Yeah. I think Mercenaries is viable as a stand-alone product, but Capcom sure isn't giving it a good coming out party here.
This would have made for a better XBLA/PSN game, for $10-$15. Or even as an additional RE5 content pack.
it's like every reason I've had for wanting a 3ds is slowly going the way of the dodo. I'm still interested, but jeez. 3ds can't catch a break.
It has a few solid games already, but nothing "system-seller" worthy, IMO. I just got mine for portable online SSF4, DOA, and both RE titles. I play the shit out of SSF4 and DOA so I don't regret my purchase, but I can also easily see myself ditching this thing once the Vita hits.
Online play in 3DS games can be really good over wireless 802.11n connections, but it's just brought down by the lack of in-game communication, messaging, INVITES, and leaderboards. If the Vita has all this stuff, Nintendo is dead in the water in my book.
That all said, Mercenaries on the go is still a blast to play -and it works well in portable form- and it plays and looks great. If you want to see a shitty version of The Mercenaries, try the iOS version.