@Highwinter I'm in the same boat as you regarding a launch day purchase (although a severe lack of funds is also a key factor). I could see myself loving the system (I thoroughly enjoyed it at Eurogamer) and having a lot of fun with Nintendo land and New Super Mario Bros. U but beyond that, I'd be holding out until Pikmin and whatever else follows. I could see it collecting dust very quickly in that particular scenario. Plus I don't think the two titles I've mentioned are strong enough to warrant a day one purchase, regardless of what the release schedule looks like beyond that.
Still, if this strategy results in a more regular release schedule next year than that suits me fine and it certainly makes good business sense. For one, Nintendo's PR only has to focus on one or two marketing campaigns at a time.
@CowLaunch I think it's important to review the product as is. If DLC comes along later that improves the game then a review for DLC can deal with that. If you were to take the DLC into account before, score up the game because of this and then the DLC gets cancelled, you're going to look a little silly. We must review what is right in front of us.
@warvad as someone who has written a review for NL I find myself somewhat agreeing with you - writing game reviews doesn't make your opinion more "authoritative" than anyone else's. I mean, when it comes to choosing a game, I'd probably go with a friend's opinion than some writer I've never heard of.
Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that reviewers are "horrible". There are many benefits to reading a review, provided that it has been done right. Proper analysis is needed throughout and opinions must be justified. The other issue is that many people can't stand back from what they're playing and view it objectively. We're all fans of gaming and we all have our favourite games/series. Nevertheless, that's not an excuse for giving a game a free pass - some of my favourite games, despite bring very entertaining to me and "perfect" in my eyes, clearly have their issues and if I were to review them, I would be expected to highlight these.
I agree that scores are ridiculous - I personally do not understand why they are so heavily relied upon when, especially when Metacritic produces an aggregate score based on numerous outlets using numerous different systems. As Kneehighpark states above, people hold different views for what each number is worth.
Nevertheless, numbers seem to be a necessary evil; most readers want a quick and easy way to identify the value of a product. If readers, as a whole, actually took the time to just read a review and base their decision off that, then scores would be less important. It'd also give PR people less marketing material for their game box art.
@Angel792 I've read numerous comments on other sites referring to this since writing the story. It appears to have been a rather stealthy revision that has happened at some point this year. Either way, at least we know that this will be the case moving forward!
@Daisaku36 It's a shame because voice chat has become such a "key" feature for people, yet every time I play my 360 online, no one seems to use a headset. And when there are people who are plugged in, it's usually just abuse.
Bring back the good ol' days of Halo 2 where people actually made something of an effort to communicate and work as a team.
@GameLord08 it's a tad confusing, but if you check the original source (SonicStadium), you'll see that his statement is made in response to another forumer's question.
I completely agree with you on the headset front - Wii Speak was horrid!
"Beyond that, F-Zero U would make a great example of seamless streaming when using the GamePad, and could function as a second player’s view in versus multiplayer."
Couldn't agree more! You really need a keen eye for detail when playing GX, so providing multiple players with a fuller display (even if it is considerably smaller on the GamePad screen) would be incredible.
I'd just hope that a solid frame rate could be maintained when both are in use!
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Re: Nintendo Is Holding Back Wii U Titles To Maintain Momentum Into 2013
@Highwinter I'm in the same boat as you regarding a launch day purchase (although a severe lack of funds is also a key factor). I could see myself loving the system (I thoroughly enjoyed it at Eurogamer) and having a lot of fun with Nintendo land and New Super Mario Bros. U but beyond that, I'd be holding out until Pikmin and whatever else follows. I could see it collecting dust very quickly in that particular scenario. Plus I don't think the two titles I've mentioned are strong enough to warrant a day one purchase, regardless of what the release schedule looks like beyond that.
Still, if this strategy results in a more regular release schedule next year than that suits me fine and it certainly makes good business sense. For one, Nintendo's PR only has to focus on one or two marketing campaigns at a time.
Re: Talking Point: The Challenges When Writing About Games
@CowLaunch I think it's important to review the product as is. If DLC comes along later that improves the game then a review for DLC can deal with that. If you were to take the DLC into account before, score up the game because of this and then the DLC gets cancelled, you're going to look a little silly. We must review what is right in front of us.
Re: Talking Point: The Challenges When Writing About Games
@warvad as someone who has written a review for NL I find myself somewhat agreeing with you - writing game reviews doesn't make your opinion more "authoritative" than anyone else's. I mean, when it comes to choosing a game, I'd probably go with a friend's opinion than some writer I've never heard of.
Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that reviewers are "horrible". There are many benefits to reading a review, provided that it has been done right. Proper analysis is needed throughout and opinions must be justified. The other issue is that many people can't stand back from what they're playing and view it objectively. We're all fans of gaming and we all have our favourite games/series. Nevertheless, that's not an excuse for giving a game a free pass - some of my favourite games, despite bring very entertaining to me and "perfect" in my eyes, clearly have their issues and if I were to review them, I would be expected to highlight these.
I agree that scores are ridiculous - I personally do not understand why they are so heavily relied upon when, especially when Metacritic produces an aggregate score based on numerous outlets using numerous different systems. As Kneehighpark states above, people hold different views for what each number is worth.
Nevertheless, numbers seem to be a necessary evil; most readers want a quick and easy way to identify the value of a product. If readers, as a whole, actually took the time to just read a review and base their decision off that, then scores would be less important. It'd also give PR people less marketing material for their game box art.
Re: Talking Point: The Challenges When Writing About Games
Great article, Thomas.
It's great to be a part of the NL team, because I know that integrity comes before anything.
Re: Feature: Nintendo Life's Top 20 Wii Games
I was just happy to see my precious Donkey Kong Country Returns earn an honourable post - what a cracking game!
Re: Wii U Branded Remotes Feature External Sync Button
@Angel792 I've read numerous comments on other sites referring to this since writing the story. It appears to have been a rather stealthy revision that has happened at some point this year. Either way, at least we know that this will be the case moving forward!
Re: No Voice Support For Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed On Wii U
@Daisaku36 It's a shame because voice chat has become such a "key" feature for people, yet every time I play my 360 online, no one seems to use a headset. And when there are people who are plugged in, it's usually just abuse.
Bring back the good ol' days of Halo 2 where people actually made something of an effort to communicate and work as a team.
Re: No Voice Support For Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed On Wii U
@GameLord08 it's a tad confusing, but if you check the original source (SonicStadium), you'll see that his statement is made in response to another forumer's question.
I completely agree with you on the headset front - Wii Speak was horrid!
Re: No Voice Support For Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed On Wii U
@Daisaku36 I think what they mean by this is that they don't have time to implement it themselves before launch day arrives.
Re: Business Insider: Wii U Is The Most Fun I've Had With A Game Console, Ever
@SuperMinusWorld I know what you mean about the visuals - it felt rather like Little Big Planet to me, but with added Nintendo charm!
Re: Feature: Reinventing Nintendo's Major Franchises on Wii U
"Beyond that, F-Zero U would make a great example of seamless streaming when using the GamePad, and could function as a second player’s view in versus multiplayer."
Couldn't agree more! You really need a keen eye for detail when playing GX, so providing multiple players with a fuller display (even if it is considerably smaller on the GamePad screen) would be incredible.
I'd just hope that a solid frame rate could be maintained when both are in use!