Parking Star 3D (Nintendo 3DS) Review

The thought behind Parking Star 3D is actually a good one: a fun and safe way to learn how to park a car. However, the it falls flat due to how incredibly boring it is. That is problematic, as no one is going to buy and play this game instead of doing the real thing when learning to drive. The point of educational videogames is that they are more fun than reality, which Parking Star 3D fails horribly at achieving.

What is the problem, though? Is it the controls? The execution, perhaps? No; it's issue is on more linked with the original idea that was conceived. The thing to keep in mind is that driving in real life is a way to reach freedom and independence, whilst the annoying parking element is only a short process of an otherwise enjoyable experience. However, here it is everything and takes away anything remotely fun from the driving lesson courses when learning.

The game itself does, however, succeed in its execution. The controls are good and realistic and will help learning how to drive and how small motions have a large impact. There is even a great unlockable system that encourages the replaying of levels until reaching perfection and, therefore, having learned how to exactly carry out most parking styles. Sadly, however, no matter how good the execution is, it cannot save such a horrible concept as the one this game is built upon.

The greatest defence for this rests in its title, which says exactly what the problem is and should keep anyone at bay, preventing them from buying this title by accident. It warns about said premise but, unfortunately, that does not help saving the game overall. Not even for those who might be looking for a title like this is it worth buying if they in any way can experience the real thing, something that is far, far more fun. That is the crux of the problem - reality outperforming the game in that all important fun factor, which is the only reason educational games exist, means that learning here becomes boring.

What is left is a game with flaws that sadly cannot be overlooked, ruining anything even remotely good within this eShop release. There is a great control scheme yet it is still not in any way a fun experience. The only saving grace is that the game is exactly what it says on the tin. Do not be fooled, though, as it will not be a more interesting way to learn how to park a car - just a safer one.