From what I can tell, my issue is something that's not really explained in the game. When you start that final run, your position is determined by where your little icon is in the prior, final phase.
I was aiming for the level 3 comfort zone there, because the game (and all the guides) told me to. But when I actually looked at the rest of the pack, all the other horses were significantly ahead of those white areas. Like not even in the level 1 forward white area, way beyond it. So when the final sprint started, I was the fastest horse on the field, but also starting hundreds of yards behind the rest.
I've since tried positioning myself further forward on the last bit and ignoring the white zones, but that predictably has the opposite problem and I have less Enthusiasm.
Basically god knows!
From what I can tell, my issue is something that's not really explained in the game. When you start that final run, your position is determined by where your little icon is in the prior, final phase.
I was aiming for the level 3 comfort zone there, because the game (and all the guides) told me to. But when I actually looked at the rest of the pack, all the other horses were significantly ahead of those white areas. Like not even in the level 1 forward white area, way beyond it. So when the final sprint started, I was the fastest horse on the field, but also starting hundreds of yards behind the rest.
Is that really an issue though? Maybe on later races where the opposition is stronger and rushes to the finish? I have to admit, I've not experienced this - the pack for me is usually quite spread out, and I'm never stuck right at the back. The only thing I've been conscious of doing on the final turn is positioning myself so that the path ahead is relatively clear for the homestretch. As soon as that starts, it means I have minimal need to move for the final sprint… but as I said, I've only run into one situation where my pace isn't already enough to get to the front before the line.
Like you say… god knows! I guess that Pace section (or whatever it's called) where the cards are all flames that boost your energy is important? I buy items from the shop too, but I'm mostly using money to complete the puzzles which do… something?
Make sure nobody at Nintendo knows about this! https://3ds.hacks.guide/
I assume this is the official 3DS thread. I picked up a new3DS (smaller one) as I gave my original to the kids long ago and it has vanished. I've ordered a grip and also some swanky faceplates (which must be knock offs, as they were so cheap on eBay). It's also modded, and stuffed full of "stuff". I'd feel dirty about it, but I bought enough Nintendo games in my time and have enough of their consoles.
So far, apart from the fact holding it until the grip arrives is giving me RSI, as Gar said a while back it's a great console. I'd been working through a list of the top 200 3DS games, and a surprising number of them still really hold up, in part due to the 3D screen, but also because of clever use of the two screens (or just gameplay first, rather than graphics). While it's archaic tech by today's standards, I have been surprised at the framerate and quality of some of the games. Like, this sounds ridiculous, but the EA F1 game from 2011, although quite hard to play because of how grainy it is, still actually looks startlingly good. Super Streetfighter 6 is also something of a technical triumph. Mario Kart 7 is great too - I forgot it had the gliders and turbo mechanics (I thought that was introduced in 8), still a hoot to play on the higher cc classes. I think I might give Persona Q a playthrough as I had been half enjoying Etrian Odyssey on the DSi, and I think that with a Persona skin could be quite entertaining.
And yes, I also modded my DSi, which gives me a flavour of whether I want a new 3DS XL, and I'm not sure. It's certainly more legible to my aging eyes, but you do sacrifice a lot of pocket portability.
You got a crazy library with a 3DS, it's an incredible console, all Pokemon, all Monster Hunters, Fire Emblems, Mario's….then you get the singular classics like Kid Icarus (if you wanna talk RSI…) and we haven't even mentioned regular DS yet
Last 3DS game I played was the Dragon Quest VIII port which is the definitive edition imo, but my favourite game is still Advance Wars Dusl Strike, absolute perfect handheld game
Still the natural home for stuff like The World Ends With You, Ghost Trick, the Ace Attorney series, the Zero Escape games, and so many others, too.
I have a new3DS too, and adore the thing, even if I do frequently go ages without getting it out lately. I'm on about the fourth case of the Phoenix Wright, and should really make sure I play all the SMTs before it has a chance to die properly - I already replaced the battery - and I have to either lose it all or bankrupt myself trying to get a decently-priced replacement.
It's nice to play a handheld console that was actually designed to be a handheld console. It's compact in size, it's not heavy, you can sling it in a bag or a coat pocket without it needing an armoured carry case, and when you open it up the screen sits at a nice height and angle for your eyes. Also all the games are designed for the smaller, low-res screens so text is nice and big and easy to read.
The Switch 2 and the Steam Deck are great machines but they're both ways to play full-fat games on the go rather than being designed as handhelds first and foremost.
Still the natural home for stuff like The World Ends With You, Ghost Trick, the Ace Attorney series, the Zero Escape games, and so many others, too.
I have a new3DS too, and adore the thing, even if I do frequently go ages without getting it out lately. I'm on about the fourth case of the Phoenix Wright, and should really make sure I play all the SMTs before it has a chance to die properly - I already replaced the battery - and I have to either lose it all or bankrupt myself trying to get a decently-priced replacement.
The battery still seems OK in mine, how hard was it to swap?
The battery still seems OK in mine, how hard was it to swap?
Oh, not at all. It's just a fairly standard rechargeable mobile battery, sits under one of the faceplates. I was surprised how easy it was, to the point where I was almost more surprised I'd never knocked it out before by mistake whilst changing the 'plates. Of which I have several, naturally. because I'm an idiot.
(It may be more difficult on other models of DS/3DS, but I have no experience with that, and I suppose it's not relevant to you anyway.)
I have a black 3DS, and at the moment have the Xenoblade faceplate on there, which feels slightly fraudulent, as I've still never got around to playing it (or indeed them, though I hope to rectify that soon, most likely on the Switch 2), but it is gorgeous.
Xenoblade Chronicles on the New 3DS (one of handful New 3DS exclusives even) was great in my opinion, obviously the definitive edition of it on the Switch lessens it value but like Gar said, it's more of a handheld experience, assuming you'd even take the Switch 2 out the house in the first place
As it happens I'm heading up to my parents' for the weekend so I chucked my 3ds in my bag.
Apropos of nothing, Starfox 64 3D is excellent
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The battery still seems OK in mine, how hard was it to swap?
Oh, not at all. It's just a fairly standard rechargeable mobile battery, sits under one of the faceplates. I was surprised how easy it was, to the point where I was almost more surprised I'd never knocked it out before by mistake whilst changing the 'plates. Of which I have several, naturally. because I'm an idiot.
(It may be more difficult on other models of DS/3DS, but I have no experience with that, and I suppose it's not relevant to you anyway.)
I have a black 3DS, and at the moment have the Xenoblade faceplate on there, which feels slightly fraudulent, as I've still never got around to playing it (or indeed them, though I hope to rectify that soon, most likely on the Switch 2), but it is gorgeous.
You have the Xenoblade cover plates?!? You know you could sell those and retire to Epstein Island.
