Hands on: Nintendo 3DS

Weeks ago, we analyzed some of the launch titles and preparations in store for the Nintendo 3DS. Since then we've had the privilege of getting some hands on experience with the gadget, exploring much of what Nintendo has to offer during its initial launch. Our options seemed easily debatable at first, with two titles being recreations and the other usually catering to a specific market outside of the "core" gamer audience.

So how do these releases stack up after some time with the console? Apart from the three flagship launch titles, we'll also take a look at some of the other feature programs included with the 3DS, along with a revisited Nintendo classic coming later.

Pilotwings Resort

In many ways, this is the same exact game everyone's played before. We have planes, hang gliders and other flying contraptions to navigate through a series of checkpoints. It's easy to say this game is a "tech demo", but this new version does a fantastic job of creating the most involved Pilotwings experience we've ever witnessed. The presentation was actually quite impressive, with amazing 3D visuals popping out as you float through the skies of this resort island.

The controls are exceptionally smooth, though the game really does -- like past Pilotwings games -- take some getting used to. I had my fair share of crash landings, especially with the jet pack that controls nothing like the hang glider or airplane. There's no doubt that Pilotwings Resort is a great introduction to a fantastic 3DS experience, as it also does a great job of showcasing the system's analog joystick. Out of other titles played on the console, Pilotwings Resort is a great choice for anyone looking to grasp the newly implemented controls on the 3DS. Hell, one could even think of this as "portable aviation training."

Steel Diver

Stormy waters and distant battleships are just some of the detailed objects to mention in this highly entertaining presentation. Just as Pilotwings presents itself as the next generation of previously released titles, it's easy to argue that Steel Diver is the spiritual successor of the Game Boy title Radar Mission. The game type I got to spend the most time with was the periscope mode, where players use gyroscopic controls to physically rotate the console as they search for enemies on the screen. The A button was used to fire missiles, while B allowed your sub to dive and avoid enemy fire.

Like Pilotwings Resort, the base controls are easy to get used to, smooth and reliable with the use of Nintendo's portable analog stick. Just make sure you're in a room where rotation is easy, since the gyroscopic controls in periscope mode require players to turn as they search for enemies. The only real issue is adjusting the distance of the console from your line of site, because Steel Diver seems to require more distance than most games. Although it sounds discouraging, this doesn't really change anything for those who are willing to deal with these adjustments.

Nintendogs + Cats

This game will kill you with cuteness; the smooth presentation and highly responsive touch controls turn this game into quite the cuddly series of endeavors. Young and old alike will enjoy the deep interaction with three dimensional puppies and kittens, popping right out of your screen as you toss them toys and feed them biscuits. These animals were just too adorable for words, and I really wish I had more time to play around with every single function.

During the demo, I started with both animals available on the screen. You're allowed to play with whichever you wish, or perhaps both at once. This is quite possibly the best title worth getting when the 3DS launches, as the realism involved is impossible to ignore. With 3D effects and graphics that really set the bar, Nintendogs + Cats may even surpass everything we saw on Pilotwings and Steel Diver. The brushing mode (with a cat) was among the most authentic concepts I experienced, allowing you to even shake off the brush when it becomes too full of hair. I'm hoping the furry little guy wasn't too angry; he tried nipping at me when I'd brush too fast or in the wrong place.

Launch Applications: Face Raiders and Augmented Reality

The Nintendo 3DS will also come preloaded with two additional demonstrations that, in the end, turn out to be quite amusing. The first I'll mention is Augmented Reality, a program where you'll use the 3DS camera in order to interact with six special trading cards that come bundled with the handheld. The card I was allowed to sample opened a target practice game, where objects and targets seem to actually blend in with real life settings. There were even instances where the surfaces would flip or change, making it look like some sort of magicians trick.

You'll set these special cards on the surface of your choice, using the 3DS camera to target them as a special game mode is opened up. It's probably ideal to play this game on a flat surface, like a table or counter, but sometimes you can even get creative with others (for those who have yet to see the card on crotch video). The Nintendo rep showing me the program even held the card up to his chest, making it appear that we were both in some kind of strange spoof of the movie Alien.

Face Raiders was also a target practice game, though a little more simplistic -- not to mention disturbing. You'll start the game by taking a picture of yourself (or your friend), then watching as it's transformed into the very antagonist you'll be challenging. Like the DSi's camera lens, the emotions of the face will change depending on the situation, which actually becomes creepy at times. You'll shoot multiple targets containing your face -- along with faces of previous players -- until you finally arrive to the boss, which I can only describe as a viking Power Ranger cyborg version of yourself. The boss is probably the most hilarious highlight of this app, being creepy as hell while you proceed to watch yourself taunt ... yourself.

Aside from launch essentials, I also had the opportunity to test a revamped classic from the N64, seeing just how well it compared to the original. So in the end, is this game still worth checking out, or is it just like every other port or emulation you'll find elsewhere?

Ocarina of Time

We're mostly with the crowd on this one; Ocarina of Time is available in more ways than one, and it's a classic experience we've already revisited numerous times. However, the overall graphics and interface have been adjusted to play differently for the 3DS, and I have to say it's quite stunning. Setting foot into the Deku Tree has never been more amazing, as the literal depth of the interior is revealed like never before. The dungeons and scenery in this game were impressive enough back then, but redone with enhanced graphics and three dimensional outputs? I don't know about you, but It already scares me to think of what my first redead encounter is going to be like. Personally, I'd recommend this title not be ignored, as it's an incredible redo that may actually surprise most who take the time to play.

Overall

I'd definitely say Nintendogs + Cats is an experience to consider for first grabs, at least for those who could get over the cuteness factor of this seemingly simplistic, but still highly enjoyable virtual pet game. Though Steel Diver and Pilotwings Resort were still smooth presentations with fantastic graphics and controls, they may feel too familiar and repetitive for some players. And yes, we've seen plenty of Nintendogs titles, but none that are as genuine and adorable as this fresher adaptation.

On another note, we've also come to the conclusion that individuals with impaired vision should definitely adjust the 3D settings, as these effects could cause minor headaches if not configured properly. Nintendo has said themselves that the slider is perfect for balancing intensity, so this could very well be a matter of making sure everyone finds their perfect fit. I also experienced a minor headache between Steel Diver and Ocarina of Time, but this was probably because I had to adjust the distance of the console from my eyes after switching. This headache went away after playing a little while longer.

The entire launch is looking much more promising at second glance, especially with the starter applications we'll get to play with. Nintendo is currently preparing for the 3DS to hit on March 27, so the newest generation of handheld videogames is right around the corner. Whether it's on the podcast or the site, we'll be sure to keep you posted with the many experiences we're bound to have with this zany (and hopefully not migraine inducing) contraption.