Comments 165

Re: Say What You Will About Nabbit, But He's Helped A Blind Girl Enjoy Games

Fingeldor

Fantastic! I love hearing these stories and being reminded that there are families with greater struggles than my own. In addition, how great is it that this follows on the heels of yesterday's editorial about Nintendo's lack of built-in storage for future third party titles with mandatory storage? No offense to Thomas, he's a fine writer and it highlights some interesting points but this story resonates with the human spirit so much more.

Re: Talking Point: The Wii U's Limited Hard Drive Space and Future Install Headaches

Fingeldor

@ThomasBW84 I think your point is valid but perhaps a little trite. No one has a magical ball with this issue and I think there are a variety of ways to counter the problem. As many have already pointed out, an external drive is a rather small investment these days. It's hard to imagine it translates to a PR nightmare when there are so many bandages at Nintendo's (and the consumer's) fingertips. I think it presents an obstacle if you're a developer with an enormous game like GTA5 and are trying to consider a Wii U version. Certainly, publishers don't want to roll a game out for the console with an external drive requirement. I think that plays well to the competition because they aren't requiring hard drive accessories with their offerings. Nintendo can start planning now (and may have already) about how to handle such issues when they become industry staples. One could assert they've already done a terrible job at that with their 8gb and 32gb versions. But we know Nintendo isn't in this business or making their consoles to support those games anyway. It seems clearer to me every day Nintendo is going their own way and if 3rd party publishers want to come along for the ride, they're going to have to make a game work on the console by whatever means possible.

Re: Talking Point: The Wii U's Limited Hard Drive Space and Future Install Headaches

Fingeldor

There's definitely I think a riff widening in the game world. On one side there are those salivating at the mouth for the latest and greatest in HD graphic architecture and on the other, (perhaps to a smaller extent) those who could care less. There's no question that Microsoft and Sony have consoles better prepared to handle these scenarios in the future. Nintendo has a bad habit of looking behind the curve on evolving trends and technologies, both in hardware and online gaming. Consumers are one extra hard drive away from expanding the capacity of a Wii U and, if the game library is hot and exclusive, there's no reason to believe they won't pick one up if more 3rd party developers jump on board. It's cheaper than buying a second console this generation.

Re: Review: The Wonderful 101 (Wii U)

Fingeldor

The demo captivated me after a second run and getting adjusted to the controls. I was definitely overwhelmed at first but a second pass at it made me fall in love with the game. I really can't wait to get my hands on this next month for my birthday! =)

Re: Platinum's Hideki Kamiya Claims He Doesn't Own A Wii U

Fingeldor

Who gains from the 'what's-his-face-said-something-on-twitter' news? Isn't social media just a hotbed for cage rattling opinions anyway? If he is trolling, why not borrow the position don't feed the trolls rather than spotlight it on a news blog? In a way, it's senseless ego stroking that's going to send the message to this guy his word really matters when to your readers, it really doesn't.

He might also not be the owner of a box of Coco Puffs, but who's paying attention?

Re: Your View: The Issues of Collecting and Owning Download-Only Games

Fingeldor

The rules of 'inevitable obsolescence' concerning digital titles we own have to change. Consumers cannot (and should not) be forever expected to relinquish access to their purchased content because publishers decide it's no longer meaningful to carry them after a particular date. Archiving is relatively cheap and a system that allows older consoles to access their content is not only possible, any alternative is unacceptable to me. We need the additional support of media (such as Nintendo Life) to push the issue as they are doing now but also stand on the side against expired content. I think the entire concept of digital content appeals not only because of its delivery mechanisms but so too should it be infinitely accessible for the consumers whose cheap media storage decays or becomes damaged. It's the responsibility of all interested parties to say NO to expired digital content.

Re: Video: Reggie Explains Nintendo's Approach to Ensuring Wii U Success

Fingeldor

I'm so thankful for Nintendo. They offer games my daughter can play, that I can play, that anyone can play and enjoy that don't fall into extremely violent categories. The alternatives are slim. It's a company that still believes in the brand of gaming I grew up and fell in love with. My 3DS and Wii U have been the best sources of entertainment for everyone in my house. No regrets!

Re: Talking Point: The Uncertain Collectible Future of Download-Only Game Libraries

Fingeldor

To me, the content always has to be accessible, otherwise I think publishers waive their right to it in a way. If i'm trading in tangibility for accessibility, it simply has to be available. It's one thing to unplug a free weather service, but it's entirely another matter to unplug virtual content that I've paid for. The size of the content, too, will be less meaningful in years to come and digital archiving should be relatively inexpensive for both the minority of future gamers who desire access to those old titles and the companies who host it. It's bad business to do it any other way and if those digital walls crumble down when we're locked out of our purchases, consumer confidence will slip.

Re: Talking Point: E3 Exposed the Strains of Nintendo's Development Workload

Fingeldor

Am I the only one tired of seeing Nintendo and Microsoft / Sony mentioned together? Who has not realized yet these are entirely different gaming companies delivering entirely different console experiences? Yes, 3rd party support will help and I imagine it will scale up when new 1st party titles become available and console sales pick up. It happened with other consoles, most recently the 3DS - as long as Nintendo delivers, it will happen again. The consumer isn't as concerned with rapid fire launch windows as some might suggest. As long as Nintendo makes a good push forward over the next 6 months, new sales will render momentum for a company people have trusted for years to deliver high quality gaming content.

Re: First Impressions: Super Mario 3D World

Fingeldor

I don't care about the naysayers, I look forward to new Mario games with great anticipation - even this one!

Edit: Also, look at the 3rd screenshot from the top of the page. That looks very strange and not at all the usual Mario formula.

Re: Talking Point: The Wii U's Next-Gen Challenge Starts to Take Shape

Fingeldor

It's unclear to me why I need more Skype. I have Skype on my computer. I have Skype on a tablet. I have Skype on a phone and for that matter, FaceTime to boot. I have so many ways of showing my face already, I'm not sure plastering it on the television while I lounge on my couch is an attractive feature to me. More importantly, the only thing I've read in terms of gaming is about another Call of Duty game. Is war simulation really so exciting it can capture an entire onslaught of new Xbox loyalists? I mean, war simulation already looks pretty good in the 'current gen'. I suppose if I need to see my enemy combatants' guts hanging out after I've mortared them, perhaps more polygons are in order. Is ultra-violence the only thing capturing the minds of the Western audience anymore? We like what we like, I guess. Worst yet, if I want to loan the game to a friend or trade it in, it looks like I probably can't. Years from now, there may be a separate landfill just for Call of Duty game boxes in some corner of the world.

Re: Talking Point: Nintendo's Changing the Media Game at E3

Fingeldor

Perhaps Nintendo doesn't feel they have a card to play against all the negative press that will undoubtedly peak during E3. Look at the last several months. It's been one jab after another against Nintendo. If all they're doing is announcing games at E3, it may not make sense to take center stage. The press will say, 'Another Mario game, yawn' while Sony and Microsoft will be lambasting the audience with another loud gun battle and slick, seizure-inducing graphics. In a way, Nintendo doesn't really feel like it belongs there. Mature gamers increasingly adopt the attitude that Nintendo 'is for kids'. I think the company may get drowned out at E3 and many members of the gaming press will dismiss and laugh about Nintendo's offerings.

It may well be the nature of what E3 has become that makes Nintendo wonder if they are really part of the American gaming equation anymore. Whenever I venture into a local GameStop and inquire about Nintendo, the employees look at me strangely. One of them asked me recently, 'You actually own a Wii U?' Nintendo is going through a transition and this may just be the first of many different steps the company plans to take.

Re: Talking Point: The Next-Gen Console War is Wii U's to Lose

Fingeldor

@duskao While I heartily agree with our past-times in the 80's and 90's, I think smart phones and smart devices are here to stay. I actually prefer the days of land lines and our parents' exchanging numbers, as you pointed out. That resonates with my childhood memories deeply. Those days are gone and like the geriatrics of our generation, the kids of today will also roll their eyes at us and sigh. Every kid is due their time and their own slate of memories with whatever technology captivates their minds and imaginations. I'm always telling my daughter, 'If you can find a way to stay young, I suggest you do.' She is 6 and doesn't understand what that means. I'm hesitant to discourage adulthood - (it's not all bad, after all) but the memories of youth and our struggle to recapture them are the curse of all who grow older. If there's a place beyond this existence for us, I hope like you it doesn't have phone contracts and iPads.

Re: Talking Point: The Next-Gen Console War is Wii U's to Lose

Fingeldor

I think this piece is spot-on. It's a chess game to be sure come the holiday season. Nintendo may have put itself in extraordinarily good position to lower their console's price and release some big titles when the competitors will (likely) be trying to push their new systems at a higher cost. All of the graphical glitz and glamor arguments may take a back seat when that time comes.

Re: Interview: Michael Pachter On Wii U, 3DS And The Challenges Facing Nintendo This Generation

Fingeldor

What's important to understand is that analysts think BACKWARDS. They pay close attention to historical data to predict how companies (and the market) will perform going FORWARD. They aren't fortune tellers. Any investor will tell you that the market can (and often does) change overnight. Michael Pachter understands where the West has gone in terms of gaming and he's right.

At least, for the moment.

There are many dynamics at play here. If Nintendo keeps playing the same cards and squeezing every last drop out of their IP's until they're dead, Pachter may be right. However, companies do change course and if Nintendo starts thinking ahead rather than trailing behind, they can become a viable company to invest in. The marketing clout that new Xbox and PS titles carry is enormous in the U.S. and if they aren't getting ported to Wii U, the console looks less and less attractive to buyers. I'm excited to see how things play out. Personally, I hope Nintendo rebounds and I think they can.

Re: Epic Games Rules Out Unreal Engine 4 For Wii U

Fingeldor

It doesn't matter how good it looks anymore to me - it's the same coat of paint on every recycled FPS they shovel out to the masses. Does anyone notice how these games have no longevity? Once the sequels come out (and do they ever!) the old ones are forgotten and they no longer have any value. I can only be wooed so much by another gun selection, another explosion and all the brilliant particle effects and lighting effects that bring them to life. Since my days of playing Quake and Unreal on the PC 16 years ago, the formula hasn't changed much. My best days gaming have been because of Nintendo. It's sad they've become a running joke among an elitist group of gamers that have limited imagination.

Re: Talking Point: An Open Letter To Nintendo

Fingeldor

This kind of pressure from consumers and lovers of Nintendo only has the potential to work in their favor if it keeps the company on its toes. I think the games are coming, as many others have already outlined before me. However, do not underestimate the power publishing this kind of material can (and likely will) have. In fact, I would go as far to say that NOT complaining may resemble total complacency and satisfaction (albeit a lack of console sales). I'm comfortable complaining if it renders more titles and more content. I'm in for the long haul, let's see how things play out.

Re: Fez Creator Believes Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is More Suited To Vita

Fingeldor

Unfortunately for Phil, the 3DS and DS sales numbers prove dual screen and 3D aren't merely gimmicks. He's entitled to his opinions but as others have pointed out - he just sounds like he's ranting about Nintendo. The guy makes Fez (which was delayed how many times?) and now he's a wise sage about the entire gaming industry. Some of the indie developers need to trade in their angst for a little class and tact. I'd probably consider supporting some of them more and buy their games.

Re: Nintendo Download: 21st March 2013 (North America)

Fingeldor

Got Luigi's Mansion on pre-order. Picking it up Sunday. Weee!! Been a busy week for gaming between Monster Hunter Wii U and now Luigi's Mansion. Also, since I am doing the download promotion thru Nintendo, I get a free Mario Land 3D. Too many games to play and not enough time. LOVING Monster Hunter so far...