I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend and be one of the first people in the country to play with Nintendo’s latest portable device.

My first hands-on impressions of the Nintendo 3DS and a general overview of the spectacular launch party are right after the jump!

The official South African launch event for the Nintendo 3DS was held at La Toscana in Monte Casino last night. I must say, I was impressed.

Nintendo South Africa seemed to pull out all of the stops for the 3DS launch with soothing lighting, crazy visuals, Cirque Du Soleil-esque performers (believe it), an open bar, hot 3DS demo girls (and guys) and, of course, the chance to play with the Nintendo 3DS itself!

This event was probably one of the best product launch events I have been to – kudos to the organisers, you did a really fantastic job *High Five*. However, as good as the performances, food and bodacious 3DS models were, the star of the show was none other than the Nintendo 3DS… *Cue promotional video*

Truth be told, I was skeptical about the device’s capabilities. Having read a lot about Parallax Barriers (the 3D tech used in the 3DS) I was mentally convinced that Nintendo would not be able to pull off a satisfying portable 3D experience. Boy was I mistaken!

Although I may not be an audio visual expert, I do believe that I have a fair amount of experience with the current iteration of 3D technology available in the marketplace today (I have a gorgeous 63 inch active shutter glasses Full HD 3D television that I use daily). With that said, I believe that Nintendo has done a sterling job with the 3DS. There is really something beautiful about being able to enjoy 3-Dimensional content without the need for any additional attachments or peripherals.

In terms of 3D, the 3DS uses a Parallax Barrier screen to provide a 3-Dimensional effect:

A parallax barrier is a device placed in front of an image source, such as a liquid crystal display, to allow it to show a stereoscopic image without the need for the viewer to wear 3D glasses. Placed in front of the normal LCD, it consists of a layer of material with a series of precision slits, allowing each eye to see a different set of pixels, so creating a sense of depth through parallax in an effect similar to what lenticular printing produces for printed products. A disadvantage of the technology is that the viewer must be positioned in a well defined spot to experience the 3D effect.

(Wikipedia 2011)

The only other device I have used with a Parallax Barrier screen is Fujitsu’s FinePix REAL 3D camera. Of course that was about a year ago and although the technology worked, it was still very much in its infancy (it still is actually) and was more of a gimmick than a functional improvement. The same cannot be said for Nintendo’s 3DS.

Although the Nintendo 3DS still suffers from some of the same drawbacks associated with parallax barriers, most notably with regards to poor viewing angles (goodbye screen sharing), the 3D effect provided by the device was exceptionally good. In fact, I was taken aback by how well it functioned.

Each and every unit I used, including the first device I picked up and inadvertently “broke” by unintentionally placing it into development mode by pressing the ‘home’ button (turns out the 3DS demo units were exactly that, demo units), provided a great 3D experience. Just as long as you kept the unit fairly still and within about 30 centimeters from your face; like under normal operating practices. However, I did find that any sudden jolts or moving the device further than about a rulers length away from your direct line of sight, would result in a loss of the 3D effect and cause a weird cross eyed feeling as your eyes try to adjust to “what the heck just happened”.

Although the 3D effect is very good and remains quite constant, I am still bothered by the small viewing angle within which the 3D sweet spot lies. Granted it does not make much of an impact if you are sitting or standing still, but it remains to be seen how well this 3D effect will be able to perform when one uses the device while travelling. After all, this is what a portable gaming device is all about. Thankfully the 3DS does have a 3D-Slider which allows one to turn the 3D effect off completely or boost the effect to its maximum.

Despite the issue of a 3D sweet spot, the size of the device and the enlarged 16:8 formatted screen, made the overall game playing experience both worthwhile and intensely pleasurable. In fact it made each and every game on display feel fresh and ‘alive’, whether the games were new or simply 3D remakes. In my short experience with the device, I would place the graphical fidelity of the 3DS to be roughly equivalent to that of the Nintendo Wii.

The twin 3D cameras and the internal face camera allow for some pretty cool “on the fly” morphing effects in both games and general use. However, things really become interesting when the cameras are used for more than just taking and editing photographs.

Possibly one of the coolest aspects of the 3DS is the devices ability to merge an augmented reality scenario with a 3-Dimensional experience. A perfect example of this is the demo of how the 3DS turned an ordinary playing card, which was emblazoned with a yellow box and a question mark, into a fully fledged game playing experience. The opportunities for this kind of a setup are limitless. I cannot tell you how excited I am about the possibility of an augmented reality 3D Pokémon game. Just the thought gives me a geekasm! This is the future of gaming!

Although my time with the device was short, the experience has been long lasting. In a way, Nintendo has spoiled me. For when I look at my phone or any of my other portable devices, I cannot help but wish that they too could have 3D screens. In short, I will most probably end up buying one on launch day and when I do I will offer my personal verdict on whether or not it is worth owning.

Nintendo 3DS: South African Launch Event VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

For those who are interested, the Nintendo 3DS will officially go on sale in South Africa on Friday 25th March 2011 – just three weeks from today – for a suggested pocket busting retail price of R2799. Yes, that price is quite steep. You could buy an Xbox 360 4GB (R2399) or even a Nintendo Wii (R2499) and an accompanying game for that price. Games for the 3DS are similarly priced and are suggested to sell for about R499 each. I thought it would be worth mentioning that the Nintendo 3DS will retail for about $250 in the USA and between £150 – £230 in the UK (depending on the retailer).

A variety of games will be available at launch with over 30 games being made available for the Nintendo 3DS between 25th March 2011 and June 2011.

Personally, I really like the Nintendo 3DS and I believe Nintendo have done a fine job of, once again, redefining the mobile gaming arena. However, do not just take my word for it. Make a plan and head on over to Skoobs in Monte Casino anytime from 16:00 (4pm) until 20:00 (8pm) today for a sneak peek and some hands-on action with the Nintendo 3DS!

I hope you all enjoyed this post and I look forward to hearing your comments about the device.

I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to everyone who contributed towards allowing me to be a part of such a fun filled event. Thank you!

Until the next time Milieunairs!

For the first time I will attempt to “Live Blog” the event as it happens – from 18:00 (6pm) GMT+2. Please bear in mind that I have never done anything like this before. So it remains to be seen whether or not this will be a “hit or miss” endeavour. Nevertheless, I look forward to your feedback.

If you are interested, the Live Blog is right after the jump.

I will also be Tweeting the event. So if you have a Twitter account you may follow my updates via @HansHaupt. Additionally, the official Twitter hashtag is #N3DS.

I hope you enjoyed this attempt at something new.

Until the next time Milieunairs!

This entry is focussed on stop-motion Lego filmography. A hobby which no doubt exists for people who really have nothing better to do with their time. Regardless, it really is very cool, especially when done properly.

Alex Kobbs is one of these stop-motion Lego fanatics. He has spent the last six years creating a Halo themed 25-minute short, based on Halo’s Zanzibar map, completely out of Lego. How awesomely insane is that?!

The short film is called The Battle of the Brick and features ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ battling it out *Halo fan high five*. The completed video is expected to hit the Web in early 2010, but for now you can have a look at the tantalising trailer:

If  Lego stop-motion filmography is your thing, you can follow the progress of Kobbs’ work at the Kooberz Studio Blog.

That’s not all folks. I have one more fantastic piece of Lego filmography to share with you.

Every gamer and geek who has watched The Matrix will agree that it is one of the best science fiction and action movies of all time. However, you have not seen anything until you see The Matrix lovingly created in Lego stop-motion!

In honour of the 10th anniversary of The Matrix, a group of fans recreated nearly 900 frames of the film. The entire sequence is animated without any additional effects. What this means, is that the short was filmed ‘in camera’ without the aid of wire removal, Photoshop or any additional special effects; other than what can be created with the Lego blocks themselves. Very impressive stuff! The entire project is said to have taken around 440 hours to complete. For more information and additional videos detailing the projects immensity, check out www.LegoMatrix.com.

How cool would a Lego Matrix game be?! *Waits patiently for Travellers Tales to scoop the rights to create the game*

Until the next ‘blocky’ post “Milieunairs”!

Bioshock 2? No, this photograph is not a screen capture of the sequel to 2007’s sleeper hit. It is, in fact, an amazingly designed cosplay creation.

This incredible Big Daddy and Little Sister cosplay combination was created by none other than the now infamous Harrison Krix – who previously created a replica of the Little Sister ADAM syringe. To say that this man is merely talented, is truly a vast understatement.

I finally lost my mind enough to try to tackle one of these big guys. For those unfamiliar, Big Daddy’s are the protectors of the Little Sisters in Rapture, an underwater city devoid of morality which has degenerated into chaos and insanity. They are huge, fast, strong, and as it turns out, a solid pain in the ass to build.

- Harrison Krix (2009)

After eight weeks of work, Krix officially unveiled his creation with a magnificent photographic gallery taken at an aquarium in Georgia in the United States. Although no where near as hot as the Pikachu cosplay I previously reported on, his work is by no means any less impressive. Check it out!

View Full Album

Even cooler, it turns out that Krix is actually the man in the Big Daddy suit, with the Little Sister being represented by his fiancé and soon to be wife. Furthermore, Krix owns and runs Volpin Props, a replica and prop design studio and workshop. Subsequently he does do commission work *cue geekasm’s*, but is said to be quite busy until the second half of 2010.

I can honestly say, that I would love a Big Daddy costume. Even if only to run around the backyard tormenting our hyperactive Bouvier pup! One can dream…

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

(As seen on Kotaku, via MaximumPC)

“Wild Pikachu appeared!
Go Metapod!
Metapod used Harden!
Enemy Pikachu used Flash!
Metapod used String Shot!”

(Comment by Kotaku User: DJC89, 29 July 2009)

As a self-confessed Pokémon fan, I could not resist sharing the above photograph with all of you.

I may not be into costume role-playing (cosplay) but if Miss Pikachu is anything to go by, or her friends for that matter, I may very well have to re-evaluate my stance on the subject… *loses focus and drools slightly onto the keyboard*

View Full Album

For those who do not know; Cosplay, short for "costume role-play", is a type of performance art whereby participants outfit themselves with an elaborate costume of some kind, which is often adorned with theme specific accessories, that represents a specific character, idea or theme.

Cosplay participants ("cosplayers") form a subculture centered around wearing their costumes and re-enacting scenes or inventing likely behaviour inspired by their chosen sources. In some circles, the term cosplay has been broadened to include simply wearing a costume, without special consideration given to enacting characters in a performance context.

(Wikipedia, 2009)

So you see, having nerdish tendencies is not all bad. Admittedly a little strange, but not as bad as the stereotype would have you believe.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

This has been the first year that I have managed to stream and successfully watch all three E3 press briefings from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony. Yesterday was Nintendo and Sony’s chance to shine, given how Microsoft blew everyone away. So, how were the other conferences?

Oh my guava! Nintendo never stood a chance! For a company which has always been proud of innovation and catering for children, this was most probably one of the most boring conferences I have ever seen. Not just mind numbing, but also completely lacklustre. What happened to the spark that Nintendo used to always have? The energy and playful youthfulness? Instead there were just ‘suits’, talking in monotonous tones and droning on about sequel after sequel after sequel *yawn*. What happened Nintendo?

The following constitutes the main and most exciting Nintendo announcements:

• Facebook photo uploads for the DSi
• Wii Remote Plus – adding precision and functions which should have been there from the start
• New Wii Titles: Super Mario Wii, Metroid Prime M, Wii Sports Resort (successor to Wii Sports), Super Mario Galaxy 2
• New DS titles: Kingdom Hearts, Golden Sun, COP: The Recruit, Mario VS Donkey Kong,
• Biggest announcement: Wii Vitality Sensor

Okay, so let us get something straight. The biggest and best announcement for Nintendo’s E3 showing, which will apparently usher in a new era of game play, was… a heart rate monitor?! Are you kidding me? Seriously? Seriously! Nintendo, what the heck? I can just imagine what it will be like:

“Hey, who is up for some Wii? Let’s play. Oh, but wait, before we do, let’s check our ‘vitals’ to see if we’re healthy enough. You can never take your health too seriously you know, what with Ronald McDonald and all”. Alternatively, “I’m  sorry little Johnny, but you can’t play Wii anymore. The Wii Vitality sensor says your heart might explode if you do”. Oh yeah, fun times – The Wii Vitality: Every obese child’s worst nightmare!

Granted, if you are a devout Nintendo fan you would most likely have enjoyed the press conference, especially the announcement of the new Metroid and Mario games. Granted some of the announced games do look good, but only less than a handful are exclusive to the Wii. The rest can be found on other more capable consoles. In the end, I stand by my opinion that Nintendo’s conference was the most uninspiring of the three. Better luck next time!

After Nintendo’s dismal showing, anything Sony did would have been great. Thankfully, Sony didn’t disappoint.

Last night, just as the Sony press conference started, we had a power outage. Turns out that one of the ‘phases’ from the municipality blew out. Thankfully we have a three ‘phase’ house, so we switched the main power over to one of the other ‘phases’. As a result, and after an hour of mild *cough* cursing, I finally managed to watch the show.

Sony’s conference was great. From the fantastic club beat, before the show started, to the announcement of over 364 new games, over the three available Sony platforms, I was left feeling pleasantly surprised. In truth, Sony did a good job of making the show as flashy as possible. Even so, it paled in comparison to Microsoft’s E3 press event, which featured celebrities, exclusive announcements and technology that is truly revolutionary.

The following constitutes the main and most exciting Sony announcements:

• PSP-Go officially announced: $250, 50% smaller, 40% lighter, Bluetooth, 16GB internal memory, Memory Stick Micro support, slide form factor, no UMD drive
• Most notable PSP game announcements: Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Gran Turismo
• Most notable PS3 game announcements: God of War 3, Agent (new Rockstar franchise), Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy XIV Online, Gran Turismo 5, MAG (256 players online), The Last Guardian (New ICO game), Modnation,
• Most surprising announcement: Playstation Motion Controller

The big trend this year was ‘motion control’. Ironic, considering how Nintendo introduced and commercialised motion controls with the Wii while, at the time, both Sony and Microsoft shrugged it off as a ‘gimmick’. Two years later and each of the gaming industries titans now have motion controls of some kind. Go figure!

Sony’s new motion controller resembles a Wii-mote with one major difference… a colour changing golf ball like protrusion on the top. Furthermore, the new controller uses the Playstation eye for motion capture, similar to Microsoft’s Project Natal. In essence, Sony’s motion controller is a mild mix of both the Nintendo Wii-motes and Microsoft’s Project Natal (but no where near as sophisticated). However, and in my opinion, I do believe that Microsoft’s Project Natal is the true evolution of game play mechanics and will emerge as the victor in this battle for motion control supremacy. Just think of what Tom Cruise could do in Minority Report, using just his hands, face and voice – that is Project Natal!

The conferences this year were great. Microsoft completely stole the show, allowing Sony to take a respectable second place while poor Nintendo struggles to learn from past, and current, E3 blunders. Since this has all been about E3 and you all know how it is a dream of mine to go, and since my birthday is in a few days, I thought that I may answer the statement that I have been alluding to.

Next year I will be turning 25, which is a quarter of a century and halfway to fifty. Consequently, for my 25th Birthday, my father has agreed to send me to tour the states for a month or two, as well as to attend E3 (I almost screamed when he told me, I am so excited). The best part? I get to take someone with me to enjoy the experience! How cool is that? Well, when it happens, you can be sure that I will blog and Tweet every moment of it!

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!