Video Game News and Miscellany

[figmentPez]

Nintendo 3DS rumored to get second analog stick add-on

Supposedly it's going to be an add-on for a 3DS Monster Hunter. Part of me is hoping this rumor is true, because it will highlight just how inept Nintendo can be at designing practical controllers. I love that Nintendo innovates, I just wish they'd think beyond their own (admittedly gigantic) box.

Yes, I'm still holding a grudge for the stupidity that was giving the GBA only two face buttons.

 

[figmentPez]

Nintendo 3DS rumored to get second analog stick add-on

Supposedly it's going to be an add-on for a 3DS Monster Hunter. Part of me is hoping this rumor is true, because it will highlight just how inept Nintendo can be at designing practical controllers. I love that Nintendo innovates, I just wish they'd think beyond their own (admittedly gigantic) box.

Yes, I'm still holding a grudge for the stupidity that was giving the GBA only two face buttons.

It's real, and it's huge.

 

[Hailey Knight]

It's real, and it's huge.

And ugly and stupid too. I laughed hard when I saw that thing. Hopefully the article is right and this is a midway to a sleeker, better 3DS. I am not wasting money on the current console plus that ridiculous appendage.

 

[Frank]

Count me as one of the people that actually doesn't think that looks too bad. Aesthetically, it's hideous but it might make a handheld comfortable for me to hold with my giant man hands.

 

[figmentPez]

I still can't understand why Nintendo didn't just put two analog sticks on it in the first place. A single analog nub was one of the biggest complaints about the PSP. I've also heard several left-handed games journalists complain about the 3DS.

 

[figmentPez]

So, LoZ: Skyward Sword is going to have an item/weapon upgrade system:



Dammit Nintendo! I am sick of being told what the little trinkets are every time I pick one up. I've got dozens of stalfos skulls in my inventory, I don't need to be told what one is anymore.

 

[Piotyr]

Reports are that it's just the first time you come across a type of item.

 

[figmentPez]

Reports are that it's just the first time you come across a type of item.

I sure hope so. In LoZ: Spirit Tracks it's every single damn time you pick up one of the collectables. EVERY DAMN TIME!

 

[Piotyr]

I sure hope so. In LoZ: Spirit Tracks it's every single damn time you pick up one of the collectables. EVERY DAMN TIME!

Although I suppose it could still be like Twilight Princess, where you'd get it the first time you picked it up each play session.

EDIT: I am encouraged by the upgrade mechanic, though, that it actually affects the quality of the item, rather than being purely cosmetic like the upgrades in Phantom Hourglass or Spirit Tracks.

 

[Dei]

Count me as one of the people that actually doesn't think that looks too bad. Aesthetically, it's hideous but it might make a handheld comfortable for me to hold with my giant man hands.

Yeah I'm constantly looking for add-ons for my handhelds that make it possible for my husband to borrow them without crying about his hands cramping after 5 minutes.

 

[Overflight]

Here's a pretty clever game concept that I'm surprised hasn't been thought of before: first person war reporter simulator:



Not crazy about the graphics though. Luckily, the description claims this is proof of concept footage so there may be improvement on that front.

Also, you can cover wars, ya know. :-P

 

[Jay]

That is kinda neat.

 

[LordRendar]

It is a interesting concept.Does one get points for creative camera shots? Because if all I'm gonna do is run around and look at stuff,then thats gonna get boring fast.

 

[bhamv3]

There would also need to be some form of randomization, I think. If every level or encounter played out the same way every time, you'd soon find the "best" way to film and report it, and there'd be little replay value.

 

[AshburnerX]

Actually, the concept was sort of done in Michigan: Report from Hell on the PS2. Now that one was about using a video camera to record scenes from what is essentially a viral outbreak, but it's the same idea really.

 

[fade]

And Pokemon Snap! (kidding)

 

[figmentPez]

The PlayStation Vita is going to use a new proprietary memory card format? Not even MemoryStick? WTF? The current generation of handhelds is not doing anything to make me root for them over smartphones.

 

[Ravenpoe]

The PlayStation Vita is going to use a new proprietary memory card format? Not even MemoryStick? WTF? The current generation of handhelds is not doing anything to make me root for them over smartphones.

Portable playstation systems are pretty much synonymous with failing, proprietary formats.

 

[bhamv3]

Hey Sony, remember Betamax?

 

[AshburnerX]

Hey Sony, remember Betamax?

Betamax only failed in the home market. It thrived in the TV biz, where many masters were kept on BETA because of the higher quality and long life.

 

[Ravenpoe]

That analog stick cradle doesn't look like it will fit on my 3ds with the extended battery

 

[Gusto]

If it's any consolation, and it shouldn't be, this is probably a sign that a new 3DS is in the works.

 

[Jay]

I'm starting to get annoyed that every year a goddamn new DS is coming out. It's getting ridiculous.

 

[Hailey Knight]

I don't expect that to change; it's clearly working for Nintendo. I accepted it by not bothering to ever upgrade; I started with a DS Lite in 2007 and I still take it with me on trips even though I tend to play my PSP 90% of the time.

(I'm being truthful; but not slamming my DS--the reverse used to be the numbers; I'm just more into my PSP at the moment.)

 

[Dei]

The *only* reason I bothered to buy a 3DS was because my kids broke my DS Lite, and I wanted to be able to play Professor Layton, and since there will definitely be 3DS games I want in the near future, I just took the next gen plunge.

 

[Hailey Knight]

I was waiting for a version with better battery life. Waiting on final design has been added to that. I was very close to jumping for one at the price drop and I'm glad now that I didn't.

 

[Hailey Knight]

I think the 3DS just found a system mover: Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney.

 

[AshburnerX]

... and we will NEVER SEE IT IN THE US. EVER. Because we never get awesome spinoffs.

 

[Hailey Knight]

Geez, did the Ico/Shadow of the Colossus HD Collection sneak up on anyone else? For a while its release date was listed on Amazon as December 31, 2011, and then no news for a while. All of a sudden it's coming out on Tuesday.

I don't have the money at this point, but I know what I want for Christmas.

 

[Far]

A box of them was sitting in my storeroom this morning with the do not sell before Sept. 27th sticker slapped on the side, mocking me. Like you, I had thought they were coming out much later and was surprised to see them at all let alone a week early. Never having played either I am personally more excited for SotC, as I had always wanted to but never got around to it, but will gladly play through them both when I do pick it up.

 

[Shegokigo]

Never played SotC, so this is a good surprise that I'll be looking into.

 

[Overflight]

As you may or may not know, Starbreeze is making a new Syndicate game. However, they decided to go the X-COM route and turn it into an FPS. But while the fans were shouting "BETRAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!", Paradox of Magicka and Mount and Blade fame decided to do something far more productive: announce their own ripoff spiritual sequel!

http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/09/21/paradox-announce-cartel-interview/

I have to admit, I never played Syndicate (though my older brother did quite enjoy it back in the day) so I'm not outraged about the new direction. However, I did enjoy Magicka and hopefully Paradox can make a decent game.

 

[Frank]

Arkham City is being pushed back to November on PC. November is a God damn typhoon of video games as is so it looks like, to me anyway, that AC is going into the Steam sale waiting list. They gave no reason for the delay, but I'd assume it's to stem DEM PC PIRATZ! When the game sells poorly on PC in the most crowded fucking month for games in years they can blame it on pirates too and justify not having to lower themselves to making pc ports altogether since it really seems like developing for PC has become a real emotional burden on both developers and publishers.

 

[Chibibar]

Arkham City is being pushed back to November on PC. November is a God damn typhoon of video games as is so it looks like, to me anyway, that AC is going into the Steam sale waiting list. They gave no reason for the delay, but I'd assume it's to stem DEM PC PIRATZ! When the game sells poorly on PC in the most crowded fucking month for games in years they can blame it on pirates too and justify not having to lower themselves to making pc ports altogether since it really seems like developing for PC has become a real emotional burden on both developers and publishers.

It is easy to blame pirates when it can't be "proven"

I see other games where it is more fun and CHEAPER are selling like hotcakes. If devs make a good game, people will buy them.

People will pirate regardless so they are not "losing money" since most of them aren't gonna pay for the game at any price in the first place.

 

[GasBandit]

You know, lately there's been so much good stuff available for free I've hardly had the time to pirate anything at all.