Hello Again

Ok, so I've really got to start actually posting. Or something.

I started this thing to be able to write reviews and opinions of stuff. I've got two things I want to write about.

First is the Nintendo DS. I bought one a week ago. At first I kept wanting to call it the Gameboy DS, because all of the previous Nintendo handheld systems had the Gameboy name. Now that I own the thing and have played it, I don't blame them for dropping the Gameboy name. This thing is so far beyond the Gameboy that it deserves it's own legacy, rather than relying on an old established one.
I remember back when they were first talking about releasing this thing. I was really into the PSP at the time. That system is still an amazing piece of hardware. When I saw the stats of the DS compared to it, and the screenshots and types of games, I thought it was a joke. No way was this puny little thing going to stand up to the mighty PSP. Was I ever wrong or what? These things are flying off the shelves and for good reason. It's a great piece of hardware. Not perfect, but about as close to perfect for what it is as you can get.
I was lucky enough to get the black colored version. Looks awesome. I have no problem pulling this thing out and playing it in public, unlike with the old GB Advance. I couldn't play that thing without feeling like a total nerd. This new one just looks so cool and sleek you can't help not liking it. I get people who would never think of owning a Xbox or PS3 asking me about it and thinking it's the coolest thing ever.
Now, I'm just reviewing the hardware here. I've only played two games for it and I was choosy about which two, so I can't say much about the general game quality. Those two games are a lot of fun and, while the 3D graphics aren't as good as the PSP's, they look pretty good too. Especially New Super Mario Bros. Gameplay wise I could have used some more to it, but the graphics are excellent. The 3D effects in the 2D game are well done and fit perfectly. It's never over the top and there are a lot of nice little touches that make it look like this is the way this type of game was meant to be played.
The other game I have is Final Fantasy 3. The real FF3. This game was never released in the US until now. The FF3 that most Americans know was really FF6. Yeah, it's a little complicated. All versions of the original 6 Final Fantasy's have been re-released with minor upgrades and changes except FF3. The really cool thing about this game is they didn't just slap a few changes on and a little bit of a re-paint and call it a game. They completely remade the game for 3D. I have to say, while it's not as good looking as even most of the original PS Final Fantasy's, I think it's actually better looking than FF7. They also fleshed out the story and added in some side quests. They left the battle system mostly alone and made a few changes to the Job system, but it's mostly the same game with prettier graphics. It really makes a difference though. I remember trying to play an old fan translated version and I just couldn't get into it, but with this version I'm already a good 12 hours into the game. With all the graphical upgrades and story updates they did, there's only one thing to really say: It's a lot of fun! No scores can really tell you anything more than that.

Well, I've said a lot already. More than I meant to, so I won't do my next review yet. I will tell you what it's going to be, to get the excitement started: New Cadbury Cream Eggs!

I know I'm excited. This means I get to do "research" :)