eShop Splurge: 3D Game Collection

To begin the series of eShop reviews I feel I might start with a game I can imagine doesn't get much of a look in. I've always been dubious of game collections of eShop, I always got the impression they're not likely to be very good - in the range of their games as well as their quality so I was pleasantly surprised when I took a leap and downloaded a discounted "3D Game Collection" for £2. 

Content

Although this was a fear of mine, I wasn't too disheartened to find that many of the games are repeated on the three "home" locations. This was probably due to the fact that there are just so many games on there that I could play for hours. Classic games like Ludo, Battleships, Bingo, Chinese Draughts, Proper Draughts are included as well as surprisingly entertaining Dominoes and Solitaire. It's not exactly mind-blowing stuff but it's great for a 5 minute play. 

Originally selling on cardridge at about £25
now it's in eShop for just £2 

Gameplay

Obviously, the nature of the game means that the actual controls themselves aren't going to be too ambitious. It's a simple touch screen job with the viewing of the action happening on the 3D screen above. That's not to say however that the gameplay is poor - in contrast it feels very tactile and satisfying. The only problem I came across was my own frustration at certain games willing me to lose, impossible dice rolls and just a few too many dubious wins for your AI opponent may leave you grinding your teeth for a while.

Storyline
Again, storyline isn't going to be a main concern of the developers, and it shouldn't be with a collection of small games. The game tracks your tactics and skills in gamplay and adapts its AI opponent to meet those skills, playing a predictable opponent would be pretty dire, the fun would be sucked from the game as it becomes monotonous and boring. However the fact that the computer reacts so quickly to your tactics means it's very difficult to get higher trophies after playing the game a substancial amount of time. I suppose this is just the developers' way of "practice makes perfect". 

Graphics
I was actually impressed with the clarity of the graphics of this game, they're by no means medal worthy but their simplicity definitely brings the phrase 'less is more' to mind. The scenic landscape of your river-side picnic or the view from your satellite as you look out to space, all three locations are designed to create a light-hearted tone for a light-hearted set of games and pleases the eye, even when just strolling across the picture waiting for your turn. 

Music 

It's very difficult to play Ludo on your own -
no need to try anymore!

I didn't think i'd be commenting much on the use of music in a game collection review, and yet I find myself enamoured with it. It is possibly only one location that has set this ideal in my head, and that is the picnic scene. Relaxing and warming, it's sometimes just enough to climb under the covers and plug the headphones in to the soundtrack just to unwind.

The Result 
A brilliant game for a brilliant price at the moment in eShop. Graphics and music that fit perfectly with the unambitious set up of the games and an interesting and diverse range (though they are repeated throughout different locations). Only problems faced are those of difficulty and it's a shame there isn't a setting for this which would really enhance the gameplay when you're not really up for getting thrashed on each game you try.

9/10