Quick Thoughts: Nintendo 2DS

Earlier today Nintendo announced a new iteration of the 3DS called the '2DS'. The 2DS is a cheaper more child friendly version of the 3DS that features a sturdy slate-like design and isn't able to produce a 3D effect (hence the name). The console will cost $150AU which is $50 cheaper then the other 3DS models and will release on October 12th (just in time for Pokemon!).

If any of you seen this coming, I take my hat off to you

If anyone had told me Nintendo would make a 3DS in the shape of a slab and without 3D, I would not have believed them. Even though it looks odd and those of us who use our 3DS XL's on a regular basis would never make the swap, I think it is great for young children who want to play games. The cheaper price makes it the cheapest gaming machine out there (even beating the 8 gig iPod Touch) and the sturdy design is important if small children are going to use it. Also the 3D was a concern for some parents as it is uncertain how children viewing 3D imagery affects their developing eye muscles.

A gaming system that is cheap and gives children access to great games like Pokemon, Zelda and Mario sounds like a good idea to me. Whether you own a 3DS or not, what do you think of the 2DS?

Quick Thoughts: New Pokémon Mega Evolutions

A few days ago Nintendo released information regarding the new mega evolutions in the upcoming Pokémon X and Y. These alternate forms are activated within battle if a Mega-capable Pokémon is holding the correct item in order for it to transform. For example, Lucario must be holding an item called the ‘Lucarionite’ to evolve into its mega form. Each Pokémon receives its own unique boost and bonus when becoming a mega Pokémon; this might be a different move set, ability, increased stats or an elemental type change. Mega Blaziken receives the special ability Speed Boost which makes it faster in battle, Mega Lucario receives an attack stat boost along with the special ability Adaptability and Mega Ampharos receives the special ability Mold Breaker and a change in type to Electric/Dragon.

The new mega evolutions of Blaziken, Lucario and Ampharos 

I think the whole concept of mega evolutions is a great way to mix up the series and give old Pokémon new ways to be utilised in battle. However, I am a little concerned about how they will affect the balancing of the game. If we still want to use a normal Blaziken or Lucario, will it be useless compared to their mega counterparts? If mega evolutions offer an alternate battle strategy, another flavour per say to the original Pokémon I think that could be quite interesting.  Mega Ampharos seems to be this way with only a change in ability and type, but mega forms such Blaziken and Lucario with stat boosts are less interesting to me because they don’t offer any choices, only making the originals less powerful and irrelevant.

Regardless of how they work in battle, they look cool as hell.         

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Drew Agnew is a huge Pokémon fan, if anything could get him excited, it would be new Pokémon titles on the 3DS. Give Drew’s blog ‘Life’s a Game’ some support by popping over and checking out his content and ‘Liking’the Facebook page!!

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