DS is one week old now. What grade do you give it?

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Now that the DS has been out for a week I'm curious how people feel about it. I picked up mine last Sunday at 10:00am so this seems appropriate.

DS system: B+/A-

The system is a little heavier than I am used to with handhelds but the last week of crazy playing has definately gotten me more accostomed to it. I have to take off some points for the touch screen being so cloudy. I realize that it is probably cloudy because of extra protective measures but, when compared with the ultra-clear top screen, the bottom screen can look pretty ugly at times. Another concern I have with the touch screen is that, after a week of VERY vigorous playing (not just me), it has developed a few light scratches. While it is no big deal now I hope it doesn't develop into a problem later. As far as button placement goes I am very happy overall with everything and have had no big problems. Also, Nintendo gets major points for adding a microphone on the bottom and stereo speakers on the top. I had no idea handheld games could sound this nice!


Games:
Mario 64 DS - A
Feel the Magic - B-

Mario 64 is incredible. In one week's time I've managed to get my girlfriend, her sisters, and her many cousins convinced about buying a DS just for the mini-games in Mario 64 alone. Nintendo has definately proven true to their philosophy of wanting to have games that ANYONE can pick up and play regardless of gaming background. Hell, even my mom had a good time with it.

I rented Feel the Magic yesterday and beat it this morning. Yes it's short but it's a fantastic experience. There's nothing like having to blow into the microphone to move an onscreen boat. The biggest problem has already been stated several times - not enough mini-games. With a game like this that is entirely based on mini-games, Sega really should have added at LEAST 10-15 more. A longer sequel would be great. Definately worth a rental.

Overall Grade: A/A-

Mario 64 DS has shown how fantastic the system can be when fully utilized and Feel the Magic was a great rental. Aside from a few concerns I have about the durability of the touch screen, I'm very happy with the system so far.
 
I played it for like 3 minutes at ebgames, I must say its pretty amazing to have such good graphics and gameplay in the palm of your hands. I dont own one so ill give it a B.
 
Right now, I would give it a B+. A few top notch titles & the score will go up. Graphics are better than I expected. Sound is fantastic. GBA games look better than anybody knew they could. Buttons are a little smaller than my Sp, but I'm already used to it . I don't think the bottom screeen is cloudy. It look's different than the top when the system is off,but when playing, I think it's fine. Finger print's and smudges on it bug me though,
but tha'ts just me.
 
[quote name='Ebraum']Right now, I would give it a B+. A few top notch titles & the score will go up. Graphics are better than I expected. Sound is fantastic. GBA games look better than anybody knew they could. Buttons are a little smaller than my Sp, but I'm already used to it . I don't think the bottom screeen is cloudy. It look's different than the top when the system is off,but when playing, I think it's fine. Finger print's and smudges on it bug me though,
but tha'ts just me.[/quote]

That's why I use that plastic thing that goes on your thumb. I think it's better than the stylus.

And in response to the topic- A- simply because it's the only handheld that's ever kept me interested (aside from the old pokemon games, advance wars, and the upcoming kingdom hearts).
 
A.

Mario 64's fun, but no more than it was 10 years ago. Feel the Magic's the real fun for me here.

DS has infinite potential. Bring innovative titles, Nippon.

And bring me NiGHTS, Sonic Team :(.
 
I just picked one up yesterday after much debate. I'm pretty pleased with the system so far, I'm just awaiting more games.

B+.
 
I have only played it for a few minutes but two things that really bother me.

No analog stick. The D-Pad is a joke, there is only 4 points to go on it, they could have at least put a round one with 8 points of movement.

The big BIG problem would have to be the buttons. Can Nintendo place them any closer together and make them any smaller? The GBA ones were small enough, but hell, we are going to make a more mature system and make the buttons so small only 4 year olds can play it.
 
[quote name='David85']I have only played it for a few minutes but two things that really bother me.

No analog stick. The D-Pad is a joke, there is only 4 points to go on it, they could have at least put a round one with 8 points of movement.

The big BIG problem would have to be the buttons. Can Nintendo place them any closer together and make them any smaller? The GBA ones were small enough, but hell, we are going to make a more mature system and make the buttons so small only 4 year olds can play it.[/quote]

Yeah the buttons are close together but so far in the two games I've played it hasn't been a problem.
 
[quote name='David85']I have only played it for a few minutes but two things that really bother me.

No analog stick. The D-Pad is a joke, there is only 4 points to go on it, they could have at least put a round one with 8 points of movement.

The big BIG problem would have to be the buttons. Can Nintendo place them any closer together and make them any smaller? The GBA ones were small enough, but hell, we are going to make a more mature system and make the buttons so small only 4 year olds can play it.[/quote]

Wow. Right. Sounds like someone's lacking in coordination (or has large hands. If so.. sorry?). Now I understand what's so great about X Box - it's huge, so it must be mature.
 
B

Pros:
-"Pick up and play" type system, easy to use.
-Nice backlit screens, especially for those GBA games.
-Great graphics for a portable.
-Touch screen definitely has potential.

Cons:
-A bit large.
-Control for some games just flat-out sucks.
-Not able to re-map buttons for GBA games. (I think)
 
[quote name='Ugamer_X']-Not able to re-map buttons for GBA games. (I think)[/quote]

I would love it if we could remap the buttons. Anybody know if this is at all possible?
 
[quote name='Sartori'][quote name='David85']I have only played it for a few minutes but two things that really bother me.

No analog stick. The D-Pad is a joke, there is only 4 points to go on it, they could have at least put a round one with 8 points of movement.

The big BIG problem would have to be the buttons. Can Nintendo place them any closer together and make them any smaller? The GBA ones were small enough, but hell, we are going to make a more mature system and make the buttons so small only 4 year olds can play it.[/quote]

Wow. Right. Sounds like someone's lacking in coordination (or has large hands. If so.. sorry?). Now I understand what's so great about X Box - it's huge, so it must be mature.[/quote]

You're an idiot, simple as that. They have the whole right side of the DS for buttons, I'm sure they could have seperated them a little bit and made them bigger, or at least the same size as the GBA. It's for adults, Nintendo has even said that, what adult wants tiny ass buttons. If you thought about the majority of people instead of yourself for once they have bigger hands than what the DS is doing. Everyone I know that has played the system and is over 18 have all complained about the buttons.

The X-Box controler is not that big, but at least with it people can find the button they want with it, and hit it without having to worry about hitting other buttons.
 
Right now, C. It's pretty well designed and compact (though no analog control, in this day and age, is unacceptable). The graphics are great for a portable, but still a long ways from some of the PSP demos. The touch screen seems more a gimmick than a revolutionary feature as of now, though the touch pad is a good stand in for a mouse, and it will do wonders for RTS games, so there is potential there. Same with the dual screens - not useful now, but potential is there. As for the games - Super Mario is awesome, though it is really just an enhanced version of that ancient (but still fun) N64 game. As for the other games - wait, are there other games?
Also, while GBA compatability is great, the lack of original and Color support sucks. So, overall, while this is a good system, once the PSP shows up, kiss it goodbye.
 
The DS is awesome. Just a few short minutes with it at a demo stand at Circuit City was almost enough to make me buy it. Right now, I'd give it a high B or low A. Just a few more promising, A+++ titles and I'll splurge on the system.
 
[quote name='David85']I have only played it for a few minutes but two things that really bother me.

No analog stick. The D-Pad is a joke, there is only 4 points to go on it, they could have at least put a round one with 8 points of movement.

The big BIG problem would have to be the buttons. Can Nintendo place them any closer together and make them any smaller? The GBA ones were small enough, but hell, we are going to make a more mature system and make the buttons so small only 4 year olds can play it.[/quote]
actualy there are 8 points.
 
I'm a bit annoyed by the lack of GB/GBC support. I have enough funds for either a replacement Xbox (DVD is starting to go) or a DS. That, combined with a lack of titles, makes me want the new Xbox now and wait on the DS.

The system has unlimited potential, but the jury is out until we see some quality 3rd party games. As far as hardware goes, there are some legit complaints, such as the d-pad. I don't fault them for not putting analog on a portable, especially with the touchscreen there, but there should have been an 8 way d-pad, no question about it. I'd love to have seen the touch screen cover removable and replacable by the user, since it seems like it'll get scratched up over time. I think this will be the big problem with the DS. But overall, I like what they've done.
 
I give it an A. The potential such a system has is just out there for innovative titles.

What really sold me was the wi-fi, pictochat, the semi-pda feel it gives off..the alarm(lol)...Ive been playing some gba games on it. Its comfy in your hands.

Mario 64: A- for not being a straight port and actually implementing graphical, and gameplay changes. The minigames are downright awesome. Multiplayer is fun, yet feels unfinished nonetheless. Nice showcase.
 
One more thing, I really hope this thing is somewhat easily hackable, thats where a lot of the interesting stuff will be, with the wireless connectivity and all. That is something that could really sell me on this system. I want to browse the internet on this thing, I want to be able to watch movies on it from my computer like my Xbox can. If Nintendo makes some interesting and inexpensive products to this end, then great. And don't whine about "piracy", you could already play pirated carts on any gameboy to this point, so I don't see the problem getting better or worse.
 
Concerning the button size, they are close together in order to mirror the D-pad layout. It really helps when lefties (myself) have to use the ABXY instead of the D-pad like in First Hunt. And about hitting the wrong button; how often do you accidentally go left instead of down?


And now, the topic at hand:

Nintendo DS - A
I really, really wanted to give it a perfect score. Really. But the weight of the thing is a bit much and my hand gets tired during extending play sessions; but that's about the time I ought to take a break anyway and I don't seem to be too bothered by it. The rest of the machine suits me well and I really hope to meet someone on campus in PictoChat.


With my DS last week, I also picked up all of the launch titles. Here's what I have to say:

Super Mario 64 DS - A
Also, I wanted to give this the best rating I could, but the control issues bring it down slightly. I'm currently at 85 stars, and having a blast with this game all over again. I also really love the minigames. They definitely have the power to kill time.

Feel The Magic XY/XX - B+
This is definitely a niche game, and I happily fill that niche. The quirky story and gameplay hooked me from the get-go, and as I near the end, I just can't help but mention its length. But I understand that it had to be out for launch and I forgive Sonic Team, provided that they are working on a follow-up.

The URBZ: Sims in the City - C
C is for average. I have only spent about 2 hours with this game, and I do like it, but it just isn't stellar by any means. I enjoy the Sim management like the PC games combined with goal-oriented missions, but it's still just a 'Meh' game.

Madden NFL 2005 - D
I'm not really a fan of American (or any other kind of) football, but I do tend to enjoy it from time to time. After trying to play this for a while and having to restart it at least twice due to glitches, not allowing me to play as the team I wanted to, and chunky visuals, I still haven't made it through an entire game. Maybe next year, EA. Maybe.

Spider-Man 2 - C+
The visuals constantly impress me, although the gameplay doesn't. However, I haven't gotten far enough into the game to accurately judge it as a whole. Perhaps I will in the future.

Asphalt: Urban GT - C
I'm not big into the racing genre, but I suppose this could be satisfying. There is definitly something to be said for holding 60 FPS in your hands. I've played the game for a good 30 minutes by now, and I haven't won a race yet. How about that.

Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt - A
Yeah, it's a demo. But it's fantastic and I can't wait for the full version to be available. Granted, by the time I received my own DS, I had pretty much conquered this demo from the floor units at Best Buy and GameStop, but I still enjoy a good run-through. The multiplayer is really fun, too, from what I've experienced.
 
I give it an A based on the hardware alone. I'm not as impressed with the games so far, though. I'd give Mario 64, a B. The minigames are awesome and make up for any deficiencies found in the controls, but I find myself playing them more than the real game. Asphalt Urban is probably a C or so. It plays out exactly like Cruisin' USA/World/Exotica, but it's a litter tougher. I haven't touched the Metroid Demo because I don't like Metroid Prime. But like I said, i'm grading it on the hardware. I probably would have bought it just to play GBA games the way they were meant to be. It's also an attention grabber for everyone around you (which could be a con).
 
Well I have played my DS for over 15 hours now since the 21st...

The System - A-/B+

In regards to the buttons, I have had no problem with the space or size of the buttons (and I have BIG hands). The screens are very nice and I am really surprised of the graphic and audio capabilities so far with the system. In regards to the comment that when the PSP comes out then this will drop out of the competition is not true. Yeah the PSP is technically stronger and I will be purchasing it but the DS has at least one thing that the PSP does not have: a strong reputation in the handheld market (though I think it will eventually). I expect a lot of good things to come to the DS. The only downside to this system is the lack of analog control. I have tried the thumbstrap and to me it cannot replace a true analog pad. I will give it some more time but the lack of analog pad is a downer. Overall, I haven't played a portable system this much (and I have own them all -including Virtual Boy and Lynx) in a long time. Overall, VERY pleased with the DS so far and I hope for even better things to come for this system.

Games:

Mario 64 DS (B): The lack of analog control frustrates my enjoyment with this game. Yes it can be played without the analog but I am having a hard time getting around in the environments (for example: big chomp chomp on the first level where you have to jump on the "log" and butt stomp it was a huge pain without analog) Now I know people are having no problems with this and that's great but I am. Overall the minigames are great and its nice to have a classic on the go.

Feel the Magic (A-) I absolutely LOVE this game. I love quirky games and this is just a blast to play. I have not completed the game yet (on Nightmare as of right now) but every minigame has been a blast (DANCE minigame is hard but if you have played Space Channel 5 and liked it then you will like this (same type of game). Defintely the highlight of the DS Launch games IMHO (implements a lot of the DS features).

Asphalt Urban GT (B-) this is an impressive handheld racing game. If this was a console racing game it would defintely fall in the average category. It brings nothing new to the racing genre but what it brings to handheld racers is this: Smooth 60 FPS racing that controls very well (arcade controls) that makes it the best handheld racer (outside Mario Kart) that I have ever played. I know this title was rushed for launch and it shows (presentation is lacking) but what it does (gameplay, graphics, control) it does very well. The audio gets the job done but it could be better (repetitive engine sounds (all cars sound the same and the music is generic). Overall worth a purchase.

Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt Demo (B-) Overall I am techically pleased for what I am seeing as I am playing this demo (graphically and audio) but the lack of true analog hurts this game. Overall I need to spend more time with it to hopefully form a better opinion of it.

Spiderman 2 (NA) - I just purchased this game today (a friend bought it for me at Target last week). I will post impressions later.

Overall I am pleased with the DS and I believe Nintendo will strongly support this and the third party supporters will not stray.
 
System: B+. Weighs a bit more than I expected, though I don't find it as awkward to hold as I would have thought. Size is no problem for me, though.

Launch games: C-. I say this because there's not a single launch game I wanted. Mr. Driller is the only game in the "launch window" that I even have interest in. Come February, all the good stuff will start rolling in. I hope.
 
[quote name='David85']I have only played it for a few minutes but two things that really bother me.

No analog stick. The D-Pad is a joke, there is only 4 points to go on it, they could have at least put a round one with 8 points of movement.

The big BIG problem would have to be the buttons. Can Nintendo place them any closer together and make them any smaller? The GBA ones were small enough, but hell, we are going to make a more mature system and make the buttons so small only 4 year olds can play it.[/quote]

The question I ask everyopne that complains about the buttons. Do you have a hard time using the d-pad? The spacing is the same do you accidentally push left instead of up? or vice versa?

I mean I just dont get it?

*edit looks like I was beat to this concept.


I pesonally dont have a lot of interest in handheld games and didnt play my GBA sp more than two charges in the year i had it! I hade about 6 games for it also.

Now with the DS I have gotten to charge it twice in the week period and its beena busy week for me with the holiday. I would give it an A-/B+ due to the fact that everything can always be improved.

Feel the Magic is exactly that. Magic.

Spiderman 2 was ok, then my saves got erased and I am starting over. I like it this second time through much more (now that I have gotten used to the controls, I have yet to be it though)

So far so good.
 
[quote name='dafoomie']I'm a bit annoyed by the lack of GB/GBC support. I have enough funds for either a replacement Xbox (DVD is starting to go) or a DS. That, combined with a lack of titles, makes me want the new Xbox now and wait on the DS.

The system has unlimited potential, but the jury is out until we see some quality 3rd party games. As far as hardware goes, there are some legit complaints, such as the d-pad. I don't fault them for not putting analog on a portable, especially with the touchscreen there, but there should have been an 8 way d-pad, no question about it. I'd love to have seen the touch screen cover removable and replacable by the user, since it seems like it'll get scratched up over time. I think this will be the big problem with the DS. But overall, I like what they've done.[/quote]

I suggest everyone go buy screen protectors for their DS's. I have them for my Palm and my SP and they work great. I bought a DS accessory pack from Gamestop that included 2 screen covers, 2 stylus, earphones, a case that holds 6 games, a car charger/adapter and a cloth to wipe the screen for 20 bucks. This purchase was more important to me than the games. I waited to open my DS (Still have not opened it, work, football, etc) b/c I was concerned about scrathing the screens.
 
I'm gonna wait on a redesign with an analog stick. They re-made the gba and the n-gage so why not the DS.

Based on the system now I can not give it any higher than a C. There are no good games available for it that I don't already have on N64.
 
Well I only played it for a few minutes at Gamecrazy and I tried Metroid but from what I played I didn't like. Now I know I'm a Nintendo fanboy and all but I hated the Metroid controls, however I didn't try any other games but I would guess Mario is good. So from what I was able to play, I would give it a C. I'm sure I would like it more if I tried Mario though,
 
Alright, I thought for sure that this thing was going to be a lame gimmick with a little charm. Nintendo had just come off trying to push GBA/GCN "connectivity," which IMO was and is a lame gimmick/ripoff. The fans were the test subjects of that expensive experiment, and that was not cool. I felt that maybe this (DS) would be the same thing.

Despite all of that, I still went out and bought one because I loved Mario 64, and have always dreamed of having a portable version. I purchased a DS, M64 DS, and Feel the Magic. I have put a good 10+ hours playing a little bit of everything, including the Metroid demo.

I have to say that the DS has blown me away. Graphics, sound, and quality all are top notch. Mario 64 DS, and Feel the Magic are two fantastic launch games, and IMO worth the price of adminsion alone. The touch screen isn't a gimmick, it truly is a fantastic idea. The mini-games in Mario 64 DS are a 10 in fun factor.

Pro, and Cons of the DS....

+Graphics, Sound, and all around quality are great
+Great use of the touch screen presented in FtM, and M64 DS
+Despite what I've read Mario 64 controls great for me (I use standard mode)
+If Nintendo, and other developer show as much support for this as they did the GBA I feel that the Ds will be one of the best systems of all time.
+Game cases!!!!
+Backlight!!!!
+Fantastic looking GBA play!!


Cons..
-Not sure how long this touch screen will last.
-The Metroid demo has control issues
-The touch setting in mario 64 has no physical response, resulting in constant thumb replacing.
-The stylus is really, really small
-No sign of strong support outside of Nintendo, and Sega (but it's very early in the DS life cycle)
-Not good for people under 15 (unless they're really good about taking care of things)

Overall score... 9.5!

Basically I just hope Nintendo made these touch screens VERY durable, or that they come out with first party screen protectors. Also I hope just because the system has a touch screen that developers don't feel too preassured to use, and opt not to bring great games to the DS. So the main issues are... screen durability, and outside support.

One last thing.... GIVE US ONLINE PLAY!!
 
[quote name='sevdustflyer']I'm gonna wait on a redesign with an analog stick. They re-made the gba and the n-gage so why not the DS.

Based on the system now I can not give it any higher than a C. There are no good games available for it that I don't already have on N64.[/quote]

That probably won't happen, all the old games won't be compatible as that they won't have the programming for an analog stick.
 
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