Nintendo is giving early adopters twenty free videogames from its dusty old vaults, and that's fine, but those hoping for something fresher and/or worth more than a collective five bucks were left disappointed ... until now!
See, not only is Nintendo giving away ten NES games and ten GBA games, it's also letting ambassadors get their hands on an all-new piece of software -- The 3DS Ambassador Certificate.
We downloaded this hot item right away and gave it a full review. Trust us when we say this it's worth turning your 3DS on for!
As soon as I launched The 3DS Ambassador Certificate, I was instantly blown away by the graphics. Yes, graphics aren't everything, and we must never let epic visuals sway us away from the gameplay, but it needs to be said that this is a gorgeous looking game. The stark contrast between the black text and urine-yellow background really reflects the internal conflict felt by 3DS owners during a troublesome launch period. Nintendo is speaking to every ambassador out there with this strong visual statement.
While the 3DS will obviously never match what the PlayStation Vita can bring to the table, one is nonetheless impressed by what the plucky handheld can do. Clearly, The Certificate was designed to showcase everything that the 3DS is capable of, and that's more than evident in the smooth animations as the text dynamically scrolls across the entire screen (that widescreen is really being put to great use). Savvy players will notice that the text moves from right to left, which is a shocking -- and potentially controversial -- break from convention. It takes some getting used to, but once you're acclimatized, it'll feel like home.
Those worrying that this is little more than a visual tech demo can rest assured -- the gameplay is more than a match for the graphics. Intuitive and immersive controls allow you to pause, start, and pause again, making you feel like you're really watching a three-minute video of some text crawling along a screen!
What truly impresses me about The Certificate is the sheer amount of freedom awarded to the player. You can read the text, not read the text, and even read it in Spanish if you can already read things in Spanish. In addition, there is a Braid-like time-reversal mechanic, allowing you to rewind or fast-forward to any point of the game and replay to your heart's content.
Interestingly, this software does not make use of the system's 3D capability, making it the first all-new title to eschew the feature. While some might be disappointed, I feel it's an encouraging step forward, proving that a 3DS game can stand on its own merits, without gimmickry, and still be a load of fun.
The 3DS Ambassador Certificate is, without a doubt, the most compelling 3DS title to have been released since launch. Engrossing, addictive, and with a surprising story, The Certificate is a game you'll want to play again and again. This may well be a franchise that joins the ranks of Zelda, Mario and DSi Calculator as one of the great Nintendo gaming icons.
Final Verdict: 9.5
Superb: 9s are a hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won't cause massive damage to what is a supreme title in its *genre*.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Meet the rest of the team
I like it because most games don't have messages about the current state of humanity. At the end of it, I had to reflect on what it means to be alive. I then put on my Shenmue OST CD on and cried.
Bought my 3DS on day one. I love my 3DS. Totally fine with the price drop as it was going to drop sooner or later (little surprised by how soon) And this is really funny to me.
So far the comments have been positive but I'm sure it will be flooded with the jimH8er's (ah I makes up all da wordz yo) Thanks for the review Jim, can't wait to play Zelda II while pooping.
"Sell or Buy '3DS Ambassador Certificate' from our community members at shop.destructoid.com"
Lies and slander!
Jim neglected to mention that this game has only one save file that can't be erased, significantly hurting its replay value. The rewind mechanic only benefits those who purchase new.
Imagine if in Braid, you could go through the levels again, but all the pieces were already collected!
2/10
Ah man I am going to miss out on this. Just got my freind to pick me up a 3DS from the states. With awesome exchange rate at the moment it makes it crazy cheap, less than a normal DS or PSP really.
Don't show the ambassador certificate like that in a video ! It was my pride and joy to know I was among the few to watch the glory of this thing I already deleted from my system
ZOMGWTFBBQ how the hell is this not a 10, You sir are obviously the worst game reviewer EVAR!
I'm writing a stern letter of disapproval at this games unacceptably low review to destructoid, Nintendo, my congressmen, the President of the United States of America, NATO, NAFTA, the BBC, the CIA and the CDC. Requesting, nay DEMANDING your resignation from reviewing games forever in perpetuity throughout the universe!
It's too bad they made Ambassador Certificate a limited edition release. I was going to pick up a 3DS for myself and another for my girlfriend until I found out that we wouldn't be able to play this together.
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Contest:
5:00 PM on 08.31.2011 | 
SURPRISE ME JIM (not with buttsex)
Haven't turned it on in months since I cleared OoT.....
Star fox will get me to turn it on finally but without online I can't see myself playing it to much after I clear it in like a few days....
I'm so jealous. I wish I was an ambassador too.
So far the comments have been positive but I'm sure it will be flooded with the jimH8er's (ah I makes up all da wordz yo) Thanks for the review Jim, can't wait to play Zelda II while pooping.
Man so many spoilers in this review, it's so unlike your other reviews.
Lies and slander!
Jim neglected to mention that this game has only one save file that can't be erased, significantly hurting its replay value. The rewind mechanic only benefits those who purchase new.
Imagine if in Braid, you could go through the levels again, but all the pieces were already collected!
2/10
I'm going to boycott Nintendo forever if they don't put Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Certificate in the new Smash Bros.
And love me some Brazillian Portuguese writing
I'm writing a stern letter of disapproval at this games unacceptably low review to destructoid, Nintendo, my congressmen, the President of the United States of America, NATO, NAFTA, the BBC, the CIA and the CDC. Requesting, nay DEMANDING your resignation from reviewing games forever in perpetuity throughout the universe!