The second screen and that blasted map!!

[dazzybee]

Okay, I'm just about to go watch a film, but thought I'd ask this question.

The NIntendo DS, I hear people moaning (only a little) about it always being a map and how it doesnt get used very well. With the update of games the other day IGN had many digs at the 2nd screen with "And the second screen is a map. Again"

Well firstly I think the second screen is a brilliant addition, primarily for me is that it can (and does) be used as a touch pad - for games like Metroid for example, yes its got a map as well, but really it is used to have the amazing control scheme!! Invaluable.

Also, I want to add my support for the map. Okay some feel it is a waste of the second screen, but on such a small screen and the immedicy of handheld gaming, dont you think having a map available at all times is a great addition? I do, I remember playing Turok with the map overlaid all the time, and how many games do we look at maps or pause the game to see where we are in the game world!?! Lots. Okay it may be slightly unimaginative but its functional and I'm glad I keep seeing

"blah blah blah. And the 2nd screen will be a map!"

Okay, thats not actually a question.

So, what so you think of the second screens use and the growing trend of slapping a map on it?

Thats better!

[Mimternet]

I think Metroid is the perfect example of the DS's touch and extra screen. I don't have a problem with the touch screen being used for a map and the menus, that in itself is a breakthrough in gaming for me because it saves that annoying toddling through the start menu.

But yes, it's nice when the touch screen is used for more than just a map. Mario Kart doesn't really do a lot with it, but a map on the single DS screen would be very cramped. Plus, Mario Kart doesn't need any special new gimmick. It's 3D on a handheld using WIFI and Online.

[Peachie]

Maps were lame 'til Tingle was born. Now I can't get enough of them.

yeah, i think they're sweet too.

[LukeLee]

i do find that often the second screen is often more of a convience thing rather than innovative. However it is very useful, anyone who played castlevania would know. On metroid prime it definetly is useful, to control with the touch screen but have your vision clean on the above screen.

[ViPeR]

I don't think developers should be pushed to find an innovative use for the 2nd screen. The map/status/item function is very practical. It's been invaluable with Castlevania as I found myself constantly pausing and looking at the map in the GBA versions. Games like Sonic Rush are good examples of where it can be used uniquely but there's nothing wrong with using it for stats and maps. I think that was probably what they had in mind anyway, to give the player more freedom not forcing them to keep pausing every few minutes.

[Colin]

I agree with you dazzybee about the maps, and after playing Castlevania, I have to say that having a map on one of the screens is a blessing, and I can see the apparrent Metroid Dread using a map on one of the screens aswell.

Castlevania has shown it can improve the gaming experience by doing this, but there's countless games that have just bolted it on for no reason at all.

I just hope that developers can keep to the whole point of the DS, and provide gaming experiences which aren't available on a typical games console.

But we've already seen plenty of titles that demonstrate a good use of a 2nd screen, so as long as these games keep coming then I won't mind one bit if certain 3rd partys find using maps on the 2nd screen as an excuse to produce a DS title for some quick cash.

[MidnightSun]

Kerby (IMO the best game for the DS so far) uses the top screen for a map and nothing else.. and it's lame. The game doesn't need a map, and I don't know if I looked up there at it more than twice.

Castlevania also uses the top screen as a map, and (as already stated) it's a blessing. That game you need to check your map a lot, and it's quite convinent having it up there instead of the start menu.

I don't mind the second screen being used as a map, as long as it's called for. In a game where you really don't need map to begin with, I really wish they'd use the second screen for something better. Even statistics would be fine.

[Shyguy]

yea the top screen as a map on castlevania really is a blessing the countless times on Aria of Sorrow i had to puase to get a map and now i jes have to look above

konami I love you ! :D

how far is every1 on Castlevania... ive jes killed dimitri and i cant kill that stupid devil bat thing :( but i now have a handgun as a weapon ;)

[Sexual Chocolate]

I think its unfair for reviewers to always complain that one screen isn't being used for this and that, games shouldn't be marked down by reviewers just because it doesn't use both of the DS's screen.

[DCK]

It's probably the DS's problem that touch is better than two screens. The second screen was probably added mainly because you're blocking your own view when touching, and it's a blessing for games as Metroid Prime Hunters. The second screen sometimes just needs to be a utility, because if you use two screens at the same time for something different it's like playing two games at the same time.