What is your (1) biggest complaint about the DS?

[Nights]

Mine would be the wasted potential of the DS in the majority of games that have been shown. I want to see why this is so cool through the games are so cool. I would like to be able to say this game would suck without dual screens, this game is so awesome because of the touchscreen in the gameplay, etc...

This is my biggest nitpick on the system.

[Kliq]

Judging from screenshots, the second screen doesn't do much for some games. Maybe its just because some developers are lazy or maybe its because there isn't much to do with it. I don't know, but I don't want to see a closeup of a character's face on the bottom screen.

[Nights]

I can think of games that it would be revolutionary.

Magic the Gathering DS.

Top screen shows whats on the table and is shared through wireless.
Bottom screen shows your hand and lets you sellect what to do with mana/tapping/etc by simply touching (to select a card or declare your attack phase)/double touching(to activate abilities or declare a card an attacker) the cards you want to do things with. The touch screen wouldn't be seen by your competitor. This would be amazing!

If I can think of these ideas, why can't I see them in games?

[neo999955]

My majo gripe is basically Nights, although the system has capabilities to make some truely unique games, none have been shown yet, I had some examples from before E3, what did I do with them?

Here we are

The Nintendo DS has raised a lot of eyebrows with its uniqueness, and everyone is just waiting to see how the final product turns out, when we all finally get our hands on the games. One of the major questions with the DS’s new and unique features is whether or not any games will actually utilize the touch screen, microphone, two screens, or several of them used together in any way that isn’t gimmicky, or actually plays an important part of the game instead of simply showcasing a menu on one screen with touch capabilities, a la Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles.

The idea of two screens is not new, and is being used on the Nintendo GameCube, but only two games have actually used the connection correctly; The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords and Pac Man Vs.. The difference between connectivity and the DS, however, is that the reason two screens were needed for the Zelda and Pac Man was that each player needed their own personal screen, something that the GameBoy, PSP, and N-Gage already provide. In fact only two DS demos at E3 actually gave a good use of the systems capabilities; Pac-Pix and PictoChat. Unfortunately PictoChat is not a game, instead an instant messaging service, and Pac-Pix, while clever in design, isn’t enough to warrant a full game. So the question becomes will any games utilize the DS and its capabilities as part of the gameplay experience, or not, well I have thought about it and came up with a few ideas that make use of the dual screens. Keep in mind these aren’t full games, and I haven’t thought an entire game through, rather a direction one could take with a game’s gameplay.

The first comes in the form of a puzzle-platforming game, yes like Mario, but slightly different. The game would take place in real time in both regular gameplay and in death. Let me explain, during the regular game you could have the main game take place in 3-D on the bottom screen (using the touch screen if needed) with the top being used to display items, health, objectives, maps, etc.. The difference is that when you die, instead of just coming back at the beginning of the level like regular, the game actually continues, on the top screen. While you are dead the game will continues (scrolling or events still transpiring), but you will be dead on the bottom screen, and will have to complete a mini-game to return to life. The mini-games would serve as breaks from gameplay, but also to challenge as the score you get in the mini-game (1-100) will serve as the percentage of health you return with, and while you’re playing the mini-game the clues for upcoming puzzles will go by making it necessary to juggle the mini-game and game at once. How exactly the hints would play out would be up to the developer, but they could serve as bonuses for when you return (items, power-ups, etc.), essential knowledge to continue (forcing you to go back if you missed the hints while you were dead), or clues to puzzles, monsters, where to go, etc. Although this would have to be refined and altered to suit the game, it could prove to be a new, challenging, and fun game that could only be done the Nintendo DS.

The second would be a real time strategy game, and a challenging one. Think of two alien races at war with each other, and a third neutral race standing on the side lines, secretly waiting to take over both races, or have them destroy each other. Well the neutral race decides to take matters in its own hands, and assigns two spies in the opposing races governments to complete the task. The player would control both spies and would have control of the war (how much control would depend on how high up the rankings they are), and you would have to keep track of both sides simultaneously, with the spy you are currently using on the bottom screen in 3-D and touch screen control (it’s a strategy game), and the top screen showing your second spy keeping you up to date on everything happening on his/her side via real time updates (both text and footage). The player would have to alternate between the two and arrange battles and attacks to help each other out and raise each other into a high enough position to either rule the race entirely (King) or to have enough power to effectively abolish the races army in a massive battle to lose (Executive General or something). The game would be rather open ended and have several ways to complete, but you’d have to constantly watch out of getting discovered.

My last idea once again involves two people, one per screen, but you only control one this time around. The bottom screen would have you (in 3-D), and the top screen would have a slightly shaded and less clear view of the other character (in 2-D). Perhaps the two are twins and you can somewhat see what your twin is doing (would have to be explained through story line, I like two twins), but you can’t see them clearly which could make up for the fact that only one screen can actually be in 3-D. You would be the good guy, while your twin would be evil, and trying to destroy the city. Now your objective is to stop your menacing twin by foiling all of his/her nasty plans. Your not a super hero sadly, and you have no abilities a regular person has except some items possibly and that you can somewhat see what your twin is up to on the top screen. The game would involve you running around stopping your twins plans as he/she goes about wrecking havoc at the same time on the top screen, requiring you to watch what your doing (stopping the plans would clearly be puzzle oriented), while keeping an eye on your twin so you know where to go next, and possibly get some hints on how to stop his/her nasty deeds from transpiring. The puzzles difficulty and amount of puzzles would increase, with the time limit standing at a five minute or so time limit for each level (giving plenty of time for the first few levels, but requiring you to be on your toes for the later ones). The game could be very fun, and frustrating as you time runs out on you in the later levels making you have to try a few times again to advance to the next level. A possible sequel, or maybe part of the same game, could involve the positions switched as you are the bad guy who has to survive the limit, while having somewhat view of the good guy on the top screen, setting up some puzzles and traps to keep him/her from catching up to you.

These ideas obviously would need some work to successfully work in a game, however, I believe if they were made correctly, could prove to be very fun, challenging, and possible only on the DS thanks to it’s features. These mainly focus on the two screens because I believe that the touch screen and microphone can play an essential part of gameplay, but serve more as additions to gameplay (in most cases, a la Wario Ware DS), where as two screens can entirely change a game like the examples above. These are only a few ideas, and hopefully more, and better, games will come out on DS using it’s abilities in more than a gimmicky way, since the possibilities are enormous.

[GleefulFarewell]

my only problem with the DS...is its graphics...

[Cofey]

I really don't have any problems with it as it stands, except (as has been said before) for the lack of major use of the unique features. However, I'm quite sure that this won't be an issue for very long. I think the games are going to get much better throughout its lifetime.

[Bloodman]

The touch screen not being utilized and graphics. But im gonna stay with it since it's definetily gonna get better.

[neo999955]

The touch screen not being utilized and graphics. But im gonna stay with it since it's definetily gonna get better.

Me too, and there's only one thing they had to show me, Animal Crossing, especially with the possibility of online play, dear God, ugh, RE4 can't even match that. And (yeah take that English teachers, God I need help) "new" pokemon games are always a plus and since none of the above will be out before Christmas I'm telling my father to get me Super Mario 64 DS with it so i guess that's a plus. Oh and Final Fantasy might also find it's way into my possession as well as Another, it's just so purty.

[Backlash]

Mine's the same as most people. No real innovative uses for any of the features... yet.

[OutlawAdidas]

speed and graphics. I want at least 1 million polygons and 100mhz on each processor, but I'm cool with wat we have now

[dncardman]

I'm just worying if the 2nd screen will actuually be used well in future games, also it would still be nice to have a analouge stick.

[Bloodman]

I'm just worying if the 2nd screen will actuually be used well in future games, also it would still be nice to have a analouge stick.

the directional pad is gonna work well, you'll see.

[Cofey]

^There's also the thumbstrap peripheral, but I don't know how well that'll work. We'll just have to wait and see.

[Prince]

Wasted potential. The whole thing with touch screen and 2nd screen is nothing more then a novelty at this point. No games are really making good use of it, including Nintendo's games.

Lack of analog stick, and weak graphics are two of my other complaints.

[OnBake Platinum]

I wish the graphics were better too.

[Viper]

I agree they should have amped up the graphics but it's not that big a deal for me...others it will be.

My biggest gripe is a tie between minimal 2nd screen usage for actual gameplay and no online out of the box, LAN is but not online.

I've seen some great usage of the second screen and the touch feature from several devs, including Nintendo. Mario 64 DS does some great stuff in multiplayer that made my jaw drop. MPH: First Hunt uses them for mouse like control and it looked great. Ridge Racer will use it for analog control. It was said to be even more accurate than analog sticks.

I just would rather see more of this stuff and online from the start.

[Vishus]

Well I still feel for $150 they can do more. I don't like how the two screen idea doesn't seem to be bringing out a crapload from some developers, but I don't think they should get rid of some hardware concept just because it isn't being used. Thats like not having online just because only a minority use it.

[IEatFriedPikmin]

I can think of games that it would be revolutionary.

Magic the Gathering DS.

Top screen shows whats on the table and is shared through wireless.
Bottom screen shows your hand and lets you sellect what to do with mana/tapping/etc by simply touching (to select a card or declare your attack phase)/double touching(to activate abilities or declare a card an attacker) the cards you want to do things with. The touch screen wouldn't be seen by your competitor. This would be amazing!

If I can think of these ideas, why can't I see them in games?

i dont know. i wouldnt really consider that innovative. All you are doing is touching the screen to select things, which is what a lot of games will be doing. And games like madden allow other players to not see your plays.

I have a few complaints.

Like Nights said, i think the only company that is going to make innovative uses with the DS is Nintendo, and other 2nd party companies. I havent seen anything that great from anyone else. Ridge Racer looks pretty cool though.

I am worried about how comfortable it will be for left handers like myself. I know games will offer a control style that will let you use the a,b,x,y buttons as d-pad, but it will still feel awkward for a little while playing games that way.

I am worried about online as well, because i dont know much about it.

I am worried about graphics. When i first heard sims was going to be on it, i was expecting PC/GC style. That would have been great using the touchscreen to easily control your people. But we get the GBA version instead.

[pac4life]

if the case was more reflective, i would be sexier, but thas not a complaint more like a suggestion..
any way, complaints are no online out of box, inferior graphuis and not good use of dual screns...they make good use of touch screen, ive seen movies, it looks awesome what they do with that, but not with dual screens...also i want to see better games, no "remake" is gonna get me a ds yet...im waiting for something like animal crossing or something i would play multiplayer a lot with, like a potential smash bros.

[Viper]

No good usage of the dual or touch screens??? I take back what I said in my post. I just watched a bunch of vids today. Innovative like crazy. THAT is what gameplay is all about. I'm going to say it....fuck the graphics. The gameplay will make up for it. Watch some of the new games and see for yourself.


No online straight from the box is now my only complaint.

[Michael]

I was wondering what everyone was taking about with it not being innovative...my gripes, analog stick...and well...that's it for right now, Graphics are definatly gonna get better, so why bitch now...Online...hotspots...I need my house to be a hotspot, until I can achieve this goal, online can wait...because I'd have to go downtown to play online, which is far...

[Teh Roxor!]

Umm... the uses of the touch screen have been impressive to me, at least.(The way MP:H is controlled is awesome.)

My biggest complaint? Screen size. The PSP has a huge screen. Of course, I haven't actually held the thing... so I can't be sure how well it works with the size it has now.

[Vishus]

The fact that is has two screens and one of them touch is amazing. Its just that people look at games where they can't think outside of the box as much. If a developer can't do that then that's their problem, not Nintendo.

[Gopherchux]

I'm not gonna bitch til I see it in action with my own eyes.

Then, if there's a problem, I'll complain.

[prime_timer]

I guess developers not thinking of any bitchin ways to utilize the 2nd screen. Its either just a map, a score tally, or pretty pictures. Im sure we'll see more stuff down the road, tho

[Generosity of God]

my only complaint isnt about the system or the games. its about the availability of wifi hotspots in my area. im in australia and internet searches only show places in sydney and other capital cities that i dont live anywhere near. and i probably wont be getting it for my house for a long while yet.

[footchicken]

My biggest complaint is that the system isn't out yet.

[Backlash]

my only complaint isnt about the system or the games. its about the availability of wifi hotspots in my area. im in australia and internet searches only show places in sydney and other capital cities that i dont live anywhere near. and i probably wont be getting it for my house for a long while yet.
That's ok, because apparently no launch games are gonna have online play. And when you do get a wireless router hopefully some great online games are avaliable.

[Generosity of God]

well i remember a while back that pictochat was meant to be released with the system. is that still happening? or is that only a lan game? maybe they dont count it as a game

[FastBullet]

i say that the wireless capabilities could be used more better.

[OutlawAdidas]

the wireless capabilities are be used....to the max. Don't forgot Wifi lan...through a hotspot

[pac4life]

No good usage of the dual or touch screens??? I take back what I said in my post. I just watched a bunch of vids today. Innovative like crazy. THAT is what gameplay is all about. I'm going to say it....fuck the graphics. The gameplay will make up for it. Watch some of the new games and see for yourself.


No online straight from the box is now my only complaint.


i said no innovation with dual screens.
if you read my post, i said very innovative with touch screen.

[OutlawAdidas]

Gaemon or watever its called did a very good job with the two screens

[koten]

My biggest complaint is that the system isn't out yet.

What he said.

[Viper]

i said no innovation with dual screens.
if you read my post, i said very innovative with touch screen.
Sorry, I posted after you but that was more or less a general statement to all that are saying that, wasn't supposed to be directed at you, sorry.

[bobo_ess]

I can think of games that it would be revolutionary.

Magic the Gathering DS.

Top screen shows whats on the table and is shared through wireless.
Bottom screen shows your hand and lets you sellect what to do with mana/tapping/etc by simply touching (to select a card or declare your attack phase)/double touching(to activate abilities or declare a card an attacker) the cards you want to do things with. The touch screen wouldn't be seen by your competitor. This would be amazing!

If I can think of these ideas, why can't I see them in games?


that would be cool. If they had this on the DS, i would so buy it.

[dork]

my biggest complaint is that it won't be free

[pac4life]

Sorry, I posted after you but that was more or less a general statement to all that are saying that, wasn't supposed to be directed at you, sorry.

lol none taken. my bad.

[forfungamer]

That's ok, because apparently no launch games are gonna have online play. And when you do get a wireless router hopefully some great online games are avaliable.

Wait a minute...

I thought almost every launch game was online... What is the difference between wi-fi and internet? (if there is one)