Nintendo DS Impressions

[Blackwolf]

So here's our Impressions thread for those of us who went ahead and got one today. What did you think of it? What games did you get? What have you tried?

I got Mario and Feel The Magic: XY/XX, and I am actually enjoying FTM a lot. It's a WarioWare-ish game, complete with even blowing on the touchscreen. It's entertaining, although I can see it not lasting too long on the replay value.

I wish the thumb cap was designed better, it was way too easy to get loose and slip off my thumb as I was playing, forcing me to pause Metroid Prime: Hunters and readjust it.

Speaking of Hunters, I just barely beat the first singleplayer level. I still hate FPS's, and FPS's on the DS are no different, although once you got used to the controls (which, yes, are changeable in the demo) it worked really well. My only complaint is that for the final boss, you couldn't really use the map to help guide you to her, because your thumb was in the way.

I only played Mario long enough to make sure that it worked.

In terms of the wireless functionality, I attempted to connect with the demo units in EB, with mixed success. After about two or three minutes of sitting in the same Pictochat chat room, I was able to communicate between the two. I set up the EB machine for Hunters and turned on Vs. mode, and my unit wouldn't recognize that there was a game available for download. I don't know if this is because of the EB DS being in a metal kiosk or not.

However, the screens are crisp and clear, the framerates are actually better than I expected, and even the GBA games look great on it. Would have loved to have been able to use the DS with GBC/GB games, or with the Gamecube Connectivity games, but what I've got will do.

What about you guys? What did y'all think?

[arefx]

I think I need to wait for christmas, and christmas needs to come sooner so I can have a precious DS.

[The_Raven]

Yes, I will give you xmas impressions if I actually get it. :P

[nekobun]

Feel The Magic is eating me alive. And I'm not picking Mario 64 up until tomorrow, due to no one being in today to give me my discount (I don't get it on systems, so getting the DS today was no problem).

I love this thing. TOYS!

[Blackwolf]

I honestly don't think you're missing much right this very second if you don't have one. I still think the DS has more potential than the PSP (that won't stop me from picking up a PSP though) but right now you can live without one unless you're a real technogeek like myself.

But then again, the first day launch games really have never been the strongpoint of any system other than the Dreamcast. :>

[agn]

Sounds like the launch titles aren't "killer" yet.

[Loserly]

Sounds like Blackwolfer should buy me one.

But if he doesn't, it looks like I'll live regardless, so ha!

[MalcolmBrass]

The launch titles (or lack of REAL ones) have made my decision to ignore this one until a later time. Much later.

[Pinball Wizard]

I got one but no games. I am not interested in the launch titles, but I am very interested in NFS Underground. 'Till then the Metroid demo is excellent and I am looking forward to the whole thing.. I agree with Blackwolf that it would have been nice if it could play GBC games.

Overall, I think it is excellent and well worth the price.

[DarthEvilDude]

well, the Gamecube had weak launch titles (not that the games were shitty, but 3 was kind of pathetic, compared to 15 that the xbox had). I preferred the DC games because they were really new, before all the new systems.

Sonic Adventure was an amazing game, showing what the next run of platformers would be like.

[Hendrix]

Sounds like the launch titles aren't "killer" yet.


The exact reason I haven't picked one up yet. The same thing applies to PSP for me. Once they show me some games that justify buying the system, I'll happily pick one up.

[Pinball Wizard]

The same thing applies to PSP for me.

GT should be the "killer ap" for the PSP......that is if they don't rush it out and screw it up!

[Octocamo]

GT should be the "killer ap" for the PSP......that is if they don't rush it out and screw it up!
There will always be Ridge Racer and Metal Gear Acid!

[zell58]

I picked up my stores last copy and i think its sweet, however, i wished that it had more PDAish things to it, the games I got was Mario 64 DS and the GT racer, both are very fun games, I can see this system doing very well, and if they "make it better" like they did turning the Gameboy advance into a Gameboy advance SP then I hope they finally allow us to go online!

[Blackwolf]

There will always be Ridge Racer and Metal Gear Acid!

After playing Metal Gear Acid at E3, I wouldn't count on using it as a "system seller".

Card games do not impress.

[Pinball Wizard]

Let me add something else. This isn't a make or break thing for anyone, but, I just got around to trying some GBAdvance games in my DS. They look great.....significantly better than on the SP or original AGB. The colors are vivid and the screen lighting is very good.

[Blackwolf]

Yes. The colors are a LOT more vibrant. Which is exactly why I wish I could use my GBC and GB games on them. :>

Feel The Magic still rules. It also can detect Sega GBA games and give you more items in "Maniac" mode...Very cool.

[Shuin]

This thing is really cool. I got Mario 64 and Feel the Magic as well, but I tihnk I'm having more fun with Feel the Magic.

I can't wait for the games to come out in the future, like Animal Crossing and Final Fantasy III.

[Octocamo]

Some people think Pictochat rules....

http://ytmnd.cdn.lntc.net/data/46720/image.jpg

[Komposit]

After playing Metal Gear Acid at E3, I wouldn't count on using it as a "system seller".

Card games do not impress.

That's just a matter of opinon...I personally love card games...

[Blackwolf]

Yes, you can love the style of game, but it sure as hell isn't gonna show off the abilities of the PSP. And therefore won't be a reason to clunk down the hundreds of dollars to get a PSP.

[MusicFan]

Yes, you can love the style of game, but it sure as hell isn't gonna show off the abilities of the PSP. And therefore won't be a reason to clunk down the hundreds of dollars to get a PSP.Yes, in fact Metal Gear Acid would probably be better suited for the DS. I'll leave it up to you on why we won't see it on the DS.

[Komposit]

Yes, you can love the style of game, but it sure as hell isn't gonna show off the abilities of the PSP. And therefore won't be a reason to clunk down the hundreds of dollars to get a PSP.

True and I personally won't be buying a PSP for no frickin 2 - 300 dollars! Especially since all I really wan't for it is MGA...

[Octocamo]

True and I personally won't be buying a PSP for no frickin 2 - 300 dollars! Especially since all I really wan't for it is MGA...
It's $195.... About $50 more than DS.

[Komposit]

It's $195.... About $50 more than DS.

Eh, I don't know, seems rather steep for a handheld with a short battery life.

[Blackwolf]

Guys, we're talking about our DS impressions here, not our PSP impressions...

...Let's try to keep it on topic please. Thanks.

[nekobun]

PSP is huge (bolololo). This thread is not. So keep it out.

[Komposit]

PSP is huge (bolololo). This thread is not. So keep it out.

That has got to be the stupidest fanboy remark, I ever heard...

[Tom the First]

I'm liking the DS a lot. I've been playing a lot of Super Mario 64 DS, and I love it. I like how Nintendo implemented the 3 new characters into the plot. The controls were a little hard at first, but I'm really getting used to them now. Lastly, I'd like to say that the mini games are awesome.

[nekobun]

That has got to be the stupidest fanboy remark, I ever heard...

I was just seconding the whole DS commentary thing; I'm actually likely to buy a PSP as well anyway. Even if it is huge. And I'm gonna like it. So quit your bitching.

[InnerLogic]

Tried out "Feel the magic" yesterday, and i must say, it's not very good. The game feels more like a tech demo of what the DS can do, not really being a game at all. While it is very cool use of the technology at hand, it does not make for a very good game.

[Blackwolf]

I'm liking the DS a lot. I've been playing a lot of Super Mario 64 DS, and I love it. I like how Nintendo implemented the 3 new characters into the plot. The controls were a little hard at first, but I'm really getting used to them now. Lastly, I'd like to say that the mini games are awesome.

Which control scheme did you wind up using for the game? I tried both the control pad and using my left thumb on the touchscreen (a la analog stick) and I can't get used to either...

I still say that Feel The Magic is the best game out right now. I can't stop playing it. Sure, it's "tech demo-ish", but then again, so was Super Mario 64 when it came out for the N64.

[Tom the First]

I use the d-pad control scheme. It hurts my thumb after a few hours of playing, but other than that, I am fine with it.

[nekobun]

I cramp up a lot using the d-pad, too, but it's a lot more functional for me than the touchscreen setup. So I cope. I can't wait until I get Luigi, 'cause I've found I have a passionate hatred for Mario, for some reason.

[Oomba]

I wanna get one for Xmas. I was playing Madden and Pictochat with my friend at EB yesterday, and I just want it more now.

[Spartan-117]

I got one a couple days ago. Mario is really addicting (just like the original), and I also got Spider-man 2 which no one else seems to have. Spider-man 2 is a little hard but very fun.

[Lord Moon]

So far all I've read about the DS here & else where has been pretty lackluster. Doesn't sound like the "revolution" has arrived yet.

[Style]

I played the metroid game for a bit on it, at best buy. and ive never really liked metroid, but the hardware i do like.

[arefx]

I played at GameStop.... what a glorious peice of gaming hardware.... Christmas can't come too soon.

[arefx]

I honestly don't think you're missing much right this very second if you don't have one. I still think the DS has more potential than the PSP (that won't stop me from picking up a PSP though) but right now you can live without one unless you're a real technogeek like myself.

But then again, the first day launch games really have never been the strongpoint of any system other than the Dreamcast. :> I'm a technogeek. The wait is eating me alive, especially when its sitting no mroe that 24 inches away from me in wrapping paper :|

EDIT: sorry didn't realise this was a double post!

[nekobun]

I remember we got a copy of Spiderman 2 DS back a day or two after it was bought. I think it was all of maybe two copies total that WERE sold. The guy who traded it back in did so along with Madden 2005.

He said he liked Madden 2005. Wouldn't comment on Spiderman 2. Kinda settled my ponderings on it, though they weren't that positive to begin with.

[Blackwolf]

I'm one of the two people in the world actually curious about Ping Pals. I'll let you know later this week if I'm insane or not.

[Don Fubar]

As much as I love the little DS, its just nothing to get riled up about.
Its definitely a sweet little machine, but with a 10 game library by X-Mas, the PSP coming out in 4 months and not too many titles coming out until then, if you have too, wait until the PSP comes out.

I mean, Mario 64 DS is sweeter than sugar, I finally got all of the 150 stars and what did I get for that? Something almost as useless as what I got when I found all 120 stars in the N64 version!

And why weren't any of the mini-games MULTIPLAYER?!?

So many things Nintendo could have taken advantage of but didn't left me disappointed.

TDHS

[Blue Falcon]

To say the least, I love Super Mario 64 DS, loved the First Hunt demo had alot of fun with Feel the Magic (Although, I was able to beat the main story mode 4 days after I tarted playing it) and Spider-Man 2...well, it's kind of fun, but the game could have used some extra work.

But y'know, this is only launch, I didn't expect too many mind-blowing games, but I was expecting some fun...which I got, so all is well.:)

[MonkichiRmon]

DS is great, no matter what anyone says. Wether ur a fanboy or not...its just something diff. about it...The games well, not many yet, true...but most ppl i know love the ones already out or can't wait for future releases.
The thumbcap thou...does slip out pretty easily. Um...otherwise, i think it's awsome.

[Larry]

I'm eagerly awaiting the release of Animal Crossing before I grab the DS.