With Korra, I almost want to blame Activision. I mean, you're doing a licensed game. On a relatively new engine. With what I would assume was a miniscule budget. Transformers was at least worth playing, if only for how the bots controlled and the obvious love of the source material. With a Platinum TMNT game, I think that could once again lift the bar. It's no Arkham Asylum / City, but for what little their publisher is giving them, 1 out of 2 ain't bad. It's too bad Nintendo doesn't trust Platinum with opening another, more suitable title (action / hack and slash seems in line with the team's vision). But they're still lucky to have a developer with a hair trigger and plenty of adrenaline revamping a franchise that has been nothing for a decade. I'm waiting for Zelda on Wii U, so I'll pass on this. Besides, it will likely still end up in 3rd (or 4th) in their next batch of games. Against Nier Automata and Scalebound, there's no question which game isn't coming out on top. And again, if TMNT is the next obvious step in their Activision partnership, that could wind up as another sleeper hit. Laird and Eastman need to be on, both of them, for that franchise to work. Pulling inspiration from the comics is a great step towards reclaiming the darker, more aggresive undertones the TV series' albeit washed away. I wish Nintendo fans had more games to experience, so I hope Star Fox turns out better than I think, for their sake.
Have SF4, so I'll be passing on 5. But there's nothing Nintendo can drop in the next month that will sway my wallet like Digimon and maybe Megadimension Neptunia 7. I almost feel bad for how bad this year is gonna be and then I remember: Nintendo did this to themselves.
I might have to eat my words, as I really enjoyed the latest Gauntlet (something I never thought I'd say again). Despite being from different companies, it's proof that a game can feel fresh and familiar at the same time. And unlike games like Magika, it was even fun playing solo. Sonic could compete for the co-op crown with a solid offering, but it's an inconsistent blend of speed and platforming that has made things tough. Gamers walk a razor's edge, trying to match the exact pace the developer's chose to space the platforming at (something Mario Maker tried to teach but really.. I guess it can't be taught..). I can't blame the devs for having a vision, and I applaud the updates that attempted to make the Lost World more accessible, but Sega needs a young, adaptive team to redesign Sonic for a broader audience. Like how Retro went FPA with Metroid Prime.
Fix the camera, fine tune the controls, remaster the music and hire the Sonic the Movie VAs and rework the first Adventure with 'bonus stages' thrown in from the first 4 Sonic titles as unlockables and an HD remaster of Sonic CD. Maybe then I'd care about a 25th Anniversary for Sonic. As much as the blue blur deserves his spotlight, Sega does not. After abandoning Bayonetta, 90% of Sonic Team's post-Dreamcast has been equally questionable. For me, only the Wii's Sonic Colours was any good. Generations was just too streamlined to feel like an SA spiritual successor. The Lost World and Boom games have retained some of the magic, but Boom felt like forced change and TLW controlled pretty terribly. Like Retro's DKC: Tropical Freeze, alot of the platforming felt off, while the sense of depth was rather hit and miss. I like Sonic's history and Sega has had some great years. But I'd rather get nothing than something awful for the 25th anniversary.
Zelda, because despite how much I hated Skyward Sword, a Twilight Princess x Wind Waker Zelda with an open world and ALBW-esque open gameplay sounds marvelous to me. For anyone wanting to pick up the 'crossover' game, save your money. The FE characters are little more than cameos and nothing about the series' gameplay is even remotely there. If you're a Persona fan, wishing you had a PS4 to play P5, you'll like this game. It's not really even all that SMT to be frank. Shantae is going to be a big one. Forget that it's multiplat, it's every bit the kind of game a Shantae fan could hope for. Makes you want better cutscenes, or maybe an animated series.. Retro's next project should be pretty solid, so that's an E3 moment to look forward to. Until Zelda and Shantae emerge from developmental shadows, I'll be looking forward to some of the big PS4 games coming this spring, and Telltale Batman later in the year. All in all, it's going to be a big year for gaming.
Is releasing a new system almost exactly 20 years after the company's first foray into 3D gaming too predictable? Will Nintendo aim to release their new box earlier (September-October) or wait for later (November-December)? Or will we not see the system until 2017? Can the Wii U and 3DS last that long? Are SE's recent actions, concerning Cloud and DQ, a sure fire sign the company has further plans for Nintendo? Will Konami tank under the pressure of losing Igarashi and Kojima? Where do those two masters fit into 2016? Will Pokemon rise to the challenge of fierce new competition on the 3DS or is the series on its' last legs? Can Star Fox inspire a new generation to fly higher? Where does Mario go from here? Can Link and friends help take Zelda to new heights, to meet the demands of a new generation? And, most importantly (for this year anyways) can mainstream meet independent and bring VR from headache inducing niche to millions around the world? 2016 begins, what will we see before it ends? I'm excited to find out!
People are going to hate my comment anyways, so let's just go there. When Nintendo was founded, in the 19th century, and they had a year like this, like the last 3, Iwata would have performed seppuku long before the tumor killed him. And that's an incredibly sad thought to have. Because before Nintendo went public, they had a spine and took chances. And now they're as feeble as Kimishima and fading fast. The stockholders are killing Nintendo and the people making games are acting like they want it to happen.
@Frank90 Agree, 100%. Other than the last years of the Wii, I can't remember the last time Nintendo had such a dismal and overly forgetable year. Splatoon and what else? Xenoblade failed to meet series expectations (even compared to Xenosaga Ep 2), Yoshi was pretty but pedestrian, Mario Maker is wonderful in it's depth of content but it's just another Mario game at the end of the day. Toad was only in EU this year because of a pointless delay. Fatal Frame and Devil's Third were both shadows of their promise. I can't name a single new 3DS game worth purchasing that wasn't already available in another, better game. Yokai Watch? Pokemon clone with more linearity (how is that possible?). MH4? This is the 2nd of 4 that are out in Japan. EOU2? Another pointless remaster (on a non-HD system, is there any real point?) for 40-50$. I can barely think of 10 games for each system that was even remotely worth considering. This had to have been Nintendo's lowest rated year of the generation. Versus two consoles, seeing their first real breakthrough, while PC and mobile gaming is stronger than ever. There were more DLC upgrades than new games. By far. And you paid out of your backsides for them. I downloaded 30 pieces of FREE DLC for the Witcher 3. When Taken King released, Bungie basically doubled the game for newcomers (even if I hate the idea of Destiny, the bundle price for the new expansion was very reasonable). Nintendo proved, quite clearly, they will never offer their fans that sort of deal. And all the fanboys that rant about season passes will just keep accepting that. Story: Battlefront costs 80$ in Canada. The DLC costs 70$. 150$ for the 'full game'. And then 5-10$ a month for Plus or Live just to sign in. That is a future Nintendo wants. They've made that clear enough. And when they fail with their late 80s / early 90s philosophies, they'll be lucky to have years like this. By 2018, Nintendo and Konami will both be near bankruptcy, trying to keep people interested in their terrible mobile games.
Because most of the last month's previous sales are ongoing..? There were new releases on the shop this week though. Which is better than the whole 0 PSN got. People do in fact take this week off. Alot of people I know have their consoles off for 6-10 days during this time of year. So while the vocal minority sits in the dark gaming, the rest of us get out and do things. With our families. Because our work lets us do so. And to be brutally honest, after my partner bought me 4 new games for Xmas, there's not really much point in buying something you've passed on for 4 months, is there?
8 core, 3 Ghz proc with AMD. Throw in a 4 GB DDR5 GPU, 12-16 GB of RAM, at least a 1TB HDD (maybe a run with SSD for the OS), a more streamlined controller with ANALOG triggers, better media support and a revamped server / online infrastructure. It all starts with user experience, so today is the day to come up with an account system that works and is fair. Nintendo isn't even competing with Sony and Microsoft. They've descended to the Ouyu / Apple TV / Kindle Fire level and they are too cheap to compete. They need to invest and get back in the home console game. Because this, for the rest of the world, isn't working.
Obviously, there are others, but these are the big ones for me and games I think could sell well in Japan too. Who knows, with the right marketing, a game like Scalebound could be huge overseas, while a Nier Automata, Deus Ex: HD, or Fable Legends could be the next big killer app. Regardless of the system, things look bright, at least for a bit. My point is simply this: games will determine Nintendo's future. And as good as people claim it to be, Splatoon isn't going to sell this way forever. Eventually, without the audience behind them and the 3rd parties bridging huge gaps in the calendar, Nintendo needs a new box out there. Even if those evergreen games has it selling a million a month, it's still not going to make games appear out of thin air. 3rd parties have left. But, if sales keep steady, maybe those same parties will be interested in what's next and forget the growing pains of what's now.
To be fair, the 3DS family includes 5 very distinct hardware options that are all being sold in Japan (vs 3 or 4 depending on other regions). No other system, handheld or console, has that level of variety in their options. It's nice that Nintendo's evergreen options are doing well (million sellers are good for the industry), but the Vita getting a new Gundam and barely outselling the PS4 is disconcerting. All systems need some fresh blood to mix things up. I don't know what would take strongly in Japan right now, but something that isn't an SMTxFE 'crossover'. Or maybe just something honestly promoted, mature in a sensible fashion and with depth to spare. Maybe that's why I'm still playing the Witcher 3 after 4 months. Or why Cyberpunk 2077 has been my most anticipated game since those first few hours of gameplay. Don't get me wrong, I'd get a new Wii U to play Zelda (as long as it's not too Skyward Sword) and DQ / FF on the 3DS is a wonderful change from the usual jRPG fodder of 2015. But 2016 is Star Ocean, Ys, Uncharted, FFXV, FFVII Remake, Mirror's Edge Catalyst, Dark Souls 3, the Last Guardian and (for better or worse) VR's time to shine until Nintendo does something to prove me and the millions like me otherwise.
I'm not saying the games are a waste, but there is no noticeable improvement while playing games. Same terrible screens. Same media ineptitude. Covering the card slot was idiotic. I understand the switch to Micro SD though. Nintendo have become the masters of useless tech. You see the ports and slots on every single system. And they never use them. A good idea, maybe, that does nothing. The Wii U has one, no one knows what it does. The Gamecube was full of useless ports. Sony and Microsoft wear their PC / consumer electronic history on their sleeves. And it has obviously caught up to Nintendo. Maybe they'll stop seeing a million sales in one country as not equalling 50 million sales worldwide. This isn't Japan. And Nintendo still doesn't get that. 20 years after relevancy, Nintendo still doesn't get it. And I blame every single person that bought a Wii. Every single 'gamer' that bought a game system for one garbage 'sports' game. To be able to go back and erase the Wii from history.. I do wish it were possible.
New 3DS to date has been as worthwhile as the Wii Mini. Which is funny and sad, seeing as that system cut features and did nothing to help the specs. Nintendo went all PSP 3000 on the 3DS, with just as much success. I had a New 3DS for 5 months. A month after getting rid of my Wii U, I got rid of it too. There's no reason to own one. The improvements are so poorly implemented, 95% of all games don't acknowledge the system and, if we're being honest, it's just an excuse to sell more useless amiibo. Xenoblade is 10x better on the Wii, Miiverse support is pointless when Miiverse is wasted on Nintendo's half baked gimmickery and the 3D is still the most useless gaming decision since the Virtual Boy.
It's more impressive this has happened in Japan where, despite having fewer indies and retail games, has WAY more games than other regions. You know, because the VC is a thing there.
15 for the pair is fine, but the previous posters nailed it. It's cheaper going physical with games like these (I got Wave Race 64 last year, for 2$) so you're paying for convenience and accessibility. And a better controller, if we're being honest.
Digital games don't sell consoles. First party and exclusive games sell consoles. Nintendo won't waste a digital sale on a season where there are consoles and people willing to buy them. Switch Nintendo and Sony's console sales and I guarantee the sales would switch as well.
To tie that into what I've read about VR: anyone on X1 / PS4 who buys into the VR movement is going to be accepting another box. Honestly, most everyone is going to have a seperate box. So Nintendo needs to stop worrying about making things small and cheaply. The Wii U isn't portable and you can't put anything beside it because of how the ventilation is abysmal. So why worry about making it small? Nintendo couldn't be more out of touch, but with a Steam box, they could revolutionize the console AND PC gaming markets.
It's the holidays, I've had a few adult beverages, so forgive any incoherent ramblings. That being said, I just picked up the latest Game Informer (The Year of VR), read this article and had a discussion about how Steam is the future imperfected in that it's OS forces certain games out of the architecture support schema. Alright, that being said, here's the latest and most ridiculous NX 'prediction': Nintendo SteamBOX. Sounds ridiculous, right? Starts with an N, ends with an X. It's almost as stupid as the 'Half Life 3 confirmed' comments, yeah? Hold on for just one minute, if you will. 1) Steam has the biggest 3rd party support base, Nintendo has the smallest. 2) Steam clearly doesn't get the 'home console experience' that console gamers enjoy so much and PC gamers try to emulate. Nintendo clearly doesn't get that propreitary technology is losing them the 3rd party battle and that new engines are allowing more openness in game design than ever. (They did get to Unity before it got popular but their support of Unity's evolution has been horrid) 3) Nintendo makes well built, sturdy controllers with less than their competitors. Steam controllers are MMORPG friendly but terrible for shooters and most racing games. They feel cheap and overpriced (outside of the haptic touchpads, which are ironically the biggest problem). Literally everyone is making Steam boxes. Dual load systems aren't difficult to do. Steam is all digital. So.. If Nintendo did in fact make the Steambox with decent specs (slightly better or as good as PS4), they could have a massive library of cheap games at launch and focus their efforts on making unique games and games that truly take advantage of their art and design departments. I'm not saying it's not just a pipedream, but just imagine if Nintendo could somehow integrate that kind of tech into BOTH a console and a handheld.
As moronic it is that anyone (Smash or not) actually gets paid to play outside of game testers, let alone millions of dollars, it is even more moronic that people pay to watch. I don't care if it's YouTube, some Warcraft garbage or Evo, 'pro' gaming is terrible. If I offended you, great. It proves you're passionate about something. But this isn't remotely the worst thing. Anyone paid to play sports is overpaid. But a real pro athlete sacrifices their social life, their family, their relationship, their anonymity, their privacy and their social status for those contracts. And because they're unionized, you can't actually just ask for less money. That's not how unions operate. It kind of defeats the purpose. In fact, many of these companies make billions. The profit sharing (a regular in many industries) alone is enough to warrant millions. ESports literally does nothing for anyone. And anyone who finds them remotely interesting is socially and psychologically redundant. I don't care what the excuse is: getting paid 40k a year to game for a living is still too much. A million dollars for one tournament? These numbers aren't just excessive, they're irresponsible. When has gaming done anything positive or made any positive change? If anything, video games are the most elitist, bigoted, racist, sexist, closed minded, narrow and shallow form of entertainment. Not only do they not deserve self-grandizing awards shows, but they also don't deserve mainstream media and attention. Then again, when trash like the Kardashians, the British royalty and cute kittens dominate the airwaves, is anyone really surprised video games are gathering headlines and press? In an era where real news is glossed over for candy and tripe, it should be no real shock that the most useless of all media is strutting around like it's technological pandering is or ever has been relevant.
I'm not debating that point. I'm saying that, if someone looked solely at what is listed here, on this page, it would be incredibly disappointing. But it's just a fraction of what Nintendo has on sale. In fact, despite the Flash sale making Sony's offerings look slightly (or alot, depending on what games you've played) better when comparing Wii U to PS4, 3DS to Vita is the opposite. Unless you didn't take advantage of the HDN sales at some point in the last 6-8 months, there's barely anything worth playing, let alone purchasing. Some sparse Tales games sales, then again, 90% of Vita owners are being smart and supporting the Trails series this holiday. I think the sales are pretty average, unless you want an older game barely worth playing. Or a new game that would be much smarter to buy physically (instant play, easily resold, and tradeable). Nintendo killed Sony in one stupidly obvious area: without easily expandable storage (1 TB doesn't last long when games are 25-60 GB each) I find myself micromanaging with every single download on my PS4. On the PSP, Wii U and 3DS, I just popped in a new stick / card / HDD and went. I like how fast the PS4 runs from disc. Then again, the Wii U's disc drive was considerably better then the PS3 and 360's too. But my ISP is still running with a cap, so 'unlimited' shows its limitations very quickly when everything is 2 Blu-rays big and streaming is everywhere. I guess what I'm trying to say is, while there are some amazing games and a wonderful selection on Sony's black box, anyone going that route should be careful about going digital only and well informed. More choice means more chance you could buy a game that really won't work well with your gaming tastes and at least with physical, you still have a net.
PSN Flash sale goes live.. I'm still waiting for Tuesday as a result. Batman, Wolfenstein, Dragon Age Inquisition, all cheaper and way more convenient at retail (50 GB download? No thanks). Transformers, was on sale less than a month ago and probably for less. GTA V has been one sale seemingly constantly these last 2 months. No less than 5 remasters not worth the upgrade, download space or replay (a remastered FPS? Seriously?). Madden, the season's 75% over with. PES is cheaper most everywhere else. As is MGS. Mordor is the dated cousin of the Witcher 3. Which means, if you don't want The Witcher 3 and Tony Hawk 5 (the worst mainline entry in the series, priced at an astoundingly horrod 80$) at a reasonable level doesn't tempt you, the PSN Flash sale is just as busted. Honestly, I wish Sony and Nintendo would stop catering to last gen's "I didn't own a system" crowd and make new and exciting games. 2016 feels so far away..
As I said, the eShop listing here for sales and the actual eShop sales are quite the contrast. Nintendo Life lists 12. The actual eShop lists 70 games. Oh and to the guy who got the Curve Digital games, those are still on sale here too. The disparity is striking. So yeah, before people complain about sales, they should probably do the research on their own, first. Cause 25-30 of the games on sale on other platforms aren't worth much either. I get it. I got FFX-X2, Broken Sword, DB Xenoverse and a few indies. Aside from crappy licensed games, remasters and indies better played on Steam, the PSN / XBL sales get just as much salt. It's hilarious to me, reading all this heat on Nintendo when the PS EU blog gets just as many complainers. More actually.
To be fair, Sony's doing the final week of holiday sales (after Boxing Day, well after Xmas) and that's it. There's no word on when those deals go live, and there's literally nothing but sales for 10 days now. At least Nintendo picked a classic and a beauty at that for the VC choice. The sales might be a bit light, but most of last week's sales are still active on the eShop and the new ones are solid. Shovel Knight, discounted, is a must buy for anyone with a Wii U, 3DS or PS4. It's worth it at 15$ and a steal at anything less than 12$. I'm usually not so high up on retro, not these days anyways, but it is the best Megaman clone since X and the best sidescrolling platformer in years. I can't say enough good things about it. It's literally the only game in the last 15 years I've double dipped on and I haven't regretted that decision for a second. I'll save my money for Tuesday on PS4 / Vita, but yes. Try Shovel Knight. If you don't like it.. Merry Whatever anyways!
Shooter and multiplayer from the Game Awards. Where the Witcher 3 came out on top in many categories. It's pointless to rely on any one review or even website for gaming informatoon regarding quality, control and even depth of content. I've had some hands-on with both of these Nintendo games, XCX and none of them are top 10 or even top 15. Maybe it's that Splatoon gets old for me after an hour of play and that Mario Maker feels dated for a 3 month old game. I don't get the Nintendo feeling that instills me with a suffocating nostalgia and childlike joy. I suppose it could be rather telling as to where I am with gaming, were I to share my top 10. I won't, but let's just say handhelds, Nintendo and mobiles aren't anywhere to be found.
4-5 decent 3DS discounts and a few good indies on Wii U, but as far as retail game discounts are concerned, this Wii U offering is abyssmal. Literally every other digital shop is doing more this time of year.
PS2 was and will forever remain the console king. A vast and varied line-up, astronomical sales, a long and healthy shelf life and a very practical intro for most into DVD playback. Particularly for early adopters. As a Dreamcast fan though, the PS1 was the reason Sony had early successes that Gen. BC mattered then, because online wasn't a thing. Not really. PS3 was like PS2 lite and PS4 is just making enough new, PC like games, traditional console titles and overlooked or impossible to miss remasters / ports. It's funny though, hardly anyone asked for Wii emulaton and we got that. A bunch of people wanted PS3 BC and we didn't get that. Now PS2 and GC remastering is a thing and it's both baffling and a boon. In the last 'analog' age of gaming, memory cards, wired controllers and multiple disc odysseys were common and accepted. To see that translation occur, in near real time, in a purely digital manifestation, is surreal. Long winded jaunt aside, thanks @rjejr for reminding me about Shenmue 3. Definitely on my list going forward. As is my faint and quickly dying hope that Grandia 2 HD makes its way to consoles someday. I could battle enemies in that game for days on end..
Japanese numbers are always nice to see. It's a welcome change from X1 v PS4 literally everywhere else. Sony and Nintendo, on the other hand, actually encourage one another from time to time. Which is important, because the Vita and PS4 selling well is the only thing driving Nintendo in Japan. It's no secret to those following gaming why Cloud is in Smash, why FF15 and XCX seem so similar and why the Vita jumped another 50-60% in sales. A hint: new game news, publicity and new hardware options may have had something to do with it. I'm waiting for the PSN 4 week sale to end (got some good games already) so I can get ready for Star Ocean 5, Ys 8, Uncharted 4 and Odin Sphere next year. All the while hoping for a new, cheaper bundle for the Wii U so I can get hype again for Zelda. Unless Far Cry Primal, Horizon Zero Dawn and No Man's Sky are all amazing, then maybe Skyward Ocarina of the Wind Mask will have to wait.
I can't believe people shell out hundreds of dollars for these pieces of plastic. The game effects are negligible and they're usually in the most ridiculous poses. For all the complaining about Bayonetta, Corrin and Cloud being in the worst Smash ever made, people sure are happy about a bunch of overpriced inaction figures.
@Aerona 'At least means the remake is being ported to NX' what?? That's literally the most that should happen. The least is following through with DQ11. Keep in mind SE is a business. FF has sold infinitely more after 6 on the SNES. After the N64, GC and Wii U flops, Nintendo's lucky anyone cares that another system is coming out. The last 3 years of the Wii is a hole that Nintendo still hasn't climbed out of. Why would anyone invest in a six year downturn? By the time NX is even seen, Zelda will have been cancelled for the Wii U for that, the 3DS' last original title will release stateside (Bravely Second) and Nintendo will be bleeding casuals with terrible mobile games. Forget 3rd party: Nintendo's going to follow every other Japanese gaming relic circling the drain and go mobile exclusive. In less than 2 years, their positive rep as a decent developer will be wiped away, as one that misses opportunities, ignores fans, cheaps out and lacks meaningful insight and necessary passion. All they've done for 14 months is ride Smash and Splatoon. Seeing games like Paper Jam, Ultra Smash, XCX, Yarn Yoshi, Fatal Frame, Devil's Third and others not worth mentioning either crash and burn or be entirely hollow experiences, it's not surprising. What is surprising is any optimism from the fans. You'd think people would clue into a dead legacy from a company that passed long before Iwata, but no. Still boatloads of idealism and well wishes. Too bad Nintendo doesn't get reality, they could have done so much more with their talents than singing and dancing like broken animals.
Voted XCX best Wii U game (haven't played any of them, it just seems the most interesting). And Gunstar Heroes 3D sweeping the 3DS. Because honestly, 25 year old Genesis remakes are usually still better than modern Nintendo handheld games. I think Link Between Worlds is the last 3DS game worth more than 30$. Personal opinions of course. Then again, to be frank, my dropped interest in XCX (from E3 on, if I'm being honest) meant I couldn't pick a GOTY from ANY Nintendo product. So like a 'hater', I took full advantage of the fact the GOTY portion didn't specify Nintendo and voted for the Witcher 3.
@Xenocity The Tomb Raider reboot initially didn't sell well. But there's a reason outside of a short developmental schedule that Definitive Edition came out: eventually, the sales picked up. To the tune of 8-9 million sales. And now more with the updated versions. Rise tanked because of the competition against it. Not because it isn't appealing. It's simply not Fallout 4. Or Halo 5. Or Call of Duty. My brother bought an X1 for CoD: Blops 3. Then he got Advanced Warfare and he's hardly an exception. It's the same reason FIFA sells consoles in the UK. It's young gamers, wanting to experience Michael Bay, Fast and the Furious, Expendables type adrenaline. Once the hype train dies down, Rise will pick up. Because it's a good game worth playing after the heavy hitters have run this course. It might take the PS4 to get it done, but it'll pick up, just like the last one did.
XCX: December release. Yokai Watch: Pokemon lite. Mario Tennis: overpriced and shallow. Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival.. Should have been FREE. Neither Nintendo system has had 2 good games release the same month in YEARS. The same month! Microsoft and Sony are having sales issues because they have too many good games on the same day, the same week! When there are no options, what does Nintendo expect? Any indie games I was looking forward to are out and cheaper literally anywhere else. Oh and don't let the retail numbers fool you. These games also lit up the digital marketplace. Time for Nintendo to go 3rd (or 2nd) party. Cause let's be frank, that's the only time Nintendo and 3rd party will be uttered again. When the Wii sells more games than your current systems, 3 years after it's 'done', it's time to call it a day.
@BinaryFragger Your analysis of Minecraft's staying power, based off Media Create, is hilarious and incredibly narrow. It's cheap. Many more handhelds per capita. And unlike how the title has been out forever here, it's only just come to Japan recently. We're talking the WORST selling Nintendo home console EVER. And trying to sell that same game for more than the competition, with nothing being done to optimize the title for the Wii U. This is going to bust faster than a Vita RPG character's top.
@Minotaurgamer That's not urine in your cornflakes, it's apple juice. And this isn't crap you're spewing, it's chocolate pudding. You seriously think this is worth anything? A dead console, with an ages old game that passed its best year 2 years ago. And that's supposed to be incredible news? Maybe Minecraft is still worth something, but the Wii U is only good for filling the box it came in.
I am one of few gamers that hated Earthbound (Diamond status, home sickness, the desert, getting the Ultimate weapons, the humor, etc..) but I'll go ahead and recommend Undertale too. Full pacifist, 2nd playthrough. It's golden.
FF7 on Wii U? FF15 on NX? Gone Home went home, Wii U projects are dropping like flies, Smash has needless DLC a year later and oh look, Minecraft. 3 and half years after the 360 version. 18 months since 'real' Minecraft mattered to anyone. Nintendo is MGM is the 60s: they have money, they have talent, and they have a paper shredder, because burning money is bad for the environment. I feel bad for Miyamoto (almost) and really bad for the NX. It is going to tank, Panzer style. Speaking of which, Sega needs to get on Panzer Dragoon Saga, reworked with Treasure, in HD.
XCX and what? And Splatoon (6 months old)? And MK8 (18 months old)? And Smash (12 months old)? The problem is, it's a niche game on a niche system. Oh, and it's not FIFA.
Funny how statues come out and people forget about them. How a bunch of limited edition crap gets left in the packaging to preserve it. And yet, this is so horrid. I get it, people paid 80$ for a USB drive worth 6$ and now realize it was a stupid decision. Advocating piracy just because someone else has already done is all these comments are doing. Make it easier, sure, but expecting that anti-piracy Nintendo suddenly change their tune on copy protection is idiotic. We all get it: Nintendo is old fashioned. And yet, when phones and consoles don't support a specific, common file type, no one bats an eye.
Funny how DRM is brought up in the same breath as iTunes, as if Apple isn't the biggest advocate for DRM. Try and play an iTunes movie through anything but iTunes. That's how Apple wants everything to be.
Nintendo - Sega merger soon? System exclusive Atlus (Persona, SMT), full access to Sega classics, a full library of Sega games to choose from (MK, Smash and sports titles with more varied line-ups and better online) as well as a vast assortment of RPGs to pick from. Without just FE, it could actually become a distinctively 'Nintendo' genre. How it was on the NES and SNES. Then again, someone with vision would have to be present in order to make it worthwhile. The fact is, even if Sega dies, they're still going to live on through the legacy they've created.
Mobile games are usually voted on for their accessibility, uniqueness, controls and art direction. Nothing against MH4U, but it's a pretty tired franchise that doesn't appeal to alot of Western gamers. It's incredibly niche, can be overly complicated and requires time to play out its quests. Pick up and play doesn't exactly describe the game to me. Neither does the 4 make it seem terribly unique.
For one game, CD Projekt Red received 6 nominations, winning 3 of them. Nothing unfortunate here. Splatoon is a pretty good game and a fairly distinctive shooter. Mario Maker is the company's own spin on something fan's have been doing for years (the multiple engines are the real selling point). Another good, almost great game. But the Witcher 3 is just loaded with content, the story is deeply engaging, the audio work is sublime and it's accessible, no matter how many other people want to play it. CDPR acknowledged the bugs and killed themselves to not only fix the game but to make it better in the process. Congrats to Nintendo's titles, but the better game won.
And this is the reason I don't have a Wii U anymore. As a 'big' week, this pales to most weeks Sony and Microsoft get. Mainly because those systems don't just get first party retreads and unnecessary sequels. Horizon Zero Dawn, No Man's Sky, Far Cry Primal, FF 15 , the Witcher 3 and Type-0 fill the gap more than enough. And when Wii U owners get tired of the subpar battle theme, incessant hand holding and subtle nudging, you can find something deeper elsewhere.
The quote wasn't taken out of context. The Wii U was Target.com's best selling item. It just so happens that Target isn't incredibly well known for their online sales. The best sellers in stores were iPads, which averaged around 1 per second. I think it comes down to stock. A warehouse (like Target.com's warehouse) is likely loaded with Wii U's they couldn't move before the sale, versus the PS4 / XB1 that have actually been selling consistently and well. No chance the Wii U wins the sale war for November, but maybe this is what Nintendo needs to do a price cut. They can't expect the types of gamers that play the types of games NX will support to buy that console if they don't try something. 3 years and it's already dead? Why buy an NX when consumer faith in Nintendo is still on unsteady ground? While I'm at it, why buy a console that Nintendo themselves have already abandonded? A lacklustre Star Fox (that still looks a gen behind even Bayonetta 2), a Zelda Nintendo barely acknowledges, a Persona-ish FE spin-off that will likely bomb on a Nintendo console and a handful of forgettable indie games. The latter of which are already on or will be on better, more capable hardware. And when the Nintendo force strikes out, talking about how gaming was 20 years ago (not bothering to acknowledge any positivity) and how 80s-90s era games were the pinnacle of the medium, I'll point out someone like Warren Spector as someone who used to be relevant. Then the doors will open and the floodgates loosed and all the irrational, unfounded hatred will bubble over as we all die, drowning in the tears of the 'afflicted'.
Great deals, if you buy 5-8 games. Shipping has always been ridiculous with SE's games. Should do free or cheap shipping over 50, but let's face it. They're way too stingy for that. We've all seen the DQ8 / FF7 App Store pricing.
Spot on observations guys. Time purposefully makes this list early, usually the beginning of December, to push sales. Its an American marketing technique that drives consumers to be better informed when purchasing. Like it or not, Xenoblade wasn't on there because of 1) negative press over censorship and 2) because it isn't really that unique of a game. Its a pretty good game (having played the superior Japanese version) but it's become familiar now. Splatoon is very unique and MM is a definitive Wii U experience. They shy away from exclusives (save mobile titles) so that more people can experience these titles. Buying a new console is a big investment for many consumers and they need to know what is and what isn't worth their investment. Hence multiplats and no handheld games.
FE: Awakening, Stella Glow and now the LoL. Aside from Awakening's handful of cinematics, Stella Glow's voice work and the LoL's soundtrack, these games are epitomes of what is wrong with the 3DS doing rpgs. Cheap, interchangeable characters, minimalist in scope, repetitive (and strained) combat and horrendous writing. If devs could find a way to make these experiences more like console rpgs and less like an odd mish mash of 90s nostalgia and mobile phone shovelware, that would be great. There's nothing here that wasn't done better 15, 20 years ago.
Big jumps across the board for all 3DS models and (predictably) PS4 and PSV dominate the charts with some high profile releases. The only disturbing thing here is Omega Labyrinth placing in the top 5. Talk about niche games. Talk about fan-servicey tripe. Talk about sex selling shovelware.
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Re: New 3DS and Monster Hunter Continue to Lead in Japanese Charts
PS4 sells better than the Wii U, pushing 3 huge games that all came out after Maroo Maker. Yeah, it's not that surprising.
Re: PlatinumGames Will Celebrate Its 10th Anniversary This Year
With Korra, I almost want to blame Activision. I mean, you're doing a licensed game. On a relatively new engine. With what I would assume was a miniscule budget. Transformers was at least worth playing, if only for how the bots controlled and the obvious love of the source material.
With a Platinum TMNT game, I think that could once again lift the bar. It's no Arkham Asylum / City, but for what little their publisher is giving them, 1 out of 2 ain't bad.
It's too bad Nintendo doesn't trust Platinum with opening another, more suitable title (action / hack and slash seems in line with the team's vision). But they're still lucky to have a developer with a hair trigger and plenty of adrenaline revamping a franchise that has been nothing for a decade.
I'm waiting for Zelda on Wii U, so I'll pass on this. Besides, it will likely still end up in 3rd (or 4th) in their next batch of games. Against Nier Automata and Scalebound, there's no question which game isn't coming out on top.
And again, if TMNT is the next obvious step in their Activision partnership, that could wind up as another sleeper hit.
Laird and Eastman need to be on, both of them, for that franchise to work. Pulling inspiration from the comics is a great step towards reclaiming the darker, more aggresive undertones the TV series' albeit washed away.
I wish Nintendo fans had more games to experience, so I hope Star Fox turns out better than I think, for their sake.
Re: Nintendo Download: 7th January (Europe)
Have SF4, so I'll be passing on 5. But there's nothing Nintendo can drop in the next month that will sway my wallet like Digimon and maybe Megadimension Neptunia 7.
I almost feel bad for how bad this year is gonna be and then I remember: Nintendo did this to themselves.
Re: Crush 40 Facebook Post, Since Deleted, Points to 25th Anniversary Sonic Game
I might have to eat my words, as I really enjoyed the latest Gauntlet (something I never thought I'd say again). Despite being from different companies, it's proof that a game can feel fresh and familiar at the same time.
And unlike games like Magika, it was even fun playing solo.
Sonic could compete for the co-op crown with a solid offering, but it's an inconsistent blend of speed and platforming that has made things tough. Gamers walk a razor's edge, trying to match the exact pace the developer's chose to space the platforming at (something Mario Maker tried to teach but really.. I guess it can't be taught..).
I can't blame the devs for having a vision, and I applaud the updates that attempted to make the Lost World more accessible, but Sega needs a young, adaptive team to redesign Sonic for a broader audience.
Like how Retro went FPA with Metroid Prime.
Re: Crush 40 Facebook Post, Since Deleted, Points to 25th Anniversary Sonic Game
Fix the camera, fine tune the controls, remaster the music and hire the Sonic the Movie VAs and rework the first Adventure with 'bonus stages' thrown in from the first 4 Sonic titles as unlockables and an HD remaster of Sonic CD.
Maybe then I'd care about a 25th Anniversary for Sonic. As much as the blue blur deserves his spotlight, Sega does not.
After abandoning Bayonetta, 90% of Sonic Team's post-Dreamcast has been equally questionable. For me, only the Wii's Sonic Colours was any good. Generations was just too streamlined to feel like an SA spiritual successor.
The Lost World and Boom games have retained some of the magic, but Boom felt like forced change and TLW controlled pretty terribly.
Like Retro's DKC: Tropical Freeze, alot of the platforming felt off, while the sense of depth was rather hit and miss.
I like Sonic's history and Sega has had some great years. But I'd rather get nothing than something awful for the 25th anniversary.
Re: Feature: The Biggest Wii U Games of 2016
Zelda, because despite how much I hated Skyward Sword, a Twilight Princess x Wind Waker Zelda with an open world and ALBW-esque open gameplay sounds marvelous to me.
For anyone wanting to pick up the 'crossover' game, save your money. The FE characters are little more than cameos and nothing about the series' gameplay is even remotely there. If you're a Persona fan, wishing you had a PS4 to play P5, you'll like this game.
It's not really even all that SMT to be frank.
Shantae is going to be a big one. Forget that it's multiplat, it's every bit the kind of game a Shantae fan could hope for. Makes you want better cutscenes, or maybe an animated series..
Retro's next project should be pretty solid, so that's an E3 moment to look forward to.
Until Zelda and Shantae emerge from developmental shadows, I'll be looking forward to some of the big PS4 games coming this spring, and Telltale Batman later in the year. All in all, it's going to be a big year for gaming.
Re: Feature: Five Key Reveals and Releases That Will Define Nintendo's 2016
Is releasing a new system almost exactly 20 years after the company's first foray into 3D gaming too predictable?
Will Nintendo aim to release their new box earlier (September-October) or wait for later (November-December)? Or will we not see the system until 2017? Can the Wii U and 3DS last that long?
Are SE's recent actions, concerning Cloud and DQ, a sure fire sign the company has further plans for Nintendo?
Will Konami tank under the pressure of losing Igarashi and Kojima? Where do those two masters fit into 2016?
Will Pokemon rise to the challenge of fierce new competition on the 3DS or is the series on its' last legs?
Can Star Fox inspire a new generation to fly higher? Where does Mario go from here? Can Link and friends help take Zelda to new heights, to meet the demands of a new generation? And, most importantly (for this year anyways) can mainstream meet independent and bring VR from headache inducing niche to millions around the world?
2016 begins, what will we see before it ends?
I'm excited to find out!
Re: Poll: What Did You Think of Nintendo's 2015?
People are going to hate my comment anyways, so let's just go there.
When Nintendo was founded, in the 19th century, and they had a year like this, like the last 3, Iwata would have performed seppuku long before the tumor killed him.
And that's an incredibly sad thought to have.
Because before Nintendo went public, they had a spine and took chances. And now they're as feeble as Kimishima and fading fast. The stockholders are killing Nintendo and the people making games are acting like they want it to happen.
Re: Poll: What Did You Think of Nintendo's 2015?
@Frank90 Agree, 100%. Other than the last years of the Wii, I can't remember the last time Nintendo had such a dismal and overly forgetable year.
Splatoon and what else?
Xenoblade failed to meet series expectations (even compared to Xenosaga Ep 2), Yoshi was pretty but pedestrian, Mario Maker is wonderful in it's depth of content but it's just another Mario game at the end of the day. Toad was only in EU this year because of a pointless delay. Fatal Frame and Devil's Third were both shadows of their promise.
I can't name a single new 3DS game worth purchasing that wasn't already available in another, better game.
Yokai Watch? Pokemon clone with more linearity (how is that possible?). MH4? This is the 2nd of 4 that are out in Japan. EOU2? Another pointless remaster (on a non-HD system, is there any real point?) for 40-50$.
I can barely think of 10 games for each system that was even remotely worth considering.
This had to have been Nintendo's lowest rated year of the generation.
Versus two consoles, seeing their first real breakthrough, while PC and mobile gaming is stronger than ever.
There were more DLC upgrades than new games. By far. And you paid out of your backsides for them. I downloaded 30 pieces of FREE DLC for the Witcher 3. When Taken King released, Bungie basically doubled the game for newcomers (even if I hate the idea of Destiny, the bundle price for the new expansion was very reasonable).
Nintendo proved, quite clearly, they will never offer their fans that sort of deal. And all the fanboys that rant about season passes will just keep accepting that.
Story: Battlefront costs 80$ in Canada. The DLC costs 70$. 150$ for the 'full game'. And then 5-10$ a month for Plus or Live just to sign in.
That is a future Nintendo wants.
They've made that clear enough.
And when they fail with their late 80s / early 90s philosophies, they'll be lucky to have years like this.
By 2018, Nintendo and Konami will both be near bankruptcy, trying to keep people interested in their terrible mobile games.
Re: Nintendo Download: 31st December (North America)
Because most of the last month's previous sales are ongoing..?
There were new releases on the shop this week though.
Which is better than the whole 0 PSN got.
People do in fact take this week off.
Alot of people I know have their consoles off for 6-10 days during this time of year.
So while the vocal minority sits in the dark gaming, the rest of us get out and do things. With our families. Because our work lets us do so. And to be brutally honest, after my partner bought me 4 new games for Xmas, there's not really much point in buying something you've passed on for 4 months, is there?
Re: Nintendo Dominates Festive Sales in Japan as 3DS and Wii U Lead the Way
8 core, 3 Ghz proc with AMD. Throw in a 4 GB DDR5 GPU, 12-16 GB of RAM, at least a 1TB HDD (maybe a run with SSD for the OS), a more streamlined controller with ANALOG triggers, better media support and a revamped server / online infrastructure.
It all starts with user experience, so today is the day to come up with an account system that works and is fair.
Nintendo isn't even competing with Sony and Microsoft. They've descended to the Ouyu / Apple TV / Kindle Fire level and they are too cheap to compete. They need to invest and get back in the home console game. Because this, for the rest of the world, isn't working.
Re: Nintendo Dominates Festive Sales in Japan as 3DS and Wii U Lead the Way
Obviously, there are others, but these are the big ones for me and games I think could sell well in Japan too.
Who knows, with the right marketing, a game like Scalebound could be huge overseas, while a Nier Automata, Deus Ex: HD, or Fable Legends could be the next big killer app. Regardless of the system, things look bright, at least for a bit. My point is simply this: games will determine Nintendo's future. And as good as people claim it to be, Splatoon isn't going to sell this way forever.
Eventually, without the audience behind them and the 3rd parties bridging huge gaps in the calendar, Nintendo needs a new box out there. Even if those evergreen games has it selling a million a month, it's still not going to make games appear out of thin air. 3rd parties have left. But, if sales keep steady, maybe those same parties will be interested in what's next and forget the growing pains of what's now.
Re: Nintendo Dominates Festive Sales in Japan as 3DS and Wii U Lead the Way
To be fair, the 3DS family includes 5 very distinct hardware options that are all being sold in Japan (vs 3 or 4 depending on other regions). No other system, handheld or console, has that level of variety in their options.
It's nice that Nintendo's evergreen options are doing well (million sellers are good for the industry), but the Vita getting a new Gundam and barely outselling the PS4 is disconcerting. All systems need some fresh blood to mix things up. I don't know what would take strongly in Japan right now, but something that isn't an SMTxFE 'crossover'.
Or maybe just something honestly promoted, mature in a sensible fashion and with depth to spare. Maybe that's why I'm still playing the Witcher 3 after 4 months.
Or why Cyberpunk 2077 has been my most anticipated game since those first few hours of gameplay.
Don't get me wrong, I'd get a new Wii U to play Zelda (as long as it's not too Skyward Sword) and DQ / FF on the 3DS is a wonderful change from the usual jRPG fodder of 2015. But 2016 is Star Ocean, Ys, Uncharted, FFXV, FFVII Remake, Mirror's Edge Catalyst, Dark Souls 3, the Last Guardian and (for better or worse) VR's time to shine until Nintendo does something to prove me and the millions like me otherwise.
Re: Talking Point: The Easily Forgotten Hardware Release of 2015 - New Nintendo 3DS
I'm not saying the games are a waste, but there is no noticeable improvement while playing games. Same terrible screens. Same media ineptitude. Covering the card slot was idiotic. I understand the switch to Micro SD though.
Nintendo have become the masters of useless tech. You see the ports and slots on every single system. And they never use them. A good idea, maybe, that does nothing. The Wii U has one, no one knows what it does. The Gamecube was full of useless ports.
Sony and Microsoft wear their PC / consumer electronic history on their sleeves. And it has obviously caught up to Nintendo.
Maybe they'll stop seeing a million sales in one country as not equalling 50 million sales worldwide. This isn't Japan. And Nintendo still doesn't get that. 20 years after relevancy, Nintendo still doesn't get it.
And I blame every single person that bought a Wii. Every single 'gamer' that bought a game system for one garbage 'sports' game.
To be able to go back and erase the Wii from history.. I do wish it were possible.
Re: Talking Point: The Easily Forgotten Hardware Release of 2015 - New Nintendo 3DS
New 3DS to date has been as worthwhile as the Wii Mini. Which is funny and sad, seeing as that system cut features and did nothing to help the specs.
Nintendo went all PSP 3000 on the 3DS, with just as much success. I had a New 3DS for 5 months. A month after getting rid of my Wii U, I got rid of it too.
There's no reason to own one. The improvements are so poorly implemented, 95% of all games don't acknowledge the system and, if we're being honest, it's just an excuse to sell more useless amiibo.
Xenoblade is 10x better on the Wii, Miiverse support is pointless when Miiverse is wasted on Nintendo's half baked gimmickery and the 3D is still the most useless gaming decision since the Virtual Boy.
Re: Minecraft Has Become the Ninth Best-Selling Game on the Japanese eShop
It's more impressive this has happened in Japan where, despite having fewer indies and retail games, has WAY more games than other regions. You know, because the VC is a thing there.
Re: Nintendo Download: 31st December (Europe)
15 for the pair is fine, but the previous posters nailed it. It's cheaper going physical with games like these (I got Wave Race 64 last year, for 2$) so you're paying for convenience and accessibility. And a better controller, if we're being honest.
Re: Nintendo Download: 31st December (Europe)
Digital games don't sell consoles.
First party and exclusive games sell consoles.
Nintendo won't waste a digital sale on a season where there are consoles and people willing to buy them.
Switch Nintendo and Sony's console sales and I guarantee the sales would switch as well.
Re: Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima Has Published a New Message for Shareholders and Investors
To tie that into what I've read about VR: anyone on X1 / PS4 who buys into the VR movement is going to be accepting another box. Honestly, most everyone is going to have a seperate box. So Nintendo needs to stop worrying about making things small and cheaply. The Wii U isn't portable and you can't put anything beside it because of how the ventilation is abysmal. So why worry about making it small? Nintendo couldn't be more out of touch, but with a Steam box, they could revolutionize the console AND PC gaming markets.
Re: Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima Has Published a New Message for Shareholders and Investors
It's the holidays, I've had a few adult beverages, so forgive any incoherent ramblings.
That being said, I just picked up the latest Game Informer (The Year of VR), read this article and had a discussion about how Steam is the future imperfected in that it's OS forces certain games out of the architecture support schema.
Alright, that being said, here's the latest and most ridiculous NX 'prediction':
Nintendo SteamBOX.
Sounds ridiculous, right? Starts with an N, ends with an X. It's almost as stupid as the 'Half Life 3 confirmed' comments, yeah?
Hold on for just one minute, if you will.
1) Steam has the biggest 3rd party support base, Nintendo has the smallest.
2) Steam clearly doesn't get the 'home console experience' that console gamers enjoy so much and PC gamers try to emulate. Nintendo clearly doesn't get that propreitary technology is losing them the 3rd party battle and that new engines are allowing more openness in game design than ever. (They did get to Unity before it got popular but their support of Unity's evolution has been horrid)
3) Nintendo makes well built, sturdy controllers with less than their competitors. Steam controllers are MMORPG friendly but terrible for shooters and most racing games. They feel cheap and overpriced (outside of the haptic touchpads, which are ironically the biggest problem).
Literally everyone is making Steam boxes. Dual load systems aren't difficult to do. Steam is all digital. So.. If Nintendo did in fact make the Steambox with decent specs (slightly better or as good as PS4), they could have a massive library of cheap games at launch and focus their efforts on making unique games and games that truly take advantage of their art and design departments.
I'm not saying it's not just a pipedream, but just imagine if Nintendo could somehow integrate that kind of tech into BOTH a console and a handheld.
Re: Feature: The Poor Career Choice of Super Smash Bros. Professionals
As moronic it is that anyone (Smash or not) actually gets paid to play outside of game testers, let alone millions of dollars, it is even more moronic that people pay to watch.
I don't care if it's YouTube, some Warcraft garbage or Evo, 'pro' gaming is terrible. If I offended you, great. It proves you're passionate about something.
But this isn't remotely the worst thing. Anyone paid to play sports is overpaid.
But a real pro athlete sacrifices their social life, their family, their relationship, their anonymity, their privacy and their social status for those contracts.
And because they're unionized, you can't actually just ask for less money. That's not how unions operate. It kind of defeats the purpose. In fact, many of these companies make billions. The profit sharing (a regular in many industries) alone is enough to warrant millions.
ESports literally does nothing for anyone. And anyone who finds them remotely interesting is socially and psychologically redundant.
I don't care what the excuse is: getting paid 40k a year to game for a living is still too much. A million dollars for one tournament? These numbers aren't just excessive, they're irresponsible. When has gaming done anything positive or made any positive change?
If anything, video games are the most elitist, bigoted, racist, sexist, closed minded, narrow and shallow form of entertainment. Not only do they not deserve self-grandizing awards shows, but they also don't deserve mainstream media and attention. Then again, when trash like the Kardashians, the British royalty and cute kittens dominate the airwaves, is anyone really surprised video games are gathering headlines and press?
In an era where real news is glossed over for candy and tripe, it should be no real shock that the most useless of all media is strutting around like it's technological pandering is or ever has been relevant.
Re: Nintendo Download: 24th December (North America)
I'm not debating that point. I'm saying that, if someone looked solely at what is listed here, on this page, it would be incredibly disappointing.
But it's just a fraction of what Nintendo has on sale. In fact, despite the Flash sale making Sony's offerings look slightly (or alot, depending on what games you've played) better when comparing Wii U to PS4, 3DS to Vita is the opposite.
Unless you didn't take advantage of the HDN sales at some point in the last 6-8 months, there's barely anything worth playing, let alone purchasing. Some sparse Tales games sales, then again, 90% of Vita owners are being smart and supporting the Trails series this holiday.
I think the sales are pretty average, unless you want an older game barely worth playing. Or a new game that would be much smarter to buy physically (instant play, easily resold, and tradeable).
Nintendo killed Sony in one stupidly obvious area: without easily expandable storage (1 TB doesn't last long when games are 25-60 GB each) I find myself micromanaging with every single download on my PS4.
On the PSP, Wii U and 3DS, I just popped in a new stick / card / HDD and went.
I like how fast the PS4 runs from disc. Then again, the Wii U's disc drive was considerably better then the PS3 and 360's too. But my ISP is still running with a cap, so 'unlimited' shows its limitations very quickly when everything is 2 Blu-rays big and streaming is everywhere.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, while there are some amazing games and a wonderful selection on Sony's black box, anyone going that route should be careful about going digital only and well informed. More choice means more chance you could buy a game that really won't work well with your gaming tastes and at least with physical, you still have a net.
Re: Nintendo Download: 24th December (North America)
PSN Flash sale goes live.. I'm still waiting for Tuesday as a result.
Batman, Wolfenstein, Dragon Age Inquisition, all cheaper and way more convenient at retail (50 GB download? No thanks). Transformers, was on sale less than a month ago and probably for less. GTA V has been one sale seemingly constantly these last 2 months. No less than 5 remasters not worth the upgrade, download space or replay (a remastered FPS? Seriously?). Madden, the season's 75% over with. PES is cheaper most everywhere else. As is MGS. Mordor is the dated cousin of the Witcher 3.
Which means, if you don't want The Witcher 3 and Tony Hawk 5 (the worst mainline entry in the series, priced at an astoundingly horrod 80$) at a reasonable level doesn't tempt you, the PSN Flash sale is just as busted.
Honestly, I wish Sony and Nintendo would stop catering to last gen's "I didn't own a system" crowd and make new and exciting games.
2016 feels so far away..
Re: Nintendo Download: 24th December (North America)
As I said, the eShop listing here for sales and the actual eShop sales are quite the contrast.
Nintendo Life lists 12.
The actual eShop lists 70 games.
Oh and to the guy who got the Curve Digital games, those are still on sale here too.
The disparity is striking.
So yeah, before people complain about sales, they should probably do the research on their own, first.
Cause 25-30 of the games on sale on other platforms aren't worth much either.
I get it.
I got FFX-X2, Broken Sword, DB Xenoverse and a few indies.
Aside from crappy licensed games, remasters and indies better played on Steam, the PSN / XBL sales get just as much salt. It's hilarious to me, reading all this heat on Nintendo when the PS EU blog gets just as many complainers.
More actually.
Re: Nintendo Download: 24th December (North America)
To be fair, Sony's doing the final week of holiday sales (after Boxing Day, well after Xmas) and that's it. There's no word on when those deals go live, and there's literally nothing but sales for 10 days now.
At least Nintendo picked a classic and a beauty at that for the VC choice. The sales might be a bit light, but most of last week's sales are still active on the eShop and the new ones are solid.
Shovel Knight, discounted, is a must buy for anyone with a Wii U, 3DS or PS4. It's worth it at 15$ and a steal at anything less than 12$. I'm usually not so high up on retro, not these days anyways, but it is the best Megaman clone since X and the best sidescrolling platformer in years.
I can't say enough good things about it.
It's literally the only game in the last 15 years I've double dipped on and I haven't regretted that decision for a second.
I'll save my money for Tuesday on PS4 / Vita, but yes. Try Shovel Knight. If you don't like it.. Merry Whatever anyways!
Re: Super Mario Maker Scoops Amazon Game of the Year Award
Shooter and multiplayer from the Game Awards. Where the Witcher 3 came out on top in many categories.
It's pointless to rely on any one review or even website for gaming informatoon regarding quality, control and even depth of content.
I've had some hands-on with both of these Nintendo games, XCX and none of them are top 10 or even top 15. Maybe it's that Splatoon gets old for me after an hour of play and that Mario Maker feels dated for a 3 month old game.
I don't get the Nintendo feeling that instills me with a suffocating nostalgia and childlike joy.
I suppose it could be rather telling as to where I am with gaming, were I to share my top 10. I won't, but let's just say handhelds, Nintendo and mobiles aren't anywhere to be found.
Re: Nintendo Download: 24th December (Europe)
4-5 decent 3DS discounts and a few good indies on Wii U, but as far as retail game discounts are concerned, this Wii U offering is abyssmal. Literally every other digital shop is doing more this time of year.
Re: Wii U and 3DS Hardware Sales Lead the Way in Japan
PS2 was and will forever remain the console king. A vast and varied line-up, astronomical sales, a long and healthy shelf life and a very practical intro for most into DVD playback. Particularly for early adopters.
As a Dreamcast fan though, the PS1 was the reason Sony had early successes that Gen. BC mattered then, because online wasn't a thing. Not really.
PS3 was like PS2 lite and PS4 is just making enough new, PC like games, traditional console titles and overlooked or impossible to miss remasters / ports.
It's funny though, hardly anyone asked for Wii emulaton and we got that. A bunch of people wanted PS3 BC and we didn't get that. Now PS2 and GC remastering is a thing and it's both baffling and a boon.
In the last 'analog' age of gaming, memory cards, wired controllers and multiple disc odysseys were common and accepted.
To see that translation occur, in near real time, in a purely digital manifestation, is surreal.
Long winded jaunt aside, thanks @rjejr for reminding me about Shenmue 3. Definitely on my list going forward.
As is my faint and quickly dying hope that Grandia 2 HD makes its way to consoles someday.
I could battle enemies in that game for days on end..
Re: Wii U and 3DS Hardware Sales Lead the Way in Japan
Japanese numbers are always nice to see. It's a welcome change from X1 v PS4 literally everywhere else. Sony and Nintendo, on the other hand, actually encourage one another from time to time.
Which is important, because the Vita and PS4 selling well is the only thing driving Nintendo in Japan.
It's no secret to those following gaming why Cloud is in Smash, why FF15 and XCX seem so similar and why the Vita jumped another 50-60% in sales.
A hint: new game news, publicity and new hardware options may have had something to do with it.
I'm waiting for the PSN 4 week sale to end (got some good games already) so I can get ready for Star Ocean 5, Ys 8, Uncharted 4 and Odin Sphere next year.
All the while hoping for a new, cheaper bundle for the Wii U so I can get hype again for Zelda.
Unless Far Cry Primal, Horizon Zero Dawn and No Man's Sky are all amazing, then maybe Skyward Ocarina of the Wind Mask will have to wait.
Re: Ryu, Roy and Famicom Colour R.O.B. amiibo Will Be Released On 18th March
I can't believe people shell out hundreds of dollars for these pieces of plastic. The game effects are negligible and they're usually in the most ridiculous poses. For all the complaining about Bayonetta, Corrin and Cloud being in the worst Smash ever made, people sure are happy about a bunch of overpriced inaction figures.
Re: Rumour: Data Miners Leak Some of the Information From Tomorrow's Nintendo Direct
@Aerona 'At least means the remake is being ported to NX' what?? That's literally the most that should happen. The least is following through with DQ11. Keep in mind SE is a business. FF has sold infinitely more after 6 on the SNES. After the N64, GC and Wii U flops, Nintendo's lucky anyone cares that another system is coming out.
The last 3 years of the Wii is a hole that Nintendo still hasn't climbed out of. Why would anyone invest in a six year downturn?
By the time NX is even seen, Zelda will have been cancelled for the Wii U for that, the 3DS' last original title will release stateside (Bravely Second) and Nintendo will be bleeding casuals with terrible mobile games.
Forget 3rd party: Nintendo's going to follow every other Japanese gaming relic circling the drain and go mobile exclusive.
In less than 2 years, their positive rep as a decent developer will be wiped away, as one that misses opportunities, ignores fans, cheaps out and lacks meaningful insight and necessary passion.
All they've done for 14 months is ride Smash and Splatoon. Seeing games like Paper Jam, Ultra Smash, XCX, Yarn Yoshi, Fatal Frame, Devil's Third and others not worth mentioning either crash and burn or be entirely hollow experiences, it's not surprising.
What is surprising is any optimism from the fans. You'd think people would clue into a dead legacy from a company that passed long before Iwata, but no.
Still boatloads of idealism and well wishes.
Too bad Nintendo doesn't get reality, they could have done so much more with their talents than singing and dancing like broken animals.
Re: Feature: Time to Vote for Your Nintendo Life Game of the Year Awards 2015
Voted XCX best Wii U game (haven't played any of them, it just seems the most interesting). And Gunstar Heroes 3D sweeping the 3DS. Because honestly, 25 year old Genesis remakes are usually still better than modern Nintendo handheld games. I think Link Between Worlds is the last 3DS game worth more than 30$.
Personal opinions of course.
Then again, to be frank, my dropped interest in XCX (from E3 on, if I'm being honest) meant I couldn't pick a GOTY from ANY Nintendo product.
So like a 'hater', I took full advantage of the fact the GOTY portion didn't specify Nintendo and voted for the Witcher 3.
Re: The November NPD Results are in, Nintendo Exclusives Fail to Crack the Top Ten
@Xenocity The Tomb Raider reboot initially didn't sell well. But there's a reason outside of a short developmental schedule that Definitive Edition came out: eventually, the sales picked up. To the tune of 8-9 million sales. And now more with the updated versions. Rise tanked because of the competition against it. Not because it isn't appealing. It's simply not Fallout 4. Or Halo 5. Or Call of Duty. My brother bought an X1 for CoD: Blops 3. Then he got Advanced Warfare and he's hardly an exception.
It's the same reason FIFA sells consoles in the UK.
It's young gamers, wanting to experience Michael Bay, Fast and the Furious, Expendables type adrenaline. Once the hype train dies down, Rise will pick up. Because it's a good game worth playing after the heavy hitters have run this course. It might take the PS4 to get it done, but it'll pick up, just like the last one did.
Re: The November NPD Results are in, Nintendo Exclusives Fail to Crack the Top Ten
XCX: December release.
Yokai Watch: Pokemon lite.
Mario Tennis: overpriced and shallow.
Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival.. Should have been FREE.
Neither Nintendo system has had 2 good games release the same month in YEARS. The same month!
Microsoft and Sony are having sales issues because they have too many good games on the same day, the same week!
When there are no options, what does Nintendo expect?
Any indie games I was looking forward to are out and cheaper literally anywhere else.
Oh and don't let the retail numbers fool you. These games also lit up the digital marketplace.
Time for Nintendo to go 3rd (or 2nd) party. Cause let's be frank, that's the only time Nintendo and 3rd party will be uttered again. When the Wii sells more games than your current systems, 3 years after it's 'done', it's time to call it a day.
Re: Poll: Are You Excited About Minecraft: Wii U Edition, Or Is It Too Late?
@BinaryFragger Your analysis of Minecraft's staying power, based off Media Create, is hilarious and incredibly narrow. It's cheap. Many more handhelds per capita. And unlike how the title has been out forever here, it's only just come to Japan recently. We're talking the WORST selling Nintendo home console EVER. And trying to sell that same game for more than the competition, with nothing being done to optimize the title for the Wii U.
This is going to bust faster than a Vita RPG character's top.
Re: Poll: Are You Excited About Minecraft: Wii U Edition, Or Is It Too Late?
@Minotaurgamer That's not urine in your cornflakes, it's apple juice. And this isn't crap you're spewing, it's chocolate pudding.
You seriously think this is worth anything? A dead console, with an ages old game that passed its best year 2 years ago. And that's supposed to be incredible news?
Maybe Minecraft is still worth something, but the Wii U is only good for filling the box it came in.
Re: Gone Home is No Longer on its Way to the Wii U eShop
I am one of few gamers that hated Earthbound (Diamond status, home sickness, the desert, getting the Ultimate weapons, the humor, etc..) but I'll go ahead and recommend Undertale too. Full pacifist, 2nd playthrough. It's golden.
Re: Minecraft Finally Digs Its Way Onto the Wii U eShop on 17th December
FF7 on Wii U? FF15 on NX? Gone Home went home, Wii U projects are dropping like flies, Smash has needless DLC a year later and oh look, Minecraft. 3 and half years after the 360 version. 18 months since 'real' Minecraft mattered to anyone. Nintendo is MGM is the 60s: they have money, they have talent, and they have a paper shredder, because burning money is bad for the environment.
I feel bad for Miyamoto (almost) and really bad for the NX. It is going to tank, Panzer style.
Speaking of which, Sega needs to get on Panzer Dragoon Saga, reworked with Treasure, in HD.
Re: Xenoblade Chronicles X Earns Modest UK Chart Position But Outsells Predecessor
XCX and what? And Splatoon (6 months old)? And MK8 (18 months old)? And Smash (12 months old)? The problem is, it's a niche game on a niche system. Oh, and it's not FIFA.
Re: Xenoblade Chronicles X Special Edition Owners in North America Highlight Issues With Soundtrack USB Drive
Funny how statues come out and people forget about them. How a bunch of limited edition crap gets left in the packaging to preserve it. And yet, this is so horrid. I get it, people paid 80$ for a USB drive worth 6$ and now realize it was a stupid decision. Advocating piracy just because someone else has already done is all these comments are doing. Make it easier, sure, but expecting that anti-piracy Nintendo suddenly change their tune on copy protection is idiotic. We all get it: Nintendo is old fashioned. And yet, when phones and consoles don't support a specific, common file type, no one bats an eye.
Re: Xenoblade Chronicles X Special Edition Owners in North America Highlight Issues With Soundtrack USB Drive
Funny how DRM is brought up in the same breath as iTunes, as if Apple isn't the biggest advocate for DRM. Try and play an iTunes movie through anything but iTunes. That's how Apple wants everything to be.
Re: Sega Slashes Full-Year Net Profit Projection By 90 Percent
Nintendo - Sega merger soon? System exclusive Atlus (Persona, SMT), full access to Sega classics, a full library of Sega games to choose from (MK, Smash and sports titles with more varied line-ups and better online) as well as a vast assortment of RPGs to pick from. Without just FE, it could actually become a distinctively 'Nintendo' genre. How it was on the NES and SNES. Then again, someone with vision would have to be present in order to make it worthwhile. The fact is, even if Sega dies, they're still going to live on through the legacy they've created.
Re: Splatoon And Super Mario Maker Honoured At The Game Awards 2015
Mobile games are usually voted on for their accessibility, uniqueness, controls and art direction. Nothing against MH4U, but it's a pretty tired franchise that doesn't appeal to alot of Western gamers. It's incredibly niche, can be overly complicated and requires time to play out its quests. Pick up and play doesn't exactly describe the game to me. Neither does the 4 make it seem terribly unique.
Re: Splatoon And Super Mario Maker Honoured At The Game Awards 2015
For one game, CD Projekt Red received 6 nominations, winning 3 of them. Nothing unfortunate here. Splatoon is a pretty good game and a fairly distinctive shooter. Mario Maker is the company's own spin on something fan's have been doing for years (the multiple engines are the real selling point). Another good, almost great game. But the Witcher 3 is just loaded with content, the story is deeply engaging, the audio work is sublime and it's accessible, no matter how many other people want to play it. CDPR acknowledged the bugs and killed themselves to not only fix the game but to make it better in the process. Congrats to Nintendo's titles, but the better game won.
Re: Nintendo Download: 3rd December (North America)
And this is the reason I don't have a Wii U anymore. As a 'big' week, this pales to most weeks Sony and Microsoft get. Mainly because those systems don't just get first party retreads and unnecessary sequels. Horizon Zero Dawn, No Man's Sky, Far Cry Primal, FF 15 , the Witcher 3 and Type-0 fill the gap more than enough. And when Wii U owners get tired of the subpar battle theme, incessant hand holding and subtle nudging, you can find something deeper elsewhere.
Re: Splatoon's Next Splatfest in North America is All About Junk Food
The quote wasn't taken out of context. The Wii U was Target.com's best selling item. It just so happens that Target isn't incredibly well known for their online sales. The best sellers in stores were iPads, which averaged around 1 per second. I think it comes down to stock. A warehouse (like Target.com's warehouse) is likely loaded with Wii U's they couldn't move before the sale, versus the PS4 / XB1 that have actually been selling consistently and well. No chance the Wii U wins the sale war for November, but maybe this is what Nintendo needs to do a price cut. They can't expect the types of gamers that play the types of games NX will support to buy that console if they don't try something. 3 years and it's already dead? Why buy an NX when consumer faith in Nintendo is still on unsteady ground? While I'm at it, why buy a console that Nintendo themselves have already abandonded? A lacklustre Star Fox (that still looks a gen behind even Bayonetta 2), a Zelda Nintendo barely acknowledges, a Persona-ish FE spin-off that will likely bomb on a Nintendo console and a handful of forgettable indie games. The latter of which are already on or will be on better, more capable hardware. And when the Nintendo force strikes out, talking about how gaming was 20 years ago (not bothering to acknowledge any positivity) and how 80s-90s era games were the pinnacle of the medium, I'll point out someone like Warren Spector as someone who used to be relevant. Then the doors will open and the floodgates loosed and all the irrational, unfounded hatred will bubble over as we all die, drowning in the tears of the 'afflicted'.
Re: Square Enix Offers Black Friday Deals, Live Now, on Its Official North American Store
Great deals, if you buy 5-8 games. Shipping has always been ridiculous with SE's games. Should do free or cheap shipping over 50, but let's face it. They're way too stingy for that. We've all seen the DQ8 / FF7 App Store pricing.
Re: Two Wii U Hits Are Included in TIME's Top 10 Games of 2015
Spot on observations guys. Time purposefully makes this list early, usually the beginning of December, to push sales. Its an American marketing technique that drives consumers to be better informed when purchasing.
Like it or not, Xenoblade wasn't on there because of 1) negative press over censorship and 2) because it isn't really that unique of a game.
Its a pretty good game (having played the superior Japanese version) but it's become familiar now. Splatoon is very unique and MM is a definitive Wii U experience. They shy away from exclusives (save mobile titles) so that more people can experience these titles.
Buying a new console is a big investment for many consumers and they need to know what is and what isn't worth their investment. Hence multiplats and no handheld games.
Re: Review: The Legend of Legacy (3DS)
FE: Awakening, Stella Glow and now the LoL. Aside from Awakening's handful of cinematics, Stella Glow's voice work and the LoL's soundtrack, these games are epitomes of what is wrong with the 3DS doing rpgs. Cheap, interchangeable characters, minimalist in scope, repetitive (and strained) combat and horrendous writing. If devs could find a way to make these experiences more like console rpgs and less like an odd mish mash of 90s nostalgia and mobile phone shovelware, that would be great. There's nothing here that wasn't done better 15, 20 years ago.
Re: Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival Has Modest Impact in Japan as 3DS Sales Improve
Big jumps across the board for all 3DS models and (predictably) PS4 and PSV dominate the charts with some high profile releases. The only disturbing thing here is Omega Labyrinth placing in the top 5. Talk about niche games. Talk about fan-servicey tripe. Talk about sex selling shovelware.