Ever since video games were first released, people have been finding ways to emulate said games. Normally I would not be discussing an emulator on the site, let alone reviewing one, but 3Dsen is different. This is not an emulator meant to just replicate games for free, but is more of a conversion tool instead. 3dSen is a commercial emulator that has a unique specialty in that it takes NES games and converts them to 3D. To be more technical, NES games are designed and played in two dimensions, and 3dSen takes a number of supported games, 70 currently, and applies specific alterations and modifications to the roms. The result is that the NES sprites and backgrounds have been converted into 3D environments.
The games do not actually play any differently, aside from the input delays that are recurrent in most NES emulators, and do include save states. The focus here is entirely on the visual presentation of the games, only possible with the tweaks from 3dSen. Certain games will look better than others in this emulator, and some like Tetris (Nintendo version) are an interesting case as aside from the sprites now being in 3D, you are able to rotate the view to see the layout a bit differently, albeit it doesn’t really stand out here. What does stand out are top down games such as the first Legend of Zelda, which now has a large resemblance to the PS3 game 3D Dot Game Heroes . It is fitting, as that game was inspired by the first Legend of Zelda and made in homage to it.
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Another genre that benefits greatly from this program are driving games. Spy Hunter is given a 3D backdrop and sprites, and the camera plane can be manipulated as well to create a whole new way of experiencing the title.
This is the original NES game and not a remake of it. It plays exactly the same, but what we are seeing is graphical manipulation and tweaking of assets to open up new ways of experiencing the game. This ability to rotate the screen for a new viewpoint is a gamechanger though, as it forces you to approach the title differently. Spy Hunter is not the only game this happens with though, as Pac-Man, Dig Dug and Bomberman all benefit greatly from this change.
Another genre that benefits is side scrollers surprisingly. Titles like Castlevania and Contra benefit well, the former by giving it a fresh coat of paint and allowing the enemies to look better than they have in years, while contra multi plane levels can be toggled around to get the view that works best for you. Another game that works well with 3dSen is Shatterhand, which looks like a more modern take on the game, while still being the same title, and the effects are appreciated a lot more.
Lastly I want to talk about four games that stood out the most to me. Adventures of Lolo 1, Excitebike, City Connection and Clu Clu Land. With each title, the 3D effect ads something that greatly enhances the way we play them.
The depth of field allows you to appreciate Excitebike on a new level and let it really pop off the screen. This is a minor change compared to the others, but it stood out to me for how different the game looks like now.
City Connection is a game I was never interested in before, but the way it looks now ended up grabbing my attention immediately. I spent quote a bit of time with it on 3dSen and I have to say that the 3D visuals are amazing in motion and that is what gets you hooked.
Adventures of Lolo is an interesting case, as you can create 3D cutscenes in the game using 3dSen and they are very unique to say the least.
What stands out the most about Lolo and Clue Clu Land though, is that the flipped perspective really makes you feel like you are playing a new version of these games. The controls are the same, the gameplay is the same, the music is still untouched, but the visual changes are enough to make you want to experience the games once again. It is rare that I say that, but this is amazing.
3dSen is not perfect however, and some games have issues. Batman’s controls did not work correctly some of the time, and some games have hit detection issues common to many emulators. There is still room for improvement obviously, but 95% of what is here is excellent. I will also add that I did not share any screenshots of Arkanoid, because the screenshots do not do it justice. Seeing it in motion is amazing, but otherwise you will not understand its appeal.
Update: In a previous version of this review I stated I could not get the Mega Man games to work. After spending some time working on the issue I managed to resolve the problem and i can safely say it was on my end. The games play fantastically, and Mega Man 2 in particular has never looked this good.
Overall I did like my time with 3dSen and I will recommend it for people to check out on Steam. It is available for a good price, and will not let you down.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided.
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