Who here is excited about demos? Well I know I for one am! There is a great up side for gaming companies to offer free demos for their games. It's a marketing tool! Games are expensive, and gamers don't want to waste money. As a gamer, if I even question a little my potential enjoyment of a game, then I'm not going to fork out the cash. Developers get squat for used game purchases, and I have to admit I am one who will wait for a game to be used and cheap if it's something I'm interested in but not 100% sure on.
Demos are an amazing tool in another way as well. They are a great asset to a gamer with a one track mind. When I look at myself, I put on the label RPG gamer, but is that all I am? No! I love racing games, action, adventure, puzzle, and more. However, when it comes to my pocket I will drop money down on a new RPG without trying it if it's from a developer I know, love and trust. When it comes to the other genres, not so much. How do I decide what to buy? Well Nintendo first party games are a given. They are tried, tested and true to quality. I've played Nintendo games from the very start of their creation. I know that without a doubt I love Mario and Zelda. But then there are some first party games that I question. When the developer takes a change of direction. A good example is Metriod. Loved the 2D side scroll, don't like the FPS.
This is where demons shine, they allow the gamer to try a game with no strings attached. Sadly video game rental places are hard to come by. Gamefly is one of the most common places a gamer can turn to, but requires a monthly subscription. If you're a gamer that lacks the time or finances, this isn't a good option at all. Demos on the other hand allow for quick play and if done properly can give you a great feel for the game. Even when it comes to games you know you plan to buy, a demo can make the difference between the choice of "Oh I'll get it later after a few peer reviews", or "Man this has sealed the deal I want this game day ONE!"
With that said, I'll be keeping record here of the demos offered on the 3DS. I plan to play them all even if I don't want the game. I'll then give my comments about the demo and what I see for the games potential. Of course these views are opinion and bias, but at least you get to know what's available without having to search. I'd also like to mention that not all demos are going to be worth the download and if that's the case I'll let you know for sure. Hope you guys read these and enjoy!
NEWEST DEMO:
Art of Balance- June 7, 2012
I remember as a kid stacking blocks up as high as I could until they fell, or the game Jenga where you had to remove blocks and stalk them on top and first to make the stalk fall lost. But this summer I had a very fond memory in the art of balance, and that was actually going fishing with my dad and finding these 3 stone piles in the water, one was on a log and the other 2 build on other stones. These piles had the strangest shaped rocks and all different sizes, yet the piles were perfectly balanced. My father then told me about how back in the day people would make walls and statues from rocks without anything holding them together, that it was the art of balance. This required a lot of skill and now you can practice such skill on a handheld gaming system. The music is relaxing, the settings are very pleasant and the 3D effects really lend itself to this game. It's a demo worth trying. And for only $4.99 might be a game worth getting as well.
Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd you steal our garbage?!! - November 20, 2012
Weird title? Well yeah, it's a pretty weird game. I just found out it's like some cartoon or something. My first thought when I started to play the demo was WTF is this shit? But wow that talk stuff they call dialog, pretty funny crap going on here. The demo lent itself to give you a nice feel for the game, but the funny things that are said are what made it worth playing. Controls are okay, not much to it but if you're a fan of slap stick comedy and crappy RPGs this would be your cup of tea. Demo is worth it and the reviewers seem to love it so give it a try.
2 Fast 4 Gnomz - November 1, 2012
OMG my parents weren't lying when they told me gnomes stole socks from the dryer! This sock stealing rebel is one you have to keep your eye on at all times. He's WAY to fast so do not blink! The demo was fun, the game unlocks more skills then the demo which is good to know, but you get a good 7 sold levels with 2 skills to try out. I freaking died 63 times on the seventh stage... beat that! If you're a fan of sonic, or robot unicorn attacks, then this game might be of interest to you. There is a bit of a story that goes with it, but what it comes down to is the level design and how quick your reflexes are. The demo is worth a play, the game has 45 levels and is only $4.99 on the eshop.