Pictochat Preview
Nintendo is having a lot of support for the Nintendo DS with games like Super Mario 64 x 4, Animal Crossing DS, and Metroid Prime: Hunters. Their smaller titles like PictoChat are not getting the recognition they deserve. The concept of Pictochat is quite simple though. It is an instant messaging system in where you will be able to talk to anyone 30 to 100 feet (how much DS supports for wireless gaming).
Pictochat utilizes both of the screens in very nice yet simple ways. The top screen will display everyone else’s messages while the player will be able to send their own messages through the bottom screen. In the touch screen, the bottom half of the screen will feature a keyboard while the top half will be where the message is put to view. In addition, you will be able to draw anything you please. As of now, it seems as if the only features drawing has is a pen and eraser. With any luck, Nintendo will add a few more features such as a shape builder, paint bucket, paint brush, air brush, and of course color. Many of the features I hope Nintendo adds to Pictochat involve color. If Nintendo goes ahead and adds color along with other simple yet useful drawing features, the game will be much better (and worth the money).
The ability to message people is quite versatile yet simple. You will be able to choose who you want to send it to or be able to send it to everyone in the chat room. People will also have his or her name next to them so it will be easy to identify everyone. As of now though, everything we have mentioned has only been announced for wireless fun. Wi-Fi capabilities seem apparent to a game like this, but Nintendo has yet to announce anything. If there are online capabilities, there is tons of potential with this game. Firstly, the game could be played alongside other games to first be able to talk to people and well instant messaging on the go is getting more popular with cell phones, but now it is much easier (with more features).
Another rumor that is spreading around is that PictoChat may come packaged with the DS or it will be available at a much-reduced price (10 to 20 USD). The first rumor of Pictochat being packaged with the DS would be a very good strategy for the DS. First, there is a lot of talk about the DS not having as many features as the PSP. Free instant messaging abilities will definitely make the DS look much better. Moreover, if Pictochat can function with other games (first party games), then it will enhance the experience for all games. The ability to talk with a program such as Pictochat before a match of Metroid Prime would be wicked fun.
Taken as a whole, PictoChat has a ton of unrealized potential at this moment. Nintendo has a few big decisions to make. If the game will cost more than 20 USD, then it will be hard to convince people to purchase this. In addition, if Nintendo releases to other first party games like Wario Ware Inc. and Super Mario 64 x 4, people won’t have the money to buy another game. Now if Nintendo decides to package the game alongside the DS and have online capabilities, Pictochat could give the consumers one more amazing reason to buy the DS.
As soon as Video Game Escape is able to confirm any rumors or report anything new about the game, we will get back to you.
| Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hype Meter | 9 | Metroid Prime seems to be the game that could really make the DS the hit it deserves to be. |
