DSi Shop Thread: Brain Age Something [8/10/09] Flipnote Studio Released!

[Strell]

[DSi Shop Thread]

Please use this thread to discuss current and future DSi downloadables, including games, applications, and (should it come to pass) a portable virtual console. Instead of making a specific thread about each game, just ask here. There are plenty of people here whom will help you out - just have some patience! All news and rumors in regards to the DSi shop will be found here.

For updates to the Wii shop, please check the official thread here! (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218720)

Last Updated: 08/13/09@1:49 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/Einzell/news.png

04/27/09: Added sections to sort games by release date, pricing structure. Hope to add more this week, including a FAQ and perhaps finally making images. Sorted the existing list alphabetically.

04/08/09: Welcome to the alpha build of the DSi shop thread! Many things need to be done which I hope I will complete over the next few days/weeks.

Short FAQ
Upcoming known releases
Block sizes (maybe, since SDHC is enabled at system launch, this shouldn't be all that relevant since you can use a 32GB SD card)
Make images for sections
DS Demo List


Current titles available:
Current Total: 32 Games
Block Size Range: 6 - 124 (Photo Clock -> Real Soccer 2009)


American Popstar: Road to Celebrity - 05/25/09 - 125 Blocks - 800 Points
Animal Crossing Calculator - 05/04/09 - 17 Blocks - 200 Points
Animal Crossing Clock - 05/04/09 - 16 Blocks - 200 Points
Art Style: AQUIA - 04/06/09 - 91 Blocks - 500 Points
Art Style: Base 10 - 07/06/09 - 97 Blocks - 500 Points
Art Style: BOXLIFE - 06/22/09 - 69 Blocks - 500 Points
Art Style: PiCTOBiTS - 05/18/09 - 44 Blocks - 500 Points
Art Style: precipice - 08/03/09 - 59 Blocks - 500 Points
Art Style: Zengage - 07/20/09 - 68 Blocks - 500 Points
Asphalt 4: Elite Racing - 07/06/09 - 111 Blocks - 800 Points
Bird and Beans - 04/06/09 - 11 Blocks - 200 Points
Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters - 08/10/09 - 80 Blocks - 800 Points
Brain Age Express: Math - 04/06/09 - 71 Blocks - 800 Points
Brain Challenge - 07/13/09 - 114 Blocks - 800 Points
Clubhouse Games Express: Card Classics - 04/27/09 - 32 Blocks - 500 Points
Dr. Mario Express - 04/20/09 - 31 Blocks - 500 Points
Flipnote Studio - 08/12/09 - 87 Blocks - 0 Points
Mario Calculator - 06/15/09 - 14 Blocks - 200 Points
Mario Clock - 06/15/09 - 22 Blocks - 200 Points
Mario vs Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! - 06/08/09 - 117 Blocks - 800 Points
Master of Illusion Express: Deep Psyche - 04/20/09 - 18 Blocks - 200 Points
Master of Illusion Express: Funny Face - 04/06/09 - 19 Blocks - 200 Points
Master of Illusion Express: Shuffle Games - 04/13/09 - 18 Blocks - 200 Points
Mighty Flip Champs! - 06/01/09 - 48 Blocks - 800 Points
Mixed Messages - 04/13/09 - 55 Blocks - 500 Points
Nintendo DSi Browser - 04/06/09 - 96 Blocks - 0 Points
Paper Airplane Chase - 04/27/09 - 12 Blocks - 200 Points
Photo Clock - 05/25/09 - 6 Blocks - 200 Points
Real Soccer 2009 - 05/11/09 - 124 Blocks - 800 Points
SUDOKU MASTER - 06/29/09 - 29 Blocks - 500 Points
Sudoku Student - 07/27/09 - 29 Blocks - 200 Points
Warioware: Snapped! - 04/06/09 - 61 Blocks - 500 Points


Games sorted by release date:

April 2009

04/06: [Art.Style] AQUIA, Bird and Beans, BAE: Math, MOIE: Funny Face, Nintendo DSi Browser, Warioware: Snapped! [Official Launch Day]
04/13: MOIE: Shuffle Games, Mixed Messages
04/20: Dr. Mario Express, MOIE: Deep Psyche
04/27: CGE: Card Classics, Paper Airplane Chase
Total Released: 12 [6, 2, 2, 2]

May 2009

05/04: Animal Crossing Calculator, Animal Crossing Clock
05/11: Real Soccer 2009
05/18: [Art.Style] PiCTOBiTS
05/25: American Pop Star: Road to Celebrity, Photo Clock
Total Released: 6 [2, 1, 1, 2]

June 2009

06/01: Mighty Flip Champs!
06/08: Mario vs Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!
06/15: Mario Calculator, Mario Clock
06/22: [Art.Style] BOXLIFE
06/29: SUDOKU MASTER
Total Released: 6 [1, 1, 2, 1, 1]

July 2009

07/06: [Art.Style] Base 10, Asphalt 4: Elite Racing
07/13: Brain Challenge
07/20: [Art.Style] Zengage
07/27: Sudoku Student
Total Released: 5 [2, 1, 1, 1]

August 2009

08/03: [Art.Style] precipice
08/10: Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters
08/12: Flipnote Studio (Special release)
08/17:
08/24:
08/31:
Total Released: 2 [1, 1, x, x, x]




Games sorted point levels (Pricing):


0 Points (Free)

Nintendo DSi Browser
Flipnote Studio


200 Points

Animal Crossing Calculator
Animal Crossing Clock
Bird and Beans
Mario Calculator
Mario Clock
Master of Illusion Express: Deep Psyche
Master of Illusion Express: Funny Face
Master of Illusion Express: Shuffle Games
Paper Airplane Chase
Photo Clock
Sudoku Student
Current Total: 12

500 Points

[Art.Style] AQUIA
[Art.Style] Base 10
[Art.Style] BOXLIFE
[Art.Style] PiCTOBiTS
[Art.Style] precipice
[Art.Style] Zengage
Clubhouse Games Express: Card Classics
Dr. Mario Express
Mixed Messages
SUDOKU MASTER
Warioware: Snapped!
Current Total: 11

800 Points

American Popstar: Road to Celebrity
Asphalt Challenge 4
Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters
Brain Age Express: Math
Brain Challenge
Mario vs Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!
Mighty Flip Champs!
Real Soccer 2009

Current Total: 8




Important Information:
Note that Nintendo is currently offering 1,000 points free with purchase of a DSi system, so long as you connect it to the shop before October 5th of this year. So you have roughly six months to do it. It has been noted that this might encourage people to buy a system now versus waiting for a price drop, since it is highly unlikely that a drop will occur before October. (Personally I think a drop might occur in time for the holidays depending on how well this thing sells, which we won't know for a while.)

[Strell]

Using this spot for the weekly press release:


Nintendo DSiWare for 8/10/09 (http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=19447)

Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Language
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: This edition of the popular Brain Age series offers players a mix of new and familiar exercises, all with an artistic focus. Test your spelling in Word Attack, enjoy literary classics in Reading Aloud and tune your musical skills in Piano Player. A new Themes mode challenges you in drawing, photography and voice acting and lets you share your creativity with friends and family. And if you need a break, the always-enjoyable Virus Buster makes its return. Prepare for another round of training your brain in minutes a day.



Flipnote Studio Released on 8/12/09 (http://d.hatena.com/flipnotehatena/20090812/12511711)

Flipnote Studio/Flipnote Hatena released for the United States and Canada Add Star

Flipnote Hatena Service Now Online

Hatena is proud to announce the launch of Flipnote Hatena – a web service for posting and sharing Flipnotes - for the United States and Canada. This service is used in conjunction with Flipnote Studio, available for download from the Nintendo DSi Shop starting today.

Flipnote Studio is a free, downloadable Nintendo DSiWare application available to any Nintendo DSi user with access to a wireless broadband internet connection. By connecting to the internet and accessing Flipnote Hatena through Flipnote Studio, you can post your own Flipnotes, view Flipnotes posted by other users, add ☆ to your favorites and more.

Posted Flipnotes can also be viewed on the Flipnote Hatena website, provided by Hatena Co., Ltd. Log in to this website with a Hatena ID to have even more fun with Flipnotes with features such as posting comments and sorting Flipnotes by channel.

[lilboo]

:rofl: "Birds and Beans"???

And wow, I did not know about the 1000 points! I'll def have a DSi before Oct 5. Gotta wait for these paychecks to start rollin in! :bomb:

[Strell]

:rofl: "Birds and Beans"???


Apparently it's a hidden game buried deep within the Warioware titles, and is known as "Pyoro." Here's a flash version (http://www.gamegecko.com/pyoro.php). Gee, if the browser supported flash, you could just play it for free. :p

People say it's actually quite good. I'm going to snag AQUIA and wait for a week or two on other stuff.

[Nohbdy]

Nah, it'd be a rip-off if they directly ported Paper Airplane and Pyoro as is. Maybe as a FREE version, okay. But I see new options in videos and screens for them (courses, vs. for Airplane, new stuff and bird in Birds and Beans).

[crunchewy]

Birds and Beans has two games, Birds and Beans and Birds and Beans 2. You have to unlock the latter. It's the only thing I've downloaded so far. Yes, it is fun for a while, but it is very simple and should either be free, or we should be getting the entire WarioWare game it comes from for that price. Here's to hoping that future offerings are a lot better, but in the short term, with the prospect of more "Express" paid demos on the way, it's not looking bright.

[dallow]

Hungry for more!

Bought Aquia and that's it for the current crop of stuff.
Hoping for some the cool Japanese DSiWare titles I've been drooling over!

[shlby]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_DSiWare_games_and_applications

This link may also help with this thread strell.

[Cao Cao]

http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/nintendo-of-europe-reveals-april-june-wiiware-dsiware-releases/
Nintendo of Europe revealed their April-June Wiiware and DSiWare lineup, and if the US goes the same route, then the next Art-Style game should be Art Style: PiCOPiCT. It's essentially Tetris combined with Picross, NES characters, and remixed NES music from chiptune artist YMCK.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJJgzi0IbIM

[pete5883]

Damn, that looks fun.

[crunchewy]

Art Style: PiCOPiCT does look pretty good. I'll be looking forward to that one. It isn't anything like Picross, though, other then having squares in it.

[Halo05]

Gotta keep an eye on this stuff.

[Cao Cao]

Two more Art Style games, released in Japan but not announced yet for overseas, to look out for are...
Art Style: Nalaku
One day you're the most important guy who ever lived (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbjdwTh70H0)
It reminds me of Intelligent Qube, for the PSOne. That was a fun game, and this one looks good too.

Art Style: Hacolife
Next day you're some schmo working in a box factory (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch2ujljXK1Y)
"I heard that."
Nice theme song (http://tinycartridge.com/post/81823968/hacolife-theme-see-also-tiny-preview-art).

[dallow]

Really want Hacolife. Box Life. Super Life.

[pete5883]

Art Style: PiCOPiCT does look pretty good. I'll be looking forward to that one. It isn't anything like Picross, though, other then having squares in it.
As you progress you complete a picture. It's small, but its a similarity.

[KingCrow02]

Cool thread, can I suggest that the thread post the latest Firmware version just as a reference so we can all keep up to date. I believe the newest is 1.3U.
____________________________________
Wondering what new games is out this week? Check out: The Weekly Video Game Releases (http://www.youtube.com/GreyCrow02) (Subscribe (http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=GreyCrow02)) (Subscribe in iTunes (https://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZFinance.woa/wa/subscribePodcast?id=308535498))
Follow the blog for more gaming insights: The Chronicles of Grey Crow
(http://chroniclesofgreycrow.blogspot.com/) Click Here to start trading with GOOZEX and get 100 Bonus Points PLUS a Trade Credit!!
Click Here to try GameFly for FREE or start for only $8.95!! (https://www.gamefly.com/member/reg3c.asp?tp=n&dftppt=1105&partnertransid=DF523B3C-622A-4309-F062-E1FF73AA72F9&partnerid=4&)

[Space Cowboy YGI]

My brother grabbed one, logged on, got his 1,000 points, then packed it up and continued playing this Lite. He thinks most of the really good d/l games will be releasing close to or after October 5th (for the holidays).

[Nohbdy]

Man, wish there was a list of the schedule. Really want Puzzle League Express and PiCOPiCT.

[LostRoad]

I am sure this has been covered else where, but are the DSi dl games locked by region or can you buy things off the JPN store?

[Nohbdy]

Crappy way to start the second week of releases, Ninty. REAL crappy.

[Strell]

I am sure this has been covered else where, but are the DSi dl games locked by region or can you buy things off the JPN store?

Pretty sure they are region locked. I'm wondering if the...uh....corny-movie-starring-Angelina-Jolie-with-the-dood-from-Trainspotting-from-the-90s scene will find a way around that.

Crappy way to start the second week of releases, Ninty. REAL crappy.

Oh, I'd say anyone following the saga of Wiiware/VC releases for the past two years has built up a small immunity to this sort of thing.

Besides, Mixed Messages sounds like fun, despite the fact that it requires friends and SHOULD (in my opinion) be cheaper. Technically you could do it with Pictochat but not as easily or well.

[LostRoad]

Well I guess I can hope that Sega will put out the PS:Zero mini mission but I doubt it. Fucking Sega:bomb:

[Nohbdy]

It would make MORE sense if they put out the actual game it takes after first.

[crunchewy]

I'm glad I chose this week to send my son's DS Lite off for repair and to lend them my DSi in the mean time. Of course, next week is probably going to turn out to be an ideal week for them to borrow it as well.

[dallow]

Was really hoping for another Art Style game. :(
I caved and bought Brain Age Math just because I wanted another game.

[shlby]

I don't really understand these "Magic trick simulations". Is it really necessary to use a DS for magic tricks? I'm totally not getting the scope of the product.

Now if it could magically clone my DSi, then I would gladly spend the 2 bucks.

Oh, and www.brokenpicturetelephone.com is pretty much mixed messages.

[dallow]

I don't really understand these "Magic trick simulations". Is it really necessary to use a DS for magic tricks? I'm totally not getting the scope of the product.

Now if it could magically clone my DSi, then I would gladly spend the 2 bucks.

Oh, and www.brokenpicturetelephone.com (http://www.brokenpicturetelephone.com) is pretty much mixed messages.That's the link I was looking for. I heard the same.

[Strell]

If anyone ever plays that game with me, they are getting purple monkey dishwasher'd.

[LostRoad]

It would make MORE sense if they put out the actual game it takes after first.

And what makes you think that? You can not import chars from PS:Zero into it, you can pick from three premade ones for a score attack mini game to give people a feel for the game.Seeing how it only cost 200 points it is more of a paid demo. Your not allowed at the adult table any more.

[foltzie]

Tag... and thus far I havent seen anything I want to drop even the "free" points on.

[StarKnightX]

Anybody try out the web browser for the DSi? I've heard that it's supposed to be a major improvement over the original DS/Lite Browser.

[foltzie]

Anybody try out the web browser for the DSi? I've heard that it's supposed to be a major improvement over the original DS/Lite Browser.

It works just fine, but it's nothing special.

[StarKnightX]

It works just fine, but it's nothing special.

Would you say that it would be good for checking emails and CAG while on the go (maybe some other simplish tasks)?

[Strell]

Would you say that it would be good for checking emails and CAG while on the go (maybe some other simplish tasks)?

I've had no trouble using it to latch onto unsecured networks to check Gmail. I always opt to use the simplified HTML setting when I'm doing that. It works pretty well. I haven't tried responding to anything since I'm never in that much of a rush.

I've used it to check a few other sites - GoNintendo, Digg, Penny Arcade. It works, but given the way it is designed, it's kind of difficult to read long sentences. You have to scroll left and right and usually you'll lose track of where you are.

I still need to get a list of sites designed for mobile use. Might make things easier.

In terms of speed, I think it's fast enough to warrant usage in situations where you really need to check e-mail, or are bored. Don't expect it to load super fast, don't expect it to run Youtube, etc. It's a basic connection - kind of a last resort. It's functional in the bottom-rung-of-the-ladder sort of way.

[Nohbdy]

Think Netscape Navigator 4.0. :P

[DeskLaser]

Are current Wii Points cards valid to get DSi points with, or do you HAVE to get one of the newer cards that specifically say "Nintendo Points?"

[Goodeye]

I can attest from experiance Wii points cards do work as DSi points.

But once redemmed on the DSi they are only usable from the DSi. Points do not carry over from teh wii and the DSi which is a bummer really if you ask me.

[Nohbdy]

Anyone know where there's an upcoming release list? Like to know what's coming before I get disappointed on the day they're out.

[Strell]

I can attest from experiance Wii points cards do work as DSi points.

But once redemmed on the DSi they are only usable from the DSi. Points do not carry over from teh wii and the DSi which is a bummer really if you ask me.

The popular theory here is that Nintendo didn't plan on debuting digital distribution on a portable anytime soon and/or during the Wii's lifetime, and thus the system isn't set up to be uniform across the board for both platforms. This creates the need for a second account that is DSi specific.

Not the greatest answer in the world, nor one I'm happy with, but that appears to be the case. It's a slight bummer. Hopefully Amazon steps in and sets up the same thing they just did with XBLA.

Anyone know where there's an upcoming release list? Like to know what's coming before I get disappointed on the day they're out.

I'll work on getting one together soon. Suffice to say, the best upcoming known titles are the ArtStyle series. There should be videos on the first page of this thread.

Hopefully we'll get a lot of announcements at E3.

[Nohbdy]

Not just the Art Style series. There's...

Puzzle League (REALLY waiting on this)
Dr. Mario (only if you somehow don't have it)
PiCOPiCT
Mighty Flip Champs (it's from the same people who brought Contra 4 and Shantae; 'nuff said)
Clubhouse Games (depending on your tastes; plus if you don't own the actual game)
Solitaire (this is like when you're REALLY REALLY bored and want to kill a few minutes; it's at least 200 points)
Paper Airplane (another for the 200 crowd)
Kogorashi Katamari Damacy
Moving Memo Pad

[muncle]

It's a long shot but I really hope HACOLIFE gets released tomorrow, or even in the States in general!

[Nohbdy]

I'll take ANY Art Style game. AQUIA didn't appeal to me though.

[muncle]

I'll take ANY Art Style game. AQUIA didn't appeal to me though.

I liked it, but it got way too hard in just a few levels..maybe i'm not playing it correctly.

[Strell]

Bah. AQUIA is great fun. Very challenging. I'm still working out the proper strategy. Huge amount of replay too. I've burned several hours on it already with almost Picross-like obsession.

Plus I tend to like any game where my movements generate musical notes (Lumines, Space Invaders Extreme...). Plus it's delightful chiptune stuff. I can't get enough of that.

[pete5883]

Nintendo DSiWare

Dr. Mario Express (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points™): Mario once again dons his stethoscope to battle the forces of illness in this downloadable version of the classic puzzle game. Use vitamins to eliminate viruses in Classic mode, or play against a computer opponent in Vs. CPU mode. Make an appointment with Dr. Mario today.

Master of Illusion Express: Deep Psyche (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 200 Nintendo DSi Points): Master of Illusion Express titles offer mind-bending magic tricks pulled from the popular Nintendo DS™ game. Learn the illusions, practice up and amaze your friends. Master of Illusion Express: Deep Psyche asks a series of pointed questions and reveals a startling truth.

Call the doctor. He's got the cure!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmCze4DhZ3c

[Nohbdy]

Dr. Mario Express is tempting. I think I'll buy.

...BUT IT'S NOT UP YET.

[crunchewy]

Dr. Mario never did much for me. I suppose I should give it another try, but then again, maybe not. I wonder how long before they announce and release a DSi VC in the US? When is the VC suppose to come out in Japan?

[Strell]

I wonder how long before they announce and release a DSi VC in the US? When is the VC suppose to come out in Japan?

It's not announced for anywhere yet. It's all rumor and speculation. The only "evidence" is people being told by the reps at the DSi pre-launch parties, and I'm telling you guys now that those kids had no damn clue since they were most likely PR temps.

IF it comes true, it won't happen before E3. I'm still not convinced it's happening, even though there's strong inclination that it should. I mean, there's no way they can keep up shop releases with fresh content very long.

The Wii VC has just been an exercise in patience and frustration so much that I'm wondering if Nintendo is no longer excited about the idea as they were three years ago, when it felt more vibrant and alive. Now it's shackled with licensing issues even for their own titles, developers complaining about losing money due to ESRB ratings, and apparently releasing titles at a bafflingly slow rate.

So yeah. Wait until E3.

[shlby]

So...more magic? I never realized I signed up for a magic show from nintendo of america....but wait....maybe me signing up WAS the magic trick.....

Please nintendo, show me some new Artstyle games.....not "smoke & mirrors".

[dallow]

Plus I tend to like any game where my movements generate musical notes (Lumines, Space Invaders Extreme...). Plus it's delightful chiptune stuff. I can't get enough of that.I like those kind of games too.
Have you played the XBL Community game Groove?

It's almost like Everyday Shooter on PSN, just not as polished, but still very fun with the notes being made as you shoot things. I think cheap too, 200 points.

---

I'll be picking up Dr. Mario just because the music is burned into my brain even though I never played it after the NES days.

C'mon Art Style next week!
Also, I don't think we'll get Moving Memo Pad anytime soon, but I'll hope.

[Strell]

. I think cheap too, 200 points.


Is it worthy enough for my 11000+ points?

Being lord is such a bother....*motions peasant to fetch me my controller*

[dallow]

Grrrr!

Just play it!

---

I'll hold off on Dr. Mario until I see some video.
I want to know what modes and such it has. I heard the music was remixed, and there's already a Virus Buster mode in Brain Age Express anyway.

[shlby]

I'll hold off on Dr. Mario until I see some video.
I want to know what modes and such it has. I heard the music was remixed, and there's already a Virus Buster mode in Brain Age Express anyway.

"Dr. Mario Express is a simple portable version of Dr. Mario. But beware - You can only play the classic mode or Vs. CPU, there's no multiplayer mode! Naturally this also means there's no online. If you enjoy classic mode then this should be a good pick, but if you'd rather play against others stick with Dr. Mario Online RX on the Wii."

Source: http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2009/04/nintendo_download_dr_mario_wonder_boy_more_magic_t ricks_and_crystal_defenders

[dallow]

...

:(

[paddlefoot]

I wish Nintendo would give me a reason to buy a DSi.

I was really hoping VC style SNES games would appear on the system.

[crunchewy]

It's not announced for anywhere yet. It's all rumor and speculation. The only "evidence" is people being told by the reps at the DSi pre-launch parties, and I'm telling you guys now that those kids had no damn clue since they were most likely PR temps.

Dang. I could have sworn I read that it was "announced" in Japan, but now searching for it turns up nothing but rumors. Was wishful thinking, I guess. Sigh.

I may end up getting Dr. Mario just because I'd like to get *something*, which I suppose means Nintendo wins. It pisses me off that there is no local wireless nor wifi multiplayer, though. I think it's ridiculous that DSiWare games are less then DS or even GBA games. Shouldn't they be trying to sell the DSi with this stuff? I'd be happy to pay 1000 points for a real game. Heck, I might pay even more for one. The convenience of being able to play without a cartridge, and carrying a bunch of games without cartridges, would be a big win. As it is, I keep thinking maybe I should sell the thing and forget about the DS. Of course I haven't done that....

[KingCrow02]

Still have not used my 1,000 points yet. I do not see any titles worthy yet.
____________________________________
Wondering what new games is out this week? Check out: The Weekly Video Game Releases (http://www.youtube.com/GreyCrow02) (Subscribe (http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=GreyCrow02)) (Subscribe in iTunes (https://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZFinance.woa/wa/subscribePodcast?id=308535498))
Follow the blog for more gaming insights: The Chronicles of Grey Crow
(http://chroniclesofgreycrow.blogspot.com/) Click Here to start trading with GOOZEX and get 100 Bonus Points PLUS a Trade Credit!!
Click Here to try GameFly for FREE or start for only $8.95!! (https://www.gamefly.com/member/reg3c.asp?tp=n&dftppt=1105&partnertransid=DF523B3C-622A-4309-F062-E1FF73AA72F9&partnerid=4&)

[PleasantOne]

I hate to play the devil's advocate, but it's only been out a little over two weeks, people.

Of course, it's been out in Japan longer, and no VC. I'm not sure what their DSiware looks like.

I do fully agree the selection so far is fairly sad... you know it will pick up, though, just as the Wii VC and Wiiware did. Ninetendo likea da money...

[dallow]

It's poor, but it's cheap too.

I have 3 games and really like the Brain Training, though I know it's not for everyone.

[crunchewy]

I think I probably shouldn't have bought a DSi so soon. I should have waited until there was a well established downloadable library already. But, I've got one, so now I'll probably be complaining for a long while yet. :) Even just one juicy download, though, and I'll probably be happy enough for a while. Come on Nintendo, you know you can do it!

[daflubby]

I purchased Birds and Beans and Aquia, but I'm having more fun with Birds and Beans... Is that wrong?

Aquia is wonderful and all, I've just found myself putting more time into Birds and Beans.

[pete5883]

So after trying in every room in the house, under various lighting conditions, I've found exactly one place that I can actually play WarioWare Snapped properly - at night, in my kitchen. The DSi must be on the kitchen table, with the camera pointing straight up at my white ceiling. I have to stand over it. Like, on a chair. Since my head is between the light and the camera, my face appears totally dark to the camera, a perfect contrast to the white ceiling.

Other places in the house that are, apparently, not contrasting enough:
-white face in front of a blue wall
-white face in front of a brown cupboard
-white face in front of dark green wallpaper

I also would be fine in some rooms of the house if I didn't have any furniture. In my bedroom, putting my head between the camera and the lamp works fine, except that my bureau next to me shows up as a constant contrasting item. Also, its very frustrating when you try to set something up, the game rejects it, but then the game accepts my position and gets ready to start as I'm carrying the DSi around the house, in complete shadow. :wall:

[shlby]

According to wikipedia, Paper Planes and Clubhouse Games: Card Classics will be released today.

Paper Planes - 200 pts
Clubhouse Games: Card Classics - 500 pts

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_DSiWare_games_and_applications

[Strell]

Got everything in, except for block sizes, which I'll update later.

Added sections where the games are sorted by release date and pricing structure. Shouldn't be difficult to update that each week. Made a small blurb about this in the news area.

Hoping to add some more stuff this week - hopefully a small FAQ and create some images to denote each section.

[crunchewy]

So after trying in every room in the house, under various lighting conditions, I've found exactly one place that I can actually play WarioWare Snapped properly - at night, in my kitchen.

You would think that Nintendo would have tried Sony's EyeToy games. I was unable to get EyeToy Kinetic to work in my house under any conditions. It was just an exercise in frustration. What a terrible, terrible idea - not Eye Toy so much, but of making a new game using the same idea, an idea that obviously doesn't work in practice, and even more stupidly, to put the game on a portable. Am I going to be able to play WarioWare Snapped on the train?

Maybe it was the failure of WarioWare Snapped that made Nintendo decide to just make DSiWare a shit pile.

[dallow]

Paper Plane Chase is a nice enough novelty I guess. At least it has more modes than Dr. Mario.

[paddlefoot]

thud

[crunchewy]

Will 3rd parties save DSiWare? Do we have any info on when any 3rd party games are coming?

[dallow]

There is very little info on upcoming third party stuff.
I only know of 4 or 5 titles.

[Strell]

Geez it's been three whole weeks. Give it a little more than that.

[foltzie]

I picked up Doctor Mario express... Having the Doctor around for a quick round is perfect. The only thing that might be better is a round of basic Tetris and who knows what the rights are with Tetris on the DS anymore.

[pete5883]

You would think that Nintendo would have tried Sony's EyeToy games. I was unable to get EyeToy Kinetic to work in my house under any conditions. It was just an exercise in frustration. What a terrible, terrible idea - not Eye Toy so much, but of making a new game using the same idea, an idea that obviously doesn't work in practice, and even more stupidly, to put the game on a portable.

I dunno, at least on a portable you can move the camera in different positions to try to find something that works. The Eyetoy you can't really move it at all, so if it doesn't work, it doesn't work.

Hoping to add some more stuff this week - hopefully a small FAQ and create some images to denote each section.
Maybe a list of announced/upcoming games?
Geez it's been three whole weeks. Give it a little more than that.
Seriously? Yes, the US DSi shop has been open for three weeks, but what does that have to do with the number of announced 3rd party titles? It's not like developers just found out about it 3 weeks ago.

[foltzie]

Seriously? Yes, the US DSi shop has been open for three weeks, but what does that have to do with the number of announced 3rd party titles? It's not like developers just found out about it 3 weeks ago.

Its Nintendo here... They found out about it the day the DSI was announced so say six months, which still isnt a lot of lead time. No clue when the SDK was released.

That said, a dozen games are announced according to Wikipedia.

[daflubby]

I want that Katamari puzzler. I'm unaware of too many other games coming out, though. If GBC and GB games become available for download, as is rumored, I will salute Nintendo. It seems like it would be very little trouble for them, and it would print money like crazy.

I've been treating the thing like a baby. I dust it every day, keep it in a protective case, go light on the touch screen, and often just admire its beauty.

[Strell]

Seriously? Yes, the US DSi shop has been open for three weeks, but what does that have to do with the number of announced 3rd party titles? It's not like developers just found out about it 3 weeks ago.

Really?

Nintendo is notoriously bad about sending devkits to third parties for EVERYTHING, even the ones that contact them repeatedly. This has been the case since the NES days, when they were far more draconian about it, and actually had limits on who could make games AND dictated time frames for releases. Hell, there's companies out there that probably still can't get Wiiware SDKs.

Further, the DSi was announced LAST OCTOBER, and subsequently released in Japan a month later. That's as cutthroat as it gets in this industry in terms of blindsiding people with a major hardware release. Only the Sega Saturn could probably be considered quicker in terms of announcement -> release.

Beyond that, do you know anything at all about how long it might take to develop titles? I'm willing to bet it's six months on average, and the only reason Nintendo can drop a bunch of stuff right now is because most of it is recycled code from previous games like Warioware, Clubhouse Games, Master of Illusion, and Brain Age. Everything else seems like a little more than a tech demo (Snapped!) or a module from another service (Dr. Mario). About the only fully fleshed original game they've brought out is AQUIA, and that's just a fairly simple puzzle game.

You people who bought this thing act like you need to be instantly gratified by a library of a hundred games to choose from off the bat, and Nintendo has never done that in their entire 30+ years of video gaming history, so I'm really curious why you think it's supposed to be so different with another online-only digital distribution platform that they've had to set up from ground zero, especially when it's so obvious that they are really primitive/downright terrible when it comes to online anything services.

It aint Nintendo's fault you bought the thing and you're pissed you can't get any solid answers out. Hell, there's....what, one third party DSiware game right now? And I only know of a few others, and really most of them sound like Wiiware ports more than anything. Besides, it sounds more like everyone is still mad about a VC not being announced, when there's absolutely zero credible evidence for there to be one outside of the fevered idea that "hey the Wii has one."

So yes - it's only three weeks. And yes, you're probably only going to get two titles a week. And no, it's not comparable to the Apple App store.

If you're that pissed, sell the damn thing and come back in a year, because by then you'll have - at minimum - another fifty apps/games to play around with. Of course, I doubt any of them will be, say, a full fledged Mario game or any other franchise titles, because until the userbase numbers some 20+ million worldwide, it's not large enough to support big potential profits.

So yes, this discussion is dumb. You people pretend that Nintendo is actually third party developer friendly, which has been arguably their biggest black mark in all their history.

[shlby]

I can deal with the waiting, but please no more magic...haha

[dallow]

:facepalm:

Anyway. I bought Paper Plane. 200 points and worth it I suppose. 2 player mode is nice bonus.

[daflubby]

I would buy Paper Airplane if it weren't for the fact that it's something they took right out of Warioware. I already bought Birds and Beans-- no more double-dipping!

[Strell]

2 player mode is nice bonus.

I have to terrorize Flowermound in a few weeks. Let's put that 2 player mode to good use.

[dallow]

:starts intensive paper training:

[Strell]

You do that. All I'm going to do is rearrange stuff in your apartment to annoy the hell out of you.

[dallow]

It's awkward to play however as it's 2 players on the same system.

[Strell]

I don't want to be that near you.

Invitation rescinded.

[dallow]

Likewise. Just try to beat my high score and best times.
Actually, everyone should post them.

[pete5883]

You people pretend that Nintendo is actually third party developer friendly, which has been arguably their biggest black mark in all their history.
Alright, I'll buy this. I forgot it was Nintendo we were talking about here.

You people who bought this thing act like you need to be instantly gratified by a library of a hundred games to choose from off the bat,
You don't need to exaggerate. Common sense just dictates that if Nintendo were to launch something like this, they'd at least want to get some 3rd parties aboard first. But like I said, we are talking about Nintendo here.

Besides, it sounds more like everyone is still mad about a VC not being announced, when there's absolutely zero credible evidence for there to be one outside of the fevered idea that "hey the Wii has one."

If you're that pissed,
Who's mad? I certainly wouldn't miss a VC.
Edit: Oh, crunchewy's mad. Who cares about him?

IMO, there must be 3rd party titles coming, because with so few titles announced, they're going to need a lot more games to keep the 1-2 games per week release schedule up. Hopefully E3 yields a lot of announcements.

[crunchewy]

Ok, Mr. Strell, I admit I've been a whiner. I'll try to do better.

On that note, I decided to buy Dr. Mario RX Express or whatever it is called, in spite of my annoyance with the fact that it doesn't even have local download play, not even talking about internet play. So anyway... the game is good. It's more fun then I remembered, although not sublime by any means. That it doesn't have local/internet play is of no matter when I'm playing on my train/bus commute. Still... I really can't see a reason why they would leave out even local download play, other then for some reason intentionally wanting to stunt DSiWare. That's the part I just don't get.

EDIT: I take it back, it is of matter if I'm playing on the train and come across someone else with a DSi. Oh well.

[shlby]

I kinda like Paper Plane, besides the depressing background music, it's alright. Multiplayer is kinda of odd, but if you can direct both planes to the goal using just yourself, then i'll give you a cookie.

[dallow]

Heh, the music did strike me as out of place. I like it though.

[lilboo]

it seems that these 200 point games seem better than the 500-800 point games. :-k
I am not a fan of these "Express" games. These are mini games that can be found in the full retail version, right?

[crunchewy]

I have birds & beans and, IMHO, Dr Mario Express is more worth its asking price then Birds & Beans. It's a real game, in spite of not having multiplayer. The best thing about Birds & Beans is that it's "only" 200 points. However, it should be 100 points or, better, free.

[Strell]

It's cool if you guys aren't happy with the stuff that comes out, especially when we take into consideration Nintendo's terrible track record already.

All I'm really saying is consider the facts here.

I'll try to work on a "announced/rumored" apps thing soon.

Also, I do think it is ridiculous that the "express" titles appear to be little more than single player scenarios. There really need to be a way to module local and wifi multiplayer into those with ease.

[dallow]

Let me clear up the Express business.
THIS WILL POORLY WRITTEN AS I'M AT WORK.

The Express versions of Magic, and now Clubhouse are just that. Cut out portions of the full games with nothing new.
Clubhouse does seem to have download play though, so that's pretty cool. EVERY DSi GAME SHOULD TRY FOR THIS

Brain Age Express: Math is a cut out of the math stuff obviously, but it does add some neat extras, like picture taking where you're directed to make certain kinds of faces.
(these next two might be in the retail version, don't know)
Picture and Drama themes are present.
In the picture themes you are directed to draw animals, things, people, etc to the best of your memory which is then compared to a note or two about certain characteristics it probably should contain.

Drama themes have you reading a short story and you record yourself acting out certain lines. The one I did had me play the part of a corrupt sherrif, helpless maiden, and some mysterious bartender or something. That was kinda funny.

Nice thing is that you can save these pics to your internal or SD memory card.

Also, guests that play and get a Brain Age get to draw a pic of themselves.
I found this out because when looked at my Brain Age gallery, it showed me, my score, and photo, alongside my ladyfriend's picture, score and drawing (it was a kitty's face).
I was able to save that to the SD card too. I'll post pics when I get home to show what I mean.

Basically, Brain Age Express actually makes use of the DSi abilities, that's probably why it's 800 points.
And more games need download play like Clubhouse Games Express.

[Nohbdy]

I like to think the Express versions as the part of the game you like best to take with you, for certain games.

I am really waiting for Puzzle League Express and more Art Style games, as well as Mighty Flip Champs.

Some useful apps would be good too.

[crunchewy]

To each their own, I suppose, but I want a real version of the game. I'd even take just a full DS game download, which wouldn't seem to require much effort on their part at all. All they have to do is package it up and put it in the DSiWare store ... and count the money. DS games are tiny - I know, because I use to do that questionable thing some people do that will go unmentioned. So space is not an issue, especially once they open up the SD card to run games from (I certainly hope they aren't going to be asses about that.)

[Nohbdy]

I want a real version of the game.

That's sort of irrelevant now. We got the full version, now Nintendo's selling you a bit of it for you to take around in case you want to play something else.

[crunchewy]

The whole point (or at least a large point) of the DS/DSi is to take games with you. Downloads are much more condusive to that goal, so already having a cartridge version is closer to being the irrelevant part, if anything.

They could do something that would be the perfect solution IMHO. They could produce a new hybrid DS/DSi cartridge which had the capability to be played as normal on a DS or DSi, as a cart, but had the option on the DSi to load the game into memory or SD, the doing of which would disable the cartridge until such time as the game is "unloaded" back onto the cartridge. A secure kill flag/code would do the trick. This would be awesome as it would give you the portability benefit of a download yet you'd still be able to resell the game, and it means the game still works for DS owners just fine. And every DS owner would want to get a DSi. Win-Win. Not to mention blowing the main piracy excuse out of the water.

[crunchewy]

Plus they could do their favorite thing in the world: rerelease existing games on the new cartridge and get you to buy games you already have all over again!

[dallow]

I think for now, we're only going to see quick, on the go games on DSi.
Save for Real Soccor 2009, there's nothing that looks to be "full featured".

In fact Nintendo stated before the system was released that DSi Ware was to be just a pocket library of games of smaller games.

If you were looking for something else right now, all you had to do was look at the Japanese list of games that's been around for months. There are no "big" games.

[Nohbdy]

I don't mean to sound like I'm whoring it out, but, Mighty Flip Champs? Developers are clocking it in at more than 5 hours.

[dallow]

It looks like a cool puzzle game, and from the makers of Shantae? I'll definitely get it.
And probably Real Soccer 2009 if it comes here.

[fifthcore]

I am really liking the 200 point games ported from WarioWare. They are great to kill a few minutes with.

Paper Airplane Chase: High Score 123.

[shlby]

My "Hi Score" (as the game puts it) on Paper airplane: 189

I played through a good session of Aquia and when it started to blackout, I just randomly moved random blocks around to save myself and win the level. I then tried the same strategy at the beginning of the next level and won faster than I could playing legitimately. Call me cheapo, but I did this for the next couple of levels as well....it eventually got me a 14 max combo just by moving random blocks up and down. I then quit as I felt dirty and wanted to see the aquarium unlocks.......but from what I saw....they are all pretty much the SAME.

[Strell]

14? Pbbhtbhtbhhbt.

Mine's 33. I RULE.

[crunchewy]

I played through a good session of Aquia and when it started to blackout, I just randomly moved random blocks around to save myself and win the level. I then tried the same strategy at the beginning of the next level and won faster than I could playing legitimately. Call me cheapo, but I did this for the next couple of levels as well....it eventually got me a 14 max combo just by moving random blocks up and down. I then quit as I felt dirty and wanted to see the aquarium unlocks.......but from what I saw....they are all pretty much the SAME.

I was thinking about this game, but this eliminates that interest completely. Thanks for the heads-up. I had a similar problem with Meteos. The harder you try in that game, the worse you do. The best strategy in Meteos, as far as I could tell, was to play it braindead.

[pete5883]

But it's no fun to play it braindead.

[shlby]

<random>

Man i really want Yahtzee as a DSiWare game.

</random>

[crunchewy]

But it's no fun to play it braindead.

Right. In other words, once you find this out about Meteos, the game isn't any fun - I can't get into playing the game "smartly" (i.e. poorly) and I can't get into playing "dumbly" (i.e right). Neither is satisfying.

[pete5883]

Right. In other words, once you find this out about Meteos, the game isn't any fun - I can't get into playing the game "smartly" (i.e. poorly) and I can't get into playing "dumbly" (i.e right). Neither is satisfying.
I don't really get how knowing how to cheat would take away the fun of playing a game.

[StarKnightX]

Right. In other words, once you find this out about Meteos, the game isn't any fun - I can't get into playing the game "smartly" (i.e. poorly) and I can't get into playing "dumbly" (i.e right). Neither is satisfying.

The same could kinda be said about Puzzle League. Often times flipping panels randomly does a better job than trying to actually create combos. A major similarity between the two to me , is that part of the fun isn't necessarily playing it "right" or "wrong" but the chaos that ensues while playing it.

[crunchewy]

I don't really get how knowing how to cheat would take away the fun of playing a game.

Hmm. I don't see why you call it "cheating". I found that the game concept is majorly flawed. It's disappointing and, then, not a good game - I'd much rather play a well designed one.

[Strell]

Except that doing the scribble method in Meteos or the blind switch method in AQUIA won't get higher scores than someone who is playing it with precision.

Much like how you can't button mash your way to victory against good players in a fighting game.

If that's all you want to do in the game, then go ahead. I'm just saying I can pull better combos in AQUIA playing "correctly" than just randomly pushing and switching.

[pete5883]

Damn, the non-game software has arrived.

Nintendo DSiWare

Animal Crossing Calculator (Nintendo, 1 player, 200 Nintendo DSi Points™): Need to figure out what you owe Tom Nook or the amount in your savings account? Animal Crossing Calculator features the full functionality of a traditional calculator, including a Memory key and the ability to display up to 13 digits, adding a layer of atmosphere unique to Animal Crossing. Use the Unit Converter to turn one unit of measure into another (such as length, weight, volume and age), or track the history of calculations you've performed. Listen to the Animalese pronunciation of numbers when you press them, and watch for a favorite Animal Crossing character to appear when your result meets certain criteria. Get ready for an inventive and practical way to experience the charm of Animal Crossing.

Animal Crossing Clock (Nintendo, 1 player, 200 Nintendo DSi Points): Enjoy the atmosphere of Animal Crossing in a whole new way with Animal Crossing Clock. Select from either an analog or digital clock and set up to three alarms (with snooze functionality for those who need it). Make your own Town Tune or use sounds created in Nintendo DSi™ Sound, then assign them to the alarms you've set. Use the system's internal clock or offset the time however you like. Then sit back and watch as different characters from Animal Crossing appear and the color of the sky changes as time passes. You'll never miss an important appointment with one of your Animal Crossing friends again.

[crunchewy]

I suspect the answer is no, and thus it will be largely worthless (except, perhaps, as as travel alarm), but will the alarms in Animal Crossing Clock work even when not running the application? I.e. can it trigger an alarm when you are playing a game? If it could do that I'd buy the Animal Crossing Clock. If not... well I'd still consider it if it will at least work while the DSi is closed/asleep, as it could act as a nifty travel alarm. If it can't even do *that* then it is utterly worthless. In either case, I can't believe Nintendo thinks they can charge for these applications. Stuff like this should be free. Sigh.

I've got a 2000 point card and I have no reason to cash it in on the DSi yet. Maybe next week?

[Nohbdy]

I.e. can it trigger an alarm when you are playing a game?

Only if a game was compatible with the DSi...if Nintendo even programmed it that way in the first place.

So this is all for this week?

[shlby]

"Then sit back and watch as different characters from Animal Crossing appear and the color of the sky changes as time passes."

You gotta be the most boring person in the world to do such a thing.

[tiredfornow]

This can't be real. :[

[crunchewy]

I really don't understand Nintendo's strategy with downloads. Does their strategy actually work? Are they making more money this way?

[Strell]

AC is one of my favorite series of games, but seriously - four bucks for a glorified clock and calculator?

The former would work if the DSi was like a cell phone and had an external LCD screen (yes, a third screen) or a way to flip the top outward, so that you could see it running at all times.

The latter would only work if there was incentive to use it to unlock things in the Wii version, or an upcoming DSi version, or if it were a fully capable graphing program, or SOMETHING.

They'd both work if the menu system allowed skinning/theming, in the same vein as the 360. But my guess is that they didn't think of that beforehand/it can't be possible to implement even now.

I'm with crunchewy on this one - these should be free. Even on the app store they'd be a buck.

I suspect they are running very low on their reserves of apps/games to release, and are buying time (ho ho, with a clock no less) until they can at least attempt to drop a real game/app each week. Further, some of these are hitting impulse-buy status, just like all the candy at the cash registers in the grocery store. Maybe they are just hoping people will do it just because. That means this could be a test week. Doesn't make me feel any better.

The only way I'm going to ever pick things like this up is if something like the XBLM points fiasco happened a few weeks ago, and I load up on points.

[GizmoGC]

The DSi is turning into a real POS. A clock? Calculator? WTF? Where are the damn games.

[shlby]

What's sad is that Nintendo of America has another glorified clock and calculator down the pipeline. A super mario version. So, this release is just half the crap fest.

[Mr. Beef]

Doesn't the DSi already have an alarm function, like the regular DS?

[crunchewy]

Allegedly the Super Mario clock or calculator or maybe both (not clear on that) actually allow you to play some Mario game, though, so that's something. It might be the closest we get to a virtual console! ;^)

[Strell]

You shut up. That seriously COULD be the closest we'll get to a VC. :[

[Nohbdy]

You shut up. That seriously COULD be the closest we'll get to a VC. :[

User at NeoGAF confirms DSi VC again.

[shlby]

"Nintendo Rejects Intellivision Lives for DSiWare

It seems Nintendo doesn't allow emulation on their WiiWare or DSiWare services.

After failing to find a publisher for his Intellivision Lives DS compilation, license holder Keith Robinson decided to submit the compilation to Nintendo for approval for a possible release on the DSiWare service. Unfortunately, Nintendo shot that idea down rather quickly. Mr. Robinson made the following statement regarding the reason he was given for the sudden rejection by Nintendo.

Nintendo made mention that in the policies for WiiWare and DSiWare development, the company does not allow games that run under emulation.

It would seem that Nintendo only allows the use of emulation on their Virtual Console service and certainly not anywhere on their WiiWare or DSiWare download services. It appears only emulation the DSi system might eventually see is that of a DSi Virtual Console. Could this be an upcoming announcement for Nintendo at E3? We certainly hope so. But we would have still liked to see this cool Intellivision compilation on the DSiWare service."

http://dsiware.nintendolife.com/news/2009/05/nintendo_rejects_intellivision_lives_for_dsiware

[lilboo]

I'd like to see the VC on the DSi, but I would settle for GB, GBC and GBA games...

aka

"Nintendo, I have money. Let me give it to you. ...wait, you don't want this money?"

[dallow]

I would absolutely buy GB, GBC, and maybe even GBA games.
I don't want NES, SNES, etc unless it ties to the Wii and I only have to buy it once for both.

[crunchewy]

I can't get excited about an Intellivision emu, so this is no big loss. If it hints that a VC will be announced, that's good.

Agreed that NES/SNES, etc titles should be playable on both Wii and DS with only one purchase, but I don't see why that should be limited to console games - you ought to be able to do the same with portable games too. Why not play portable games on the Wii? It's like the Gameboy Player. I'd be all for that. Better yet, you ought to be able to sync game save data between Wii and DSi. Of course, none of this is going to happen. Nintendo would rather you bought the games twice (or, even better, 3 or 4 times.)

EDIT: Oh, and you ought to be able to use your DSi (or DS for that matter) as a wireless controller when playing the games on the Wii. Oh, to dream....

[Strell]

Hummmmm.

While I really doubt it, there's no reason the DSi couldn't function as a wireless portable VC. Nintendo's got some video service coming out in Japan that does exactly this - you can stream it to the DSi I think. Seems like it would make sense to allow you to take VC titles along with you, assuming they can all run. I'd have my doubts about the N64 games, since you'd have to run an emulator on top of the game, but perhaps the DSi is powerful enough. Please remember that an emulating console must be many times more powerful than the console it is emulating.

The DS can already be used as a wireless controller, but I think only the Wii Pokemon game utilized that function. Unless that Final Fantasy title that just came out works that way (I never bothered to figure it out).

So both of those functions are possible. My gut tells me Nintendo won't do them, but you never really know.

[dallow]

Remote play ala PSP->PS3 eh?
It'll never happen and I'd almost never use it, but it's a nice option.

[Strell]

Do you have to be tethered near a PS3 to do that, or could you take it on the road?

I'd like to see the latter with VC games on the DSi. That would be a great way to play some of the RPGs and so on.

[dallow]

Remote play had 3 steps of evolution:

1. You had to be near the PS3. (local area network)
2. Then, you could do it from any internet connection, but PS3 had to be on and in "remote play mode".
3. Finally, you could turn on and off the PS3 from any internet hotspot with the PSP and play.

I didn't really use it for games, but I did use it a few times to turn on my PSP from say, a friend's house, and then use the PS3 to stream video/music from the computer to the PS3, to the PSP. An orgy of streaming.
I don't use it anymore as now I can do that more easily with my phone.

[Filler2001]

As someone who never played Brain Age, Im loving the Math version a lot, and the Theme (DSi special aspect) is pretty fun to use. I use it every day and after I unlock everything (30 stamps - have 11 and get virus buster tomorrow) Ill probably buy the real version of Brain Age (likely 2). I will get the Literature version too whenever it comes out. I also got Birds and Beans and I think it is OK. Worth the 200 points but there will be a point when I stop doing 5 minute bursts every couple days.

[dallow]

It's weird for me. I hated Brain Age but really like the express version. I've only missed a few days. The DSi specific features are nice.
I still won't buy the game, but i'm up for more Express versions.

[shlby]

I'm really hoping nintendo will surprise me and release a new artstyle game or memopad on monday. *crosses fingers*

I keep watching videos on youtube about memopad, and it just looks great.

[Nohbdy]

Memopad probably isn't out here yet because Memopad 2.0 just came out.

[Strell]

And for the DSi side of things:


May 11, 2009

Nintendo DSiWare™ takes its first trip into the sports category this week with the cool, camera-enabled Real Soccer 2009.
Nintendo DSiWare

Real Soccer 2009 (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Nintendo DSi Points™): It’s time to live the soccer season to the max with Real Soccer 2009 on Nintendo DSi™. It will offer you a never-before-seen soccer experience with revolutionary yet easily accessible touch-screen controls. Take a photo of anything with the Nintendo DSi Camera and turn the image into your own custom ball or team flag, or even make yourself into your favorite player. With 198 teams using real player names, realistic opponent behaviors thanks to advanced artificial intelligence, and superior 3-D graphics, you’ll feel just like a professional soccer player. Go ahead, take your best shot!


I'm curious about this one. Will have to check it out.

[pete5883]

Gameloft? Uh oh. Is this a cell phone port?

Edit: Looks like Cell/iPhone port, rated 4.5 stars on the App Store. Review of cell version: http://www.mobilegamefaqs.com/reviewfull.php?orig=rev&id=1048

[crunchewy]

Yep, it's a "mobile" game, but Real Soccer 2009 has been well reviewed and received on the iPhone/iPod Touch. There it is $6, but 800 points is pretty close. It might even be better on the DSi. Hmm.... The problem with it, for me, is that I generally don't get much into sports games. But I would like to support the idea of "real" games on DSiWare, so I might give it a shot if the reviews come out positive for the DSiWare version.

[pete5883]

I'd say definitely better on DSi, as you don't have to use buttons painted on your screen, or buttons meant for dialing a phone.

[dallow]

I've heard good things from impressions on gaf.
This game is actually on a DS cart in Europe I believe for multiple years so the devs aren't new to the DS hardware.

[Josef]

I've heard good things from impressions on gaf.
This game is actually on a DS cart in Europe I believe for multiple years so the devs aren't new to the DS hardware.

The game is actually on a DS cart in America too ;)

http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=72472

So, is the download version the exact same game as the retail version?

[crunchewy]

It was already reviewed at nintendolife.com and rather positively:

http://dsiware.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/04/real_football_2009_dsiware

"The download version lacks some of the leagues and teams you’d find in the boxed version". Otherwise it is apparently pretty much identical, but also adds some DSi-specific gimmicks - you can take pictures and put them on your player's heads, for example (although then their picture always faces you, regardless of player direction).

[dallow]

The game is actually on a DS cart in America too ;)

http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/Prod...oduct_id=72472 (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=FKSJxY2VJAk&subid=&offerid=121938.1&type=10&tmpid=2736&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamestop.com%2FCatalog%2 FProductDetails.aspx%3Fproduct_id%3D72472)

So, is the download version the exact same game as the retail version?

EDIT: Thanks for the review above.

Ah, didn't know that!

Here's some impressions when it was releaed in EU.
I'm trying to find the post where some guy compared it to the cart, for the most part though, I think it had pretty much the same features save the DSi only stuff. (camera)


I have no comparison to the 2008 retail version of the game so keep that in mind. And I only played a few friendlies for now to test some controls and difficulty settings. If anyone is interested in more just tell me and I will write more as I am very likely to play more of this in the next days.
198 counted teams, most of them national teams but also the first league teams of England, Italy, France, Spain and Germany. Without any licenses of course and as it seems no Editor to edit names of Players and teams
Games can last from 5 minutes to 20 minutes depending on setting. The different stadiums actually look different but only recognizable in the intro of a game.
The weather can be sunny, rainy and snowy. and you can decide between day and night which doesnt make any real differences.
If you want to you can chose between different goal rulesets: Golden, Silver Goal, Normal Game and no extra game time after 90 minutes.
The difficulty settings are very diverse. On easy you should be able to score a few goals and try out tricks and tactics. On normal the A.I. is by no means a cupcake (but its manageable) and I lost the first game I played 0:2 . And on hard you will definitely need some training to not get your ass whipped. So very good difficulty differences.
The control setup for the normal play:
A - Long Pass/Slide
B - Pass/ Tackle
Y - Shoot
X - Through Pass/ GK Rush Out
L - Specials/Change Player
R - Accelerate
L + A - Lob
R with ball - sudden stop
L + B - One-Two Pass
Moving + Lx2 - Step Over
Rx2 - Flip Flap
Lx2 - Marseille Roulette
Y then B - Fake Shot
A then B - Fake Long Pass
Modes ("trophies" for succesfully completing cups and leagues):
Friendly
Cup
League
Penalty Kicks
Training
The training is pretty basic but is good at giving you the techniques to play properly. At least the normal button-ish way. I tried my hands on the touch screen control and think of it as interesting but... lets say... kind of counter-intuitive when compared to play it normal. The controls with the touch screen are way less intuitive than Pes-Wii controls because you still hold the DS with your left hand and have to walk with your left thumb. Oh and no lefty hand control mode. I am definitely going to try more with the touch screen controls, maybe I can tell you more later.
I kind of get the overall feeling of a Pro Evolution Soccer DS. The button layout is the same and there are pretty deep character stats for each player which may or may not be as impactful as the ones in the console soccer games.
Oh and the new feature... Make a photo of you and play as yourself. First problem you can have only one photo of you in the whole game on a player. And second it is kind of animated so that on a player the "head" bounces from left to right and left and right and left. I saw it in a zoomed in goal scene and decided to delete the photo right away because it ticked me off.
The graphics are the only real bad offender in this game. It is pretty pixelated and looks overall highly generic. Especially the players. On the other hand though this probably is one reason for a solid framerate so its a pretty good payoff and I am satisfied with that for the moment.
In the end:
The games "new" features are nothing worth speaking of but the core gameplay is very solid. The framerate rarely drops, it i very playable and seems to have pretty much every move a soccer game needs (plus a few more) and for a PES Lite Portable I can definitely say that the 8 Euro were worth it.

[Nohbdy]

Yeah, but that's just one.

Look what I found: http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ds/realsoccer2009?q=real%20football

The full version the game takes after. Not so hot.

[shlby]

Yeah, but that's just one.

Look what I found: http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ds/realsoccer2009?q=real%20football

The full version the game takes after. Not so hot.

The quotes metacritic pulled from the reviews makes it seem like the game is fun and enjoyable. The rating may be average, but at least you're only paying 800 points for it.

Here's a review for the DSi version: http://dsiware.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/04/real_football_2009_dsiware

I like soccer, but not in video game from, so I think I will pass on this one.

[crunchewy]

Actually all the blurbs from those metacritic listed reviews seem to imply that they liked the game quite a bit.

[dallow]

Yeah, if you read many of the reviews, it's a solid soccer game, better than Fifa.

[Cao Cao]

GameLoft mistakenly announced in an e3 invitation that they're bringing another one of their iPhone games over to DSIWare.

The Oregon Trail (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/gameloft-e3-invite-reveals-oregon-trail-for-dsiware/)

Be prepared for a dysentery (More like DSientery) epidemic on the DSi Shop.

[Strell]

There's a rumor running around that Oregon Trail has been announced via embargo to websites, but some leaked it anyway. Supposed to show up at E3.

Primer dia, cucarachas.

Edit: Damn you cocoa bean.

Edit 2: Rofl@that release. "Guitar Rock Tour 2." Incredible.

[dallow]

Port of the iPhone version?
Pass. It's terrible.

[Strell]

Yeah, I just looked it over. Dumb. I'd take the Apple IIe version any day.

Damn robbers stole clothes out of my wagon. Gotta get them sumbitches.

[foltzie]

Yeah, I just looked it over. Dumb. I'd take the Apple IIe version any day.

Damn robbers stole clothes out of my wagon. Gotta get them sumbitches.

http://www.virtualapple.org/oregontraildisk.html

You go gettem Strell.

I'll have to see if that site loads on the DSi version of Opera.

[pete5883]

Dear Gameloft
We said we wanted
Third party DSi games -
We didn't mean yours.

[shlby]

Looking at the ESRB site, you may see these games coming in the next coming weeks:

Asphalt 4: Elite Racing

This is an action racing game in which players drive high-performance cars through city streets. Players can race against other drivers, crash into them, or simply push other drivers off the tracks. In the "Cop Chase" mode, players race through roadblocks in an attempt to outrun police vehicles and to achieve bonus points.


BRAIN CHALLENGE

"This is a collection of "brain training" puzzle games that include math, memory, and logic exercises. Players perform educational tests and receive scores based on their speed and accuracy. In a "stress test" exercise, a police officer yells at the player, pounds on the screen, and sometimes breaks the glass when an incorrect answer is given."


American Popstar Road To Celebrity

"This is a social simulation game in which players follow the storyline of a young girl who aspires to become a pop star. Players can engage in a mixture of musical challenges (e.g., dance battles and playing guitar), social objectives (e.g., developing a friendship or scaring a rival), and even maintenance of health and hygiene. During the course of the game, players will need to guide their characters into bathrooms in order to relieve themselves, which is depicted by a toilet paper icon and an opaque star covering the character."


Gameloft...meeeeh.

[StarKnightX]

BRAIN CHALLENGE

"This is a collection of "brain training" puzzle games that include math, memory, and logic exercises. Players perform educational tests and receive scores based on their speed and accuracy. In a "stress test" exercise, a police officer yells at the player, pounds on the screen, and sometimes breaks the glass when an incorrect answer is given."


ANOTHER port of Brain Challenge? It's already available on XBLA , WiiWare and the DS already as a regular game card. I guess they figure if people will buy the express versions of Brain Age , then they will buy this.

[crunchewy]

I decided to give Real Soccer/Football 2009 a try. I'm not sure why because I'm never any good at these games, and this one proves to be no exception. I have yet to score a goal in about an hour of play, so it has gotten very frustrating, but the main thing I can't get hold of in sports games (including Madden, etc.) is how when on defense the game keeps changing the player you are controlling. I start running toward the player with the ball and then suddenly I'm controlling someone else who is closer to the ball, but who is now traveling away from it because that was the right direction before but not now! Then a second later I'm controlling someone else. Etc, etc. I wish the game would allow me to play the offense only, with it controlling the defense entirely. I think I'd enjoy such games a lot more if I could do that.

There are both button-only and touch controls, which is a combination of the d-pad to move, L button (hold to run) and the touch screen to pass, shoot and do various moves via gestures. The touch controls partly work really well, most notably the basic pass, but then there are some gestures that I can't get to work reliably such as a "GK rush", which means the goalie rushes out to the ball. Most of the time when I try the pictured gesture it interprets it as a long pass, which does nothing in this case since I'm on defense! I did find that if I drew the gestures larger and faster then pictured they tended to work better. Probably with practice I could get better at it, and the fact that the passing is so much better (draw a line in the direction you want to pass), I tend to want to use the touch controls, but then I also find myself performing moves I didn't mean. Probably I should just stick with the button controls. In any case I don't score a goal and the computer does. Sigh.

Now, if you like soccer/football games, I think this is a probably a good one, so I say go for it.

EDIT: the camera integration, while a gimmick, is amusing to play with. The results aren't entirely satisfactory, but with experimentation you can get interesting results.

[slidecage]

American Popstar Road To Celebrity

"This is a social simulation game in which players follow the storyline of a young girl who aspires to become a pop star. Players can engage in a mixture of musical challenges (e.g., dance battles and playing guitar), social objectives (e.g., developing a friendship or scaring a rival), and even maintenance of health and hygiene. During the course of the game, players will need to guide their characters into bathrooms in order to relieve themselves, which is depicted by a toilet paper icon and an opaque star covering the character."



LOL following a young girl into the bathroom.... Im shocked there isnt a outrage over this yet.....

[lilboo]

Just got a DSi :D

Ok. So.. anything I should get? Really trying to save the points, but I DO want to play with something. I'm thinking Birds and Beans :lol: MAAAYBE Aquavia or whatever it is.

:-k

[dallow]

Wait till Monday to see if we get Moving Memo or something. There's nothing truly astounding yet. Just some fun distractions.

[lilboo]

I didn't buy anything yet. I doubt I will. MMM at free 1000 points. It's like.. FINALLY they did something right!

I guess we can't really complain too much about the DSi shop as it's really only been a month.. but.. in WiiWare's defense.. some of the best titles did come out during the first month ;)

I wonder if all of these DSiWare games are gonna be pick up and play/express stuff. I'd love to get some games with a little depth...My Life as a King kind of depth comes to mind 8-)

[pete5883]

I think the soccer game is pretty deep.

[lilboo]

I really really do hope that they have a GBC/GBA game virtual console. It's just.. it would make SUCH sense. This shit would sell well!!

So, any specific DSi cases out yet that are nice? My old one from my DSL is kind of beat up.
I only saw this, and it does look pretty neat..http://www.amazon.com/DSi-System-Wallet-Nintendo-DS/dp/B001U81442/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1242577236&sr=8-1

[Strell]

I'm looking for one still, lilboo. But I'm OCD about all that and will write at length about one I like once I actually find it.

I had one from CAPDASE for my DSL, which was a combination of soft and rigid silicon. It protects the system from shocks and things, stopped fingerprint issues, and added only a small bit of extra bulk/weight. But since the DSi is matte, I might settle for something less. We'll see.

[lilboo]

Maaaaaybe Club Nintendo's 2009-2010 rewards will have a DSi case. :-k

...Oh and MMMM! I was just reading around. Did anyone else know that there's going to be a pOp game for DSiWare?! I <3333'd pOp for WiiWare. It's called pOp Plus: Solo

http://www.nnooo.com/software/popplus/popplus.html

[shlby]

I really really do hope that they have a GBC/GBA game virtual console. It's just.. it would make SUCH sense. This shit would sell well!!

So, any specific DSi cases out yet that are nice? My old one from my DSL is kind of beat up.
I only saw this, and it does look pretty neat..http://www.amazon.com/DSi-System-Wallet-Nintendo-DS/dp/B001U81442/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1242577236&sr=8-1

I use this:
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-b6-49-en-70-33z2.html

If you want something like a cover, I like this:
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-b6-49-en-70-3av5.html

[BlueLobstah]

I use this:
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-b6-49-en-70-33z2.html


I bought that exact one for my DS, and its fantastic. Since inside pictures are scarce, here's more detail:

[IMG-L=5352]7169[/IMG-L]
[IMG-L=5352]7170[/IMG-L]

It's a very nice, compact little case. Fits my DS nice and cozy, even thought it is supposed to be for the DSi. Has a spot for an extra stylus and 3 games.

[lilboo]

My previous DS case was a hori. Great case. It was pretty much almost exactly what shlby posted.. :lol:
Possibly looking for something different. I don't know, we'll see. Not much of a hurry to get one.

[Cao Cao]

http://gonintendo.com/?p=82888

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/img/gmw/docs/169/352/dqw01.jpg
Square-Enix announced Dragon Quest Wars for DSiWare. As the above link says, it's a strategy board game developed by Intelligent Systems (Advance Wars and Fire Emblem). There's going to be online multiplayer, and it's set for a June 3rd release in Japan for 500 points.

[pete5883]

Art Style™: PiCTOBiTS™ (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points™): Your goal in Art Style: PiCTOBiTS is simple: clear large blocks that fall from above ("megabits") by combining them with "bits" (square blocks) of the same color. Add in the ability to pick up bits and place them anywhere on the touch screen, and you'll quickly find that strategy is critical to your success. By clearing the bits, you gradually reveal each stage's hidden game character - look for favorites from classic NES™ titles - and earn coins that can be spent to unlock DARK stages or to listen to the game's soundtrack in MUSIC mode. This grand mix of familiar elements and new game play leads to the uniquely enjoyable experience that is PiCTOBiTS.

So Picopict is out, so I'm happy. But what is their obsession with giving these games a different name in every region?

Also, from Cao Cao's link:

So yes, this is the first of six exclusive DSi titles that Intelligent Systems and Square-Enix are working on. We don’t know if the other five titles will be DSiWare, or retail DSi-only projects.
Exciting.

[Strell]

Aaaaaaaaaaaand we're updated. Going to go download PiCTOBiTS right now.

[Nohbdy]

Aaaaaaaaaaaand we're updated. Going to go download PiCTOBiTS right now.

Not up yet. :<

[Strell]

Square-Enix announced Dragon Quest Wars for DSiWare.

Please please please please please PLEASE

make me a wifi enabled Dragon Quest Rocket Slime Tank Wars DSiware game PLEASE. Imma blow you nerds up with my awesome tank.

[lilboo]

Oh, nice! YAY using free points. Will get Pictobits :D

[Nohbdy]

The DQ game looks like ass.

And it's from Intelligent Systems AND SE no less. I blame SE.

[Flak]

I liked the Fire Emblem and Advance Wars series so I'm percolated.

I'm ready for a new case for my DSi. Bought an 8-in-1 kit which had two sets of screen protectors (ruined the first one), a screen wipe, a few styli (I'm drowning in these things) and a plastic case. This case isn't gonna do shit if I drop it, except break and then I can open the system all the way up again. Could definitely go for a soft/hard silicon case.

[lilboo]

Ok, downloading my first DSiWare game now...and...the DSi took up where the Wii left off before the Wii Menu 4.0??
You really can't play games from the SD card? Really?

[Strell]

YaY it's up. I forget how cute the download animation is, and like that new software appears as a present the first time you see it.

[dallow]

Me happy!
Me happy!

I really hope we get Moving Memo sometime.
I really want to make gifs.

And yeah lilboo, can't play off SD card. :(

[Strell]

PiCTOBiTS is righteous. I might like it even more than AQUIA, which I have a chain of 70 on now.

[dallow]

I know I'm going to love it.

I'm going to test something out with PictoBits when I get home. I hope it doesn't confirm my biggest fear of DSiWare. More on that later.

I usually hate cases for my handhelds, but I love this DSi one.
Nearly bought one, but I'm too much of a manly man. :oops:

http://i39.tinypic.com/2mre4uu.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2a5xl78.jpg

[lilboo]

PiCTOBiTS is righteous. I might like it even more than AQUIA, which I have a chain of 70 on now.

70 chain on Aquia..RIGHT? :shock:

Just played a few levels of Pictobits... it's pretty damn good! And not because I'm lookign to play something.. like, it's actually enjoyable. Not very good at it..can't do a lot of chains :(..but, still.

I know I'm going to love it.

I'm going to test something out with PictoBits when I get home. I hope it doesn't confirm my biggest fear of DSiWare. More on that later.

I usually hate cases for my handhelds, but I love this DSi one.
Nearly bought one, but I'm too much of a manly man. :oops:

http://i39.tinypic.com/2mre4uu.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2a5xl78.jpg


:rofl: W.T.F.??????

[dallow]

Hey!

It holds your system, games, and looks pretty.
What more do you need? :P

[lilboo]

:grouphug:

[Strell]

Where'd that come from, dallow? Etsy?

Dark Mode in PiCTOBiTS is brutal. Holy crap. I just barely survived a level.

[shlby]

I like Bacon Bits. I like PiCTOBiTs too, but I like Bacon bits more.

[crunchewy]

Oooh - I'm going to download Pictobits tomorrow. With all these CAG glowing comments on it, how could I not?

[pete5883]

Man, PiCTOBiTS gets real tough real fast. I already hate X blocks with a passion.

[lilboo]

Yeah, this game is maddening. I DID beat it, but I think by luck. I really can't figure out some/most patterns w/o having them stack up to the top in a matter of seconds ;(

[BlueLobstah]

I know I'm going to love it.

I'm going to test something out with PictoBits when I get home. I hope it doesn't confirm my biggest fear of DSiWare. More on that later.

I usually hate cases for my handhelds, but I love this DSi one.
Nearly bought one, but I'm too much of a manly man. :oops:

*picture*


If that thing had magnetic strips or velcro, I would be all over it. The ribbon/bow pushes it over the edge.

[shlby]

Anyone know how many levels picobits has? Just wondering.

[Strell]

Anyone know how many levels picobits has? Just wondering.

15 levels + Dark Mode, which are harder versions of the original 15.

Game is incredible. I love AQUIA but this one is much more polished and refined.

[dallow]

Where'd that come from, dallow? Etsy?
Yup, Etsy.

If that thing had magnetic strips or velcro, I would be all over it. The ribbon/bow pushes it over the edge.
She actually does make one with a little velcro button.

You can actually ask her to make you a custom one with any kind of pattern or fabric. They're only about $20 too.

I can PM you both her store link if you want.

[dallow]

Oh yeah, and PictoBits is EXCELLENT.
Exactly what I wanted.

[Strell]

Aye, Imma about to open an Etsy store with some things. Hopefully soon.

Wouldn't be hard to add your own velcro or magnetic closures anyway.

[dallow]

I had no idea you could use the POW in PictoBits........... should have read all of the tutorial first. So much easier now when I'm in a pinch.

[MotzCTG]

Picked up PictoBits, pretty cool puzzle game. Dark mode is freaking hard though.

[lilboo]

Playing Aquia at work 8-)
..I'd do Pictobits but I'd cuss some people out on the phone :bomb:

[crunchewy]

PictoBits is indeed great! I've only played 2 levels plus attempted the first one in Dark mode (insane!) Great stuff so far. I'm a little bummed to hear it only has 15 levels, though. For those who have played it more - is there randomness or do the levels play exactly the same each time? If the same each time that would not be so good, but if the particular megabits come randomly it will have replay value. Hopefully that's the case?

I may have to give the other game in the series a try.

[crunchewy]

Dallow - please send me that store link. I'd be interested in a custom case.

[lilboo]

The last level in Pictobits.. :lol: Actually I am :lol:'ing at the last character. That is SO random.

Also.. ..what's up with this game and no Metroid love??? [-(

[Strell]

PictoBits is indeed great! I've only played 2 levels plus attempted the first one in Dark mode (insane!) Great stuff so far. I'm a little bummed to hear it only has 15 levels, though. For those who have played it more - is there randomness or do the levels play exactly the same each time? If the same each time that would not be so good, but if the particular megabits come randomly it will have replay value. Hopefully that's the case?

I may have to give the other game in the series a try.

There is some randomness, but in terms of which megabits fall at which time. They won't be in new shapes/combinations. Some levels don't have too much variation. One level in particular on normal mode as a bunch of 2x2 squares falling in orange/green/white (I think this is a Devil World level, maybe number 6 or 7), so you can pretty much predict what will happen.

But it's not like you can accurately plan out something 100%. Mostly you'll notice patterns and learn the shapes and respond accordingly, but there is enough to keep you on your toes. Think of it like Lumines - you can play Lumines in such a way that you can ALWAYS know what to do, but there's still enough variation to keep you guessing.

Also, I'm with Lilboo - where's the Metroid love? Maybe they used it all up in Tetris DS.

[shlby]

Also, I'm with Lilboo - where's the Metroid love? Maybe they used it all up in Tetris DS.

Probably saving up for the sequel.

[crunchewy]

I completed the normal levels on my way to work today. I found stage 14 to be a lot harder then stage 15. It only took me one try to beat 15, but maybe 10 times to beat stage 14. That one seemed crazy. Now I've got to start earning more coins so I can unlock all the dark levels. I've beaten the first dark level twice. I have the next two unlocked but haven't tried them yet. Playing dark levels isn't the way to earn coins, that's for sure!

Does anyone know what the difference is between the regular music (you can buy) and the "+" music? I bought one of them, but then there's no way to go back to whatever the normal music was to see if there is a difference, at least as far as I can tell. The only obvious difference seems to be a level meter, the display of which seemed to have nothing to do with the music playing.

One rather curious omission, again at least as far as I can tell, is a high score list. I can't tell what my best times/scores are. Is this hidden somewhere i'm not looking? After you complete a level it seems to tell you if it's a new best, but that's it. Your scores and times then disappear into the ether.

In any case it is definitely a great game. Well worth the points.

[pete5883]

Your high score and best time shows up on the top screen when you have a level selected, but that's about it.

One thing that I think is kind of lame about it is that it is almost impossible to recover once you've screwed up.

I'm up to Dark 11, and surprisingly Dark 1 is the one that's given me the most trouble.

[crunchewy]

Doh! Best times/scores on top screen. Of course I should have looked there. Thanks for the pointer.

[Nohbdy]

Does anyone know what the difference is between the regular music (you can buy) and the "+" music? I bought one of them, but then there's no way to go back to whatever the normal music was to see if there is a difference, at least as far as I can tell. The only obvious difference seems to be a level meter, the display of which seemed to have nothing to do with the music playing.
.

It appears to be the full track.

[pete5883]

An update: Dark 12 is impossible but I beat it anyway, dark 13 is just garden-variety bullshit. This game moves way too fast.

Edit: Oh wow, the game's a lot easier when you realize what the 5 coin button is for.

[Strell]

I've beaten all the dark levels. Trying to improve on my scores at this point and unlock the rest of the music.

Incredible game.

[pete5883]

I've counted it up - I need 2760 more coins to unlock the rest of the music :hot:

[Nohbdy]

ANOTHER FREAKIN CLOCK

AWESOME. TO THE MAX. l

[lilboo]

:rofl: :cry:

[Strell]

I'm calling it now:

The next DS is going to have a third screen on the outside, which will finally make all these clocks useful. Hell, they might even make it a touch screen for use with little apps like calculators.

Either that or the next one will allow the touch screen to be spun outward like a notebook tablet PC.

[shlby]

If anyone cares, here is a review for popstar. To be honest, it doesn't look that bad of a game, but then again, it's probably not the tea of choice for many of us here.

http://dsiware.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/05/pop_superstar_road_to_celebrity_dsiware

[shlby]

" The Swedish games studio A Different Game today announced that they have begun development of the augmented reality game "Ghostwire" for the new Nintendo DSi platform. Using the DSi's built-in cameras, the game allows you to find and hunt ghosts seen through the camera lens and projected onto the real world.

Ghostwire is a collection- and adventure game, where you use your handheld device to communicate with ghosts. Your portable device is used as a portal to the astral plane, and helps you find and collect ghosts that exist all around you. In your quest you use real tools, such as the built-in camera and microphone, as well as abstract ones like a "frequency modulator" for tuning in ghosts. Once you find the spirits, you document them and find out why they haunt our world. They can also give you riddles to solve. Ultimately, you can help them to find peace.

"The Nintendo DSi platform is perfect for this game" says Anders Bergman, lead game designer of Ghostwire. "This allows us to enhance the integrated real-world experience with the combination of camera, microphone and touch screen."

Ghostwire received a lot of attention last year, when it won 1st prize in Nokia's N-Gage Mobile Games Innovation Challenge 2008, and was later nominated in two categories in the International Mobile Gaming Awards (IMGA) 2009. Since then, the game has been in development by A Different Game for various smartphones and handheld devices."

http://www.ghostwiregame.com/

[PleasantOne]

" The Swedish games studio A Different Game today announced that they have begun development of the augmented reality game "Ghostwire" for the new Nintendo DSi platform. Using the DSi's built-in cameras, the game allows you to find and hunt ghosts seen through the camera lens and projected onto the real world.


Hmm, this sounds quite nifty... I've been having ROTTEN luck with the camera in Warioware Snapped, though... game isn't working for me at all, so I'm not sure I should hold out much hope for this.

If anyone cares, here is a review for popstar. To be honest, it doesn't look that bad of a game, but then again, it's probably not the tea of choice for many of us here.

http://dsiware.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/05/pop_superstar_road_to_celebrity_dsiware

Thanks for that, may actually pick this up now. That's.... surprising ;)

[foltzie]

I picked up Pictobits two nights ago. Lots of fun for $5. I have no objections to the content I've recieved out of Pictobits and Dr. Mario. I'm pleasantly suprised so far with the charm of these little games.

I even went so far as to cash in a 2000 points card on the DSi shop since I picked up a few on clearance at a local Wal-Mart.

Still, I would like to see Nintendo launch these things with a bit more items, this feels a bit like the old NES days where king Nintendo would dictate far too much regarding release schedules.

[Nohbdy]

How about some more decent and worthwhile apps as well?

[docvinh]

If anyone cares, here is a review for popstar. To be honest, it doesn't look that bad of a game, but then again, it's probably not the tea of choice for many of us here.

http://dsiware.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/05/pop_superstar_road_to_celebrity_dsiware

Anyone actually play this yet? I'm on the fence about buying this.

[Cao Cao]

WayForward's DSiWare platformer Mighty Flip Champs is releasing next Monday, June 1st.
http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=84303

[Nohbdy]

WayForward's DSiWare platformer Mighty Flip Champs is releasing next Monday, June 1st.
http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=84303

...at 800 points. :v

(Just tossing that in there.)

[pete5883]

<-- is pumped

[foltzie]

Just wrapped up Dark 11 and will need to grind a bit before I can open 12, 13, and 14. Fun stuff so far, really random selection of NES games (other than all being first year games(.

[GizmoGC]

Here's hoping for some VC Support come E3...otherwise my DSi hits Craigslist. These stupid clocks re getting tiresome.

[Strell]

Just sell it now.

[pete5883]

Pictobits > the entire GB library. Super Flippenators probably belongs on the left there, but I guess it's a day too soon to decide.

[lilboo]

I hate that...as LOGICAL as it is to have a GB/GBC/GBA VC on the DSi..it's like.. it won't happen. :(

[Strell]

People really need to clue me in on all these supposed wonderful GB/GBC games, because I don't remember many at ALL being that good.

I doubt GBA emulation will happen due to power concerns, but that would require that people look at things logically, and this generation of gamers would rather just whine.

[lilboo]

Strell, I'd be more excited for GBA games than GB/GBC. You're right. Most of the shit wasn't great. But look at the VC on Wii. There are gems, but, most of it is trash anyway :*(

It would be very similar :lol:

[foltzie]

People really need to clue me in on all these supposed wonderful GB/GBC games, because I don't remember many at ALL being that good.

I doubt GBA emulation will happen due to power concerns, but that would require that people look at things logically, and this generation of gamers would rather just whine.

Well since GBA games ran natively on the DS and DSLite I dont think its a stretch to assume the DSi could still run the software sans emulation.

Still, I'm not optimistic on a GB/GBA VC either. If there were I wouldnt mind picking up Metroid and Kid Icarus, but I'll concur that GB games probably havent aged well.

[dallow]

GBA games....? That'd be nice, but I'll take the GB/GBC games.
There are definitely some worth downloading.

I like to play GBA on my Micro.

I'll download Flip Champs tomorrow, seems like a cool puzzler type game.

[Strell]

But the DS had the slot, which means it was hardware emulated. The DSi would have to run it via pure software emulation. That in itself isn't a big problem, but it might require more power than the DSi contains. Again, software emulation demands many times the emulated system's power. It's the same with the Wii - it can only do GC emulation because it has the GC's innards - there's no way it would could do so purely in software.

Please note GB/GBC games are weak in terms of power, and thus shouldn't be included here.

I agree a portable VC makes sense, but at this point, let's face it - Nintendo hasn't run the console one well, so it's just setting yourself up for twice the (already frequent) disappointment each week. Further, many companies are talking about how the VC has burned them due to fees associated with securing ESRB ratings. Hudson said this pretty strongly a while ago since a lot of their titles weren't selling well enough to recoup the costs, which also lends the "Nintendo demands X number sold before they give out a profit" rumor a bit more substance. The whole point is that I imagine the VC as a business practice has been soured for Nintendo and third parties considerably more than the optimistic viewpoint of 2005/6 entailed.

I'd much - much - rather have DSiware remakes of the better GB/GBC games than a straight VC. Wayforward wants to remake Metroid 2 in the same vein as Zero Mission - let 'em do it.

Its just that I can easily name dozens of NES/SNES games I love, but have a lot of trouble with GB/GBC games in that regard.

Nintendo's conference is 9 AM PST on Tuesday morning. About a day and a half away. We'll see then. I'm just not holding my breath.

[dallow]

Are you sure the GBA chips aren't a small piece of the DS hardware?
I thought some DS games used some of the GBA hardware chips for misc functions.

EDIT: Also worth noting that PSP can emulate PS1 games just fine and that's pure software.

[Strell]

Clarify, you no Stafi lowball auction winning chizzler.

Edit: And the PSP is almost a portable PS2, so of course it has no issue running those games.

[Nohbdy]

There's nothing stopping Nintendo wrapping up old games as DSiWare and having them run that way.

[dallow]

Just seems to me that the leap from PS1 to PS2/PSP, is much wider than GBA to DS.

And I fell asleep and woke up too late to get those Stafi games!!
I was so pissed at myself!

(edit, and i'm not sure where I read about the DS games using GBA hardware for misc functions, i may be wrong)

In the end though, I just want the best of the best GB/GBC games, and that's a small list.

[Strell]

Yeah see, I DID PM Azu about 'em. You were right. Jerk.

And then that Zohar person got 'em. And if YOU had gotten 'em, I was going to go to your house and steal them from you.

If the leap PS1->PSP is wider than the GBA->DS, then that means it's easier to emulate PS1 games. Unless I'm misreading you.

[foltzie]

My point was that the one of the ARM chips in the DS/DSlite ran the GBA functions, that chip appears to be still in the DSi only clocked higher. This means the DSi should be able to run the ROMs natively given some sort of wrapper/firmware to boot.

That said, can we get back to complaining about Pictobits... I just completed stars for the first 15 stages only to have my fillings rattled by Dark 12. Ouch...

Does anyone have any advice?

[dallow]

Yeah see, I DID PM Azu about 'em. You were right. Jerk.

And then that Zohar person got 'em. And if YOU had gotten 'em, I was going to go to your house and steal them from you.

If the leap PS1->PSP is wider than the GBA->DS, then that means it's easier to emulate PS1 games. Unless I'm misreading you.
Haha, I KNEW it was you.
I'm so good. 8-)

And I just re-read what I wrote. You're right, it doesn't make sense. Hmm.

PSN: Not Yet, Soon EnoughOoh, ominous.
There is a slim coming just FYI. Those original "leaked" photos were fake but some real ones did pop up later. It's too early in design, so I highly doubt it'll be at E3 however.

[Strell]

I'll believe it when it happens. That's the best policy these days. If a slim shows up and there's a good deal in the future, Sony'll get my money.

Foltzie: Ahhh. I see. That could indeed work then, since any additional power the wrapper required could be offloaded to the other processor. Hmmm.

[Mr. Beef]

Hasn't Nintendo typically saved their "good stuff" for the convention after E3? I can't remember the last thing they showed at E3 where they made me rub my chin and say, "...that'll do..." except for the Wii, but I forgot if they showed that at an earlier E3.

[pete5883]

Are you thinking of Space World? There is no big Western convention after E3, and Nintendo used to skip TGS to have their own event. Now they just go to TGS, if I'm not mistaken.

[Strell]

Hasn't Nintendo typically saved their "good stuff" for the convention after E3? I can't remember the last thing they showed at E3 where they made me rub my chin and say, "...that'll do..." except for the Wii, but I forgot if they showed that at an earlier E3.

E3 has always been little more than a proving ground for information to the press, but gamers whined so loudly about last year's conference that hopefully Nintendo will at least throw them a bigger bone.

Usually they hold a conference in Japan later in the year (September/October), but that's hardly a guaranteed happening. Space World USED to happen every year, but they put an end to it.

They don't skimp on E3 generally - it's just that they've started to treat it differently than MS/Sony. But again, the whining of gamers is probably altering this year's proceedings.

[crunchewy]

I can list a couple GB games that are absolutely worth buying today, and the only reason I can only list two is that I have a very, very minimal collection of GB/GBC games. Anyway, I recently purchased the GB game Mole Mania on recommendation from somewhere here at CAG recently and it is indeed a really fun action/puzzle game. Definitely recommend that one. I got it for $4 shipped on ebay, and in perfect condition and with a nice little game case. I'm playing it on my recently purchased GBA SP, purchased because my DSi doesn't play GBA games, and it has the bonus of also playing GB/GBC games. But... I'd much rather play these games on my DSi, in large part just because of the better-for-adult-hands design.

Another GB game I can highly recommend is Super Mario Land 2, which is infinitely superior to Super Mario Land 1. SML2 is a genuinely good Mario platformer. Great game!

EDIT: indeed, Mole Mania is kind of reminiscent of what I've seen of Mighty Flip Champs, though rather then flipping the screen, you dig underground and vice versa.

[crunchewy]

Upcoming DSiWare game Pop Island, developed by the people that made the DS game Glory Days 2 (which I hear is good, though I've never played it). Looks like it could be fun:

http://ds.ign.com/dor/objects/14353933/pop-island/videos/popisland_trl_introducing_52909.html

Just the intro video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxR0tR6wbZ0

One key tidbit: 8 player download play, even to DS's

[Nohbdy]

You can't even understand what's going on!

Remember, everyone: sales of Mighty Flip Champs affect the release of a new Shantae so let's hope it's good.

[StarKnightX]

People really need to clue me in on all these supposed wonderful GB/GBC games, because I don't remember many at ALL being that good.

While you are right that the original GB and the GBC had a pretty absurd ratio of garbage to good games , doesn't mean that there aren't enough to bother bringing back.

Off hand , a short list (very short since I didn't really give it a ton of thought , I could do better):
Super Mario Land 1 , 2 and 3 (thanks crunchewy)
Wario Land 1 , 2 and 3
Metroid 2 (which you already kinda mentioned)
Mega Man 5 (completely different from the NES one)
Revelations : The Demon Sword
Mole Mania (again Crunchewy)
LoZ : Link's Awakening
Kirby's Dreamland 1 and 2
Magi-Nation
Pokemon (any of them) and Pokemon Trading Card Game :P


I'd much - much - rather have DSiware remakes of the better GB/GBC games than a straight VC. Wayforward wants to remake Metroid 2 in the same vein as Zero Mission - let 'em do it.

Its just that I can easily name dozens of NES/SNES games I love, but have a lot of trouble with GB/GBC games in that regard.

Now this I can kinda get behind you on. I agree that there aren't nearly as many memorable GB/GBC games as opposed to NES/SNES/N64 whatever games. I also agree that remakes of some of those games would be pretty nice (I'd take a Zero Mission style remake of Metroid 2).

Unfortunatly issue 1 gives problems to issue 2. If there aren't as many memorable games , then what is there to remake?

[Nohbdy]

You forgot Qix. :V

Remember that Pokemon rumor flying around? Not only would they put out Red and Blue on DSi VC but they'd also have it connect to Pokemon Stadium on the Wii VC.

This is coming from the same NeoGAF guy who had those Pokemon HG/SS rumors awhile ago.

[dallow]

I trust that guy, so I'm sure we'll see it happen.

[StarKnightX]

You forgot Qix. :V

Remember that Pokemon rumor flying around? Not only would they put out Red and Blue on DSi VC but they'd also have it connect to Pokemon Stadium on the Wii VC.

This is coming from the same NeoGAF guy who had those Pokemon HG/SS rumors awhile ago.

That sounds pretty cool , but might be a bit of a stretch for nintendo.

I mean , to date Nintendo has not released any other VC games that able to interact with one another have they? Wasn't Sega saying something about if they released Sonic and Knuckles on the VC , that there would be no way to play Sonic 2 + Knuckes or the complete Sonic 3 since there is no way for VC games to read one other?