Comments 304

Re: Can Fossil Fighters: Champions Make Cleaning Fun?

Ecto-1

"Throw a Cleaning Party with up to Four Friends!"
Are they baiting us to mock it? Seriously? Hey, guys, I'm having a Cleaning Party at my place! Your all invited! Who can bring a mop?

In all seriousness, this actually looks pretty interesting. Never got to try the original, but, if I have the extra, I may try this one.

Re: New 3D Trailers Hit the European eShop Today

Ecto-1

Huh, was anyone able to get the Kid Icarus one? All of the others are on the eShop except that one.

Edit: Just reread the Spot Pass notification and it specifically names every game except Kid Icarus as having a new trailer.

Re: New 3D Trailers Hit the European eShop Today

Ecto-1

@Mully
I was just thinking the same thing. Still, with them releasing in every other region yesterday, I would have thought we would get them too. Then again, since when has Nintendo done what I expected them to do.

Re: Talking Point: Why No Plans for GBA on 3DS Virtual Console?

Ecto-1

I think option number 4 best matches my thoughts. I think that when they said they didn't have any plans to release them for purchase, they meant just that: they haven't planned for their release. Will we see them on the eShop eventually? I'd bet yes, just not any time soon.

Re: Activision Comes Out in Support of Circle Pad Expansion

Ecto-1

@SUBTERRANEANboy (post 89)
The code being different does not make them different games. Porting means optimizing a piece of software to be able to run on different platforms. You do realize that the code for any multiplatform game is different depending on the console, right? Even between PS3 and Xbox 360 editions of games, there are variations and differences in the games' coding. For example, in the CoD games, when your weapon is low on ammo, a message appears at the bottom of the screen showing you which button to hit to reload (X on Xbox and ■ on PS3). Another example would be games like L.A. Noire that use multiple discs on Xbox, but fit on a single PS3 disc. Additional code must be added to the Xbox editions of these games to indicate when the player must change discs. This isn't even taking in to account the dozens if not hundreds of small changes that must be made to the games' code in order for it to be able to work with the console's operating system in order to utilize the system's resources. By your statement the"the code is different, so the games should be considered different" every multi-platform game should be considered its own game. In a sense your right, and thats why every game has the name of the system it is for stamped at the top of its box. However, you would be hard pressed to find anyone that would agree that multiplatform games aren't the same, content wise, across most platforms. If I buy MW2 on 360, I won't be experiancing anything substancially different from someone who bought it on PS3. Porting relates more to the content of a piece of software than it does to the code itself. The definition of porting practically implies that some changes to the code will be necessary to allow the software to run under new hardware specs. I don't think that the term port is missused in any way, shape, or form. It is just applied to more mediums now than it used to be and software programs have made it easier to create ports, but they still fit the definition.

Also, your statement that "Activision will never utilize the 3DS properly and thats a fact" is, in fact, not a fact. It is simply your speculation. That is, unless someone's managed to invent a Plutonium powered, time traveling DeLorean and I haven't heard about it. If what they did with the Wii is any indication, I think there's a good chance we will see plenty of software that utilizes the 3DS's unique features. Like I said earlier, they didn't add support for more traditional control schemes in their games until last year. Up until that point they were strictly using the Wii's motion controls. Noone forced them to; Wii has supported Classic Controllers and GameCube Controllers since day one.

Re: Activision Comes Out in Support of Circle Pad Expansion

Ecto-1

I am sorry, but your post (#67) doesn't make sense to me. If port means "to create a new version to run on different specs," how can games on one system that have slight variations from the originals not be ports? The biggest differences are often in the games coding. They may use lower resolution textures or fewer polygons in their models, but the game itself is often almost identical. Not to say there aren't exceptions (such as Driver: San Francisco), but games like CoD are pretty much identical in game play content. You go through the same missions, completing the same objectives. The multi-player features the same maps with the same game modes.

Also, who is to say Activision won't use the 3DS's unique features. The Wiimote didn't stop them from porting CoD4 to Wii with only pointer controls, despite the Wii having support for the Classic and Gamecube controllers. Recently, they have utilized as many control options as possible. Goldeneye allows you to use Wiimote and nunchuck, Gamecube, or Classic controllers. CoD:BO supported the Wiimote and nunchuck and the classic controller. All I am saying is, don't bash them just for enthusiastic about the grip.

Re: Activision Comes Out in Support of Circle Pad Expansion

Ecto-1

@SUBTERRANEANboy

Ported, as defined by dictionary.com, related to computer software means "to create a new version of (an application program) to run on a different hardware platform (sometimes followed by over )." The term may be derived from the word import, but like many other computer terms (ie cookie) it cannot draw a literal comparison. To port a game from one system to another is to take a game designed for one set of specs and adjust and modify it to run under different specifications. Therefore, CoD4 on Wii is a port. If games designed to run on Vita and are also made to run on 3DS, this peripheral will make it easier to port because it will allow the developers to use a similar control interface.

Re: Activision Come Out in Support of Circle Pad Expansion

Ecto-1

@Lionsgate
Or perhaps they realize that the 3DS is, like another user has stated in these comments, a very compact design and there was simply no way to squeeze it in and maintain the systems small form factor. Honestly, they're providing gamers with the option. Whether it should have been there at the start is debatable, but it is there now.

Re: 3DS Second Circle Pad Formally Announced

Ecto-1

While I can understand where people are coming from about wishing the 3DS had this to begin with, I can't help but think it would have been horribly uncomfortable if it had. As someone with big hands, I actually kind of like that this makes the system a bit larger. Also, I really don't think it will be too difficult to reach the face buttons with this attachment.

Re: Nintendo Plans a Rosy Future for DSi XL

Ecto-1

I can't help but feel that it isn't particuarly wise to release a new XL color, especially when its successor hasn't exactly been a run away success (yet). I think they would have been better served to release a 3DS in this color alongside the red one they lauched yesterday in order to help furthur the 3DS's sales.

Re: Current Wii Model to be Discontinued

Ecto-1

@Muffy
Judging from the boxart, it looks like MarioKart's been replaced by Wii Sports and Wii Party. As for this new model, I really don't see the point. It looks the same, just with fewer features. Any word on if the price going down, or are we going to be paying the same amount for a Wii without GC support as we would for one with it?

Re: Talking Point: Wii U - Revolution or Evolution?

Ecto-1

I think this is an evolutionary system. They are taking some of the best elements from not only the Wii, but also the DS, and incorporating elements that have become the standard on the competing systems. I'm very interested in the console and the entertainment it can provide, but I want to see more before I decide to spend another couple hundred dollars on hardware. I want to see the tech and how it is being used for games. I will say that I kind of doubt that Wii U will enjoy the same phenomenal success as the Wii.

Re: EA CEO Loves the Wii U

Ecto-1

@Pingas

It really is all about personal preference. I think the Wiimote is great for shooters and personally have no problems pulling off precise shots when I need to.

Re: EA CEO Loves the Wii U

Ecto-1

@JesusSaves and @TheDarkness

Actually, whatever you prefer to use is "the only way to go for FPS," although I also personally prefer the Wiimote and Nunchuck.

Re: EA CEO Loves the Wii U

Ecto-1

It is great to see third parties this excited for the new console. I have to say though, I have never heard anyone call an analog stick a "swizzle stick."

Re: These Are Your Club Nintendo Elite Rewards

Ecto-1

Not bad, but I would have liked to have seen a Zelda 25th Anniversary prize. Still these pins will have a place in my display case, next to (or just behind as my case is getting a bit cramped) my Mario hat, Mario Statue and the cool box the statue came in.

Re: Sonic the Hedgehog is 20 Years Old Today

Ecto-1

Happy 20th Sonic! I remember playing your first outings back on the Genesis. Those were some of my first and favorite gaming memories. Then you kind of let yourself go and got by on your name alone, tarnishing your reputation and crushing the hopes and dreams of your fans. But you seem to be on the up swing. Your games are getting better and one day I will try Colors. Enjoy your birthday, Sonic, you blue blur you!

Re: Sony: Wii U is No Threat, Says "Welcome to 2006, Nintendo"

Ecto-1

His statement is true. Right now the PS3 is established. It has a solid game library that upon the Wii U's launch will have nearly 6 years worth of releases under its belt. Wii U will be practically starting over from scratch. You really can't expect that all 86.1 million Wii owners are going to immediately upgrade to Wii U's. Also worth noting is the fact that all that has been revealed for the new console are ports of games that will already be available for the PS3 and some basic tech demos. After some new games are revealed at next year's E3, then he can start to worry. Why should he be concerned about the Wii U at this point? I'm a huge Nintendo fan and I really don't see too much reason for him to be concerned at the moment.

Re: Sony: Wii U is No Threat, Says "Welcome to 2006, Nintendo"

Ecto-1

I could criticize Tretton's attitude towards Nintendo, but I won't because I know that the people above me already are and the people below me likely will.

I will say to some extent he is right. If Nintendo was hoping to compete with the 360 and the PS3 as an HD gaming console, Sony and Microsoft will have a 6-7 year head start by the time the Wii U launches.

I don't think Nintendo will fail by any means, as their loyal fan-base (myself included) will undoubtedly adopt their new console.

Re: Your First Look at the Wii U Console

Ecto-1

The concepts and ideas behind the new system are certainly interesting. My only concerns about the device are related to the cost.
I really don't like the name though. Sounds too much like Pii U. Maybe it will grow on me like "Wii" did, but at the moment, it just seems cringe worthy.

Re: Rumour: Could This Be the Next Nintendo Console?

Ecto-1

I think that with the Wii's recent price drop, these rumors are starting to gain some credibility. However, I think these pics are faked. The disc drive slot (assuming that is what the vertical line near the bottom of the console is) doesn't appear large enough to accept Wii game discs. Gamecube maybe, but not Wii. Also, like someone else pointed out, why would pamphlets created for a Japanese company's investors meeting be printed in English rather than Japanese.

Re: Rumour: Wii 2 has Blu-ray Drive, Controller Contains a Screen

Ecto-1

@51
Wow, your absolutely right. I just viewed the sensor bar and wii remote with a infrared night vision camcorder, and sure enough, the sensor bar emits infrared light while the remote doesn't. All this time I assumed it was the other way around.

Regardless, I really do not see how a camera mounted in the new controller could act as a Wii sensor bar.

Re: Rumour: Wii 2 has Blu-ray Drive, Controller Contains a Screen

Ecto-1

"Other sources are also claiming the Wii will make use of a Blu-ray disc drive"

I thought it was a well known fact that the Wii does not use Blu Ray discs. Just kidding.

I'm not entirely convinced that these specs are true, but the screen on the controller thing does sound like the kind of thing Nintendo would do. I don't understand how a camera on a controller could function as a Wii sensor bar. Doesn't the Sensor Bar track IR?

Re: Review: Pokémon Black and White (DS)

Ecto-1

@Bulbasaur
Thanks for the response.

@Froggievilleus
I also miss the touchscreen hot keys, but I don't think there is a way to bring them back. The touch screen is used for other things, and I don't believe you can add hot keys like those in HG SS, although I may be wrong.

Overall I am really enjoying this game. I am surprised to be able to say that I actually like a lot of the new Pokemon.