Aliens: Colonial Marines, from Gearbox Software, is a high-profile multi-platform title on the list of those making their way to Wii U, with confirmation that it's due in the "launch window" — up to 31st March — which means that it may hit Nintendo's console around the same time as its February release on other systems. That's positive news in itself, but studio director Randy Pitchford has once again weighed in with some complimentary comments on Wii U and its GamePad.
Pitchford has previously talked up Nintendo's system, talking in May about Aliens: Colonial Marines on Wii U being the "best looking" version. In a recent interview with Joystiq, he's directed his attention to the GamePad and what it can bring to the FPS genre. We already know to expect the iconic Aliens radar on the second screen, but Pitchford spoke about the controller's credentials in terms of its ability to offer play away from the TV, and made a dual screen comparison to rival options from Sony and Microsoft: Vita-PS3 crossplay and SmartGlass.
This is the best controller Nintendo's ever made for making an FPS. This is the best controller Nintendo has ever given us for playing hardcore games.
With the Wii U they (Nintendo) committed themselves to this promise. So the link is direct, fast and immediate. Things like SmartGlass and Vita, they appreciate the value of the promise so they're making the promise. But they're not in with such commitment.
Conceivably there's things you can do on all three without negative impact but because of Nintendo's commitment to it there are something's that could work there that just wouldn't work as well with SmartGlass or with the crossplay between PS3 and Vita.
It's a common line for detractors of Wii U to state that the innovation of dual screen play is nothing revolutionary, certainly not in comparison to the Wii Remote. Perhaps Pitchford has a point in that having a link that is specifically built in as a core part of the system, as opposed to an optional extra, will give Wii U capabilities in dual screen interaction and asynchronous multiplayer not possible as instinctively and successfully on other devices. Ultimately, the quality of games and how they use the GamePad will be the test.
What do you think about Pitchford's comments? Do you agree with his comments on the GamePad, and do you think the it'll be the ideal controller for FPS or "hardcore" games? Sound off in the comments below.
[source joystiq.com, via gonintendo.com]
Comments 17
I think that the different uses for the gamepad in different games will be the judge but from what I've seen so far is that alot of developers have good ideas of how to implement that second screen. Some of them are uninspired but even having easier access to menus is more desirable in my opinion. Hardcore to the max!
Dev trying to convince us how great his game is. Okay.
All I know is that I've been able to absolutely OWN in black ops on wii due to my wiimote setup.
So, ehm, this better has that same pointing mechanism in place for me. At least something that precise. The only thing that came close to precise aim on analogue was the rubber banded perfect dark aim, but nothing has beaten the wiimote setup yet.
WiiU has much to prove in that regard.
@FrozenCthulhu How is he?Its a multi-platform game and he is saying that the Wii U will have the best graphics out the 3 and the controllers great.Don't see how that can be interpreted as promoting his game?Promoting the Wii U yes.By your logic he will be on the other consoles sites saying the same thing then about their version!
It most certainly is a great atmospheric fit for an Aliens game.
But i think Wiimote+ & Nunchuk are better for FPS games.
Just as long as the wii u doesn't turn into a place where the majority of games are FPSs like the 360 was.
^its nintedo. never will. even so we still got 1st party games!
immediacy of control will never be achieved unless the controller has a direct and prioritized connection to the heart of a console that has to be designed and equipped with that in mind. anything else will introduce lag.
"Conceivably there's things you can do on all three without negative impact but because of Nintendo's commitment to it there are something's that could work there that just wouldn't work as well with SmartGlass or with the crossplay between PS3 and Vita."
Well, we all knew this from the very start right?
I echo the comments that this game needs wii remote pointer controls. I will be very disappointed if you can only play this with the GamePad.
I'm hoping that the revamped zapper, with the GamePad attachment, is used on this game.
BTW, that box art is pretty hot.
can't wait for this
@WaveWitch Oh open up Wavey, everyone has preferences. If the WiiMote setup was the best setup, analog sticks would've been extinct :3
@OorWullie Heh, guess I wasn't really thinking that through. Sorry. :/
I actually prefer the Wiimote+Nunchuck to play FPS! So here's hoping that they give us that option.
Can't wait and yes the new gamepad will bring a very nice fps experience.
I'm not sure how easy it will be to point the GamePad at targets. If he's suggesting that you use dual-analog controls with the GamePad, then I'll take Wiimotes and Nunchucks over it any day.
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