A new 3D Classic and video service land in Japan this week.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/27168/japan-eshop-round-up-07132011
It is another Wednesday here in Japan, and that means new content for the eShop. This week, 3DS owners have a couple of new games to choose from as well as a new video service from Nintendo called Nintendo Video. Here is a look at what was released this week:
3D Classics
Urban Champion – 600 yen
Virtual Console
Takahashi Meijin no Boken Jima II (Adventure Island II) – 400 yen
Video Content
The big news in terms of video content is Nintendo Video, which is a short-form streaming video service that delivers exclusive content recommended by Nintendo. There are some differences from this service and the existing Itsu no Ma ni Terebi (SpotPass TV). The main difference is that Nintendo video will not be updated every day, but rather periodically. The videos can also be quite a bit longer than the seemingly two and a half minute long cap put on the SpotPass TV content. Also unlike SpotPass TV, there are no 30 second commercials coming in during the middle of the video.
After downloading Nintendo Video from the eShop, there are two videos available to view. The first of which is the first part of a tour through the historic city of Kyoto in Japan. The video is in 3D and is right at five minutes long and will be available until July 23. The other video is features the Tokyo Girls Collection for Spring/Summer 2011 from Cecil McBee and Jill Stuart. If you like watching beautiful women walking up and down the catwalk in the latest trendy clothing, this video might be for you. It is available until July 17.
Nintendo Video was not the only thing to come to the eShop this week in terms of video content. A 2D streaming video of the orchestral piece for The Legend of Zelda 25th year anniversary that was played by musicians at E3 is now available on the eShop. There is also a 2D streaming video showing off the making of a giant Pit Tachineputa (A huge character float kind of thing) that will be making an appearance in Goshogawara, Aomori, Japan on August 4, 5, and 6.
Software Impressions
I went ahead and picked up the newest 3D Classic, Urban Champion. I played the game for somewhere around 30-45 minutes and was actually surprised myself by having a little bit of fun with it. Urban Champion is by no means a system seller or a game that you need to rush out the door to buy. The 3D effects are pretty noticeable, and if you change the camera options, depending on where you are in the level, you can have a view akin to the 3D mode found in Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition.
The content found on the Nintendo Video application is pretty well done and is just another great way for 3DS owners in Japan to access video content on their handhelds. The Kyoto piece takes you to various older locations in the city and gives you a great idea of what architecture and people are like in the area. In the five minute video, the crew interviews several people who are just going about their daily business. The other offering for Nintendo video is more or less a fashion show, with pretty girls walking around the stage, but this time in 3D (Oh my!). More content is set to hit later this week.