pansy, but she's got the energy of a firecracker. They all act accordingly, and behave in unpredictable ways.

Nintendogs+cats simulates the experience of playing with your pets quite well. But again, this cannot compare to the fun of playing with real animals. Nintendogs+cats is repetitive, while real dogs...well, act like living things, which they are, of course.

Winner: Real dogs.

Cost
This category might be a little unfair, but I'll briefly cover it. Nintendogs+cats costs $40 of real money. After that, the only money the player spends is in-game currency. Real dogs cost a continuous amount of real money. And I mean a lot of real money.

Winner: Nintendogs+cats

Conclusion
Though Nintendogs+cats won two out of three, I have to say that real dogs win the overall competition. If I could rate the value of each of those categories, it would look like this: Care and Maintenance-8 points; Fun and Personality-Priceless; and Cost-5 points. That little puppy on the screen just won't ever replace my three living, breathing dogs, even if it is in 3D.  



 

Nintendo 3DS Perplexities: Mii Maker, Mii Plaza, and StreetPass

I'm still waiting for someone to "Find Mii."

Many aspects of the Nintendo 3DS are shrouded in mystery to those who haven't experienced it for themselves. So I've begun a campaign to encourage understanding...starting with the Mii Maker, Mii Plaza, and StreetPass features.

One of the first tasks a Nintendo 3DS owner should accomplish is to create a Mii. The idea of Miis began with Wii. Mii characters can be created and customized to resemble just about anyone. The Nintendo 3DS offers a short-cut to creating Miis by allowing the creator to begin with a photograph of the subject, leaving most of the work up to the system. After a first Mii is created, the Mii Plaza and the opportunity for StreetPass encounters open up.

The Mii Maker is where Miis are made. The Mii Plaza is a built-in game that revolves around StreetPass use. So what is StreetPass, you ask? StreetPass is a feature of the Nintendo 3DS by which it is possible for information to be exchanged between 3DS users as they come close to one another. The system can be powered-on or in sleep mode for this to occur. Lets say I go to a busy place: a mall. I carry my 3DS around in sleep mode. I walk by someone who has done the same. I don't even know the person, but I've now had a StreetPass encounter. The information that has been shared between us is totally harmless and includes our Mii creations, our first names, and our answers to questions such as "Cats or dogs?" and "What is your greatest hobby?" This person is a guy named Bob. His favorite piece of 3DS software is Face Raiders. He prefers cats. His dream is to have power. His favorite hobby is playing video games. (This is all made up, of course, so any resemblance to a real person is purely coincidental.)

Bob's Mii can now be found and utilized in my Mii Plaza. The Mii Plaza is composed of two basic games. In "Save Mii", my own Mii is trapped in a cage and in need of rescuing. After my fateful StreetPass encounter, I welcomed Bob as a warrior who could help to find me by defeating enemies in a series of stages. The second game in Mii Plaza involves collecting puzzle pieces to complete several different scenes from iconic Nintendo games. Bob shared the Zelda puzzle with me, which I wouldn't have been able to get without a StreetPass encounter. Pieces of this puzzle can be acquired by spending play coins: the currency of the Nintendo 3DS. They are earned by walking with the system (it has a built-in pedometer).

StreetPass plays a role in a few of the full-fledged, $40 3DS games. If I pass someone who has Nintendogs+cats, for example, we can share pictures of our pets and more. Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition also has StreetPass functionality. It is clear that this unique Nintendo 3DS feature will be utilized in creative ways in future games.

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!