While at PAX East this past weekend, I had the opportunity to check out the 3DS and a few of the games Nintendo brought to the event. Below are my impressions of three games I got the chance to check out while in Boston. Be warned – the booths only allowed for ten minute demo sessions so the sections are going to be a bit small.
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
While the game includes all of the same characters and stages from the previous SSFIV game, a lot has changed in this edition. The control scheme is a bit different and will take a little getting used to for those of you folks out there who have been playing on a fight pad or normal console controller. I used both the circle pad and the d-pad. Initially, I didn’t feel as though the analog controls were working well as I attempted to execute combos, but I can see it becoming easier to use as time goes on. The d-pad was immediately responsive to my combos and felt much better.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the 3D effect presented in the game. The 3D (on full) only seemed to affect certain menus and not much else. I also have to admit that I began to suffer from a headache after the demo was over. If you decide to purchase this game, I recommend keeping the slider off.
PilotWings Resort
I personally believe that PilotWings is very boring. I played several missions in the training section of the game. All of the objectives I experienced involved going through rings (or some other object) and then landing properly at the end. This is accomplished by tapping the A button accordingly along with watching your fuel meter. The game also utilizes your Miis, so that’s a plus if you enjoy them.
Regarding the game’s 3D effect, it was actually pretty impactful. There was a nice depth to the visuals and didn’t hurt my eyes. It’s too bad that the game just isn’t very fun. You might want to give it a shot at a demo station, though.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The demo of Ocarina of Time had three levels available, all taken from the beginning of the game. I decided to go with the Gohma boss battle. If you’ve read up on Ocarina in 3D, then you already know about most of the new features. Elements such as stylus control for inventory functionality and being able to use the gyroscope to move your slingshot were implemented for the demo.
The problem, though, is that they have no purpose. While I was fighting Gohma, I would simply use the button commands to switch weapons. I didn’t have time to reach for my stylus and press the touch screen. Then when I finally had my slingshot out, the gyroscope wasn’t very responsive. It moved slowly and was practically useless.
Other than that, everything worked as you would expect. Moving with the circle pad was fluid and the rest of the controls were easy to use. I believe that this was the game with the best 3D effects as well. Everything looked amazing, and in case you were wondering, I didn’t get a headache after playing the demo.
If you’ve never played Ocarina before or just feel like running through it again, this game will most certainly be worth looking into.
