@eaglebob345
I think for most people they just see 'pokemon' thats it, its black and white to 'em (no pun intended). To them its "just another Pokemon" just like its "just another COD".
I always find theses complains funny, since if you think about it a lot of the complainers likely have at least one series they love and have every release of. Its ok if its something like Persona or Dragon Quest, but if its a popular series then, yea, its a dirty cash-in or what have you.
@Rafie Yep, I still don't get why theres exactly one Nintendo store in the entire country. What, do they not think people would stop by if they were in places like Seattle or Miami too? I kinda get NOJ thinking that one location works, but NOA? People like to blame the main branch but its NOA that they rely on for what works over here.
It could be a key item like the splicers or something, maybe they really are retconning the orbs or its a "newly discovered" method. I kinda hope its OR/AS exclusive for a while just because they might be pulling a primal dialga.
@Stomatopod17 Thats true, but it might also just be a form change or something. According to serebii it was an email to Daisuki Club members specifically about the boxart, and they also used the same phrase to describe black/white kyurem too.
Items aren't transferable to begin with so it won't matter if you can't get their megas since if its a form change that wouldn't transfer either. It could be mega latias and latios are meant to be transferable but groudon and kyogre's new forms aren't.
@randomlypikachu According to serebii they did say the same thing about mega mewtwo, so who knows. Its definitely a powered up version of them either way at least.
@Dark-Link73
I get what your saying but keep in mind Iwata is talking about emerging markets specifically here. The quote itself is just missing a bit of context.
"It would be difficult to enter those markets if we didn't create something new... For the mass market you need to provide something that most of the middle class can afford."
He isn't saying the 3DS or Wii U is too expensive for the middle-class in general. What hes saying is they aren't going to just release those consoles in those regions mostly unchanged (and full price) like Microsoft, but rather cater specifically to that those markets and whats reasonable for their middle-class.
@AG_Awesome I agree with the gamepad being made optional like the original kinect was, but not even the last gen consoles are that cheap yet, so a $100 Wii U is ridiculous. Dropping to $250 would be reasonable though, especially with the sort of bundles they've got.
@kensredemption Thats a good point, it could be the somewhat long process for transferring Pokemon from older games is partially responsible. You have two separate games to go through to do so.
@randomlypikachu Its been confirmed that they're "never before seen Pokemon" by the Japanese branch of the Pokemon Company.
@MamaLuigi Sorry, I meant Pokemon Conquest. I thought I mentioned it somewhere, but guess not.
It actually could be Other M too though come to think of it since it was Ninja Theory that made it, hopefully not though I'd rather see Retro handle Metroid.
@Technospile Compared to X/Y, no, compared to the originals, yes. Of course people were also expecting a "Gray" version, not direct sequels so who knows. Considering fans have been asking for these remakes I don't see it as panicky on their part, but you'd be a fool to assume the timing was coincidental.
@MamaLuigi It very well could be, in an interview it was stated that they'd be interested in doing another one. The other spin-offs got sequels so I wouldn't be surprised.
"we think that used game sales benefit new game sales by providing currency to gamers with less disposable income, thereby enabling the purchase of additional games. The vast majority of used games are not traded in until the original new game purchaser has finished playing, typically well beyond the window for a fullretail priced new game sale. Thus, while there may be some limited substitution of used game purchases when GameStop employees "push" used merchandise upon consumers lined up to buy new games, the vast majority of used game purchases occur more than two months after a new game is released. Other than the potential impact at holiday (when new game lives are extended beyond the typical two month sell-through pattern), used game sales just don't impact new game purchases very much…. To the extent that there is a substitution effect, we estimate that fewer than 5% of new game sales are impacted."
Thats the only version of the quote I could find, its directed at Gamestop but it should be similar for GAME as well since GS is the largest used-game retailer in the US. Theres a better one where Pachter actually crunches the numbers out there somewhere.
Its kinda scary if you think about it, this shows not even Nintendo expects MK8 or Smash Bros. to push that many units. They're having trouble just matching past software sales with their console, much less consoles
Nintendo is fine and has a war chest now, but every screw up will just make getting back on track even harder. If publishers didn't think Nintendo's consoles were worth supporting before this certainly change their minds thats for sure.
@Unrandomsam
Once again you have no proof that used sales are leeching away from new sales, not in any significant way. There isn't any proof that the absence of a second-hand market would lead to an increase in new purchases. There are other explanations as well, such as people sticking to a handful of exclusives.
@Lord_KOLZ Animal Crossing: New Leaf's sales would beg to differ. As would the 3DS as a whole. Its not Nintendo's IP thats the problem either, they sold fine up until now. People want Nintendo's IP, the hardware, not so much.
@Meaty-cheeky It needs those too, arguably much more so, but a price drop would help. Dropping it to $100 would be extreme, not even the PS3 super slim is that cheap, but like I said before most of their consoles have always been less than it is now. The 3DS had that problem too, being too much for a handheld to most people. Sitting in-between the next-gen and last-gen consoles is putting the Wii U in a sticky situation. It doesn't have the power nor does it have the big library either.
@Jampie I think he just mashed the Project Rainfall games together since two out of three were published by them. It does seem like a game they'd publish too.
Glad to hear XSEED is considering it, I loved the work they did with RF4. As much as I like Natsume I hope they also take over for the series, and let Natsume stick to localizing Harvest Moon.
A price drop would help, the Wii U is still the most expensive Nintendo console, well, besides the R.O.B NES bundle. All of them were under $250 until the Wii, so I think that price expectation is still there.
It won't mean much though without better marketing and more games of course, and fixing issues like the lack of a fully functional account system.
@Unrandomsam
I think you must be remembering things differently then. The industry's problems aren't due to Sony entering the market. They aren't even Microsoft's fault either. You can thank greedy 3rd-party publishers and investors though.
@memoryman3 The NFC toys don't make it a bad quality game, only if its made so that you can't really progress without them.
The mystery dungeon games are some of the best spin-offs they've ever done. They're apart of the "certain spin-offs" I was referring to. Have you ever played the games your accusing of being bad, or are you just going off of appearances?
I'm hoping this turns out to be something like AO Type Wild, but obviously with official support and backing. Wouldn't be a bad idea to get the creators of that on-board either since it was created by animators of the original anime.
@memoryman3 I think your confusing personal taste with quality there. There really isn't a bad game out of the bunch, and they're all pretty high quality even if the production values aren't always. Especially on the user side, where some people even like certain spin-offs more than the main games.
@rjejr I'm wondering if it ain't because of hoe buggy the originals were. Most weren't anything unavoidable and those that were weren't game breaking but it could be Nintendo's pride getting in the way.
Game Freak came out and said they won't put main series games on home consoles so that might be why they won't release the GBA games. They'd probably rather just remake them anyway, its more work but still more cost effective than a brand-new game.
@JakeShapiro
I wouldn't, it doesn't really have many RPG elements. Stats aren't influenced by experience or leveling up, just equipment. That and inventory management are the only things it shares with RPGS. There isn't much role playing either. MH4U might change that though, since it involves a caravan and more story.
@RennaNT
I seriously doubt any of that stuff is worth even a quarter of what they cost, the mark-up on it is probably monstrous. This is the equivalent of those Pokemon themed cars from back in the day, the only reason they're doing it is Monster Hunter is gigantic over there. They know somebody will buy it.
Do they actually have games this violent on the VC? I can't think of any off the top of my head, and MK is the game that sparked the creation of the ESRB. Even Zombies Ate my Neighbors only had blood on the game over screen.
Just because they allow current-gen games that are violent doesn't mean that automatically applies to the VC. Same goes for what was allowed on past consoles, especially considering how weird Nintendo was about it.
@Mizore I really like that idea. It doesn't even need to be its own class, just introduce some new effects, then again a sub-class wouldn't hurt either. Its about time we get our own "roar", not just sonic bombs that works on a few monsters.
By the way @JakeShapiro, MH isn't a JRPG, no more so than Zelda or Kid Icarus are anyway.
@Melkac
Well of course its the worst by comparison, its the very first game in the series, never mind that yes, its a 22yr old game. I honestly don't get the point of calling any old game the "worst" in the series, unless its an objectively bad game, if you expect a game to have any modern conveniences I don't what to tell you. Labeling anyone who disagrees blinded by nostalgia isn't exactly gonna win you any arguments either.
I suppose I should thank you for illustrating the point I wanted to make though.
But as for the article, I may not agree with every grip Karry had but they were reasonably thought out and stuck to comparing to other games of the time. She also gave it a fair chance rather than stick her nose up at it for being old, thats farther than many people would probably get.
I normally don't like day-1 DLc because of the basic premise of DLC being an expansion to encourage people to keep their games, but I really like how Nintendo handled it. Making it free in the beginning for certain games was pretty cool too, I wish more companies did that.
On-disc is a bit stick though since I can at least see a decent reason for it, which is internet speeds and data caps that might keep people from buying it otherwise.
On the "arms race" part, I'm willing to bet not many people would be as willing to upgrade their handheld like they do their phone or tablet. A lot of people upgrade their phones through their carriers, we've all seen those free/$.99 phone deals.
Upgrading a $150+ device that plays $40 games every 2-3 years isn't gonna fly, especially when you consider getting people to 'upgrade' to a new console every 5 or so years is enough of a challenge as it stands.
@unrandomsam
That doesn't mean much at all though. WHY are they only buying 2-3 games? Is it due to game prices? Are they buying much older games that are $20 or under used? Do they have multiple platforms and mainly buy 1st-party exclusives? There are far too many explanations as to why people buy so few games brand-new. No proof those sales would translate to new sales either.
The main point of the latter is those formats still exist, and so do those cheaper digital alternatives. They co-exist, the physical retail didn't drop dead, we still have bookstores and libraries.
Even then its been proven Gamestop's used sales make up a very low percentage of overall sales, something like 3-5% if I recall, and they're one of the biggest retailers that deal in second-hand games. If second-hand sales are so detrimental then why are companies like Gamestop or GAME still receiving so much support?
People need to quite with the 'used games are killing the industry' shtick, its all a scapegoat. Its all based on a baseless assumption and its been proven to be nowhere as large as its been made out to be. Why is it this industry is so special its acceptable for it to abolish an entire section of the market?
As for digital being the future, yes, more likely than not it is. That future isn't here yet and can't be realized with the current state of our infrastructure. That doesn't mean that physical must cease to be an option. There is still physical media for every form of media out there, they haven't halted the progress of services like itunes or Steam.
I like the idea of game installs, or something like steam keys. Physical games could be linked to your account just like digital copies, in a similar manner to consoles. Basically what the Xbox DRM policy was minus the 24hr check-in.
@ThreadShadow I think the main point is Iwata calls the shots. We don't know how involved he is but it won't matter what Aonuma or Miyamoto want, what Iwata says goes. Nintendo has been known to keep their dev teams working on the same IP over and over.
I took it as doing the same thing day in day out gets tiring, Link in the beginning was when Zelda was still new and fresh, and the later parts with the signs are when Nintendo started hand-holding more. The end could be Link's undying loyalty to Miyamoto, his creator or father if you will.
@Action51 Like I said my main point was against those saying it'd be a good thing if they skipped E3. I never said anything about going all out, just that the media having a supposed bias against them wasn't a good reason to miss it.
Don't forget that the thing that gave Sony the advantage in the first place last year was Microsoft's DRM fiasco, it had nothing to do with E3 itself. They should definitely take advantage of modern methods of marketing, but missing out on an event of that size would also be a missed opportunity.
@JaxonH Thats true, the important thing is they're there. My main point is just against the naysayers acting like its a good thing if they miss out on one of the biggest events of the year.
I can actually emphasize with Iwata on why he'd not want to do a press event. The poor guy can't even make a speech without getting laughed at for his difficulty speaking English. A more casual presentation is much more their style I think, unfortunately big events are a necessary evil.
@bizcuthammer I was mainly agreeing on the 'Wii demographic' part, those people would be just as reluctant to buy a PS4 or Xbox One. The main reason those are selling right now is people trust the games they'll want will come, not just Nintendo's games. A of of people like Mario, but not enough for the Wii U to be their main console, heck NSMB Wii didn't even get anywhere close to the original NES game's sales, and it had the install base for it.
Ya know, avoiding these events for fear of bad press only perpetuates the problem. The best way to combat it is to get up and show the naysayers how wrong they are. Like it or not they need these "outdated" press events, because they're such big events everybody will have their eyes on them. This is one time where being traditional is a good thing.
@JaxonH Thats the thing though, they don't give their other games the same sort of treatment, not even to the level of Mario or Pokemon. If they marketed them more they'd dispel the "all they have is Mario" and other such assumptions. Not to say they all need AAA levels of hype, but they even pushed MH3 harder than most of them. I recall FE: Awakening being "the most successful" game in the series, so they're more than capable.
@Darknyht The problem there is the SNES was quite obviously a different console. From the 'super' in its name to the graphical leap. People were reluctant about moving on then too but they got over it.
The Wii U looks very much like the original Wii, just rounded off and slightly bigger. Thats a problem no console has ever had.
Your right though about people not wanting to pay for a brand new console just for prettier versions of games they can already play. That doesn't just apply to casual gamers either, but it is a bigger issue for them.
@Caryslan
You can say that again. The thing I can't quite wrap my head around about it is where the stereotype for Sony came from. I get Microsoft since the Xbox is kinda known for shooters, but Sony certainly didn't make a name on those kind of games. Heck, if anything the Playstation should be known as the basement-dweller or otaku console because of all the RPGs.
I guess its the "HD twin" thing, which is equally as annoying.
@HylianJowi
Its not just consoles. Unfortunately though theres something about gaming where people just can't understand how anyone could like something they don't. You don't see people berating others for their taste in food or anything like that.
I think a lot of it is due to people wanting to validate their investment. After plopping down half a grand or more they want to feel like they made the 'right' choice. It comes right down to tearing other down being much easier than building yourself up.
@gatorboi352 Thats what I'm thinking as well. That and their own take on services like Lumosity. I doubt QOL will draw resources away from the games like people think, assuming they invest some of that war chest into expanding the company and making QOL its own division.
Its funny hearing Iwata talk about entertainment being more than games given the company's stance on keeping their consoles 'pure' or so to speak. I recall Yamaguchi even criticizing the other companies for including media play-back and other extra features. I can't help but be skeptical of them broadening their horizons.
@Wombatkid Them owning the Mariners doesn't have much to do with that. Yamaguchi didn't even like baseball, the main reason for buying them was Ichiro. That part of the company is mostly minor or all in the past, its not a focus for Nintendo like gaming has been.
I wouldn't be surprised one bit that they're hard to get along with. Nintendo has always been like that and I'd say it has more to do with being stuck in their ways than anything. The way I see it Nintendo is going to do what they're going to do, no matter what anyone says. Its like trying to get someone to change their diet or lose weight, if they don't care and don't want to then they just can't be arsed.
If I remember right I think a lot of the praise from indies was that once you get in your golden. If thats the case then Brandon Sheffield has a point, since the problem hes referring to is just that, getting a foot in the door. I'm sure Nintendo is great when your in the loop and they actually WANT to work with you.
@Unrandomsam Except the 'evidence' that the second hand market hurts the industry is mostly based on speculation. Its based on the assumption that if it didn't exist most people would just buy new instead. Pachter even crunched the numbers once and proved Gamestop's used sales make up a small percentage of the over-all games sales, something like 5%-10% I think.
As 'horrible' as Gamestop is made out to be the industry as a whole seems to think otherwise. If its so horrible why are there so many GS exclusive deals? Simple, they need a monster to blame when things go wrong. They need a scapegoat to justify changes when things don't meet their expectations. Gamestop is good when its making them money, and its evil when its not.
@erv Unfortunately thats because most companies have found it to be much more productive to churn out free pay to win money-leeches than actual games. I wouldn't be surprised if the reason $5 is the limit is because of the flood of those games, not because people aren't willing to pay e-shop prices.
Both handheld are getting plenty of praise for their digital stores actually, which is nice. Its the same sort of praise too, plenty of loyal customers and such.
I still have a Gameboy laying around but half the pixels are dead, unfortunately I learned that the hard way when I wanted to see what Pokemon G/S looked like on it.
I have fond memories of playing Gargoyle's Quest and Bomberman on it. Most of the games I played later on the GBC, still have them all but Mole Mania. Its funny how most people seem to not think of Pokemon R/G/B as GB games, I even forget sometimes. The color-select trick is among my favorite things about those games too actually.
@electrolite77 Cause hes looking at it from an enthusiast's standpoint. "Why buy that one when the 'better' model is only 'x' more" kinda sums it up. The thing is by the time those people want a Wii U the cost will about even out. Not everyone buys a console first then hopes games they'll like will follow.
@IceClimbers It wasn't exactly "free" either though since you still had to buy a select game and the console. If you didn't want a 3DS or those games in the first place why would you buy one just because of the promotion?
Pokemon itself is a system seller, but the holidays would have been the time to buy a 3DS for it, especially with the 2DS bundles.
@Iceclimbers X&Y came out back in October of last year, so most people who want it probably already bought it by then. They had them in several 3DS/2DS bundles already too.
In the PSP's case, the Vita doesn't have a UMD drive, so theres actually games it can't play. Not all PSN versions are supported either. Wouldn't be surprised if most of those sales are replacement consoles.
For those apparently confused why people buying a Wii wouldn't 'upgrade' to a Wii U, theres a $150-$200 difference between the two depending on the model. If people weren't interested in 3D World or what have you then, why would they spend that much to 'upgrade' now? Spending that kind of money to upgrade is an enthusiast move.
I know people who bought old consoles just for their grand-children or that sort of thing. Its funny how people like to talk about how great the Wii's library is, but when people buy it over the Wii U people are baffled.
@Gladius_X More like the typical multi-monitor display any PC is capable of. If anything their patent looks like some sort of adapter, one image shows it working with a printer.
They're just hoping to pass it as Nintendo "stealing" their technology for displaying multiple images off one device. The only reason they're probably going after it is they look at it as a DS in console form, so they think they can win this one too.
@Action51 I don't think it was a "ban" so much as they really discouraged it. I remember hearing we almost missed out on games like Legend of Mana because of it. It might have just been 2D RPGs, I know it didn't last too long and pushing games like FFVII probably had something to do with it, along with 2D RPGs doing poorly in comparison.
@JaxonH 2D platformers aren't the only genre in that boat. FPS are "all gray/brown" or all the same. Platformers in general have the "nobody wants" stigma. RPGs were and to an extent still are for "basement dwellers" and so on.
Your right about 2D being seen as inferior though. Back when the PS1 launched Sony even effectively banned 2D games to show off the console. I think the PS2 had that problem too, I remember hearing NIS had trouble with Disgaea due to such stigmas. "Nobody wants 2D SRPGs anymore" or something to that effect.
I think the sudden influx of 2D games might have caused the problem somewhat. Its the go-to for indies, you have a whole bunch of them between the 3DS and Wii U, and several of Nintendo's biggest IP are known best for it.
Comments 1,384
Re: First Footage of Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire To Air In Japan This Weekend
@eaglebob345
I think for most people they just see 'pokemon' thats it, its black and white to 'em (no pun intended). To them its "just another Pokemon" just like its "just another COD".
I always find theses complains funny, since if you think about it a lot of the complainers likely have at least one series they love and have every release of. Its ok if its something like Persona or Dragon Quest, but if its a popular series then, yea, its a dirty cash-in or what have you.
Re: Mario Kart 8 Limited Edition Software Bundle Coming To North America
@Rafie
Yep, I still don't get why theres exactly one Nintendo store in the entire country. What, do they not think people would stop by if they were in places like Seattle or Miami too? I kinda get NOJ thinking that one location works, but NOA? People like to blame the main branch but its NOA that they rely on for what works over here.
Re: Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Confirmed For Worldwide 3DS Launch in November
@Stomatopod17
Ha, I forgot about trading.
It could be a key item like the splicers or something, maybe they really are retconning the orbs or its a "newly discovered" method. I kinda hope its OR/AS exclusive for a while just because they might be pulling a primal dialga.
Re: Nintendo Creating a New Console for Emerging Markets, Including China
@TheRealThanos
I know that. I actually misread his last post, I missed the "actually".
Oops.
Re: Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Confirmed For Worldwide 3DS Launch in November
@Stomatopod17
Thats true, but it might also just be a form change or something. According to serebii it was an email to Daisuki Club members specifically about the boxart, and they also used the same phrase to describe black/white kyurem too.
Items aren't transferable to begin with so it won't matter if you can't get their megas since if its a form change that wouldn't transfer either. It could be mega latias and latios are meant to be transferable but groudon and kyogre's new forms aren't.
Re: Nintendo Creating a New Console for Emerging Markets, Including China
@Dark-Link73
Then why are you complaining about him Implying the US middle-class can't afford them?
Re: Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Confirmed For Worldwide 3DS Launch in November
@randomlypikachu
According to serebii they did say the same thing about mega mewtwo, so who knows. Its definitely a powered up version of them either way at least.
Re: Nintendo Creating a New Console for Emerging Markets, Including China
@Dark-Link73
I get what your saying but keep in mind Iwata is talking about emerging markets specifically here. The quote itself is just missing a bit of context.
"It would be difficult to enter those markets if we didn't create something new... For the mass market you need to provide something that most of the middle class can afford."
He isn't saying the 3DS or Wii U is too expensive for the middle-class in general. What hes saying is they aren't going to just release those consoles in those regions mostly unchanged (and full price) like Microsoft, but rather cater specifically to that those markets and whats reasonable for their middle-class.
Re: Nintendo Looking To "Harvest" 3DS Success To Avoid An "Unacceptable" Fourth Year Of Losses
@AG_Awesome
I agree with the gamepad being made optional like the original kinect was, but not even the last gen consoles are that cheap yet, so a $100 Wii U is ridiculous. Dropping to $250 would be reasonable though, especially with the sort of bundles they've got.
Re: Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Confirmed For Worldwide 3DS Launch in November
@kensredemption
Thats a good point, it could be the somewhat long process for transferring Pokemon from older games is partially responsible. You have two separate games to go through to do so.
@randomlypikachu
Its been confirmed that they're "never before seen Pokemon" by the Japanese branch of the Pokemon Company.
Re: Hyrule Warriors Set for Summer 2014 Release in Japan, Tecmo Koei Teases Another Major Collaboration
@Ichiban
With the poltergeist 3000?
Re: Hyrule Warriors Set for Summer 2014 Release in Japan, Tecmo Koei Teases Another Major Collaboration
@MamaLuigi
Sorry, I meant Pokemon Conquest. I thought I mentioned it somewhere, but guess not.
It actually could be Other M too though come to think of it since it was Ninja Theory that made it, hopefully not though I'd rather see Retro handle Metroid.
Re: Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Confirmed For Worldwide 3DS Launch in November
@Technospile
Compared to X/Y, no, compared to the originals, yes. Of course people were also expecting a "Gray" version, not direct sequels so who knows. Considering fans have been asking for these remakes I don't see it as panicky on their part, but you'd be a fool to assume the timing was coincidental.
Re: Hyrule Warriors Set for Summer 2014 Release in Japan, Tecmo Koei Teases Another Major Collaboration
@MamaLuigi
It very well could be, in an interview it was stated that they'd be interested in doing another one. The other spin-offs got sequels so I wouldn't be surprised.
Re: Nintendo Reports Financial Losses As Expected, Along With Modest Wii U Sales Targets
@unrandomsam
There actually is proof.
http://kotaku.com/5304089/pachter-used-games-sales-at-100-million-annually-in-us-not-a-threat
"we think that used game sales benefit new game sales by providing currency to gamers with less disposable income, thereby enabling the purchase of additional games. The vast majority of used games are not traded in until the original new game purchaser has finished playing, typically well beyond the window for a fullretail priced new game sale. Thus, while there may be some limited substitution of used game purchases when GameStop employees "push" used merchandise upon consumers lined up to buy new games, the vast majority of used game purchases occur more than two months after a new game is released. Other than the potential impact at holiday (when new game lives are extended beyond the typical two month sell-through pattern), used game sales just don't impact new game purchases very much…. To the extent that there is a substitution effect, we estimate that fewer than 5% of new game sales are impacted."
Thats the only version of the quote I could find, its directed at Gamestop but it should be similar for GAME as well since GS is the largest used-game retailer in the US. Theres a better one where Pachter actually crunches the numbers out there somewhere.
Re: Nintendo Reports Financial Losses As Expected, Along With Modest Wii U Sales Targets
Its kinda scary if you think about it, this shows not even Nintendo expects MK8 or Smash Bros. to push that many units. They're having trouble just matching past software sales with their console, much less consoles
Nintendo is fine and has a war chest now, but every screw up will just make getting back on track even harder. If publishers didn't think Nintendo's consoles were worth supporting before this certainly change their minds thats for sure.
@Unrandomsam
Once again you have no proof that used sales are leeching away from new sales, not in any significant way. There isn't any proof that the absence of a second-hand market would lead to an increase in new purchases. There are other explanations as well, such as people sticking to a handful of exclusives.
Re: Research Firm IDC Anticipates Worldwide Wii U Price Cut in Late 2014 to 2015, Increase in Retail Downloads
@Lord_KOLZ
Animal Crossing: New Leaf's sales would beg to differ. As would the 3DS as a whole. Its not Nintendo's IP thats the problem either, they sold fine up until now. People want Nintendo's IP, the hardware, not so much.
@Meaty-cheeky
It needs those too, arguably much more so, but a price drop would help. Dropping it to $100 would be extreme, not even the PS3 super slim is that cheap, but like I said before most of their consoles have always been less than it is now. The 3DS had that problem too, being too much for a handheld to most people. Sitting in-between the next-gen and last-gen consoles is putting the Wii U in a sticky situation. It doesn't have the power nor does it have the big library either.
Re: XSEED Considering Publishing Forbidden Magna in North America
@Jampie
I think he just mashed the Project Rainfall games together since two out of three were published by them. It does seem like a game they'd publish too.
Glad to hear XSEED is considering it, I loved the work they did with RF4. As much as I like Natsume I hope they also take over for the series, and let Natsume stick to localizing Harvest Moon.
Re: Research Firm IDC Anticipates Worldwide Wii U Price Cut in Late 2014 to 2015, Increase in Retail Downloads
A price drop would help, the Wii U is still the most expensive Nintendo console, well, besides the R.O.B NES bundle. All of them were under $250 until the Wii, so I think that price expectation is still there.
It won't mean much though without better marketing and more games of course, and fixing issues like the lack of a fully functional account system.
@Unrandomsam
I think you must be remembering things differently then. The industry's problems aren't due to Sony entering the market. They aren't even Microsoft's fault either. You can thank greedy 3rd-party publishers and investors though.
Re: Pokkén Fighters and Pokkén Tournament Trademarks Emerge in Europe
@memoryman3
The NFC toys don't make it a bad quality game, only if its made so that you can't really progress without them.
The mystery dungeon games are some of the best spin-offs they've ever done. They're apart of the "certain spin-offs" I was referring to. Have you ever played the games your accusing of being bad, or are you just going off of appearances?
Re: Pokkén Fighters and Pokkén Tournament Trademarks Emerge in Europe
I'm hoping this turns out to be something like AO Type Wild, but obviously with official support and backing. Wouldn't be a bad idea to get the creators of that on-board either since it was created by animators of the original anime.
@memoryman3
I think your confusing personal taste with quality there. There really isn't a bad game out of the bunch, and they're all pretty high quality even if the production values aren't always. Especially on the user side, where some people even like certain spin-offs more than the main games.
Re: Gaze at This Pokémon Game Boy and Know That You Want It
@rjejr
I'm wondering if it ain't because of hoe buggy the originals were. Most weren't anything unavoidable and those that were weren't game breaking but it could be Nintendo's pride getting in the way.
Game Freak came out and said they won't put main series games on home consoles so that might be why they won't release the GBA games. They'd probably rather just remake them anyway, its more work but still more cost effective than a brand-new game.
Re: Weirdness: Monster Hunter 10th Anniversary Merchandise Includes Electric Guitars and Golf Gear
@JakeShapiro
I wouldn't, it doesn't really have many RPG elements. Stats aren't influenced by experience or leveling up, just equipment. That and inventory management are the only things it shares with RPGS. There isn't much role playing either. MH4U might change that though, since it involves a caravan and more story.
@RennaNT
I seriously doubt any of that stuff is worth even a quarter of what they cost, the mark-up on it is probably monstrous. This is the equivalent of those Pokemon themed cars from back in the day, the only reason they're doing it is Monster Hunter is gigantic over there. They know somebody will buy it.
Re: There's No Chance of Super NES Mortal Kombat Titles Coming to the Wii U Virtual Console
Do they actually have games this violent on the VC? I can't think of any off the top of my head, and MK is the game that sparked the creation of the ESRB. Even Zombies Ate my Neighbors only had blood on the game over screen.
Just because they allow current-gen games that are violent doesn't mean that automatically applies to the VC. Same goes for what was allowed on past consoles, especially considering how weird Nintendo was about it.
Re: Weirdness: Monster Hunter 10th Anniversary Merchandise Includes Electric Guitars and Golf Gear
@Mizore
I really like that idea. It doesn't even need to be its own class, just introduce some new effects, then again a sub-class wouldn't hurt either. Its about time we get our own "roar", not just sonic bombs that works on a few monsters.
By the way @JakeShapiro, MH isn't a JRPG, no more so than Zelda or Kid Icarus are anyway.
Re: Mario Kart Month: An Outsider's View Of Super Mario Kart
@Melkac
Well of course its the worst by comparison, its the very first game in the series, never mind that yes, its a 22yr old game. I honestly don't get the point of calling any old game the "worst" in the series, unless its an objectively bad game, if you expect a game to have any modern conveniences I don't what to tell you. Labeling anyone who disagrees blinded by nostalgia isn't exactly gonna win you any arguments either.
I suppose I should thank you for illustrating the point I wanted to make though.
But as for the article, I may not agree with every grip Karry had but they were reasonably thought out and stuck to comparing to other games of the time. She also gave it a fair chance rather than stick her nose up at it for being old, thats farther than many people would probably get.
Re: Mario Golf: World Tour’s DLC Isn't Locked Away in the Main Game
I normally don't like day-1 DLc because of the basic premise of DLC being an expansion to encourage people to keep their games, but I really like how Nintendo handled it. Making it free in the beginning for certain games was pretty cool too, I wish more companies did that.
On-disc is a bit stick though since I can at least see a decent reason for it, which is internet speeds and data caps that might keep people from buying it otherwise.
Re: Talking Point: What We Want To See From Nintendo's Next Handheld
On the "arms race" part, I'm willing to bet not many people would be as willing to upgrade their handheld like they do their phone or tablet. A lot of people upgrade their phones through their carriers, we've all seen those free/$.99 phone deals.
Upgrading a $150+ device that plays $40 games every 2-3 years isn't gonna fly, especially when you consider getting people to 'upgrade' to a new console every 5 or so years is enough of a challenge as it stands.
Re: Talking Point: What We Want To See From Nintendo's Next Handheld
@unrandomsam
That doesn't mean much at all though. WHY are they only buying 2-3 games? Is it due to game prices? Are they buying much older games that are $20 or under used? Do they have multiple platforms and mainly buy 1st-party exclusives? There are far too many explanations as to why people buy so few games brand-new. No proof those sales would translate to new sales either.
The main point of the latter is those formats still exist, and so do those cheaper digital alternatives. They co-exist, the physical retail didn't drop dead, we still have bookstores and libraries.
Even then its been proven Gamestop's used sales make up a very low percentage of overall sales, something like 3-5% if I recall, and they're one of the biggest retailers that deal in second-hand games. If second-hand sales are so detrimental then why are companies like Gamestop or GAME still receiving so much support?
Re: Talking Point: What We Want To See From Nintendo's Next Handheld
People need to quite with the 'used games are killing the industry' shtick, its all a scapegoat. Its all based on a baseless assumption and its been proven to be nowhere as large as its been made out to be. Why is it this industry is so special its acceptable for it to abolish an entire section of the market?
As for digital being the future, yes, more likely than not it is. That future isn't here yet and can't be realized with the current state of our infrastructure. That doesn't mean that physical must cease to be an option. There is still physical media for every form of media out there, they haven't halted the progress of services like itunes or Steam.
I like the idea of game installs, or something like steam keys. Physical games could be linked to your account just like digital copies, in a similar manner to consoles. Basically what the Xbox DRM policy was minus the 24hr check-in.
Re: Weirdness: PeterMolydeux Is Back With The Strangely Moving Nintendo: A Sad Story Part Two
@ThreadShadow
I think the main point is Iwata calls the shots. We don't know how involved he is but it won't matter what Aonuma or Miyamoto want, what Iwata says goes. Nintendo has been known to keep their dev teams working on the same IP over and over.
I took it as doing the same thing day in day out gets tiring, Link in the beginning was when Zelda was still new and fresh, and the later parts with the signs are when Nintendo started hand-holding more. The end could be Link's undying loyalty to Miyamoto, his creator or father if you will.
Re: Nintendo Lifts The Lid On Its Plans For E3 2014
@Action51
Like I said my main point was against those saying it'd be a good thing if they skipped E3. I never said anything about going all out, just that the media having a supposed bias against them wasn't a good reason to miss it.
Don't forget that the thing that gave Sony the advantage in the first place last year was Microsoft's DRM fiasco, it had nothing to do with E3 itself. They should definitely take advantage of modern methods of marketing, but missing out on an event of that size would also be a missed opportunity.
Re: Nintendo Lifts The Lid On Its Plans For E3 2014
@JaxonH
Thats true, the important thing is they're there. My main point is just against the naysayers acting like its a good thing if they miss out on one of the biggest events of the year.
I can actually emphasize with Iwata on why he'd not want to do a press event. The poor guy can't even make a speech without getting laughed at for his difficulty speaking English. A more casual presentation is much more their style I think, unfortunately big events are a necessary evil.
Re: Expansion of Nintendo Selects Range Confirmed for Europe
@bizcuthammer
I was mainly agreeing on the 'Wii demographic' part, those people would be just as reluctant to buy a PS4 or Xbox One. The main reason those are selling right now is people trust the games they'll want will come, not just Nintendo's games. A of of people like Mario, but not enough for the Wii U to be their main console, heck NSMB Wii didn't even get anywhere close to the original NES game's sales, and it had the install base for it.
Re: Nintendo Lifts The Lid On Its Plans For E3 2014
Ya know, avoiding these events for fear of bad press only perpetuates the problem. The best way to combat it is to get up and show the naysayers how wrong they are. Like it or not they need these "outdated" press events, because they're such big events everybody will have their eyes on them. This is one time where being traditional is a good thing.
@JaxonH
Thats the thing though, they don't give their other games the same sort of treatment, not even to the level of Mario or Pokemon. If they marketed them more they'd dispel the "all they have is Mario" and other such assumptions. Not to say they all need AAA levels of hype, but they even pushed MH3 harder than most of them. I recall FE: Awakening being "the most successful" game in the series, so they're more than capable.
Re: Expansion of Nintendo Selects Range Confirmed for Europe
@Darknyht
The problem there is the SNES was quite obviously a different console. From the 'super' in its name to the graphical leap. People were reluctant about moving on then too but they got over it.
The Wii U looks very much like the original Wii, just rounded off and slightly bigger. Thats a problem no console has ever had.
Your right though about people not wanting to pay for a brand new console just for prettier versions of games they can already play. That doesn't just apply to casual gamers either, but it is a bigger issue for them.
Re: Nintendo Lifts The Lid On Its Plans For E3 2014
@Caryslan
You can say that again. The thing I can't quite wrap my head around about it is where the stereotype for Sony came from. I get Microsoft since the Xbox is kinda known for shooters, but Sony certainly didn't make a name on those kind of games. Heck, if anything the Playstation should be known as the basement-dweller or otaku console because of all the RPGs.
I guess its the "HD twin" thing, which is equally as annoying.
@HylianJowi
Its not just consoles. Unfortunately though theres something about gaming where people just can't understand how anyone could like something they don't. You don't see people berating others for their taste in food or anything like that.
I think a lot of it is due to people wanting to validate their investment. After plopping down half a grand or more they want to feel like they made the 'right' choice. It comes right down to tearing other down being much easier than building yourself up.
Re: Satoru Iwata Speaks Of The Need To "Redefine" Nintendo's Position In The Entertainment Industry
@gatorboi352
Thats what I'm thinking as well. That and their own take on services like Lumosity. I doubt QOL will draw resources away from the games like people think, assuming they invest some of that war chest into expanding the company and making QOL its own division.
Its funny hearing Iwata talk about entertainment being more than games given the company's stance on keeping their consoles 'pure' or so to speak. I recall Yamaguchi even criticizing the other companies for including media play-back and other extra features. I can't help but be skeptical of them broadening their horizons.
@Wombatkid
Them owning the Mariners doesn't have much to do with that. Yamaguchi didn't even like baseball, the main reason for buying them was Ichiro. That part of the company is mostly minor or all in the past, its not a focus for Nintendo like gaming has been.
Re: Download Developer Hits a "Brick Wall" When Trying to Reach Nintendo Indie Executive for Interview
I wouldn't be surprised one bit that they're hard to get along with. Nintendo has always been like that and I'd say it has more to do with being stuck in their ways than anything. The way I see it Nintendo is going to do what they're going to do, no matter what anyone says. Its like trying to get someone to change their diet or lose weight, if they don't care and don't want to then they just can't be arsed.
If I remember right I think a lot of the praise from indies was that once you get in your golden. If thats the case then Brandon Sheffield has a point, since the problem hes referring to is just that, getting a foot in the door. I'm sure Nintendo is great when your in the loop and they actually WANT to work with you.
Re: GameStop Plans to Close Around 120 Stores in the Coming Year
@Unrandomsam
Except the 'evidence' that the second hand market hurts the industry is mostly based on speculation. Its based on the assumption that if it didn't exist most people would just buy new instead. Pachter even crunched the numbers once and proved Gamestop's used sales make up a small percentage of the over-all games sales, something like 5%-10% I think.
As 'horrible' as Gamestop is made out to be the industry as a whole seems to think otherwise. If its so horrible why are there so many GS exclusive deals? Simple, they need a monster to blame when things go wrong. They need a scapegoat to justify changes when things don't meet their expectations. Gamestop is good when its making them money, and its evil when its not.
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo Must Take Careful Steps Into Paid DLC and Free-to-Play
@GougeMan
How so?
If you didn't enjoy the game enough to want more content then why would you buy the DLC?
Re: The Nintendo eShop Is Like Paradise, Says Image & Form's Brjann Sigurgeirsson
@erv
Unfortunately thats because most companies have found it to be much more productive to churn out free pay to win money-leeches than actual games. I wouldn't be surprised if the reason $5 is the limit is because of the flood of those games, not because people aren't willing to pay e-shop prices.
Both handheld are getting plenty of praise for their digital stores actually, which is nice. Its the same sort of praise too, plenty of loyal customers and such.
Re: Talking Point: The Game Boy is 25 Years Old, and Deserves Its Place in Gaming History
I still have a Gameboy laying around but half the pixels are dead, unfortunately I learned that the hard way when I wanted to see what Pokemon G/S looked like on it.
I have fond memories of playing Gargoyle's Quest and Bomberman on it. Most of the games I played later on the GBC, still have them all but Mole Mania. Its funny how most people seem to not think of Pokemon R/G/B as GB games, I even forget sometimes. The color-select trick is among my favorite things about those games too actually.
Re: NPD Results Bring Solid 3DS Numbers as Wii U Struggles
@electrolite77
Cause hes looking at it from an enthusiast's standpoint. "Why buy that one when the 'better' model is only 'x' more" kinda sums it up. The thing is by the time those people want a Wii U the cost will about even out. Not everyone buys a console first then hopes games they'll like will follow.
Re: NPD Results Bring Solid 3DS Numbers as Wii U Struggles
@IceClimbers
It wasn't exactly "free" either though since you still had to buy a select game and the console. If you didn't want a 3DS or those games in the first place why would you buy one just because of the promotion?
Pokemon itself is a system seller, but the holidays would have been the time to buy a 3DS for it, especially with the 2DS bundles.
Re: NPD Results Bring Solid 3DS Numbers as Wii U Struggles
@Iceclimbers
X&Y came out back in October of last year, so most people who want it probably already bought it by then. They had them in several 3DS/2DS bundles already too.
Re: NPD Results Bring Solid 3DS Numbers as Wii U Struggles
In the PSP's case, the Vita doesn't have a UMD drive, so theres actually games it can't play. Not all PSN versions are supported either. Wouldn't be surprised if most of those sales are replacement consoles.
For those apparently confused why people buying a Wii wouldn't 'upgrade' to a Wii U, theres a $150-$200 difference between the two depending on the model. If people weren't interested in 3D World or what have you then, why would they spend that much to 'upgrade' now? Spending that kind of money to upgrade is an enthusiast move.
I know people who bought old consoles just for their grand-children or that sort of thing. Its funny how people like to talk about how great the Wii's library is, but when people buy it over the Wii U people are baffled.
Re: Nintendo Involved In Patent Dispute Over Wii U's Dual Screen Capabilities
@Gladius_X
More like the typical multi-monitor display any PC is capable of. If anything their patent looks like some sort of adapter, one image shows it working with a printer.
They're just hoping to pass it as Nintendo "stealing" their technology for displaying multiple images off one device. The only reason they're probably going after it is they look at it as a DS in console form, so they think they can win this one too.
Re: Microsoft's Ken Lobb: Metroid Prime Wouldn't Have Been Made If Nintendo Had Listened To The Fans
@Action51
I don't think it was a "ban" so much as they really discouraged it. I remember hearing we almost missed out on games like Legend of Mana because of it. It might have just been 2D RPGs, I know it didn't last too long and pushing games like FFVII probably had something to do with it, along with 2D RPGs doing poorly in comparison.
Re: Microsoft's Ken Lobb: Metroid Prime Wouldn't Have Been Made If Nintendo Had Listened To The Fans
@JaxonH
2D platformers aren't the only genre in that boat. FPS are "all gray/brown" or all the same. Platformers in general have the "nobody wants" stigma. RPGs were and to an extent still are for "basement dwellers" and so on.
Your right about 2D being seen as inferior though. Back when the PS1 launched Sony even effectively banned 2D games to show off the console. I think the PS2 had that problem too, I remember hearing NIS had trouble with Disgaea due to such stigmas. "Nobody wants 2D SRPGs anymore" or something to that effect.
I think the sudden influx of 2D games might have caused the problem somewhat. Its the go-to for indies, you have a whole bunch of them between the 3DS and Wii U, and several of Nintendo's biggest IP are known best for it.