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3DS

3DS Launch Game Previews

Sims and Sports

by Danny Bivens, Andy Goergen, Pedro Hernandez, and Neal Ronaghan - March 10, 2011, 7:36 pm EST

Next up, we look at some of the best offerings from third parties.

Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition

Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom

What’s The Deal?

Despite the Street Fighter series being prominent on the Super NES with several releases of Street Fighter II, this marks the first time a major Street Fighter release lands on a current Nintendo system in years. Both editions of Street Fighter IV have been praised for their in-depth fighting mechanics, expanded cast of old and new characters and excellent multiplayer modes. The 3DS edition looks to keep that tradition alive and well. On top of all this, it also includes exclusive 3DS modes such as an over-the-shoulder 3D viewing mode, figurines you can collect and do battle with and expanded wireless features.

Is It Worthy of a Launch Purchase?

If you are a fighting fan and enjoy the Street Fighter series, then the game is definitely worth a purchase. Even if it’s nothing more than another re-release of the game, Capcom has gone above and beyond the call of duty by including many exclusive modes that make splendid use of the 3DS''s technology. It’s easily one of the most feature heavy games of the 3DS’s launch titles.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D


Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami

What’s The Deal?

After a two year absence from a Nintendo handheld platform, Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D returns players to the pitch on the Nintendo 3DS. Pro Evolution Soccer''s precise controls and realism are better than ever with the addition of 3D. Not only this, but the 3DS iteration offers some interesting options, such as the ability to play in the UEFA Champions League, build a team from scratch in the Master League, and even exchange data with Street Pass.

Is It Worthy of a Launch Purchase?

While Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3DS does have a decent amount of teams and some interesting gameplay modes to choose from, lack of online play and limited number of options make this seem like a game that only serious soccer fans should sink their teeth into.

Madden NFL Football


Publisher: EA
Developer: EA Tiburon

What’s The Deal?

The Madden series is coming to Nintendo handhelds for the first time in nearly three years. Unfortunately, EA’s first outing on the 3DS is a barebones version of the popular franchise, lacking multiplayer and franchise mode. However, the gameplay is akin to other games in the series, showcasing the new GameFlow play-calling system that speeds up the pace of games. The Circle Pad is also highlighted as it gives players analog control over their players.

Is It Worthy of a Launch Purchase?

Unless you’re really into football, it doesn’t look like it. The lack of the RPG-like franchise mode and multiplayer is a real buzz kill. Gameplay-wise, the game looks sound, but when there’s a (hopefully) improved version coming out in six months, why spend your money on this now?

The Sims 3


Publisher: EA
Developer: EA Sims Studio

What’s The Deal?

The Sims 3 has come to pretty much every viable platform from iPod to Xbox, and thus it''s unsurprising that Nintendo 3DS will have the game at launch. The people-simulator game will feature gameplay familiar to those who have played a game in the series before, however the 3DS game will feature a few items unique to the platform. The game will feature StreetPass mode, allowing you to trade created Sims with other players. Also, the camera on the 3DS can be used to create Sims with a likeness to real people. The game is potentially set to receive additional content via DLC as well, although it''s not known if this is paid DLC or not.

Is It Worthy of a Launch Purchase?

The Sims 3 is a known commodity, and there''s nothing to suggest that the 3DS version will have anything more than a fresh coat of depth. If you''re a fan of the series, and there are plenty of you out there, you''ll be happy to find that the game is available right away at launch.

Talkback

SupaKirbMarch 09, 2011

I really don't want any of these games, I think I'm just gonna buy some classic RPG's on the DS to hold be over till something good comes out. Heck, I've never played Crono Trigger, I should pick that up with my 3DS.

KnowsNothingMarch 09, 2011

The only launch game I'm getting is Pilotwings and even though it looks to shame the great name of Piltowings I'm sure it will still be fun.  I've also ordered Radiant Historia which according to Amazon will get here around when the 3DS launches (supply issues) so I'll have some good games to hold me over until E3.  Plus I still have a backlog of DS games...I can't play anything that requires the L or R buttons at the moment...

The Steel Diver box art is terrible.

Quote from: insanolord

The Steel Diver box art is terrible.

Have you seen the Japanese boxart? It is beautiful. I really do not understand why they changed it for the states.

http://nerdreactor.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Steel-Diver-Box-Art-logo.jpg

TenserMarch 09, 2011

If either Ridge Racer or Asphalt provide some excellent arcade-style racing I'll pick up one of those. If not I'll just play Radiant Historia on my shiney new 3DS.

Quote from: TalesOfFan

Quote from: insanolord

The Steel Diver box art is terrible.

Have you seen the Japanese boxart? It is beautiful. I really do not understand why they changed it for the states.

My main issue is that of the title font, which is the same in both. It looks like someone took 15 seconds with the Word Art feature in Microsoft Office.

TansunnMarch 10, 2011

"The game offers several ways of exploring the island: by plane, by hang glider, and by rocket belt."

That's just the default, right?  Pilotwings 64 has 7 options, but you have to unlock four of them.  That'll be a little disappointing if those three are all we get in Resort.

GoldenPhoenixMarch 10, 2011

From what I've been reading you unlock more vehicles as you progress. Really from what I've been reading the game has quite a bit of diversity and is packed with content and seems like a solid successor to the previous games.

KITT 10KMarch 10, 2011

I'm interested in Steel Driver because of the uniqueness of combining the use of the 3DS camera with the game play, (I know it isn't first to utilize it for game play like in the downloaded game for the DSi called Sytem Flaw). But it still appeals to my interest. As does Madden coming out for it too, (probably because I'm a die hard football fan). BUT, my 2 BIGGEST wants for up and coming games are Resident Evil Mercenaries and Mario Kart. I'd also love to see a Mortal Kombat and Soul Caliber game for it as well. Who knows, they may make them, (the 3DS hasn't been released in the US yet but has SOOOOO much potential). I just can't wait till march 27th to get mine!

ShyGuyMarch 10, 2011

I like to think that Steel Diver and Pilot Wings resort take place in the same universe. U-Boats are attacking Wuhu Island!

You could drop depth charges into the water from your hang glider.

KITT 10KMarch 10, 2011

(In regards to the last 2 comments), that'd be cool as heck!

King of TwitchMarch 10, 2011

I don't think it's appropriate to suggest that Nazis could be in a Nintendo game.

Wu-Boats then.

The next page is live!  We're looking at some of the higher profile 3rd party titles next.

Has it been confirmed that there will be a version of Madden 12 for 3DS as mentioned in the article? It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest, as EA still milks its sports franchises to death despite moving away from that in its other titles, but I haven't seen the company mention it yet. That could just be because they're smart enough not to talk about it until after they've suckered people into buying this one, but I'd like confirmation.

They haven't confirmed it, but c'mon, there's going to be a Madden 12 on the 3DS. Tiburon runs a tight ship of "work on game, finish it, make next year's edition." They've been doing for more than a decade.

I'm interested in both sports games, but they'll both be obsolete within a few months. If Madden 12 comes out at the same time on 3DS as on other systems, it'll be barely 4 months after the 3DS launch. Pro Evo looks good, but EA's working on FIFA for the platform and I prefer that series to PES.

motangMarch 11, 2011

I am very much looking forward to Super Street Fighter IV 3D, but was a bit heart broken to find out that the backgrounds on the states were static. Guess something had to give to pack in all that content on a tiny 3DS card.

KDR_11kMarch 11, 2011

Aren't 3DS carts supposed to be bigger than DVDs?

Not initially.

rlse9March 11, 2011

Typical 3rd party launch titles, established series bringing over watered down versions which have decent gameplay but no depth or features to them.  Yawn...

Flames_of_chaosLukasz Balicki, Staff AlumnusMarch 16, 2011

Not trying to be snarky, but since when are Namco Bandai, Tecmo Koei, Square Enix, Sega, and LucasArts small publishers?!?!


While I can see some merit with LucasArts, but most of these companies aren't small companies when compared to companies such as  Xseed, Atlus, or NISA.


I just think that this section has been poorly labeled.

Well, they're not as big as Nintendo or EA. It's all on how you look at it. Is Sega tiny? No, but compared to Nintendo, EA, and Ubisoft they are.

When are you going to finish this? Unless I'm missing something, all that's left are the Ubisoft games; does this have anything to do with their embargo? I'm really interested in Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars given my love of tactical RPGs, but I don't know that I have enough info on it to buy it day one.

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