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Tweetbook Q&A: Nintendo 3DS, reviewing games

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Friday, January 21, 2011

Nintendo has finally revealed the 3DS again, for the first time since last year's E3. But the gaming community doesn't seem to be quite as excited.

Nintendo 3DS

Bitmob's own Rob Savillo was at the press event in New York and shared his (disappointed) thoughts this week. (Our Mike Minotti also responded in comic form to those who call the 3DS a "luxury item.") We asked our noble Facebook and Twitter followers for their reactions to the 3DS and if they'll buy one at launch. We also asked for comments on Dennis Scimeca's article about completing games for review, especially lengthy role-playing games.

So check out the responses below, and don't forget to follow Bitmob on Facebook and Twitter for more questions, contests, and news. We do these Tweetbook Q&A articles weekly, so if you want to be featured, keep an eye out and respond!


Are you planning on buying a Nintendo 3DS at launch? Why or why not?

Via Twitter:

@Morinar (Nick Seegmiller): I think the 3DS has grown almost pointless in an age of smartphones. $250 and it only plays games? No thanks.

@HeroesFall (Mark T. Whitney): I preordered a black one the day they announced a firm release date.

 

@vitiosuslepos (Jasmine M. Rea) I've...already pre-ordered one.

@bitmobshoe (Dan Hsu): I still want a 3DS immediately, yeah. What I saw at last E3 impressed me enough. Plus, that's a platform that can't seem to fail.

@bbretterson (Brett Bates): I think I'm going to hold off at launch, depending on my money situation. I'll just play @bitmobshoe's when he's not looking.

@ImTimmyB (Tim Breidenstein): I won't be getting a 3DS at launch mainly because I don't have the money, but there aren't any games I want for it either.

@EvilAvnovice (Evian Machore): Yes. I'm very open to the idea of stereoscopic 3D.

@ibitjuan: $250 for a device which plays games that came out 10 years ago? No thanks.

@acronkyoung: I'm saving up Speedway Rewards points to spend on GameStop gift cards so I can get a 3DS. If it's impossible to get ahold of for too long though, I might be stolen away by the PSP2, as long as Sony plays all their cards right...but they rarely do.

@CosmoRoss (Chris Ross): No, Dan Hsu said he'd buy me one. Wait, was that a dream?

@robidoo: Not at launch. Don't have the money for it, and as was pointed out in the comments, I imagine 2nd gen will iron out the kinks.

@MikersMikers: I'll wait until the 3DSi. Until then, I'm happy gaming on my old DS Lite.

Via Facebook:

Ken Wesley Jr. I'm getting one. Not because of the tech or lineup -- just because waiting for the Wii after launch was such an ordeal. I'm not dealing with online vendors and going to sold-out stores.


Should reviewers always complete the games they review, even the 70-hour RPGs? Why or why not?

Via Twitter:

@HeroesFall (Mark T. Whitney): Yes, they should. For the same reason I wouldn't like a review of Halo: Reach if they only played the first third of it.

@Bryan_Glynn: Absolutely, reviewers should finish the game. So many games hit their high or (more often) low note in the final act.

@ImTimmyB (Tim Breidenstein): If the reviewer absolutely hates a game, why should they have to finish it? I think as long as they give the game a chance, they're OK.

@robidoo: I dunno how the review system works, but I imagine you have a spectrum -- full-time paid reviewers, hobbyist reviewers, etc. So I think it somewhat depends on the reviewer's situation. If it's your job, finish the game. If it's on the side, do what you can.

@bbretterson (Brett Bates): I think they should, but I don't envy them. That's why I try to stay away from RPG reviews.

@demian_linn: Some games you don't have to beat to have a very clear understanding of their quality. (e.g. http://youtu.be/ArWxFvY6zvU)

@Morinar (Nick Seegmiller): Yes. Always. Without fail. If you are reviewing a piece of media, you need to consume the entire thing. End of story.

@johngofett (John McCarroll) I think that there's a huge difference between completion and "mastering" of a game. I completed Fallout: New Vegas in 15 hours. I didn't master it. I think it's a worthwhile effort.

Via Facebook:

Dan Hsu: Depending on whether finishing the game matters to the experience, of course. A story-driven shooter like BioShock? A reviewer better see how that ends! But I don't think anyone would care if a reviewer didn't finish an entire season in a baseball game, for example.


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