
The Nintendo Life team enjoys a good old-fashioned gaming debate, and one game is guaranteed to split the team roughly down the middle - ARMS. During Nintendo's January reveal of the Nintendo Switch the company unleashed a couple of oddball reveals - there was the quirky advert for 1-2-Switch, and then there was a battle between an office worker and young woman to promote ARMS. In this writer's eyes it seemed like a throwback - weren't we finished with waggle?
The day after that presentation we had teams in London and New York at the Switch events, and ARMS was given the big push. At the UK venue it had plenty of space and even some mini boxing rings to set the mood, but its display units went largely unloved. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon 2 were popular the whole day, but it was never hard to get on an ARMS demo unit. Two of our UK team left with rather negative impressions of it, yet three others were quite impressed. We've seen some talk since of it being Nintendo's 'next big thing', while others think it's a flawed concept. Some see an accessible and fun fighting game, others a motion-controlled throwback that'll never truly be considered a 'real' entry in the genre. Looking over the comments in our article announcing the Direct, a majority seems excited about it but, undoubtedly, others are resolutely uninterested.
Perhaps that's to be expected of any new IP from Nintendo, especially one that puts multiplayer and competitive play at its core; to a degree the original Splatoon had plenty to prove before it captured hearts. It's perhaps telling that the ARMS Direct was also announced with the promise of a new Splatoon 2 trailer at the end, a clear sign of Nintendo reminding sceptics that they've been won over by new concepts in the past.
ARMS has been generating some buzz already, and rather like equivalent game-specific Directs in the past this one makes a lot of sense. As it was only revealed in January there's plenty still to be explained, with Nintendo generally opting to reveal some characters and stages over social media and the last full Direct while avoiding further detail. For those on the fence it's not necessarily characters and ARM types that matter, but rather what we'll be doing in the game.
There are a lot of questions - what will the single player modes have to offer? What sort of online modes and functionality will be included? What other offline modes will offer some variety to gameplay? Official information so far gives cause for encouragement, highlighting heavily customisable ARMS sets and dynamic stages that take the fight into the air via springs and platforms - now it's time for the real specifics.
It's a game that has plenty going for it, with bright visuals and the perception that Nintendo doesn't often go wrong with high-profile first-party efforts. Yet the company has also been known to occasionally put out games with limited content and sloppy online play, and the latter will be critical to the lasting appeal of ARMS. Don't forget that Splatoon was undercooked at launch in terms of online modes and functionality, taking weeks and months to add friend lobbies and equivalent functions. To an extent the Wii U game got away with it because most players were having a great time regardless, but pushing out half-baked online play isn't a strategy that Nintendo should use too often.
We suspect a part of the Direct will also make a pitch for the game's motion controls. Yes, 'physical' controls and button inputs are supported, but it sounds somewhat compromised and is likely only there to facilitate some light-hearted local multiplayer fights with friends. Ultimately, this game - more than any other - makes the case for the Joy-Con controllers as modern-day Wii Remotes.
It's this aspect that most divides parts of our team when it comes to ARMS. While 1-2-Switch did, for the most part, highlight how clever the Joy-Con controllers are, ARMS felt - to this writer - like Wii Boxing on steroids, and not all that precise either. We've seen how even the impressive Joy-Con can be absolute garbage with poorly implemented motion controls, and in a busy room they felt rather imprecise to a couple of our team, at least. The sheer volume of digital 'noise' in that event was upsetting some of the Joy-Con in the room, to be fair, but the point is that it didn't leave a good impression or convince that it's the right time for a waggle comeback. That's not to say these are any more than brief initial impressions, but they reflect the feelings some have that this feels like an ill-advised revival for a gameplay style that hasn't been truly popular - on a mainstream level - for over five years.
Undoubtedly some are very excited about ARMS, with a number saying it's top of their wishlist and they can't wait to play. Moreso than with established IPs, though, a number are entirely unsure over whether they'll put down the money on a motion-centric fighting game. With the ARMS Direct, Nintendo has a vital opportunity to convince - and excite - those of us on the fence about the next major first-party Switch release.
Remember you can join us to watch the broadcast live on Nintendo Life in our blog and chat article, which will kick off an hour before the event. The ARMS Direct is due to start on 17th May at 3pm Pacific / 6pm Eastern / 11pm UK / midnight CEST.
Comments 121
I think the ARMS Direct is great for two reasons. One, it allows the game to have (almost) sole spotlight just a month before it's release to build hype and awareness. And two, it signals (to me) that it frees Nintendo some more time for new announcements and other business at E3.
I'm hoping they reveal a single player campaign for ARMS. That's pretty much my only concern for this game.
Wii boxing on steroids
I wish for a lot of modes and something like a campaign for a single player mode.
If those are given to me today. I will preorder this.
Here's the thing.
People kept clambering for new IP from Nintendo.
Little do they know, they have often tried. But how many of them worked?
Everyone goes show us something new, only to not care at a large majority of it when it comes.
I don't have a Switch, but when I'll have it, I'll probably buy ARMS right away. It looks like pure fun. It's worth to get a Switch just for games announced for this year (Splatoon 2, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Super Mario Odyssey).
And of course I'm watching today's Direct.
So, the time for West Indonesia Zone is at 5 / 6 am on Thursday, 18 May 2017 ?
Wanna watch the Direct.
It definitely does need to come out swinging. I've zero interest in this so far and watching only in the hope they show a few other games, or at least at whatthe next direct may cover.
Honesty believe they should have rebirthed the Punch-Out IP with this title instead the "Springy The Springfield Spring!!!" Characters
Puts me off, even if the gameplay is solid
ARMS needs to prove itself? Because Nintendo are notorious for producing substandard games or something?
@DESS-M-8
But in Punch Out, you will NEVER able to move freely like Naruto / Dragon Ball fighting.
The ideas of ARMS are pretty interesting. Quite strong enough to inspire 3rd party developers to create their own Boxing games with gameplay mechanic like ARMS.
what mario kart does for racing games; smash for fighting games; splatoon for online team shooters, i wonder what arms is doing what for. if it's just new wave punch out, that's fine by me. if it's an all new thang, even better. i think i already luv the ramen girl as much as my inkling girl.
We'll have to see. I think it's quite interesting, but I have no intention of actually buying it myself.
I'm not all that excited about Arms, but my 8-year-old son loves the the look of it, so we'll probably get it for him at some point.
@MrGawain ARMS needs to prove itself because right now, looking at the polls, it isn't exactly blowing people away.
It's a new IP from Nintendo! This alone justifies my day one purchase.
I don't think anything Nintendo show about ARMS or Splatoon 2 can get me interested in either game.
Arms has the makings of a fun casual multiplayer game that can also be a successful esport, both from the point of view of expert players and the audience.
As an esport you'll be able to watch the players as much as the on-screen action.
As a casual game you'll be able to pick it up and flail your arms about, but still lose to a more refined player.
Im sure ARMS will be a nice Game , but I think it wont be the new Splatoon.
Unless it really, really impresses me, I don't think I'll be buying it, especially not this year. There are a lot of games coming soon that I'd rather spend 80 CAD on than this one.
ARMS is the most refreshing looking fighting game both in terms of art direction and gameplay that I have seen since Smash, I don't get all the skepticism around it.
Have you seen Tekken 7? That game looks so basic and so similar to ALL of the previous ones.
@ThomasBW84 "Yes, 'physical' controls and button inputs are supported, but it sounds somewhat compromised and is likely only there to facilitate some light-hearted local multiplayer fights with friends."
This statement is unfair as the Edge comment was about using a single JoyCon to control the game, not a pair of JoyCons or Pro Controller with motion controls off. That's a completely different thing.
Can't wait for this one personally.
I was really doubtful at start. Then they started releasing little teasers and i got really interested, and now i have it pre-ordered. Really looking forward for this Direct and the game itself.
I'll admit that the first ARMS trailer with the school girl punching at lightening speed caught my interest. I've wanting a two-fisted, fully responsive motion fighting game since Wii Sports and even more so after Wii U Sports failed to deliver. I have faith in Nintendo's ability to make the magic happen (even in the apparent wake Street Fighter's apparent failure in this regard).
But since I only have 2 joy-cons, I hope the pro controller is a decent alternative, too.
This game excites me a lot. I want to learn more of course but I'm already on board. Have the game pre-order but this direct can decide if it stays like that (most likely will) or if I cancel it.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE are you sure Nintendo is the right platform for you? Because like 90% of the stuff you post is you saying that u aren't excited about any game. So I just think Switch might not be for u. Just something to consider; maybe u just outgrow Nintendo and that is totally fine.
I'm buying it, alongside those yellow joy-con.
@erv I also want the yellow Joy-cons!
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
What are you waiting for ?
No more new Wii U games from Nintendo anymore.
You should try Switch no matter what.
Because your activities right now are complaining, moaning, trolling and keep being pessimist about Switch.
Such a Paradox situation...
I want to play with pro controller and have voice chat online. (When launched)
@SLIGEACH_EIRE So young...
@Anti-Matter of course you could. Change the characters from ARMS for Little Mac, job done.
While I've voted that I'm looking forward to it and am looking forward to more information, only half of that statement is right. The last arena fighter I bought was Pokken Tournament, and that pretty much got played twice during launch month and forgot about since. The draw of Pokemon was strong with that one, and while I am interested to see if ARMS has a stronger pull [I liked what I played, after all] I'm just not exactly sure the content will keep me going for long.
@Jessica286 Of course Nintendo is for me. They have been all my life. Still playing Zelda: BOTW on Wii U. Clocked nearly 400 hours in that game. They make the best games. They don't make the best decisions though. Super Metroid, stupendous game. BOTW finally beat it to be my favourite game ever. Super Mario Galaxy, love it. Xenoblade games, love them. F-Zero GX, Super Mario Maker, Smash Bros., the list is endless.
I just don't care for these 2 games.
I was already sold on the title, but the mere fact that ARMS is getting its own dedicated Direct (even after sharing one with Splatoon 2) tells me that there is still much more content to show off, which really thrills me. This game has turned out to be far more deep and interesting than it initially appeared to be. I'm very excited for it.
Can't say I'm all that excited, I'll watch it later so that I can skip all the potentially boring segments.
As of right now the promise of a Splatoon 2 trailer excites me more than anything ARMS related to be honest.
I really hope they decide to release a demo of ARMS at some point. It definitely looks like a game you have experience to know if you like it or not.
I'm quite excited. This game could be a bit hit, and I bet there's more to it than we know. Maybe a year from now we'll all be singing its praises. Hopefully.
People who've played it hands-on have been almost universally positive-- sounds like they should put out a demo for the game to try and win more over.
@DESS-M-8 Well, they probably did it because it's more "tasteful" than having all the humorously applied stereotypes that personified Punch-Out. Even the promotional image is done "tastefully." It would have gotten some flak if it featured Spring Man landing the punch on Ribbon Woman instead, if you know what I mean... Or even both hitting each other at the same time.
It's way past time we stop using "waggle" to refer to any and all motion controls, especially well-crafted and precise motion controls. "Waggle" is Twilight Princess sword controls or Mario Party 9 minigame controls. But it's certainly not a fair descriptor for accurate controls like Skyward Sword sword controls or, from all appearances, ARMS controls.
If they're responsive and precise, let's just call it motion controls and save the negativity for the games where any random flailing of controllers will get you to your goal.
I really hope they release a demo after the direct, or really soon. Still believe that's the best way to get people's doubts about the controllers/general gameplay mechanics answered.
ARMS, the new Splatoon? Doubt it... ARMS lacks the star power that Punch-Out has, and it's not really poised to fill a desperately missing genre on a Nintendo console like Splatoon was.
ARMS will probably do well for a few months, then when the paid subscription infrastructure gets forced upon players who were going online for free up until then, they will have to make a decision of whether the toll is worth it for ARMS in particular. Mario Kart and Splatoon will convince many, but ARMS is a tougher sell. It will probably end up relying on overlap from players of other games.
It seems very shallow to me and I can't help but think it won't be the next big thing Nintendo hope it will.
Either way it seems this game will divide opinion between fans as well as the NintendoLife team!
I'm glad that some people are excited for this game, but the aesthetics of it are a huge turn-off for me. Pass.
@abbyhitter I think single player is the main thing they need to be focusing on. Splatoon 2 single player as well. Especially if they're going to lock online services behind a paywall subscription service soon, what will these games be worth if they only have bare minimum single player modes?
Injustice 2's good reviews shows single player can still be impactful in a fighting game, and Splatoon looks like it could easily make a great campaign. Just do it Nintendo, we all don't want to be online players.
When I see ARMS I get a real Rocket League vibe. 2/4 players in an arena locked in a battle of skill and wits. Could be endlessly enjoyable.
Looking forward to finding out more.
Just looking for a single player campaign in both.
@BLP_Software
This reminds me.
NINTENDO DO ROLLING DILLON AND S.T.E.A.M. FOR SWITCH!
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
@abbyhitter If there is a single player campaign, it would probably be somewhat comparable to Punch-Out Wii's... Which would kind of be a bummer, because it would be a lot shorter and less varied than that of Punch-Out. ARMS is clearly going to be primarily a multiplayer game, and based on what we've seen so far, additional characters and stages beyond those currently revealed is about all players will get at first. Let's just hope paid DLC won't be needed to unlock anything more.
Really just needs confirmation of single player modes and at least 12-16 fully fledged characters plus at least the same number of battle arenas.
I think this game could be really good but I need the content to be there to warrant paying full price.
@CptFalcon Don't get your hopes up too much, these are two games that will focus almost entirely on multiplayer. The next Halo, ARMS and Spla2n are not.
I'm really hyped for the ARMS Direct because of the Splatoon 2 trailer but also really hoping ARMS gets a demo as I'm unsure how I feel about ARMS in general.
I'm on the fence until I hear more about a single player mode and button controls. If it's only fun online using motion controls that will severely limit my opportunity to play as I mostly use my Switch as a handheld.
I'm really optimistic and excited about a new Nintendo IP though. If it turns out this isn't for me I haven't lost anything.
@DESS-M-8 Swapping out the characters for Punch-Out characters would be doing Punch-Out a huge disservice. Punch-Out isn't so much a boxing game, as much as it is a rhythm/puzzle game. That is not to say that it couldn't be done, but I feel it would lose that Punch-Out magic.
I'm excited for this game personally. I feel me and the missus would have fun flailing on each other. Hopefully the controls will be tight. Personally I'm hoping for a demo after the Direct, so we can get a taste.
I'm not exactly excited - interested is a better word. Whether I get this game or not will depend on how well it can be played without motion controls, as I'd agree that this is something that should mostly stay in the past.
@PlywoodStick That's unfortunate if so. I think both can be done without a ton of extra effort by mimicking some of the other multiplayer heavy Nintendo games that also included reasonable length single player games, like Smash Bros and Mario Kart.
I think those games hold up for any type of person, and Splatoon and ARMS by all indications is heading more towards your fun dependent on others. Hopefully some new information closer to release and today's Direct alludes to some other content besides versus play.
I don't think waggle is required that much, from what I've learned since the announcement you throw punches by pressing buttons, then you turn your wrists to give the punch the direction you want. Actually I think this will be an excellent beat 'em up, but for this veryreason it will face commercial failure, too. Hope I'm wrong on the latter.
For what it's worth, I've heard the Mario Kart team is the one behind ARMS. I'd say it has more depth than what's meeting the eye right now.
Injustice 2 is out this week, and I'm back on my xbox one. And there's a wicked backwards compatibility sale on xbox one. Now, I have games that should last me until the end of 2018. This ARMS direct better blow the lid off, followed by a huge E3 of games because it's getting hard for me to jump out the Microsoft ecosystem.
@Samuel-Flutter I'm gonna side step in the obvious flood in innuendo jokes there and get straight to the point.
People seem to be mistaking me for saying make punch out in HD.
What I said was a rebirth of PunchOut. As in remake/reimagine it and make it relevant today.
I got ARMS pre-ordered on Amazon with the Prime Discount. Really there's no other way to pre-order this game than through that method. You get a discount and could always trade it in if the game ends up being a disappointment. It's what I did with Splatoon on Wii U, and luckily that game turned out to be phenomenal. I just hope Nintendo talks about their online plan in this Direct. I'm sure they won't but it would be nice to see how their new Online Infrastructure will be used in ARMS when it's activated.
[shrugs]
Game looks great to me. That, coupled with Nintendo's track record of making mostly high quality games... I'm already sold.
Don't care too much what other people do or don't do. Game looks like way more fun than Smash Bros or Punch Out. First competent fighter using motion I've seen. It's about time too
@19Robb92 A solid demo would be instrumental to me considering this game upon release. If they could launch a simple demo post-Direct today I think it'd be a huge hit and a great idea. I doubt it'll happen, but I definitely need either a demo or universal critical acclaim for me to consider this one.
If the motion control is good and responsive I'll really like this game. I've wanted something like that since Wii boxing.
@crackafreeze Honestly, I think a solid new IP has a better chance than a new Punch-Out these days. Aside of older players with nostalgia for the NES I don't see the IP having massive draw and getting people especially interested. I wouldn't be stunned if this started life as a new Punch-Out title, but I think this will ultimately be more successful as a new series regardless.
I think it looks good and really interesting concept-wise. I will get it not only because it looks fun, but also to support new IPs from Nintendo.
I'll stick to playing Lego city tonight so. How's that game doing? Sure the load times are still a pain but it's a massive game with a lot in it. I think Lego city will again go under the radar which is such a pity. I hope dlc comes for it or maybe even Lego city 2 with a different theme or something.
when is the arms direct?
@DESS-M-8 Oh no, sorry if I wasn't clear. I knew you meant not a HD Punch-Out, but a reimagining. My point was more on the context of it wouldn't be Punch-Out anymore - at least in the sense of what we know as Punch-Out. From a personal standpoint, I don't see a need to overhaul Punch-Out's mechanics, but each to their own.
I see so many people mistakenly comparing this to Wii Boxing or Punch Out, simply because of the fact that they're all boxing games, but that is a huge mistake on their part, because they're not the same at ALL.
Wii Boxing was a simple party game on a compilation disc and had no depth whatsoever, and Punch Out is a fixed-view, "look through yourself perspective" ordinary boxing game with cartoon graphics.
Only the latter is something that ARMS has in common with it, but other than that and the fact that the main topic of the games is boxing, the similarities end.
ARMS is a free form 3D arena fighter, much like Tekken, Virtua Fighter, Soul Calibur or Dead or Alive, except with a different aesthetic and the addition of the replaceable boxing gloves/weapons, so that is also the kind of game that it should be seen as and compared to.
And by default, you should always be open to at the very least allow something or someone to change your mind, unless you truly dislike the type of game, then no amount of good stuff is going to sway you, but if you're already ignoring it simply because of the looks or the motion controls, then you are definitely not an open-minded person.
Most people that I know that tried it out, and even some people on here that tried it out were actually quite positively surprised by it.
Perhaps I can persuade @Mii_duck and his better half to chime in here, because they are some of the few members here on NLife that have actually played the demo on the Switch try outs/demo days...
It's not for me. Splatoon 2 is where my interest is though.
@PlywoodStick "If there is a single player campaign, it would probably be somewhat comparable to Punch-Out Wii's... Which would kind of be a bummer, because it would be a lot shorter and less varied than that of Punch-Out."
How'd you figure that? Punch Out is a great game, but in the end, it's just regular boxing and there isn't really all that much strategy involved, only learning of patterns or openings in your opponents' behavior.
ARMS on the other hand already has a ton of variations available from the get go, simply by being able to use all the different combinations of weapons, and because you're not fixed to a single viewpoint but can run around freely in the arena of your choice, there is a BIG difference in gameplay, variation and strategy.
So I don't see how you can come to the conclusion that Punch Out could score better on those points, even though I personally really like Punch Out as well, so it's not to bash that game, but simply to compare the type of gameplay, which from all reports I've read and feedback I've gotten so far, is actually surprisingly deep and strategic if you take the time to learn and master the controls instead of looking at this as simply the next waggle game...
@Samuel-Flutter Punch-Out in its current form is wholly irrelevant in todays industry, to short lived with low reward and no scope for online multiplayer.
Finding a way to bring an old IP into this era is a good formula to use. Just look at Breath of the Wild; the best Zelda by a clear mile. Whether it's as important for the time it was released in is another argument that I'd see Ocarina of time win.
But making such a treasured IP relevant all over again could do with doing to a lot of Nintendo IPs
@SLIGEACH_EIRE If you thought anything Nintendo show about ARMS or Splatoon 2 can get you interested in either game THEN IT WOULD BE A REVELATION!
I'm in. Always need something fun to tid me over.
@samuelvictor I wouldn't consider them "side-on" fighters, since in all of these games, you can move around freely across the arena, much like in ARMS, and some of these games even allow you to change viewpoints on the fly.
I only consider games like Mortal Kombat, Injustice, Killer Instinct and Street Fighter to be side-on games, or more correctly in today's terminology: 2.5D games. Also because they have fixed viewpoints.
ARMS and the other games I mentioned do not.
As someone who still adores motion controls, I just can't see myself getting this game. The characters don't appeal (well, the jelly guy I kind of like) the gameplay doesn't seem terribly deep, and the visual design and stages haven't captured my attention yet. Worse yet, if I want to have local multiplayer (which is the only area that looks truly fun) I'd need a second set of Joy-cons. I suppose I could get by with the Pro Controller, but that's really a deeply inferior option for this game.
The only real opportunity this game has to convince me is by taking advantage of the fact that a close friend of mine has said they'll be getting the game- maybe if I play it there, I can be sold on it.
Still, at least there'll be a Splatoon 2 trailer, so I'll be watching the Direct.
@Cosats If you could stop stalking me and whinging THEN IT WOULD BE A REVELATION!
The game play itself doesn't look very interesting to me. Additionally, with Nintendo refusing to speak more on it, I'm not really convinced on the need pay to play this game online.
For me, the most important aspect of a fighting game is if I care about the characters. Regardless of the game play, if I don't care about any of the characters, I really have a hard time caring about the game. It's why I enjoy a game like Blazblue, which spends a lot of time letting you get to know the characters themselves due to its extensive story content.
Single-player campaign. Alternative game modes. Storyline. There are lots of things I want to know about this.
I'm not sold as of yet, but I'm willing to be convinced.
Also, I want to know how well traditional controls work with this game. Being able to play it like a normal game would go a long way toward making it something I could fully enjoy away from the dock.
@DESS-M-8 Like I said previously, Punch-Out is not a boxing simulator. Punch-Out is a puzzle/rhythm game in the guise of a Boxing match. I'm not saying you can't update Punch-Out's mechanics, but ARMS is not a Punch-Out game. Punch-Out is about timed dodges and quick counter attacks. Not a sluggish slugfest. Not every game needs online multiplayer either, if it has a solid single player. Perhaps something similar to the Wii's multiplayer, but vastly improved?
It's funny you compare it to Breath of the Wild. While I believe it's an amazing game, that I've put over 155 hours into, it's the least "Zelda-like" experience. That kinda backs my point more, of how ARMS wouldn't be a Punch-Out experience. Now I'm not saying that Punch-Out couldn't use updating, but I feel the base mechanics still have a place in the gaming infrastructure we know today.
@ThanosReXXX - you called?
Yes, I've played ARMS.
Now I'm not going to say it's a perfect, day one buy after a few plays, but I will say it was very much a pleasant surprise. It's one of the few games you really need to play to get a grip on (no pun intended).
It's easy to see it as a game where you just throw your hands out in a more physical version of button mashing, but there is patience and strategy needed, reacting to what is happening on screen rather than flailing blindly.
What I'm trying to get across is that it has depth. Types of punch, blocking, jumps... on first play I admit I wasn't that effective because I hadn't got the rhythm right but I got the impression it'd be rewarding and satisfying to learn the nuances, like in all good games.
Annnnd let's address that big old elephant in the room. Motion control.
Childish, innit?
Well no.
Y'see, I got into games to have fun and escapism. To be challenged at times, and as games get more sophisticated, to be moved emotionally too.
ARMS is definitely fun. It's fun holding the controllers and interacting, it adds something else to the experience.
The nearest thing I can think of is Guitar Hero - which is a stupid concept, but I sweated over that lump of plastic trying to improve my score. It was fun. Playing against someone even more so.
I'll be open here and say one of the joycons seemed a little sluggish though that could just be my timing and reactions - but please, be open minded, and if you get chance give it a try rather than judging after watching a video.
I love punch out but I don't think there was very much more you could do with the series and still keep it a arcade style boxing simulator. I think ARMS does a nice job of taking the DNA of punch out and then adding its own flair and substance (such as the kicking, and glove elements/stats) to take punch out where it couldn't go on its own. I love that they have been using inhuman characters to jump that feature set genre line. Splatoon is very similar in many ways to a standard shooter but by making the characters squidlike they were allowed to take a paintball theme and really make a fun package with lots of replay values. I am expecting ARMS to do the same. It won't win over fans wanting punch out HD but it will likely snag those of us wanting something new.
@Samuel-Flutter because the dungeon puzzle mechanic was dated and need refreshing and was done successfully in Breath of the Wild.
The same way Resident Evil 4 revitalised yet another classic IP that was going stale.
Rhythm based boxing game is never going to sell big numbers.
Nintendo have just made a new boxing game. It seems odd they didn't package the Punch-Out IP into this design process.
Not sure what's so mis leading
@Samuel-Flutter I know exactly was Punch-Out was and currently is; that's why I'm saying it could have done with a reimaging to make a new and more rewarding experience, just like Breath of the Wild did with Zelda
@samuelvictor I guess if you look at it that way, you could say that, but I'll stick to my guns here: there are the free roamers, and the side-on/2.5D fighters we previously discussed.
As long as you can move around the entire arena, whether or not the main players each remain on their side of the screen, then it is a 3D fighter. And in Soul Calibur, perhaps the closest comparison because of the usage of weapons, you can definitely move around and see (and more importantly: get to) all sides of the arena.
And in Dead or Alive there's even various levels/floors in one level. A clear difference between the fixed perspective fighters such as Mortal Kombat.
And personally, I'd put Powerstone in the same sub genre as Smash Bros, since by default it's a multi-player brawler.
And yes, the newer games in the series have a little more freedom and variation, although the basics are obviously the same for the most part in all of these series.
@Mii_duck Thanks for answering...
Now here's hoping people read your comment and are open to accepting/being persuaded by some of the info you're sharing.
To me my big concerns are that this lacks single player playability (Kart does ok with letting you have fun single player. Splatoon's single player campaign was a a short, sweet, tutorial mode for online that had unique but under-explored gameplay. Arms looks like a small, short, cheap, pick up and play arena fighter without the depth of Street Fighter II, and without the deep addiction of Splatoon. It needs a Kart-grade single player. I'm hoping we find out it delivers that today.
My other concern is the "motion controls" This is for Switch. It can NOT be reliant on motion controls, as it needs to work fine in handheld mode. I intend to play it PRIMARILY in handheld mode. Sure I'll play with motion controls when I get a chance, but this is a June release on the new hybrid system and I'm playing it mostly handheld. Moreover this game could have appeal in Japan, but it won't if it's not going to work handheld. If the controls on buttons are comprised, the game is DoA....and I don't mean like the OTHER fighting game with the jiggle physics.
It's going to have a lot to answer for tonight and while I'll likely buy the game even for occasional fun with the motion controls, this could prove to be a solid game to look forward to, or a throw-away toy I'll scarcely pay attention to.
Edited my post cos I hit reply before I finished.
Which cack-handedness may explain why my wife kicked my bottom at ARMS...
I doubt I'll ever buy this one. Doesn't look like my cup of tea. Not really a fan of fighting games, and the motion controls are a turn off. Would have much prefered a new Punch Out! with proper controls. Motion controls are fine as an option, but I don't like seeing them pushed as the intended way to play, with compromised physical controls.
@Ralizah You're echoing my thoughts almost exactly on every May/June release just before I write them. I admit I'm moderately disturbed
But yeah from what we've seen so far this is an online matchmaker game where you pick your gear kart/splatoon style in a handful of arena maps with a handful of characters and slug it out to win. That's not a $60 package, that's a $20 eShop game. Tonight is the make it or break it for where this game sits I think.
@NEStalgia I'd say read @Mii_duck's comment (#94). Might address some of your concerns and you could always ask him other stuff about the game...
@MarioPhD I never really saw the appeal of Punch Out! as a franchise. As a game, yes, but it was a one-off game, it had little franchise to it. Heck the big sell in the US at the time was it was a Mike Tyson game.
I like my ears where they are, thank you, I stick with Mechanica and Stretch.
@Mii_duck @ThanosReXXX That reply conveyed there's depth to the fighting itself (which I never doubted), and that the motion control works well (which I didn't doubt in part because of Mii_duck's and/or other's prior comments on that), but what I still need to know is how well the button controls do work considering I'll be playing it handheld probably 75% of the time at least for the first few months post-release (so if the button controls don't work completely, a different game will be played in that time), and if there's a realistic, interesting, sizable single player offering (I'm guessing the demo kiosks don't answer that question!) otherwise even if the online battles are wonderfully deep, it's a game I probably wouldn't spend too much time on (if I'm spending time online, it's probably going to be Splatoon 2 since I'm already neck-deep in that scene )
@MrGawain Exactly what I was discussing with my brother earlier today! I'm a tad more pumped for ARMS than he is, but we both came to the very same conclusion; how often, if ever, has Nintendo produced a duffer?
You could rightly argue that Mario Tennis Ultra Smash (Wii U) was below par, but the gameplay held up. It was only half-arsed from a content perspective. If Nintendo really put their mind to it – and I absolutely believe they have – ARMS can only be a belter.
Doubtless, there will be many who disagree, and of course they're completely entitled to their own opinions, but that's my rationale for ARMS and I'm sticking to it. In the meantime however, I'll be keeping my fingers firmly coiled.
It's also astonishing to me how many people have apparently skipped Alex's video, or simply ignore what he says in it to post their comments which for now at least, are based solely upon videos and articles and not on anything even remotely resembling any actual experience with the game, let alone an open-minded view...
The closed-mindedness at Nintendo trying something new is once again stifling, unfortunately. And the weird thing is, people are clamoring, begging, raising pitchforks at Nintendo to get their act together and give us some new IP's already, but when they do, it's STILL not good because now the tune has changed to "yeah, we wanted something new, but not THAT. Give us a new Metroid or F-Zero instead, you Nintendidiots... " and of course a new Metroid would be the epitomy of a new IP...
@DESS-M-8 Really? I thought the dungeons we're the weakest part of Breath of the Wild (save the last one).
You're right in saying that Punch-Out can be updated. I completely agree with that sentiment. I just feel that ARMS would not be the way to do it. Apparently Nintendo feels that way too.
@samuelvictor Yeah, back then, it was quite something. Every now and then, I still put the Soul Calibur or Dead or Alive disc in the old Dreamcast and set up the game to play against itself just simply to watch and marvel at how good such old games can still look and move.
As for the topic at hand here, I'd also like to refer you to comment #94, although you're at least open-minded, so you probably won't need that much persuading to give it a try...
@ThanosReXXX : something in the vein of soul calibur would grab my attention. That's one of the greatest fighting games I've ever played.
@NEStalgia Shabby minds think alike, I guess.
I'd pay $20 for just the competitive boxing minigame in a heartbeat. It looks fun. But yeah, I would not class what I've seen so far as being worth the full retail price. Which is probably why I'll never own games like Overwatch or For Honor, either.
You know, it's absolutely fine to say it's not your type of game and you aren't going to buy it.
I can't comment on how it works playing using the buttons.
But don't say it isn't Punch Out, DoA, whatever. It isn't. It's not supposed to be.
It's a new game where you move side to side by tilting your hands in tandem, where you block and grab through a combination of movements and button presses... Where you punch to punch with added twisty fist skill techniques.
It's a new thing. And it's just a game to buy or not - try it if you can, then make your decision on what it actually is, not what it is not.
@Samuel-Flutter what?
I'm saying old Zelda was heavily sequential dungeon based gameplay. Breath of the Wild has changed the Zelda formula to create a much bigger, richer and more relevant game.
I'm also not saying arms should be punch out, I'm saying why even bother with newboxing IP arms when they already have the well known Punch Out that they could done so much more with.
They need to steer hard away from the Wii image as well and games like 123 Switch and Arms don't really help
Alex has given me the courage in his video to step out and say I really liked Star Fox Zero. I don't mean despite the controls, I mean because of the controls. I really enjoyed it and thought it was a step in the right direction. I love my Switch but I am sad to see dual screen gaming on it's way out. I always enjoyed the games that made creative use of two screens and wished more games did. I didn't just like Star Fox Zero, I loved it and I played it whenever I could until I got all the medals etc. If I didn't have such a backlog of games I would probably still be trying to finish every route on Arcade mode, and I probably will go back to it from time to time. It's a great game and deserves more than it got. There I said it.
@Cyberbotv2 I certainly agree with you on that. Mind you, I'm not saying that ARMS is something in the same vein, but I made the comparison because of the free-roaming, arena-type fighting.
@Mii_duck Maybe you should color-code your comments...
(although I have no idea how that works on here)
Would make them stand out more and might make some more people notice you making a lot of sense.
Oh well, it's the internet, what can you do, right?
@Ralizah Hah! Yeah. I mean I get that people addicted to online play find more value in that "$20 competitive minigame" than a big opus like BotW....I've been there with Splatoon. Got more gameplay hours out of that that BotW! But that kind of competitive game still feels like a shell of a game when you get down to it.
Didn't realize For Honor was like that though. I pictured that as a big story driven epic based on the E3 presentation last year.
I also dislike sports for most of the same reasons, so there's that.... it's just a mentality to it whether you're into that or not I guess.
@Priceless_Spork Very eloquently put. That earns you a like...
IM READY! ALREADY PRE-ORDERED IT!
@DESS-M-8 Like I previously stated, Punch-Out isn't a boxing game. It's a puzzle/rhythm game with a Boxing skin. If you know anything about Nintendo's design process, then you know that they come up with gameplay first. I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to shoehorn Punch-Out in here, but they felt it was off. That's why you make a new IP, when the game doesn't fit any old IP.
The Wii is their most successful home console, but I agree. Which is probably why 1-2 Switch wasn't a pack in title.
The Dungeons (save the final one) in Breath of the Wild weren't nearly as good as in games previous. From a design standpoint, it makes sense. I hope in future open air Zeldas, we get more of the final one.
But yes they did free up the dungeon order. That was refreshing. However Link Between Worlds did do that first.
I'm now on the outside of the Nintendo family because I have zero intention of watching this Direct (now or later).
@NEStalgia For Honor has a single player mode, but it's not the focus and, more importantly, it's one of those always online games. It actually compares fairly well to ARMS in the sense that it supposedly has a lot of depth to its mechanics, making it more of a fighting game than anything.
@Ralizah Eww, that's worse than I even thought it was. I generally cringe with "online focused" games. It's not that I can't enjoy online games, but I feel like it kind of caters to the "everybody loves sports competition so lets make games more like sports competition" ideology which plays well in the mass market but isn't why most gamers got into gaming. Arms and Splatoon openly does that but at least it OPENLY does it rather than packaging it differently.
@Elanczewski Same here.
So excited for ARMS! I have it pre ordered along with the yellow joy-cons.
@NEStalgia Splatoon's weapons allow for varied enough content that I don't mind the online focus, but it's way harder to win me over with that approach.
One thing that helped with Splatoon is that I thought the single player mode and amiibo challenges were a blast.
Three new ARMS characters where just leaked. It seems like the game will have at least 10 characters at launch. Probably more.
@Samuel-Flutter I'm not commenting on the dungeon design I'm commenting on the game design and structure and the vast comparison between the two styles of gameplay.
Punch-out is a boxing game, its not knockout kings, but it is a boxing game, it is also Nintendos opportunity to upgrade it from a retro old school pattern based game mechanic to something far more relevant and involving.
You're kind of agreeing with some things I've said and then arguing something's I haven't said and it's getting confusing haha.
Well hope this direct will get me as hype as the splatoon direct did just before it was released for wii u
Is Nintendo actually trying to sell this game with this Direct? I don't know if it's cos I'm a Brit, but the voice over is so dull. I've played this game, it is great fun to play and some of the mini games such as basketball and 1 on 100 look really good - but that's only because I've played it. If I hadn't played it I'd have tuned out on the Direct in the first 3 minutes. The Direct makes it look like a total snooze fest.
@DESS-M-8 Honestly I feel I'm responding to each of your points you make. Sorry for any confusion.
Punch-Out is not boxing though. While it does feature boxing, it's core gameplay is not boxing.
@Samuel-Flutter punch-out is a boxing game. The fact that the AI uses an old school pattern based program to present a challenge makes no difference. That's like saying street fighter II isn't a fighting game because the AI opponents repeat a pattern.
Put any punch-out game into two player mode and you instantly remove the AI and have what you would rather call..... a boxing game.
Your addressing half the points, theithers seem to be a mush mash of mis-understanding mixed with your views on unrelated topics, and I'm confused as to why that is, not confused by what you're actually saying
@DESS-M-8 I'm afraid that's you addressing only half if my points.
There's been only one Punch-Out with multiplayer, and yes that played similar to a boxing game. But the core gameplay does not. I'm not really sure what you're not understanding about this? You only play as Little Mac with few variations on punches. You're not trying to hit the opponent, rather than wait for an opening while avoiding their attacks. This is boxing, as much as Gradius is a space flying simulator. Just because it uses boxing as it's skin, doesn't mean it's a boxing game.
Sorry it looks like we won't see eye to eye on this.
@Samuel-Flutter not really sure why, punch out is as much a boxing game as NBA Jam is a basketball game. Or is NBA Jam not a basketball game now?
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