Comments for Game and Vision

Comment on Pac-Man and Galaga Dimensions by harry mitchell

harry mitchell — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:57:36 +0000

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

Great Colletion on the go, July 31, 2011

harry mitchell (edgewater, fl United States) -

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This review is from: Pac-Man and Galaga Dimensions (Video Game)

arcade accurate ports on a handheld with 2 updated versions of each.
Great game for NAMCO fans. the 3d galaga impact is beautiful

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Comment on Pac-Man and Galaga Dimensions by Timothy H. Rogers

Timothy H. Rogers — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:30:35 +0000

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

Not bad, actually!, July 27, 2011

Timothy H. Rogers -

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This review is from: Pac-Man and Galaga Dimensions (Video Game)

I was pleasantly surprised by Pac-Man and Galaga Dimensions, to be honest. There is plenty of content but it does have its flaws.

The original Pac-Man looks good in 3D. Other than that, not much to talk about there. The original Galaga looks good as well, there's nothing more to add, really.

Pac-Man Tilt I really enjoyed. There is no 3D because it would be impossible to move around the system and still see the 3D effect. However, the graphics are nice and there are plenty of levels. Galaga 3D Impact, however, I had some problems with. There are only four levels plus a boss battle, and you cannot save your progress along the way, so you must beat all five stages in succession, which takes some time. The gyroscope controls were spot on, however, and being able to use the analog stick along with the gyroscope was a nice addition for sure.

Pac Man championship edition is great! There is lots of variety between stages and it is very addictive. Galaga Legions also looks gorgeous in 3D, a lot of action going on here. No complaints about either of those two.

Pac-Man and Galaga Dimensions also comes with a Pac-Man movie that basically explains every Pac-Man game ever. It was short, but not bad. Some people have been complaining about not being able to erase your save data, but I have had no problems with it.

All in all, I feel that this game certainly isn't for everyone, but if you're looking for quick fun, this is for you. It would be nice if the price was down to $30, but I can't really complain too much. 3.5/5 = 4/5

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Comment on Pac-Man and Galaga Dimensions by Luka

Luka — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:18:21 +0000

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

Pac-Man and Galaga Dimensions, July 26, 2011

Luka -

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This review is from: Pac-Man and Galaga Dimensions (Video Game)

This game is a game compilation of three Pac-man games, and three Galaga games.

1. Classic Pac-Man: It's classic Pac-Man. That's all there is to say. If you want to play the original Pac-Man on the go, this is the game for you. It's also great how you can change the arcade machine you play from, which acts as a border for the game. 5/5

2. Pac-Man Championship Edition: The same game that was released for the XBLA. Once again, it's a great game, but it's a shame that the DX edition wasn't on this compilation. 5/5

3. Pac-Man Tilt: This is one of the two games on this compilation that were never released before. Honestly, Pac-Man Tilt is... average at best. It's a 2D sidescroller where you tilt the 3DS to move the environment. It's not bad, but it's not the kind of game that you'll be playing for hours on end. If you're getting this game for Pac-Man Tilt, you may be disappointed. 3/5

4. Galaga: It's... classic Galaga... Nothing else needs to be said, you should already know how great it is. 5/5

5. Galaga Legions: Once again, the same game that was released on the XBLA. And it's just as awesome as before. 5/5

6. Galaga 3D Impact: The second game on this compilation that was never released before. This is basically a first person on rails shooter. It's, once again, average. 3/5

Overall score: 26/30

If you ever wanted to play Pac-Man or Galaga games on the go, this is for you. If not, you should avoid this. Don't go into this expecting a Pac-Man World type game, or an adventure type game you can play for hours on end.

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Comment on Cars 2 3DS by JJ

JJ — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:29:13 +0000

0 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

100% according, November 15, 2011

JJ -

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This review is from: Cars 2 3DS (Video Game)

conforme, con el producto y la entrega fue dada en el tiempo descrito, y el artículo en excelentes condiciones, gracias y saludos

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Comment on 3DS Handheld Game System – Black by Howard R. Raimondo

Howard R. Raimondo — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:17:06 +0000

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3DS Cosmo Super Gift, October 10, 2011

Howard R. Raimondo -

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: 3DS Handheld Game System - Black (Electronics)

Nintendo 3DS Cosmo purchased as a gift. The product was delivered on time. The 3DS Cosmo has provided hours of enjoyment for my Grand Child. It has performed flawlessly.

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Comment on 3DS Handheld Game System – Black by Barbara Nardo "shopgirlbobbi"

Barbara Nardo "shopgirlbobbi" — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:40:57 +0000

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Nintendo 3DS, November 12, 2011

Barbara Nardo "shopgirlbobbi" (Bronx, NY United States) -

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This review is from: 3DS Handheld Game System - Black (Electronics)

Love the 3DS, I think it is a great gift for game lovers on the go. The 3D is controlable and all the other features this unit has is super duper.

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Comment on 3DS Handheld Game System – Black by Doug Lards

Doug Lards — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:25:45 +0000

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

The best handheld device I have ever owned!, August 18, 2011

Doug Lards (USA) -

This review is from: 3DS Handheld Game System - Black (Electronics)

I owned many mp3 players including ipod touch, zune, etc. I owned the psp, and laptops etc. I even owned a droid and many cellphones in my lifetime, but the Nintendo 3DS is the best handheld device I have ever owned! It plays music, so I don't even use my ipod touch anymore, it has a web browser too. It doesn't have flash or anything to use videos online, but that is what my pc is for, and it has Netflix anyway so who needs youtube! The games are amazing for it, and there are more games coming each week for it. I rather play Excellent games from Nintendo, instead of those cheap lame games that you get on a cellphone or ipod touch etc. The 3D effect is great. I'm getting 20 free games because I bought the 3DS when it first launched. I'm a 3DS Ambassador. Nintendo is great, and I really reconmend the 3DS if you want real gaming, and other cool features.

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Comment on Nintendo DS Lite Cobalt / Black by Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:05:02 +0000

90 of 96 people found the following review helpful:

Pretty in Pink and with improvements! DS vs. DS Lite, October 16, 2006

A Kid's Review

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This review is from: Nintendo DS Lite Coral Pink (Accessory)

My brother and sister got the teal and pink Nintendogs bundles last year with the regular DS in them so I've had a chance to try them out. I wasn't sure whether I wanted the Nintendo DS, PSP, or anything like this at all. However, I decided to go with the DS now after playing around with theirs.

Playing video games on the DS in a whole new experience. There are lots of games to play for all ages. The microphone and touch screen get you involved and interacting with the game in a way a joystick or game pad alone just can't do. The wireless feature can't be overlooked either. Locally, we can play against each other including our friends even in different rooms. You can also pictochat (a picture and text chat program that comes pre-installed on the DS). You can also play against others worldwide too! All you need is a compatible router or a Nintendo Wi-FI USB connector for that which was set up by my parents. Playing against others makes it exciting, and a chance to tryout our skills against others. My parents try them out first for "our safety". I think they like to play them too :-). My favorites so far are like Mario Kart which only gives out your user name (we use nicknames instead of real names) and Clubhouse Games which displays your user name as well as select from a list of already made text messages--as far as I know you can't add your own text when online for this games. Other games may be different so it's a good idea the parents do check. So far I haven't come across any usernames that should be bleeped either so everyone seems to being playing nice or Nintendo has a way of screening them out. My parents still took the time to make sure my younger sister and brother knew why they shouldn't give out personal information even when playing locally.

The only decision left was did I want the original or Lite. There was only $10 difference when I bought mine. The regular DS is great, but I went with the Lite because the improvements made it better for me. I liked the looks and the brighter screens when comparing the store display DS Lite to the original DS.

APPEARANCE

I like the design! It's trendy, fashinable, smaller, and I liked the soft feminine look of the coral pink. However, I liked the pearl pink and teal too of the original DS. They were limited editions and not available now so color does make a difference to me as well as size. Anything in softer shades instead of the bolder colors appeals more to me. I admit that I think lime green might be cool even though it's bold. Anyway, I was so excited to see that the Lite was available in coral pink! Everything I was looking for!

SCREENS

I have some vision problems, and the brighter screens are a real plus. There are four settings so I can find one right for me almost anywhere I play including outside or on the go. My brother and sister's were OK to play indoors, but I felt myself straining to see them in other lighting situations. The colors themselves seem bolder, crisper, and sharper. Really!

BATTERY

According to the manual for the original DS, it takes about 4 hours to charge. You can expect to get six to ten hours of game play on a fully charged battery depending on the game activitiy. This seems about right though the battery life will decrease over time.

According to the manual for the DS Lite, it takes about 3 hours to charge and may last 15 to 19 hours depending on the lowest light setting or about 5 to 8 hours on the highest setting. Battery life also depends on the game activity. For example, I notice the battery drains quicker when using the Wireless feature to play games. I use the third or fourth (brighter settings), and it does seem to last a little longer than the original DS, but has with the brighter screen setting.

STYLUS

The DS Lite comes with two color-coordinated stylus that is a little longer and thicker than the original DS's brown one. I find it easier to use. It also slides in the side instead of the back.

LIGHTS AND MICROPHONE

The two indicator lights and microphone are in the middle of the Lite and the front edge of the original DS. It's a little easier to see the DS Lite's lights when closed and notice them when the unit is open too. The light turns red when battery needs to be recharged, solid green when battery status is good, blinking green when in wireless mode, solid orange when plugged into AC and charging, etc.

SOUND & BUTTONS

The original DS might seems to have slightly louder sound, but both original DS and Lite are easy to hear with some good ear buds. Either version of DS includes a jack that will accept headphones or earbuds with a standard connector.

The button layout is a little different. For example, the DS Lite power switch slides on and off on the... Read more

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Comment on Nintendo DS Lite Cobalt / Black by Mark "Technology, Music and Movies"

Mark "Technology, Music and Movies" — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:05:16 +0000

198 of 208 people found the following review helpful:

Nintendo DS Lite Gets a New Cobalt Blue Color and Adds Improvements!!! Get It!!!!!, February 17, 2008

Mark "Technology, Music and Movies" (East Coast) -

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This review is from: Nintendo DS Lite Cobalt / Black (Console)

Nintendo's newest DS Lite adds a cool new color scheme and some subtle improvements.

Pros
+ Awesome cobalt-blue and black color scheme - looks almost royal blue or purple!
+ Black base is a more grip-able matte finish that doesn't smudge and holds well in your hand
+ Nice design - thin DS Lite form factor you know and love
+ Brighter screen with better contrast than previous generation
+ Less than two-thirds the size of the original Nintendo DS and 20 percent lighter
+ Well placed microphone in the center of the unit
+ Well placed LED lights visible when the unit is open or closed, indicating power on and low battery
+ Wi-fi connectivity allows for DS Download Play and Muli-card play
+ Works with original DS games and GameBoy Advance games
+ Lower price point than competing portables like the PSP ($130 versus $170)
+ Great selection of low priced games to add to your collection!
+ Great game selection for adults, particularly learning and puzzle games
+ Multi-player wireless game play for games like MarioParty and New Super Mario offers great fun!!
+ Convenient stylus storage slot on the right underside of the unit
+ Awesome battery life that only requires recharging after many days of use!!!
+ Cool (though seldom used) novelty app called PictoChat for DS to DS chatting
+ Availability of add-on programs for wireless web surfing and other apps
+ Great accessories market, but beware low quality providers such as Switch&Carry (BD&A)

Cons
- GameBoy Advance game slot leaves cartridges sticking out and not flush
- Shiny cobalt top still attracts smudges - no biggie
- Reports of common issues with hinge cracking from regular use; time will tell if it's been fixed
- Somewhat slow start-up with DS Download play
- Some cheapo accessories are Nintendo certified: AVOID Switch&Carry (BD&A), stick with Pelican!!!!
- Limited built-in configuration settings (only military time format????)
- Need to exit games to access key configuration settings like brightness, etc.
- Colors produced in limited quantities and sell out too quickly!!!!

Looks and Form Factor

I've owned several DS lites, including the Onyx Black model. I chose the DS over the PSP for the games. PSP 2000 Console - Piano Black

This is by far the best looking DS Lite!! The cobalt blue on black color scheme shines a hue that's closer to royal blue or deep purple! The top is still a shiny smudge magnet, but it looks so cool anyway! Just wipe it down. :-)

The decision to make the base a matte black is both great for looks and function. The unit is easier to hold, doesn't smudge on the matte black part, and won't slip out of your hand as much as previous models. This feature started in the new BrainAge2 bundle with the red top. You can kind of see this from the pictures but it's not really highlighted in the descriptions. Considering this is the 1 biggest improvement, that surprised me.

I've also heard that the hinge was improved for durability, but I can't visually see a difference and I'm not going to dismantle it to find out. :-) It's a common known problem that hinge cracking has been the only common defect, so just handle with care. I personally haven't had a single DS falter on me in any way.

Other than that, same DS Lite form factor that you know and love. The only real gripe is that every version of the DS Lite is produced in very limited numbers and sells out in a few months. So if you like a color, you have to act fast before they disappear from retail!

Game Play and Functions

This handheld is very well designed for game play. The speakers and microphone built in to the unit are more than adequate, and you can attach peripherals or headphones to the included port.

Nintendo has done a great job of very targeted well designed games. Kids games like MarioParty Mario Party DS and the New Super Mario Brothers New Super Mario Bros. are fun and engaging! Get a group of friends together and play each other with only 1 game cartridge using DS Download play and versus modes!

Similarly, plenty of games for adults including the cult favorite BrainAge... Read more

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Comment on Nintendo DS Lite Cobalt / Black by S. Rhodes

S. Rhodes — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:01:12 +0000

988 of 1,024 people found the following review helpful:

Lighter is Better, August 31, 2006

S. Rhodes -

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This review is from: Nintendo DS Lite Coral Pink (Accessory)

People will no doubt find the Nintendo DS Lite to be a way for Nintendo to sucker people out of their money. It can be that way, if you think of yourself as a sucker, but for me the DS lite is a little better. Simply put, if you're content with your original DS, then don't even waste time to buy this one. If you don't have a DS period, the DS Lite is a much better investment than the original bulky one.

With the DS Lite, gameplay is made a little simplar. The button placement and brighter screen make the gameplay a little better. For one, the start and select buttons have been moved to resemble where they were on the original Gameboy Advance. This makes handling some of the functions (especially for GBA games) a lot easier. The buttons, sadly, are a still a little small for guys with big hands like myself.

The DS Lite also comes with a phony GBA cartridge (called a "cap"). If you don't have a GBA game plugged into the system, you can put in the phony cartridge to keep it from collecting dust in there. However, when you do stick in a GBA game, it sticks out by about a centimeter. It just looks weird. The cap does, at least, keep the system looking good.

Perhaps the most welcome change to the DS Lite is the screen. The original DS screen was not exactly bright. In fact, it was, in comparison the DS Lite, rather dark. Games like Metroid Prime Hunters were darker than they had to be. On this new screen, the difference in how bright the games appear really shows. Not only that but, you can adjust the brightness if need be. It doesn't really affect the battery life, either. You can play the DS Lite for as long as you played the original. And also like the original, it charges while you play.

Another welcome difference is the touch screen itself. These screens last a lot longer than the original DS. Those who have an original DS no doubt experienced a lot of scratches on their screen from their stylus. To the point where it was noticeable. You could still see the screen, but it was apparent that the stylus was doing a number on it. The screen is more protected here. The stylus doesn't scratch the screen quite as easily. In other words, the touch screen lasts a lot longer.

The DS Lite also looks better, and fits in your pocket better. It also performs all the tasks of a regular DS. For example, if you're playing a game and you suddenly have to go, just flip it closed and it sleeps. There's also a place to store the stylus, and the stylus is better too. It's a little bigger and thicker, so it's not quite as easy to lose.

Some problems with the original DS still plague the DS Lite however. You still can't play Gameboy Color or regular Gameboy games on the DS Lite. Also, you still can't configure the controls to play a GBA game much easier. In other words you can't configure "X" and "Y" when you play a GBA game. This probably won't bother you in the long run, however. Also, the touch screen still has its sensitivity. Touching the touch screen with your bare hands is more dangerous than the stylus scratching the screen. The oils from your fingers might damage the screen and therefore, it won't respond to the touch of even your stylus.

When the original DS launched, owners will note that there were not very many good games availible. About the only good game during its launch in 2004 was Super Mario 64 DS. Now there are plenty of games out there (and not all of them are ports), so if you do want a DS, this is a great time to get one, and the DS Lite is a better investment than the original one by far.

The DS may not play movies, or MP3 players, but to be honest, that almost defeats the purpose of a gaming system. Am I looking to buy a portable entertainment center? Of course not, I'm looking to find a system to play some of my games on, and the Nintendo DS delivers. Real gamers know it's about the games, not about the bells and whistles of a system. For the casual gamer, the Nintendo DS delivers, and the DS Lite is a fine improvement.

The Good
+Vastly superior to the original DS
+It fits in your pocket easier
+The Screen is much brighter
+Touch screen is more durable
+The placement of the Start and Select buttons is easier
+A better stylus
+The battery life is unchanged

The Bad
-Those with an original DS, who want a DS Lite will have to spend more money for yet another DS
-Some of the cons of the original DS are still here

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Comment on Nintendo 3DS 20-In-1 Essentials – Blue by Ema Nymton

Ema Nymton — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:50:14 +0000

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Great ! Worth every penny, June 23, 2011

Ema Nymton -

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This review is from: Nintendo 3DS 20-In-1 Essentials - Blue (Accessory)

Cons:
When you first purchase your own 3DS you only get a wall charger and the game console itself.

Pros:
This includes basically everything you would need if you travel a lot. This is def. Essentials and on all of amazon i spent about a month looking for the right package, and this one has the most beneficial stuff. I read a review about this set that the speakers suck, honestly i can say that i would not rate this package 1 star because of that. The SD reader alone can be used with cameras and other SD cards. The two way ear jacks so two people can listen is great if you own a mp3 player , ipod, etc.

All in all i can say this is a great product and a must.

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Comment on Nintendo 3DS 20-In-1 Essentials – Blue by Connor Verplank

Connor Verplank — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:31:32 +0000

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

Solid Kit, April 17, 2011

Connor Verplank -

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This review is from: Nintendo 3DS 20-In-1 Essentials - Blue (Accessory)

This is a solid kit for your 3DS, though I personally recommend the 3DS Starter Kit by ICON, as its less expensive and provides you with pretty much the same experience, perhaps an even better one.

Something major I need to point out is the Play it Loud gadget included in this bundle does work but does not really increase the volume as much as it should. Why? Well, from personal experience with the 3DS, I noticed that the overall max volume output seems to be much lower/weaker than its predecessors. Side by side, my DS Lite and 3DS sound about the same. But when I plug them into my speakers,[which have a 3.5mm connector so it fits into the DS's] my DS lite is TWO TIMES as loud as my 3DS. Repeat, TWICE as loud. I have no idea why but the 3DS's sound is meager for some reason which is very disappointing. So if you're looking for a great starter kit, this one is very good; but don't buy it because you want your 3DS to be louder.

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Comment on Ridge Racer 3D by Persona4

Persona4 — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:17:32 +0000

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

Love it!, April 2, 2011

Persona4 -

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This review is from: Ridge Racer 3D (Video Game)

I had never played a ridge racer game before so I didn't know what to expect from this game, so my first reaction when I played the game in full 3d was WOW!!
It is very mesmerizing, the graphics, the gameplay and the music are really enjoyable, the commentators can get boring after some time but you can turn them off, I'm really loving it, it really is a great launch title, i would definitely recommend it for your 3ds!

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Comment on Ridge Racer 3D by Rick Moore

Rick Moore — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:20:34 +0000

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

Asphalt 3D or Ridge Racer? Can't Lose Either Way!, April 3, 2011

Rick Moore (Virginia) -

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This review is from: Ridge Racer 3D (Video Game)

I bought Asphalt 3D first and I am happy with it. Then I bought Ridge Racer 3D and I am happy with that as well. I think they're both excellent racing games and you really can't go wrong with either one. Ridge Racer's graphics are a little more fluid and the cars handle a bit more realistically than the ones in Asphalt 3D in my opinion. The thing I like about Asphalt 3D over Ridge Racer is that you can do take downs and there is oncoming traffic unlike in RR where everyone is going the same direction. Also, Asphalt 3D has a pursuit mode where you run from the law which is always fun. BUT the thing I like about Ridge Racer over Asphalt 3D is the slipstreaming, the drifting, and the graphics are a tad less choppy looking. (Don't let that scare you. The choppiness is very minimal anyway.) The car handling in Ridge Racer to me seems a little more realistic than it does in Asphalt 3D. So, bottom line: If you want a great straight forward Racing game, get Ridge Racer 3D. If it's vengeance and aggression you want in a racing game, get Asphalt 3D. Graphically, the image in Ridge Racer seems a little less grainy-looking than in Asphalt 3D to me. As another reviewer mentioned, the opening animation in Ridge Racer is very cool...a little flirty. :) If I had to choose one of these over the other....h-m-m.....I think Ridge Racer would win. I like that there are more tracks available in the beginning.

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Comment on Ridge Racer 3D by Jaelus

Jaelus — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:03:40 +0000

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

A decent arcade style racer, March 29, 2011

Jaelus (Clifton, Virginia USA) -

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This review is from: Ridge Racer 3D (Video Game)

While racing is one of my favorite genres, I had never played a Ridge Racer title before this one. I had the Asphalt DSiWare download and enjoyed it, and had been debating whether or not to go with this title or Asphalt for 3DS. I ultimately chose Ridge Racer after careful consideration, and do not regret it.

This is an arcade style racer, meaning it's designed to keep you moving along without much care for realism. You cannot crash in this game, and there is no body damage. You cannot ditch other cars on the side of the road. Hitting a wall only causes you (or your opponent) to bounce off, but it does slow you down. In that respect, it is different than Asphalt, but it is also a more serious arcade style racer, with no gimmicks. It's all about speed.

The races are designed around the drifting mechanic, and mastery of this concept is essential to not only make the turns successfully but to build nitrous. You win points during races depending on your finishing position, and these points can be saved up to unlock new cars or to buy power ups that can be used during a specific race.

There is no performance or body tweaking mechanic in this game. As you progress, you unlock the ability to buy new cars or pre-tweaked upgrade versions of cars you already have. You also unlock nitrous kits for cars you already have, which is the one performance modification you can make to your cars. Nitrous kits can change the amount of nitrous stored, speed and/or mechanism for building nitrous, and the behavior of how nitrous is used. These nitrous kits can be purchased with points, just like the new cars and upgraded cars can. While you cannot change the body type of a given car, you can change the decal patterns on the car, as well as the body colors (extensive options).

The scenery graphics are very good, but not great. The truth is though, you don't notice this at all while you're driving. It's better to have speed than graphics detail anyway, and that's where the game shines. The races are very smooth and fast, and the 3D depth really enhances the feel. You can turn the slider all the way up and see the road at a great distance.

The touch screen is used to display your position as well as the relative position of your nearest opponent. You can tap the bottom area of the touch screen to change the camera, but unfortunately there are only two camera positions. Third person slightly behind and above the car, and first person. I would have also liked a hood view, but unfortunately it is not available. In some regards, swapping camera positions can be useful, since the 3D really lets you position and maneuver your car well versus opponent cars in third person view. This is not as useful as it could be though, since you can't really damage or significantly harm your opponents in this game.

They added a ton of modes and races to the game, so the replayability and value is excellent. The music during the races is also great, and there are a lot of tracks to choose from. There is a voiceover during the game that tells you a lot of useful things like when your nitrous is ready to use, when an opponent is slipstreaming you, etc.. but also tells you a lot of completely useless things that can get annoying. At least the voice is very clear and understandable.

Overall, the game is a solid but somewhat simplistic racer that still has lots to offer if you're a racing fan. While the graphics and gameplay aren't going to blow you away, the 3D definitely will.

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Comment on LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean by Catherine Anderson

Catherine Anderson — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:29:46 +0000

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

ok for one player, November 1, 2011

Catherine Anderson (sacramento, USA) -

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This review is from: LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean (Video Game)

If i had it to do over i would have bought the console version of this. My son likes to play video games by him self but at times it would be fun for a friend to join in. IT does pass the time when we are traveling.

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Comment on LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean by D. Nutting

D. Nutting — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:49:33 +0000

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

Still no Co-op, May 22, 2011

D. Nutting -

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This review is from: LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean (Video Game)

The other 4 star review hits pretty much everything right on, so I won't repeat much. However, I just wanted to warn people, even though the back of the box says "co-op," there is no co-op. There is a street pass pirate sword fight, but that's it.

The game is still fun to play alone, but if you're looking to play with a friend, spouse, sibling, child, then stick with the console version.

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Comment on LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean by K. Frisch

K. Frisch — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:11:42 +0000

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

A fun Pirate adventure...but not a direct console port., May 10, 2011

K. Frisch (Ohio) -

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This review is from: LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean (Video Game)

Not since LEGO Star Wars has a franchise felt so perfectly suited for the LEGO brand. Pirate themed sets have been a staple of the building series for years and LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean continues that legacy by depicted Jack Sparrow and the crew in miniature plastic form. There's nothing groundbreaking here. It's the same straight-forward and fun formula the LEGO series has been thriving on for years.

The first issue I must bring up however is that this game is not a direct port of the home console version, at least as far as I can tell. I have not played the home console versions but I have seen video of both the Port Royal and Shipwreck Cove levels. Though the 3DS game's levels do share basic similarities to their console counterparts, they are much simpler and a great many features have been stripped out. Though a number of sources implied the 3DS game would be a direct port of the Wii version of LEGO Pirates, it seems that instead it's a slightly stripped-down and simplified game based on the console design, akin to LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga for the DS. UPDATE: Further investigation leads me to believe that this game is the same as the PSP and DS versions. The gameplay seems to be the same among these three versions of LEGO Pirates.

However, that doesn't mean it's not fun.

Disappointing though it may be that LEGO Pirates for the 3DS is not a true handheld version of the same game for home consoles, it still holds up extremely well as a fun and silly platformer, reminiscent of classic collectathon platform games like Spyro the Dragon. If you've played any previous LEGO game, you know what to expect. In particular, this game shares a nearly identical design to LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga for the DS, right down to the menu layout and basic mechanics of the game.

All four Pirates movies are covered here, with the key points of each story broken down into four levels each. As is standard for the series, humorous cut-scenes portray the major plot points, though if you aren't familiar with the films, the stories won't be real clear. The goal of each level is to collect studs, which act as the game's currency. Nearly any object made of LEGO bricks is destructible and will explode into studs when attacked. Numerous other goodies populate the levels as well, such as pirate coins, red power bricks, and miniature ships inside bottles which can be collected to unlock special dioramas, just like the mini-kits in previous LEGO games.

Only a handful of this bountiful booty can be found in Story Mode, though, as you won't always have a character on hand with the skills needed to reach secret areas or perform certain tasks. As a result, you are free to revisit the levels in Free Play mode. This mode allows you to take any character you like into a level. You are free to choose your lead character, and the game will automatically fill out your party with a variety of others, ensuring you have a mix of characters such as pirate captains, blacksmiths, characters who wield two swords, and even cursed characters. Playing levels in Free Play mode is well worth it, too, as entire sections of levels are often blocked in Story mode, ensuring there are lots of new things to see the second time through.

As has been the case with a number of handheld LEGO games, the co-op multiplayer mode that the home console series is so known for has been removed for this portable edition of LEGO Pirates. If you prefer to play with a friend, stick to the home console versions. However, if that's not a major loss for you, you'll find that this game has in fact been tailor-made for single player gameplay. You no longer have a second AI character following you around as in past LEGO games, so you never have to rely on potentially inaccurate computer controlled players for solving puzzles. It's a shame the two-player mode didn't make the transition to the 3DS as it's a staple of the series, but it is nice that the game has been designed with that omission in mind. A multiplayer pirate duel minigame is included that utilizes StreetPass, but I have yet to be able to try this feature.

And, of course, as in previous LEGO games, there are dozens of things to unlock. Nearly every character from the film series appears as a playable character, ranging from main characters in alternate costumes to obscure extras who barely had any screen time in the films. In addition, there are "extras" to unlock, which are basically cheat codes. They range from the conventional, such as making studs worth twice as much or being automatically attracted to your character, to the bizarre, such as turning everyone's sword into a banana. Of course, this is all standard fair for the LEGO series, but it's still nice to see such fun bonuses included.

Visually, the game is attractive if not amazing. The characters are all... Read more

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Comment on Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Shadow Wars by Eric Castellon

Eric Castellon — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:53:13 +0000

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

A Departure Leads To The Best Surprise In 3DS Launch, March 29, 2011

Eric Castellon (Santa Monica, CA) -

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This review is from: Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars (Video Game)

I picked this game up after reading the reviews on Kotaku and 1up. I'm really impressed with it! Sure, there isn't much of a story to be found but the game is undeniably engaging. If your a returning Ghost Recon fan, be aware that this game is NOTHING like the other entries in the series, where you lead a team of four in a 3rd-person tactical shooter. About the only thing that really carries over is the 'tactical' aspects of those last games. Oh, and of course, you shoot things

You control a squad of up-to six team members and take turns moving across each mission map to accomplish your objectives. Think of it as a glorified game of chess; each unit has a specific role in your team and you use these roles to your advantage against the enemy. If you have never played a strategy RPG, this game makes for a great entry title for the genre. The game will definitely keep you busy for a long time, with 35 main missions and 20 skirmish missions across three difficulty levels. As you progress through each mission, they introduce new concepts that add to the amount to strategy involved in completing your objective, but it never becomes too cumbersome to keep track of all the things that go on. That's not to say that the game is not challenging. On the contrary, when played on the highest difficulty, the enemy team makes fairly smart choices that can put a big dent on any plans you may have had. After you successfully complete a mission, you gain stars that you can use to further develop your team members, adding to their repertoire of strengths, abilities, and equipment. Most other games in this genre have a HIGH amount of customization, but this game keeps things fairly simple and straightforward, instead relying on the nice variety of missions available.

If your a fan of SRPGs, you MAY miss the customization aspect of some those other games but I didn't miss it in this title. It helped me focus on the missions instead of being stuck in menus for LONG periods of time. The game includes a multi-player mode where you pass the handheld between you and your friend in a battle of wits. This mode works fine but these type of games are PERFECT for online gaming. Unfortunately, Ubisoft did not include this feature in the title, NOR a handheld-to-handheld mode. Despite that big misstep, the game is still a excellent purchase for early adopters. The game has plenty of content to keep you coming back and has a great learning curve for newcomers. I highly recommend it.

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Comment on Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Shadow Wars by Ed Pegg "Math puzzler"

Ed Pegg "Math puzzler" — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:27:10 +0000

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

The best 3DS launch game., March 29, 2011

Ed Pegg "Math puzzler" (Champaign) -

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This review is from: Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars (Video Game)

I agree with Nathaniel's review. I've spent an hour with each of Rayman 3D, Samurai Warriors Chronicles, Ridge Racer 3DS.

With the other games, they apparently weren't specifically made for 3D. The effect is there with the other games, but often the camera is whipping around so that keeping up with the 3D is straining. Also, there seem to be a lot of unskippable scene is the other title. In other games, I frequently saw ghosting effects as I tried to keep up with the 3D.

The 3D gorgeousness of Ghost Recom comes out with every scene. Camera moves are done properly, and the emphasis throughout is always on making the game fun. New types of gameplay are brought in gradually. The beginning plot seems quite plausible -- the team helicopter was shot down by bandits.

The ravines, ruins, houses, figures all look exquisite, and there is no strain at all. I haven't seen any ghosting effects at all. It looks quite good out of 3D, as well.

For the turn based missions, with each one, you can set them at easy, moderate, or hard.

This is a gorgeous turn-based strategy game, one of the best I've seen (and I go back to Langrisser). If you have a Playstation 3, I'll recommend Valkyria Chronicles and Dungeons & Dragons Tactics. For the DS, I liked Disgaea DS, Advance Wars, and Fire Emblem. On the PSP, Jeanne D'arc is quite good. From what I've played of Ghost Recon so far, I would put this in the upper tier of turn-based games. It's definitely the best-looking.

Edit -- I'm now about 15 hours into this game. I also play some tabletop games (Warhammer, D&D) that use figures and 3D sets. With the 3DS, I get much of the same vibe. Ghost Recon sets one of the scenarios in a cave complex called the Dead Hand base. The 3DS screen looks a lot like an elaborate tabletop setup.

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