Handheld Gaming

I’ve been investing most of my time lately into various games across the 3DS and Vita. I actually haven’t turned on any of my consoles in a while and haven’t done anything on my computer aside from some Minecraft once or twice a week. It’s interesting because I used to be mainly a PC gamer before shifting more towards consoles and now I’m focusing on handhelds mostly. I doubt that I’m making that kind of shift again but I think it’s interesting to note. Anyways, here is what I’ve been playing lately.

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3DS

Keen and I really enjoyed Donkey Kong Country Returns back when it was on the Wii and now several years later it’s available in a portable form. It still looks great and the new 3D is a nice touch, even if there are some instances of ghosting. The greatest thing about it would be the controls, or rather the lack of motion controls. In the Wii version I believe you were required to shake the remote in order to perform a roll and that was maddening. There’s also a new mode with some additional items and more health, essentially an easy mode, but I elected to go through the first time in the classic mode, which is just like the Wii version. For some reason it seems way more difficult than I remember but I’m enjoying it so far, aside from the time attack challenges which are rage-inducing. I’m looking forward to trying out the new world that they added into this version.

Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons

I love the classic 2D Zelda games and I was thrilled when they released them onto the eShop this past Thursday. I actually still have both of my GBC carts and they are in pretty pristine condition. The only problem is my Gameboy Advance won’t charge up but now that they are available on the 3DS I suppose it really doesn’t matter. This actually reminds me that I’m really excited for the new LttP game coming up in the future. Hopefully that delivers a solid 2D Zelda experience.

Persona 4 Golden
Persona 4 Golden

Persona 4 Golden

I didn’t know what to think of this game and the only thing I knew was that it’s super popular. Having never played a game from the MegaTen series (Or off-shoot game) I really had no idea what to expect other than possibly a heavy dose of weeaboo material but I gave it a try anyway and I’m really glad I did. The game has a very fascinating mix of turned based RPG and some kind of social life-sim/time management system. I honestly never figured I would get so into this game but I’ve already sunk 60+ hours into it and now I’m VERY curious about past Persona games and other Shin Megami Tensei titles.

Upcoming Games

When listing future games that interest me I find that not much in my immediate future is found on anything but a handheld system. Currently I’ve looking forward to Project X Zone, Shin Megami Tensei IV, definitely Animal Crossing: New Leaf, the Jak & Daxter Collection, Muramasa Rebirth, and Rune Factory 4. 

So yeah, pretty much all portable titles. Maybe the reason I’m only finding interesting stuff on my 3DS and Vita is due to the fact that we’re kinda in a transition period between console generations, but I don’t feel that bothered by it because I have plenty to do.

  • I personally like “999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors” and then I’m working through its sequel right now, Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward.

    I also plan to go through Fire Embelm: Awakening, Hotel Dusk: Room 215, Last Window: Secret of Cape West.

    Between those I have so many hours of portable gaming. You should try them. Lots of them have multiple endings and so on.

  • I also purchased Oracle of Seasons, and having never played any of the older Zelda titles, I’m having a lot of fun. Lots less hand-holding and much more “you need to talk to everyone to figure it out” and I like that. It’s getting to the point that I can’t WAIT for the new Animal Crossing. I’ve been watching videos of other people play and visit other towns. I know that eventually I’ll get bored of it because it’s probably the same formula, but I haven’t played animal crossing since the Gamecube I think. I haven’t done much research on Rune Factory 4, but I don’t think my heart can take much more hype this month so I’m keeping my eyes off of it until I have Animal Crossing, at least.

  • I like donkey kong, but do not have a 3ds.
    Played it a lot back on the SNES.

    Persona 4 golden. I played persona 4 on the PS2. Great game indeed. The music the interaction with the characters and the athmosphere. Combat aint bad either.
    Personally I liked part 3 better.

    What I did like about the vita release of 4 is that it supposely looks better and the persona merge system is less complicated. (that kind of annoyed me in persona 3 and 4)

  • Btw have you played farcry 3 blood dragon on pc?
    I did not like farcry 3 that much.. Farcry 2 felt better to me.

    Started playing blood dragon yesterday… and yes the 80ties humor makes me smirk and its a joy to play. Not serious like farcry 3, but fun and over the top.
    The way the guy you play reacts to events is fun to. “tutorial: running is like walking only faster” Your guy in a sarcastic tone… REAALLLLLY? oh come on.

    I have seen it online for as low as 2.5 euros for the USA version. And 5 for the EU one.

  • Both of the Zelda games are a great buy at $4.99 each. I finished Oracle of Seasons years ago, but never got around to Oracle of Ages.

  • I’m way more excited about the new animal crossing then I have any right to be. I just appreciate the new game experience. All the FPSes and AAA big budget console/pc releases get tiring after awhile.

  • I played Persona 3 on the PS2 way back. It was probably the only Jrpg I played that I enjoyed. The story line was intriguing and quite spooky. The game i found a bit too long but it was definitely interesting building your social connections and corresponding spells and powers.Combat was challenging too.

    Recommend it and the music stuck with me, i still play the soundtrack from the game in itunes.

  • I’m super excited about SMT 4. I recently discovered the series in the past year or so and have been devouring all the SMT and spin offs I can get my hands on.

    I love the combination of traditional RPG, plus the team building strategy required to exploit enemies weaknesses.