Video Game News and Miscellany

If you mean the 3DS (which is an entirely different system than the DS, the same way that the PSVita is not the PSP) then there are currently two. The original release, and the XL.
There is also the 2DS, which is a flat, wedge shaped 3DS with the 3D stripped out that sells cheaper than a 3DS. Plus all the dozens of exclusive 3DSXL models, most of which are Europe or Japan only.
 
There is also the 2DS, which is a flat, wedge shaped 3DS with the 3D stripped out that sells cheaper than a 3DS. Plus all the dozens of exclusive 3DSXL models, most of which are Europe or Japan only.
Ok, I forgot the 2DS. Those 'exclusives' are just different colors and reskins, though.
 
How many models of ds are there now anyways? I can't see myself being an owner of a ds if a new model comes out every year with its own game catalog
The DS is the previous generation, and though you can play DS games on a 3DS thanks to backwards compatibility, the DS cannot play 3DS games much like a PS2 cannot play PS3 games.

Not all of the 3DS models are improvements. The 2DS, for example, is more the version for little kids who shouldn't be looking at 3D until past a certain age.

Now, this New 3DS (I really wish they'd use a more unique name) will be a significant improvement. I thought if they released a new model it would be in the style of the slimming down of otherwise the same system, but this kind of sounds like 3DS.5 since they're planning to have games exclusive for it.

I like that the new small model ones will have replaceable outside designs so that the limited edition versions no longer matter, but I'll be getting a large model. I want to say that I'd be waiting for an exclusive game that appeals to me before getting this version, but I know from playing Monster Hunter 3 on the Wii U that having the right analog helps a great deal, and so it would help too with Monster Hunter 4.
 
Still too fucking many.

The PSP lasted a few years, sure there were some models but I'm pretty damn sure none of them had their own catalog of games it can only play.

They should have taken the fucking time and develop a proper handheld instead of some gimmicky underpowered bullshit and come out with a slightly better version ever 18 months that fuck over loyal customer that forked over lots of cash for the previous model
 
Still too fucking many.

The PSP lasted a few years, sure there were some models but I'm pretty damn sure none of them had their own catalog of games it can only play.
The psp-go (I think that's what it was called) says you're wrong.

And of course, the playstation phone came out around there.
 
The Go was designed to be digital only. You knew what you were getting into there.
I could have dealt with it being digital only if they had given people a way to get free digital copies of games you already owned n the PSP. Instead they tried to double dip and FUCK THAT.
 
This is why I've never been overly fond of handhelds. Sure, I own a PSP2000 but I emulate a shitload of games from the PSP, to the SNES to TB16. Whatever I can. I did buy a few legit PSP games used over the years.

I'd like a DS but no way I'm paying $150+ for a handheld that gets "upgraded" with games I can't play anymore a year later.

At some point all these new "emulator" handhelds will evolve in the next 1-2 years and they'll dominate the market. The NVIDIA shield wasn't far off from being what I'd go for.
 
This is why I've never been overly fond of handhelds. Sure, I own a PSP2000 but I emulate a shitload of games from the PSP, to the SNES to TB16. Whatever I can. I did buy a few legit PSP games used over the years.

I'd like a DS but no way I'm paying $150+ for a handheld that gets "upgraded" with games I can't play anymore a year later.

At some point all these new "emulator" handhelds will evolve in the next 1-2 years and they'll dominate the market. The NVIDIA shield wasn't far off from being what I'd go for.
The DS stopped being a current over three years ago :p.

But I agree what's going on with the New 3DS is kind of crappy. I don't regret buying it as I've been playing it for two years now, but if I'd just bought a 3DS last month, I would be pissed. And two years ago was the last time they released an actual improvement--the 2DS is actually a downgrade for the sake of cheapness and child-friendliness, so it's not like anyone lost out on that thing's existence. They were due for some kind of new model--I just didn't expect it to be one that would create a .5 in this generation with exclusive games and such.

Would it be better if they just called it a new system? The look of the buttons now mirrors the Wii U gamepad/controller, which tells me Nintendo wants to do more games that can be easily released on both consoles. I wouldn't be surprised if Monster Hunter 4 came to Wii U eventually. So, would it be better to call it a DS-U? A Wii U Portable (WUP!) Something less confusing than using the same names as the last generation or so of systems?

My point is, this stuff gets bumped over eventually. The Gameboy Advance had a life cycle of 3 years before the DS came around. That had a cycle of 7 years, which is pretty long. If the New 3DS was called something else, treated as a true next-gen after 3DS, that would put the 3DS's lifespan at the same as the GBA. Whether that's deemed acceptable is up to you.
 
My point is, this stuff gets bumped over eventually. The Gameboy Advance had a life cycle of 3 years before the DS came around. That had a cycle of 7 years, which is pretty long. If the New 3DS was called something else, treated as a true next-gen after 3DS, that would put the 3DS's lifespan at the same as the GBA. Whether that's deemed acceptable is up to you.
For what it' worth, NO ONE expected the DS to take off like it did, not even the execs at Nintendo. It was supposed to be a parallel platform to the GBA, not it's replacement. But then it become astounding popular and everyone ditched GBA development.
 

figmentPez

Staff member
The Gameboy Advance had a life cycle of 3 years before the DS came around. That had a cycle of 7 years, which is pretty long.
4 years, sort of. The DS came out in 2004, and the DSi came out in 2008. The DSi had a very small library, though. It's possible the New 3DS will be the same way, with little support. Have any games of consequence been announced for it?[DOUBLEPOST=1409502641,1409502095][/DOUBLEPOST]
Is [Costume Quest 2] coming to PS3? Because I wouldn't mind playing it there, since I played the first one there. And I know my netbook won't play it.
Yes, it is.
 
4 years, sort of. The DS came out in 2004, and the DSi came out in 2008. The DSi had a very small library, though. It's possible the New 3DS will be the same way, with little support. Have any games of consequence been announced for it?
DS games, as opposed to DSi games, continued to be prevalent and not having a DSi didn't hinder you from any major releases. So, I'd still put it at 2011.

As for New 3DS, you might be right. That said, Xenoblade Chronicles is the first (and so far only) release slated for it. It's a cult hit Wii game that became difficult to find, and also purchase thanks to price gouging by Gamestop, and the main character has now been announced for the latest Smash Bros. game. Nintendo seems to be making a big deal about it--I have a feeling it and the New 3DS's sales will determine how many more projects will be exclusively for the New 3DS. They have a few already, but for all we know they're minor or eshop-only titles. If New 3DS sales aren't good, Nintendo probably won't do many projects for it. If they are good, expect to see it phase out the 3DS. And like I said above, the identical button count with the Wii U is likely not coincidence. They can boost sales, Amiibo, stronger CPU for more complex games, even cross-play possibilities this way. They're banking that people will want this.

I'd say if someone only has a regular 3DS and didn't upgrade to an XL, waiting for the New 3DS is the way to go.

I really, really fucking hate that name. All it does is remind me of New Super Mario Bros. series, and it just sounds clumsy. Can't wait for parents to be complaining at stores about why the New 3DS game they bought their kid won't work on the regular 3DS or XL or 2DS. Fingers crossed that Nintendo comes up with something better before it leaves Japan, but I doubt it.
 
If New 3DS sales aren't good, Nintendo probably won't do many projects for it. If they are good, expect to see it phase out the 3DS. And like I said above, the identical button count with the Wii U is likely not coincidence. They can boost sales, Amiibo, stronger CPU for more complex games, even cross-play possibilities this way. They're banking that people will want this.
If people were willing to buy a PSP JUST for Monster Hunter, they'll do the same with the New 3DS.
 
If people were willing to buy a PSP JUST for Monster Hunter, they'll do the same with the New 3DS.
Well, you don't need the New 3DS to play Monster Hunter, as was shown by Monster Hunter 3 on the other 3DS's. You didn't even need the second joystick peripheral, and I'd argue that thing was in a bad place anyway. Underwater sections were a bitch, but they kind of always were.

That said, I'm getting a New 3DS for Monster Hunter 4, so you're still right.
 
Nintendo stealthily released two of the mini-games from Kirby Triple Deluxe onto the eshop as stand-alone titles for $6.99 each. Seems a bit pricey to me. Moreso because the fighting game one is local only--no online multi-player makes it seem pointless. The rhythm game also seems like not much of anything.

With a solid rhythm game coming in two weeks, and a proper fighting game coming in four weeks, this seems like a way to tide people over, but a waste of money that could just go to those bigger titles. It's especially pointless if one already has Triple Deluxe.

So ... Nintendo, what the hell?
 
Nintendo stealthily released two of the mini-games from Kirby Triple Deluxe onto the eshop as stand-alone titles for $6.99 each. Seems a bit pricey to me. Moreso because the fighting game one is local only--no online multi-player makes it seem pointless. The rhythm game also seems like not much of anything.

With a solid rhythm game coming in two weeks, and a proper fighting game coming in four weeks, this seems like a way to tide people over, but a waste of money that could just go to those bigger titles. It's especially pointless if one already has Triple Deluxe.

So ... Nintendo, what the hell?
I've also heard there's a child-lock on the New 3DS internet, and you have to pay like 30 cents to open it. I'm a little worried they got the wrong idea from the well-received MK8 DLC.
 
I've also heard there's a child-lock on the New 3DS internet, and you have to pay like 30 cents to open it. I'm a little worried they got the wrong idea from the well-received MK8 DLC.
It's not a full internet block, but it does affect some sites, if you're one who uses your browser on the 3DS. The idea is to prove you have a credit card and thus are an adult. If that meant also activating other adult-okay features, like a return to SwapNote, or allowing you to share friend codes on Miiverse, I'd say cool. But this sounds like it's just for browser, so I don't know. I don't use my 3DS browser to look up porn--mainly just checking the weather before I leave the house or to for video game guide stuff. I don't know how extreme Nintendo will be about blocking content.
 
I've also heard there's a child-lock on the New 3DS internet, and you have to pay like 30 cents to open it. I'm a little worried they got the wrong idea from the well-received MK8 DLC.
I think the idea on this one is that the parent is supposed to be buying the point cards or giving access to their credit card, so they are responsible for giving their kids access by buying it.

As for the price on the standalone things... Miyamoto and Ito have made it very clear that they charge premium prices because they feel to do otherwise would be to devalue the works and brands themselves. Super Mario Brothers is a classic and deserves a classic price, not a bargain basement one... the same with Zelda, Metriod, etc. They understand that some companies don't feel this way and that's fine... they can set their own prices on the eshop, But Nintendo brand stuff is at a premium because Nintendo is a premium developer. At least that's the logic anyway.

I can understand their point, but really, all it's doing is making me want to pirate the original roms and play them on PC instead or on a hacked Wii/3DS. It's a post-Steam digital market and discounts are king, not premiums.
 
I think the idea on this one is that the parent is supposed to be buying the point cards or giving access to their credit card, so they are responsible for giving their kids access by buying it.

As for the price on the standalone things... Miyamoto and Ito have made it very clear that they charge premium prices because they feel to do otherwise would be to devalue the works and brands themselves. Super Mario Brothers is a classic and deserves a classic price, not a bargain basement one... the same with Zelda, Metriod, etc. They understand that some companies don't feel this way and that's fine... they can set their own prices on the eshop, But Nintendo brand stuff is at a premium because Nintendo is a premium developer. At least that's the logic anyway.

I can understand their point, but really, all it's doing is making me want to pirate the original roms and play them on PC instead or on a hacked Wii/3DS. It's a post-Steam digital market and discounts are king, not premiums.
My problem isn't the price of VC stuff or their actual games. I just paid $15 for a fancy Mega Man X clone that'll probably be over in 5 hours. My problem is the price vs what you're getting. These Kirby things are mini-games taken from a $35 retail game, split off to be stand-alone titles. $7 per mini-game. That's asinine, especially when the fighting game doesn't even have online multiplayer, only local. So it's not only an overpriced mini-game, but a hobbled one. I mean, if they're going to release them as stand-alone, do them right.

Back to Monster Hunter:


Daaaaaaaamn. I actually feel a little sorry for Sony.
 
Back to Monster Hunter:


Daaaaaaaamn. I actually feel a little sorry for Sony.
This. Sony thought the success of the PSP was because it was good hardware. It was, but the only reason it sold as well as it did is because people want to play Monster Hunter. Even if they get a port, it won't matter in the slightest because everyone will have bought a 3DS by then.

And all those VitA exclusives? Don't expect them to be exclusive for long.
 
They should have taken the fucking time and develop a proper handheld instead of some gimmicky underpowered bullshit and come out with a slightly better version ever 18 months that fuck over loyal customer that forked over lots of cash for the previous model
They didn't do it for consoles, why would they do it for handhelds?

--Patrick
 

GasBandit

Staff member
From Blue's News - looks like there's motion underway to attempt to revive City of Heroes -

This post from Nate Downes has word from the president of Missing Worlds Media and member of the City of Heroes community that the possibility exists that NCsoft will allow a community-driven revival of City of Heroes, the superhero MMORPG (thanks Massively). This is the subject of ongoing discussions, and the plan may change going forward, but for now Nate sounds guardedly optimistic:
The proposal as it stands right now (this is not a final form, just the current proposal on the table) is this:

The CoH IP would be spun to its own company, to handle licensing. This company would itself license the existing engine from NCSoft for the creation of a maintenance mode, using a binary copy of the i23 server.

The existing user database and characters are not part of this arrangement at this time, nor is the source code.

An arrangement is to be made to license the trademarks to the various Plan Z projects, CoT, Valiance and H&V, to create a family connection, and to allow each to drop the “Spiritual” portion of successor. This means they can make references to the original game if desired, and to enable the expansion of partnerships. This could be expanded for any of them, should the desire be there.

An arrangement is also to be made for the Atlas Park Revival project. As part of the informal agreement we have with them, they would be given an official stamp of approval, and the CoT game build would be licensed to them, to create a kind of “CoH 1.5” and migrate people off of the classic game engine before it finally becomes unsuitable (we expect this to happen around when Windows 9 is released, due to binary compatibility). This can be done because both APR and CoT run on Unreal Engine 4.

By being its own firm, the licensing company can also pursue other avenues which were unavailable before.​
 
The existing user database and characters are not part of this arrangement at this time, nor is the source code.​
I'm surprised they are doing this for... certain reasons I'm not at liberty to say out loud. I supposed NCSoft simply isn't comfortable giving out all account and password info.
 
To be honest, as much as I did love the game, it was getting pretty dated near the end. I wouldn't mind if someone just took the idea of a superhero MMO and just made a modern, spiritual successor. I've only played a little bit of Champions and wasn't really crazy about it. Never tried DC Online, though I heard good things about that.
 
To be honest, as much as I did love the game, it was getting pretty dated near the end. I wouldn't mind if someone just took the idea of a superhero MMO and just made a modern, spiritual successor. I've only played a little bit of Champions and wasn't really crazy about it. Never tried DC Online, though I heard good things about that.
Basically this. I want the City of Heroes story and world, but in a new engine and taking place after the events of the first game.
 
To be honest, as much as I did love the game, it was getting pretty dated near the end. I wouldn't mind if someone just took the idea of a superhero MMO and just made a modern, spiritual successor. I've only played a little bit of Champions and wasn't really crazy about it. Never tried DC Online, though I heard good things about that.
DC's not bad, but the character creation will sort of shove the DLC/xpacs in your face with how much cooler the non-free powersets are (Lantern Ring, Red Rage Ring, etc). It's still fun, though, just wasn't what I'm looking for in an MMO I guess.
 

GasBandit

Staff member
To be honest, as much as I did love the game, it was getting pretty dated near the end. I wouldn't mind if someone just took the idea of a superhero MMO and just made a modern, spiritual successor. I've only played a little bit of Champions and wasn't really crazy about it. Never tried DC Online, though I heard good things about that.
As CK said, its DLC is very "in your face" with the "see how cool you could be?" factor, and I'm disappointed at some of the nerfs that the powers have gotten over the years (I loved disguising myself as an NPC to sneak up on heroes and beat them up), but it's an obvious spiritual successor and the gameplay lasts better, IMO. Also there's only like... 20 levels? I think? So a lot less grinding. A LOT less. But Gina Torres was the wrong choice to voice Wonder Woman, IMO.

I liked how often costume pieces were dropped as loot (you don't start with all the costume options, though you do start with a lot of them), I liked how much it plumbs the DC universe, and the controls, while VERY console-centric, made for an interesting change of pace.

Heck, I think I did a review for this game back in the day -

Yep, here it is

http://gasbandit.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-dc-universe-online.html

Heck man, it's free, might as well try it, right?
 
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