Miyamoto: 3DS Can Offer New 'Tricks' For 2D, 3D Players Alike

Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto sees a clear divide between the needs of 3D and 2D players -- and these differences offer room to create new "tricks" on the Nintendo 3DS, where Miyamoto says he'll be creating both types of games, making use of the added depth of field. "When a game is made in 3D, we can make the players feel that the game is more alive, and the developers are able to incorporate more tricks for the players to enjoy," Miyamoto explained during a Nintendo investor presentation. "For its ability to provide the players with more choices or freedom in the gaming world, 3D is more suited." "On the other hand, there are also people who can't stand even the slightly more complicated looks of 3D. In fact, with 3D games, game-play control has to become more complex," he says. "Even though players will realize that the games are not complex when they actually play them, 3D games look complicated for those who see them for the first time. From that perspective... the consumer base of the Super Mario series has narrowed from when we launched Super Mario 64." Since then, says the veteran designer, the aim has been to develop immersive 3D titles that don't lose their accessibility factor for new audiences, a goal he feels he reached with the Super Mario Galaxy series. But even then, Miyamoto says, there will always be a player that prefers 2D -- hence the development of New Super Mario Bros. on Wii and DS to satisfy that player. "These 2D games are easy to understand and accessible to anyone. Even if the players only play for a short time, they can feel satisfied," he says. "After all, video games are not only about conquering all the stages. What is more important is the fun the players can feel as a result of the play. The 2D games have the advantage of delivering that sensation more easily to the players." "As for Nintendo 3DS, of course, we'll be making both types of games," he explains. "It's not the issue of which is more attractive, because each one has its own appeal." The true 3D that the Nintendo DS will offer will make it easier to judge depth and distance in 3D games, Miyamoto suggests. "You might have had a hard time trying to jump on a stump or to hit a floating question-mark block in 3D Mario until now, but you will be able to do so easily on Nintendo 3DS. In addition, Mario and Link will both have more vivid presences." Meanwhile, for 2D titles, developers will be able to add an element of depth they haven't been able to incorporate previously: "For example, when 'Wiggler' or 'Bullet Bill' fly towards you from a distance, if the developers try to incorporate the depth of the screen, you cannot tell if and when these characters hit you," he says. "But such tricks shall be available on Nintendo 3DS." "We have tried many things, including when we made games on Virtual Boy. We have some ideas for a Mario game which has depth in the screen," Miyamoto adds. "So, for both 2D and 3D games, we are excited to be able to make new tricks on Nintendo 3DS."