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Post by anayo on May 27, 2022 11:00:55 GMT -5
My point was just that it wasn't like that at first. It's understandable given that having the two screens and stylus input, was a whole new world for game developers. It took some time for developers to wrap their heads around the possibilities, then execute those possibilities in creative and entertaining ways. Unfortunately, with the 3DS developers stopped being as innovative with it. Yes the 3DS has plenty of great games, but insofar as utilizing its dual screens and touch input in novel ways? Not so much. The 3DS games I've played thus far just treat the top widescreen as the main show, and relegate stats and maps to the bottom screen. Which is functionally fine, but hardly creative. I'm guessing the 3D stereoscopic screen had something to do with that? The old DS had a lot of games where you would flip the system on its side and play that way, but if you did that with the 3DS the image would break up and give you a headache.
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Post by Ex on May 27, 2022 11:30:17 GMT -5
I don't think the 3D effect is anything the majority of 3DS owners care about. Anecdotally, most folks I've talked to who own a 3DS, just turn the 3D effect off. Even I tend to play in 2D mode most of the time. This was further exemplified by Nintendo producing the 2DS and 2DS XL lines which do away with the 3D effect entirely. So I think the main reason there aren't many 3DS games that use the 3DS sideways, is because of the disparity in size of the two screens. It looks wonky to have one big screen on the left, and one small screen on the right.
When I was talking about using the two screens creatively, I didn't necessarily mean by holding the DS or 3DS sideways. I mean like having objects move from the top screen to the bottom such as Henry Hatsworth did. Or swapping the screens around to change level designs like Away: Shuffle Dungeon did. Or having multiple battles going on per screen such as The World Ends With You did. Or having story presentation on the top screen, with simultaneous gameplay on the bottom, such as Trauma Center did. Or closing the top screen to the bottom, to cause a 1:1 puzzle to "flip over" such as Hotel Dusk did. Having two opposing armies on either screen, matched up like a chess game, like Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes did. Those are some examples of using the two screens creatively without holding them sideways. But all that went away with the 3DS, largely due to its two screens having disparate sizes. The different sized 3DS screens no longer mirroring one another, lead to a cognitive disconnect in their relation.
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Post by paulofthewest on May 28, 2022 9:28:58 GMT -5
The only time I used the 3D stereoscope was during turn-based games (especially RPGS.) For any real-time/action it take me too long to figure out what is happening, but the 3D can add atmosphere when you have time for your eyes/brain to adjust. But ya, in the end, it isn't a big deal for me either--just a nice to have. Ex Argh, that 3DS cover is $200 on ebay! I do see plenty of knock off brands though. Is there anything in particular to look for when shopping these?
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Post by Ex on May 28, 2022 11:02:49 GMT -5
The only time I used the 3D stereoscope was during turn-based games (especially RPGS.) For any real-time/action it take me too long to figure out what is happening, but the 3D can add atmosphere when you have time for your eyes/brain to adjust. Interesting, I'm the complete opposite in my 3DS usage. For shorter duration action games, I tend to play those in 3D. But for long burn RPGs, I play in 2D. This is partly due to the fact my 3DS XL is not a "New" design, meaning that I have to carefully hold the 3DS XL in exactly the right spot to get the 3D effect. The "New" 3DS model is self-correcting in that regard. Why didn't I buy the "New" model? Because in "Super Stable 3D" mode it constantly bombards your face with infrared light going right into your retinas. Now maybe that's safe. But maybe it isn't. I like thick grips with a matte-surface, preferably black so they don't stain over time. For a New 3DS XL this would work for me (I have one just like this on my 3DS XL): This is the grip I have on my New 2DS XL: I have a regular 2DS as well, but its form factor is so comfortable I didn't bother putting a grip on it. Seriously the original 2DS is a great design, very comfortable and solid as a brick.
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Post by paulofthewest on May 28, 2022 17:42:44 GMT -5
Thanks, I looked around and that one seems the best so it is on the way. Looking forward to it.
I agree that 2DS is well built. Gamestop had them on sale for $30 each so I snagged 3 the a PokeMon 3DSXL. I made the mistake of letting my kids use the 3DS--it didn't fair well. On the other hand those 2DSs are bricks. I find them hidden under piles of junk (with sharp objects), find them in the couch, I've stepped on them, and I know my kids have thrown them around. Yet each still works. I agree with the ergonomics, but I really appreciate the larger screen of the XL.
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Post by anayo on May 28, 2022 18:04:23 GMT -5
One thing I kinda miss about handheld gaming from the 90's and 2000's was how
- you could fit a handheld game in your pocket - they were passively cooled - you could get 8+ hours of gameplay on two double-A batteries
I guess our current day smartphones check the first and second of those two boxes. But sometimes I wonder gaming would be like on a handheld that met those criteria using today's technology. As far as I know that sort of performance class isn't around anymore.
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Post by Ex on May 28, 2022 19:24:18 GMT -5
but I really appreciate the larger screen of the XL Yep, that is why I bought a New 2DS XL, simply for the bigger screens. My eyes aren't getting any younger. - you could fit a handheld game in your pocket - they were passively cooled - you could get 8+ hours of gameplay on two double-A batteries I agree with all that. Although of course there were exceptions even back then. The Game Gear would not last 8 hours on AAs, and good luck fitting a Lynx in your pocket (though you could a Lynx II). But many of the non-backlit portables of the '80s and '90s would indeed fit in your pocket, and would indeed last 8+ hours on one set of batteries. I also miss that these old portables used standard sized batteries, rather than proprietary-sized lithium ion ones. The lithium ions eventually die (due to dendrites) and aren't replaceable with standard sized batteries.
I spent a few years trying to enjoy smartphone gaming. I did play some really good mobile games, but most of it was crap. Overall I gave up on it.
The main reasons:
I prefer actual real tactile buttons.
I prefer games that are wholly complete in a self-contained package. I don't like how many smartphone games give you like 30% of the game up front, then nickel and dime you the rest of the way. Or the game is complete, but you have to pay for progress, because grinding without paying takes ridiculous amounts of time. Or the game is complete, except it's constantly punctuated with advertisements. It was difficult to find truly good smartphone games, that in one single purchase, would have a complete and total package without any strings attached.
In general, smartphone games are simply not as well designed as console/dedicated-portable games are.
Many popular smartphone games focus on some form of online multiplayer aspect. I don't care for online multiplayer at all.
Smartphone digital stores (like Google Play or iTunes) have an abysmal signal to noise ratio. There's just no good way to filter out the crap to find the truly good stuff. This is a problem that plagues many digital storefronts, but with mobile it's the worst.
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bosh
HRG Enthusiast
Posts: 207
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Post by bosh on Jul 16, 2022 23:05:04 GMT -5
One thing I kinda miss about handheld gaming from the 90's and 2000's was how - you could fit a handheld game in your pocket - they were passively cooled - you could get 8+ hours of gameplay on two double-A batteries I guess our current day smartphones check the first and second of those two boxes. But sometimes I wonder gaming would be like on a handheld that met those criteria using today's technology. As far as I know that sort of performance class isn't around anymore. You should really pick up a Vita as it hits most of your points. The battery life isn't quite 8 hours (I average around 6ish with mine which is still from the launch battery), fits in your pocket, feels great to hold, great Dpad! Game collection is pretty sweet as well with Vita/Majority of PSP and great selection of PSX titles. The only downside I would say today is it would be rough building a backlog today of titles without any official PSN store sales on thoses things. They used to run them pennies on the dollar and throw a bunch of stuff at you with PS+.
The fitting in pocket is a big one for me as I like to pack light for work trips or vacations.
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bosh
HRG Enthusiast
Posts: 207
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Post by bosh on Jul 16, 2022 23:20:11 GMT -5
Do you still play games on portable(s) lately?I still put a few hundred hours into portable games every year.
If you used to play them often, but not as much (or at all) now, why?
NA Which portable(s) do you play most often?Vita & 3DS XL. Most of the older libraries I have converted onto those to systems now. Where do you prefer to play portable games if at home?Hammock or couch. Do you play portable games outside the home (where)?Not as much, but typically if outside of home then airport, plane or hotel. What do you like and not like about portable games compared to console games?One thing I actually really like about portable games (which probably lends itself to why I like retro games so much to this day) is that there is space limitations. Games have to be a little more deliberate when the space for the cartridge or disc is a finite capacity. Games on my PC or consoles...etc, they can be 100+ gigs and if they want to add something the only thing stopping them is people/money reasons. Steam Deck is going to make that point mute though since you can now bring these larger experiences on the go. Since the resources used to be smaller for portable games versus consoles, you tend to get different studios/experiences which is nice also. Do you think the golden age of portable gaming has passed us? 100%. Dedicated handheld devices I don't see being main drivers going forward for new devices. There is some really cool 3rd party stuff people are making to emulate older games and Steam Deck is just an insane thing to release in todays day and age, but I don't see Nintendo/Sony making something separate anymore and the other older players are not in the hardware business anymore.
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Post by Ex on Jul 17, 2022 0:15:26 GMT -5
boshI hadn't thought of the idea of an indoor hammock for portable gaming. That might be great actually. I typically use a recliner. Nice to see another Vita fan on HRG. I'm very invested in the platform. I own an OLED and LCD model, with about 130 physical games for it (many imports). I consider the Vita the last true dedicated portable.
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