@MadAussieBloke Um... actually it can, because the PSP has the entire PSP lineup, PSP Minis and the entire PSone collection that can be put either downloaded onto memory sticks via PSN purchase, or played through a WiFi connection via a PS3.
I'm not shocked a bit by the "fee" to use Nintendo's premium online services. I think (hope) they'll go the PlayStation Plus-like route, and not cut their service off at the knees with a direct charge to play online. They've already got a huge hurdle to overcome with getting more people to play online with Wii U. Simply charging gamers to pay-to-play will not go over well at all.
@L4DYK0M1C If you add the handheld consoles and third party games into the mix, it'd be: Sony, Nintendo and then Microsoft if I'm not completely mistaken — unless you count shovelware into the mix, then it might be different.
For you guys looking for the game, I've talked to several retailers and most of them only received 3-5 copies of the game, so keep looking, as I'm sure another shipment isn't far behind.
Announce the price right before launch — keeping preorder numbers to a minimum. They'll, of course, have a console shortage for the holidays to skyrocket demand and Wii U will dominate the news thereafter.
If they announce the price today, the preorder numbers will start building up. This will give us a concrete number of how many systems Nintendo needs to produce to satisfy demands, and if they don't do so — or come close to it — the blame could be placed on Nintendo.
I've dropped about 20 hours into Pokémon Conquest so far, and I've heard so many people call the game shallow, but the game is pretty much a tutorial until you hit around the 10 hour mark, when the game truly opens itself up and you'll find that there's a healthy bit of depth in this title — far more than I expected to find.
Also, if you're a fan of the Warriors' titles, then you'll absolutely love the soundtrack!
With a massive single player quest that clocks in around the 100 hour mark and multiplayer, you'll definitely get you're money's worth too!
@warnerdan I'm sorry, but your comment comes off like Nintendo is the only company who innovates and/or does anything substantial outside of FPS games. That's a bit far stretched mate. The current gaming market — with and outside Nintendo's consoles --is literally exploding with creative indie/third party titles.
@Treverend The reason people won't pay high(er) prices for Nintendo's systems is because they don't put high end technology in their consoles. Sony and Microsoft have pushed the industry forward quite drastically with highly advanced tech with each of their consoles' launches. Nintendo innovates with old tech. It's what they do best and consumers don't want to pay high prices for current gen technology. It's really that simple. It's not some sort of 'fanboy' mentality or bias.
The constant withholding of Wii U's price means it'll either be priced above the $300 mark, or that they'll match the 3DS launch price and current Vita price: $249. That's my two cents.
I wish I could trade my Ambassador 3DS up to a 3DS XL. I really enjoy the large screen on my Vita and I'd love to have a larger screen on my 3DS too. But, I don't need two 3DS systems, so I'll be sticking with my shiny blue 3DS.
@theblackdragon I agree with his insatiable argument. People that rant and rave on internet sites, and probably don't even buy the games they claim they love are indeed insatiable. I completely agree. I agree with his first two comments.
It's this that I have an issue with:
"It's not a question of understanding. I think people understood what we showed. It's the question of, as a gamer, 'Is this for me and something I can get excited about?' And Wii Fit did not get that reaction. And yet 43-million copies around the world, it's a phenomenon. And so I would argue that the gaming community actually is unable to differentiate between a phenomenon and something that is 'ho-hum.'"
He's stating that because Wii Fit sold 43-million copies and is a "phenomenon," that core gamers should enjoy it. It isn't a game. It's a exercise title with a few minigames thrown in to make exercising more exciting and as an attempt to sell it as a game to gamers. Stating that a core gamer is "insatiable" for not liking an exercise game that sold 43-million copies is insulting, because he is speaking directly towards me when he states this. I'm a core gamer, I stood in line to spend $90 for Wii Fit for 3-hours and me, nor my wife enjoyed it in the least and I sold it off a week later. Granted, I bought it for my wife to use as a workout tool, I had no interest in it beforehand, but I gave it a try regardless.
That's the part I have an issue with. And when I see NSMB U and it's lack of an innovation and revolutionary game design to properly fit the Wii U technology, as well as Pikmin 3 being designed for to be played with last gen controls — again, not doing anything significantly interesting with Wii U's tech — I find his comments off putting. Ubisoft is showing better game design with Wii U technology than Nintendo themselves, and yet, he wonders why fans are speaking out. I think, in this current situation, there's some validity to their concerns and he needs to listen to what they're saying, instead of calling them "insatiable." Under different circumstances, I'd laugh this comment off, but right now, I find it insulting.
@theblackdragon I spent years as a salesman for Pepsi, I know business and how business models work. "The customer is always right" has never meant that the customer is indeed always right, but that you never tell them they're wrong. Never! You listen and understand to what they're saying and if there's merit to it, then you make the appropriate and possible necessary actions. People don't understand what that phrase means, and that's what's been blown out of proportion.
I think Wii U being designed for family gaming experiences is absolutely brilliant. If you go back to our Round Tables, you'll see that I've stated many times that I want Nintendo to stay in this style of (profitable) gaming. There's a need for it and there's not a need for Nintendo to be another company that caters to big budget triple-A games, as it's isn't their niche, and it's a failing market anyways.
I understand where his statement come from, but I do not respect them because of who he is and what he represents. I know this is all text, but I'm not mad, over-hyped, or anything of the sort, just disappointed in his statements. I don't care what company or market is, you don't blame you consumers!
Firstly: Wii U's marketing has been quite poor. First it was called Wii U ("Wii You") and it was suppose to be an online heavy singular gaming experience, much like the DS console line: Now we're finding out that it's more of a multiplayer focused machine, with one Gamepad — that children will undoubtedly fight over, as the dual Gamepad support won't come until later in the Wii U life cycle — that's also uses last generation controllers for it's current gen games (another questionable marketing decision).
Secondly: It's not about the games that are coming out, it's about the content that's in the games; NSMB U is by far the least innovative Mario launch title that's ever launched on a Nintendo home console. It's not that critics don't appreciate the game, it's that it feels like it's an easy way out, than producing a true new Mario title that revolutionizes the Mario experience specifically for the the Wii U. A title that makes gamers scream: "I've got to have that game, no matter the cost!" And NSMB U isn't that game.
Thirdly (Is that even a word?): There's a good reason that core gamers don't get Wii Fit, it's not a game. My mother-in-law and grandparents' use Wii Fit to exercise, because it's an exercise game, which is how it was marketed and why it sold so well.
Lastly: Nintendo Land being compared to Wii Fit? Reggie, you're the president of the company, if you don't realize that Nintendo Land and Wii Fit don't fit in the same category, then I'm afraid that you are indeed becoming misguided. Nintendo Land is more akin to Wii Sport/ Resort, not Wii Fit.
I'm sorry, but Reggie's statement make me worry for Wii U's launch even more. Wii U has some serious marketing problem at the moment, and these statements make me think that problem is likely coming from the top. It's not being unappreciative either — I actually find that comment very insulting — it's that I have the desire to see Wii U coming out of the gate selling like a wildfire in the wind, but if it keeps on the track that it's currently on, I'm seeing a mediocre launch at best for the system. My reasoning for this, is because those 47 million Wii Fit owners', well, they're the one's who think Wii U is still and add-on for Wii, hence the major marketing problem!
I really wish that you guys/gals that are blaming yourselves over his statements would rethink this. Reggie is at the very top of a business that sells a product. Regardless of what that product is, the consumer is always right. That's the basic law of any business. Of course, they can't do everything, but you NEVER blame your consumers. They make the products and if their consumers don't like it, then they have the right to say something about it — especially if it's constructive criticism, of which most of what I've seen published has been. The fact that some kind of loyalty would make you blame yourself for something that you spend you hard-earned money for, I'm sorry, that bothers me a bit.
@TheSolarKnight Both Wave Race 64 and 1080 received sequels on the Gamecube, but I agree, I'd love to see new iterations of both the games for the 3DS/Wii U.
Blame the developers for children playing games that are clearly rated for a Mature audience. Heck, thanks to the ESRB it's even labeled right there on the box for the parents to see.
It's the least innovative and revolutionary launch Mario for a Nintendo home console, and I find it quite disappointing. These games always have a "Wow" factor and it just isn't here in NSMB U. I expect much more than this from Nintendo when it comes to their core Mario titles.
Nintendo Land needs to be built into the console and freely available to all Wii U owners, just as Sony does with their PlayStation Home. Sony doesn't exactly implement pieces of the games into home, but instead creates home spaces designed around upcoming games with its own complimentary set of mini games inside them, which upon completion unlocks exclusive content for you Home Avatars.
What Nintendo fan wouldn't want to game exclusive content for their Mii's? I know I've wanted that for far too long now!
Nintendo Land holds the key to getting the majority of Wii U owners to access the internet with their consoles, but it'll only happen if Nintendo implements it properly.
"On the issue of whether a second circle pad is needed, Miyamoto pointed out that the gyroscope can provide the functionality needed for those controls."
Yes, it worked perfectly in Kid Icarus... oh wait...
@WolfRamHeart It's as simple as calling it something differently. The words "Friend Codes" and "Wii U" should never have came out of Reggie's mouth unless it was to denounce them.
@mumof2kids82 I'll reply this to you, as I know you're actually a mother with children. The problem with Friend Codes is that the older gamers are severely restricted by them, forcing gamers to use other means outside their consoles — internet forums — to connect with other gamers to game with online. This actually doubles their chances of coming in contact with those they shouldn't, because not every site is moderated the way ours is.
Then you've got the fact that older gamers are paying the exact same amount of money that a mom/dad is to purchase the console for their children. And the real fact of the matter is that all it takes is using a administration account to limit the younger gamers access to things you don't want them to play, which is already available on both Wii and 3DS — rending Friend Codes a non-necessity. They're simply not needed, and they're a hindrance to the online connectivity of Nintendo's consoles. Nintendo already has a bad reputation when it comes to this, and the Friend Code ordeal is well known, and will do nothing good for Wii U's sales — especially with core gamers.
@JamieO Yep, there was not a bit of personal jab in there at all. I agree with you, it's all about the gameplay. The perfect example of the game you were previously describing earlier for me, is Pushmo — adorable graphics and simple gameplay, that's terribly addictive and insanely fun. One of the best titles in recent years IMO and just oozing Nintendo's magical charm. No blood, no guts, just stunningly brilliant gameplay.
To be honest though, Sony is starting to burn me out on their first party games. God of War: Ascension really didn't impress me, as I'm just not ready for another GoW yet — it seems like yesterday that God of War III, God of War HD Collection, God of War God of War: Ghost of Sparta and the God of War Origins Collection all released. For me, it's all been a bit of an overkill.
@Alucard I agree, but if you look at both Sony's and Microsoft's digital storefronts' you'll find that they've also got their share of retro styled games inspired from that age in gaming. Most all of these are indie developed games, as the low development cost give way to little risk and much more freedom to be creative. That's where I find my most enjoyment on all the platforms.
@JamieO I see and completely agree with your statement, but I just as I don't believe graphics alone can benefit a game, I don't think that "blood and gore" always detract from them either.
In my observation, and I'm not being crass when I state this, but there's become an unwarranted sentiment from loyal Nintendo gamers toward the more core games that are on HD systems. Maybe it's because the Wii has gotten shoddy ports of these game — mostly shooters — but I find the idea that anything that has elements of these game's automatically warrants it a bad title that's ill fitting of Nintendo platforms. I personally enjoy a bit of violence in my game's from time to time, but I also enjoy the simple "game as a game," or as I like to put it, games' with Nintendo's "magic" in them too.
My reasoning for it being unwarranted is that when an overly violent game(s) do make it onto Nintendo platforms, they're praised and heralded in the utmost highest of esteem (e.g. MadWorld, No More Heroes, Resident Evil 4, etc.), but put those same exact game's on competitor's platform and you'll hear the "blood and gore" argument instead.
@Alucard I think Nintendo's presentation was a bit hard to swallow for older gamers. It's great to have a Nintendo system with that wonderful Nintendo 'magic' that only they can develop, but it's also nice to have games that fit an older gamer's taste as well. When they started showing off Mass Effect 3 and Batman: Arkham City, I knew it wasn't a smart move on their part.
Pikmin 3 looked really good, but when Miyamoto stated that it was designed for Motion Plus, I really couldn't believe what he just stated. You're opening the show unveiling the final form of your new system, and you just stated that it's not designed to play with its control.... really? Instantly, I though: This means I'll be running my TV, the Wii U, the Wii U's Gamepad and a Wiimote and Nunchuk to play Pikmin 3. That's a lot of equipment, and two of them are battery powered and need to be charged beforehand. It's a bit too much in my honest opinion, and was the first disappointment of many during the press conference.
I don't get into the "who wins E3" debate(s), simply because it always boils down to said person's personal preferences — it's subjective with no clear terms for victory.
I didn't really get into anything outside of Nintendo in the article, but I was quite pleased when Sony boldly stated that their top priority is their core gamers, and have a massive list of upcoming games to prove it. It's a shame that their mismanaged time didn't overly show it. Their virtual E3 show-floor on PS Home was a real treat this year though, and I hope Nintendo does something of its ilk in Miiverse in coming years.
Not much to say about Microsofts' conference. Their two big titles are late sequels that aren't even being developed by their original creators. I still a bit baffled by their conference. It's almost like they're losing focus on the gaming side of their company.
@ThomasBW84 Yep, in the U.S., all states have additional sales tax that's addition to the MSRP. In my area, it's 10% in the city, and 7% outside of the city. A few states have even started adding sales tax to online purchases as well.
So that's roughly around USD $350 with one Gamepad + sales tax here. If true, that's still quite a bit for a current gen system.
@LavaTwilight Nope, the original Tomb Raider released on PSone, SEGA Saturn and PC, but Tomb Raider II, Tomb Raider III and Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation we're all exclusive to PSone for home consoles, but also released on PC as well — making many think of the Tomb Raider series as a "PlayStation" series for home consoles.
Extra info: The excellent Tomb Raider Chronicles released on PSone, but also on SEGA's Dreamcast too, while the horrible Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness went to PS2 and PC.
Crystal Dynamics' revamped the series with Tomb Raider: Legend in 2006 and was released to every home console available at the time — starting the true multiplatform (home consoles) era for the series.
@MadAussieBloke and @SanderEvers Yes, the game's did release on Sega Saturn and PC, but it was the PSone where the game truly gained their notoriety. So much so that many to this day probably don't realize that the games aren't a Sony IP.
Tomb Raider II is still one of my all time favorites!
On the show itself, I found it drawn-out and disappointing.
On the other hand though, even though Wii U isn't something that is fitting of my personal taste preferences, I'm glad to see that Nintendo has decided to stick with their casual successes that's proved so financially beneficial for them. Younger gamers need a company that provides constant games for them, and my little ones will definitely grow up on Nintendo's systems.
If you guys are curious about a review, I just recently reviewed Trine 2 with a 9/10 score for PS3 over at our sister site Push Square. You can read it here.
While it isn't anything new: my PS3, Vita and iPhone (via Raptr) are all interconnected. It's still good to see that Nintendo is finally on-board the online train.
It's a smart move from Nintendo, especially making it available for smaller indie developers, which is what I would think they're after with this agreement. The Havok engine is a good, stable engine that works quite well if the developer knows how to work with it. Any way it goes, this is exactly the type of news I want to see from Nintendo. Smaller developers producing quality titles for Wii U could be a large step in growing a massive fan base with Wii U, and this definitely shows promise.
@warnerdan I wouldn't put too much money on seeing the Half Life series ever being ported to consoles again. The last time it was tried, well, it didn't go too well at all.
Comments 1,712
Re: 3DS Sales Momentum in U.S. and Europe is 'Not so Good'
@MadAussieBloke Um... actually it can, because the PSP has the entire PSP lineup, PSP Minis and the entire PSone collection that can be put either downloaded onto memory sticks via PSN purchase, or played through a WiFi connection via a PS3.
Sorry, just keepin' it real.
Re: Review: Project Zero 2: Wii Edition (Wii)
Really can't wait until this release swims across the giant pond!
Re: Talking Point: Another Look at the News - 6th July
I'm not shocked a bit by the "fee" to use Nintendo's premium online services. I think (hope) they'll go the PlayStation Plus-like route, and not cut their service off at the knees with a direct charge to play online. They've already got a huge hurdle to overcome with getting more people to play online with Wii U. Simply charging gamers to pay-to-play will not go over well at all.
Re: Review: Marvel Pinball 3D (3DS eShop)
The Captain America and Fantastic Four tables are fantastic!
Re: Wii Has Featured Fewer New IPs Than Rivals
@L4DYK0M1C If you add the handheld consoles and third party games into the mix, it'd be: Sony, Nintendo and then Microsoft if I'm not completely mistaken — unless you count shovelware into the mix, then it might be different.
Re: Wii Has Featured Fewer New IPs Than Rivals
@SuperSonic95 "Microsoft never really had many IPs besides Halo, and Sony has quite a few but they don't use them anymore."
Really?!?
Re: Game of the Month: June 2012 - Pokémon Conquest
For you guys looking for the game, I've talked to several retailers and most of them only received 3-5 copies of the game, so keep looking, as I'm sure another shipment isn't far behind.
Re: Here's the Monster Hunter 4 Trailer You Wanted
Wow!
Re: Retailers Confidently Predict Wii U Will Cost £250, or Less
Announce the price right before launch — keeping preorder numbers to a minimum. They'll, of course, have a console shortage for the holidays to skyrocket demand and Wii U will dominate the news thereafter.
If they announce the price today, the preorder numbers will start building up. This will give us a concrete number of how many systems Nintendo needs to produce to satisfy demands, and if they don't do so — or come close to it — the blame could be placed on Nintendo.
Re: Review: Pokémon Conquest (DS)
Great review Joe!
I've dropped about 20 hours into Pokémon Conquest so far, and I've heard so many people call the game shallow, but the game is pretty much a tutorial until you hit around the 10 hour mark, when the game truly opens itself up and you'll find that there's a healthy bit of depth in this title — far more than I expected to find.
Also, if you're a fan of the Warriors' titles, then you'll absolutely love the soundtrack!
With a massive single player quest that clocks in around the 100 hour mark and multiplayer, you'll definitely get you're money's worth too!
Re: Iwata: Wii U Won't Repeat 3DS Price Mistake
@warnerdan I'm sorry, but your comment comes off like Nintendo is the only company who innovates and/or does anything substantial outside of FPS games. That's a bit far stretched mate. The current gaming market — with and outside Nintendo's consoles --is literally exploding with creative indie/third party titles.
@Treverend The reason people won't pay high(er) prices for Nintendo's systems is because they don't put high end technology in their consoles. Sony and Microsoft have pushed the industry forward quite drastically with highly advanced tech with each of their consoles' launches. Nintendo innovates with old tech. It's what they do best and consumers don't want to pay high prices for current gen technology. It's really that simple. It's not some sort of 'fanboy' mentality or bias.
The constant withholding of Wii U's price means it'll either be priced above the $300 mark, or that they'll match the 3DS launch price and current Vita price: $249. That's my two cents.
Re: Dragon Quest X Japanese Bundle Shown Off
WOW!!! That's just... tear runs down the Slappy's eye... beautiful!
Re: Talking Point: The Pros and Cons of 3DS XL
I wish I could trade my Ambassador 3DS up to a 3DS XL. I really enjoy the large screen on my Vita and I'd love to have a larger screen on my 3DS too. But, I don't need two 3DS systems, so I'll be sticking with my shiny blue 3DS.
Re: Reggie Fils-Aime: Fanbase Demands Are 'Insatiable'
@theblackdragon I agree with his insatiable argument. People that rant and rave on internet sites, and probably don't even buy the games they claim they love are indeed insatiable. I completely agree. I agree with his first two comments.
It's this that I have an issue with:
"It's not a question of understanding. I think people understood what we showed. It's the question of, as a gamer, 'Is this for me and something I can get excited about?' And Wii Fit did not get that reaction. And yet 43-million copies around the world, it's a phenomenon. And so I would argue that the gaming community actually is unable to differentiate between a phenomenon and something that is 'ho-hum.'"
He's stating that because Wii Fit sold 43-million copies and is a "phenomenon," that core gamers should enjoy it. It isn't a game. It's a exercise title with a few minigames thrown in to make exercising more exciting and as an attempt to sell it as a game to gamers. Stating that a core gamer is "insatiable" for not liking an exercise game that sold 43-million copies is insulting, because he is speaking directly towards me when he states this. I'm a core gamer, I stood in line to spend $90 for Wii Fit for 3-hours and me, nor my wife enjoyed it in the least and I sold it off a week later. Granted, I bought it for my wife to use as a workout tool, I had no interest in it beforehand, but I gave it a try regardless.
That's the part I have an issue with. And when I see NSMB U and it's lack of an innovation and revolutionary game design to properly fit the Wii U technology, as well as Pikmin 3 being designed for to be played with last gen controls — again, not doing anything significantly interesting with Wii U's tech — I find his comments off putting. Ubisoft is showing better game design with Wii U technology than Nintendo themselves, and yet, he wonders why fans are speaking out. I think, in this current situation, there's some validity to their concerns and he needs to listen to what they're saying, instead of calling them "insatiable." Under different circumstances, I'd laugh this comment off, but right now, I find it insulting.
Re: Reggie Fils-Aime: Fanbase Demands Are 'Insatiable'
@theblackdragon I spent years as a salesman for Pepsi, I know business and how business models work. "The customer is always right" has never meant that the customer is indeed always right, but that you never tell them they're wrong. Never! You listen and understand to what they're saying and if there's merit to it, then you make the appropriate and possible necessary actions. People don't understand what that phrase means, and that's what's been blown out of proportion.
I think Wii U being designed for family gaming experiences is absolutely brilliant. If you go back to our Round Tables, you'll see that I've stated many times that I want Nintendo to stay in this style of (profitable) gaming. There's a need for it and there's not a need for Nintendo to be another company that caters to big budget triple-A games, as it's isn't their niche, and it's a failing market anyways.
I understand where his statement come from, but I do not respect them because of who he is and what he represents. I know this is all text, but I'm not mad, over-hyped, or anything of the sort, just disappointed in his statements. I don't care what company or market is, you don't blame you consumers!
Re: Reggie Fils-Aime: Fanbase Demands Are 'Insatiable'
Firstly: Wii U's marketing has been quite poor. First it was called Wii U ("Wii You") and it was suppose to be an online heavy singular gaming experience, much like the DS console line: Now we're finding out that it's more of a multiplayer focused machine, with one Gamepad — that children will undoubtedly fight over, as the dual Gamepad support won't come until later in the Wii U life cycle — that's also uses last generation controllers for it's current gen games (another questionable marketing decision).
Secondly: It's not about the games that are coming out, it's about the content that's in the games; NSMB U is by far the least innovative Mario launch title that's ever launched on a Nintendo home console. It's not that critics don't appreciate the game, it's that it feels like it's an easy way out, than producing a true new Mario title that revolutionizes the Mario experience specifically for the the Wii U. A title that makes gamers scream: "I've got to have that game, no matter the cost!" And NSMB U isn't that game.
Thirdly (Is that even a word?): There's a good reason that core gamers don't get Wii Fit, it's not a game. My mother-in-law and grandparents' use Wii Fit to exercise, because it's an exercise game, which is how it was marketed and why it sold so well.
Lastly: Nintendo Land being compared to Wii Fit? Reggie, you're the president of the company, if you don't realize that Nintendo Land and Wii Fit don't fit in the same category, then I'm afraid that you are indeed becoming misguided. Nintendo Land is more akin to Wii Sport/ Resort, not Wii Fit.
I'm sorry, but Reggie's statement make me worry for Wii U's launch even more. Wii U has some serious marketing problem at the moment, and these statements make me think that problem is likely coming from the top. It's not being unappreciative either — I actually find that comment very insulting — it's that I have the desire to see Wii U coming out of the gate selling like a wildfire in the wind, but if it keeps on the track that it's currently on, I'm seeing a mediocre launch at best for the system. My reasoning for this, is because those 47 million Wii Fit owners', well, they're the one's who think Wii U is still and add-on for Wii, hence the major marketing problem!
I really wish that you guys/gals that are blaming yourselves over his statements would rethink this. Reggie is at the very top of a business that sells a product. Regardless of what that product is, the consumer is always right. That's the basic law of any business. Of course, they can't do everything, but you NEVER blame your consumers. They make the products and if their consumers don't like it, then they have the right to say something about it — especially if it's constructive criticism, of which most of what I've seen published has been. The fact that some kind of loyalty would make you blame yourself for something that you spend you hard-earned money for, I'm sorry, that bothers me a bit.
Re: Feature: Summer Sizzlers
@TheSolarKnight Both Wave Race 64 and 1080 received sequels on the Gamecube, but I agree, I'd love to see new iterations of both the games for the 3DS/Wii U.
Re: Super Smash Bros. 3DS and Wii U Powers Up with Namco
Namco? My excitement just faded!
Re: Review: Rayman Origins (3DS)
@Corbs I own it on Vita — I drooled!
Re: Miyamoto: Nintendo Focused on Fun, Not Competition
Blame the developers for children playing games that are clearly rated for a Mature audience. Heck, thanks to the ESRB it's even labeled right there on the box for the parents to see.
Put the blame where it belongs: parents!
Re: New Super Mario Bros. U is 'Accessible and Intuitive'
It's the least innovative and revolutionary launch Mario for a Nintendo home console, and I find it quite disappointing. These games always have a "Wow" factor and it just isn't here in NSMB U. I expect much more than this from Nintendo when it comes to their core Mario titles.
Re: Wii U Will be a 'Great Value Proposition'
Personally, I still don't see a launch lineup that says: "I must have the Wii U now!"
Re: Feature: Nintendo Land's Potential
Nintendo Land needs to be built into the console and freely available to all Wii U owners, just as Sony does with their PlayStation Home. Sony doesn't exactly implement pieces of the games into home, but instead creates home spaces designed around upcoming games with its own complimentary set of mini games inside them, which upon completion unlocks exclusive content for you Home Avatars.
What Nintendo fan wouldn't want to game exclusive content for their Mii's? I know I've wanted that for far too long now!
Nintendo Land holds the key to getting the majority of Wii U owners to access the internet with their consoles, but it'll only happen if Nintendo implements it properly.
Re: Miyamoto Talks Down Idea of 3DS Redesign
"On the issue of whether a second circle pad is needed, Miyamoto pointed out that the gyroscope can provide the functionality needed for those controls."
Yes, it worked perfectly in Kid Icarus... oh wait...
Re: Ubisoft Expects Five Million Wii U Consoles in First Six Months
I honestly don't think the launch lineup is strong enough to move the amount of consoles, but the real telltale will be the system's cost.
Re: Reggie: Friend Codes Return on Wii U, But They're Better
@WolfRamHeart It's as simple as calling it something differently. The words "Friend Codes" and "Wii U" should never have came out of Reggie's mouth unless it was to denounce them.
Re: Reggie: Friend Codes Return on Wii U, But They're Better
@mumof2kids82 I'll reply this to you, as I know you're actually a mother with children. The problem with Friend Codes is that the older gamers are severely restricted by them, forcing gamers to use other means outside their consoles — internet forums — to connect with other gamers to game with online. This actually doubles their chances of coming in contact with those they shouldn't, because not every site is moderated the way ours is.
Then you've got the fact that older gamers are paying the exact same amount of money that a mom/dad is to purchase the console for their children. And the real fact of the matter is that all it takes is using a administration account to limit the younger gamers access to things you don't want them to play, which is already available on both Wii and 3DS — rending Friend Codes a non-necessity. They're simply not needed, and they're a hindrance to the online connectivity of Nintendo's consoles. Nintendo already has a bad reputation when it comes to this, and the Friend Code ordeal is well known, and will do nothing good for Wii U's sales — especially with core gamers.
Re: Reggie: Friend Codes Return on Wii U, But They're Better
#fail
Re: E3 2012: Our View of Nintendo's E3
@JamieO Yep, there was not a bit of personal jab in there at all. I agree with you, it's all about the gameplay. The perfect example of the game you were previously describing earlier for me, is Pushmo — adorable graphics and simple gameplay, that's terribly addictive and insanely fun. One of the best titles in recent years IMO and just oozing Nintendo's magical charm. No blood, no guts, just stunningly brilliant gameplay.
To be honest though, Sony is starting to burn me out on their first party games. God of War: Ascension really didn't impress me, as I'm just not ready for another GoW yet — it seems like yesterday that God of War III, God of War HD Collection, God of War God of War: Ghost of Sparta and the God of War Origins Collection all released. For me, it's all been a bit of an overkill.
Re: E3 2012: Our View of Nintendo's E3
@Alucard I agree, but if you look at both Sony's and Microsoft's digital storefronts' you'll find that they've also got their share of retro styled games inspired from that age in gaming. Most all of these are indie developed games, as the low development cost give way to little risk and much more freedom to be creative. That's where I find my most enjoyment on all the platforms.
@JamieO I see and completely agree with your statement, but I just as I don't believe graphics alone can benefit a game, I don't think that "blood and gore" always detract from them either.
In my observation, and I'm not being crass when I state this, but there's become an unwarranted sentiment from loyal Nintendo gamers toward the more core games that are on HD systems. Maybe it's because the Wii has gotten shoddy ports of these game — mostly shooters — but I find the idea that anything that has elements of these game's automatically warrants it a bad title that's ill fitting of Nintendo platforms. I personally enjoy a bit of violence in my game's from time to time, but I also enjoy the simple "game as a game," or as I like to put it, games' with Nintendo's "magic" in them too.
My reasoning for it being unwarranted is that when an overly violent game(s) do make it onto Nintendo platforms, they're praised and heralded in the utmost highest of esteem (e.g. MadWorld, No More Heroes, Resident Evil 4, etc.), but put those same exact game's on competitor's platform and you'll hear the "blood and gore" argument instead.
Re: E3 2012: Our View of Nintendo's E3
@Alucard I think Nintendo's presentation was a bit hard to swallow for older gamers. It's great to have a Nintendo system with that wonderful Nintendo 'magic' that only they can develop, but it's also nice to have games that fit an older gamer's taste as well. When they started showing off Mass Effect 3 and Batman: Arkham City, I knew it wasn't a smart move on their part.
Pikmin 3 looked really good, but when Miyamoto stated that it was designed for Motion Plus, I really couldn't believe what he just stated. You're opening the show unveiling the final form of your new system, and you just stated that it's not designed to play with its control.... really? Instantly, I though: This means I'll be running my TV, the Wii U, the Wii U's Gamepad and a Wiimote and Nunchuk to play Pikmin 3. That's a lot of equipment, and two of them are battery powered and need to be charged beforehand. It's a bit too much in my honest opinion, and was the first disappointment of many during the press conference.
Re: Wii U Power Lacks a 'Generational Leap'
@BrainBoxLtd PlayStation 4, or "Orbis" if you will, has indeed already been publicly acknowledged by Sony.
http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2012/06/rumour_playstation_4_specifications_leaked
Re: E3 2012: Our View of Nintendo's E3
I don't get into the "who wins E3" debate(s), simply because it always boils down to said person's personal preferences — it's subjective with no clear terms for victory.
I didn't really get into anything outside of Nintendo in the article, but I was quite pleased when Sony boldly stated that their top priority is their core gamers, and have a massive list of upcoming games to prove it. It's a shame that their mismanaged time didn't overly show it. Their virtual E3 show-floor on PS Home was a real treat this year though, and I hope Nintendo does something of its ilk in Miiverse in coming years.
Not much to say about Microsofts' conference. Their two big titles are late sequels that aren't even being developed by their original creators. I still a bit baffled by their conference. It's almost like they're losing focus on the gaming side of their company.
Re: ShopTo Lists Wii U at Speculative £280
@ThomasBW84 Yep, in the U.S., all states have additional sales tax that's addition to the MSRP. In my area, it's 10% in the city, and 7% outside of the city. A few states have even started adding sales tax to online purchases as well.
So that's roughly around USD $350 with one Gamepad + sales tax here. If true, that's still quite a bit for a current gen system.
Re: Tomb Raider Not Coming to Wii U
@LavaTwilight Nope, the original Tomb Raider released on PSone, SEGA Saturn and PC, but Tomb Raider II, Tomb Raider III and Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation we're all exclusive to PSone for home consoles, but also released on PC as well — making many think of the Tomb Raider series as a "PlayStation" series for home consoles.
Extra info: The excellent Tomb Raider Chronicles released on PSone, but also on SEGA's Dreamcast too, while the horrible Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness went to PS2 and PC.
Crystal Dynamics' revamped the series with Tomb Raider: Legend in 2006 and was released to every home console available at the time — starting the true multiplatform (home consoles) era for the series.
Sorry, I'm a huge Tomb Raider fan!
Re: Tomb Raider Not Coming to Wii U
@MadAussieBloke and @SanderEvers Yes, the game's did release on Sega Saturn and PC, but it was the PSone where the game truly gained their notoriety. So much so that many to this day probably don't realize that the games aren't a Sony IP.
Tomb Raider II is still one of my all time favorites!
Re: Tomb Raider Not Coming to Wii U
@Gamesake You do realize that the Tomb Raider franchise was propelled into fame by the PlayStation platform — right?
Re: E3 2012: Ding Dong, Friend Codes are Dead on Wii U
About dang time!
Re: E3 2012: Nintendo's 3DS Software Showcase Live
Fire Emblem Awakening was just confirmed for the US!
Re: E3 2012: Nintendo's 3DS Software Showcase Live
I'm so sleepy!
Re: E3 2012: Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge Published by Nintendo
@ChunkyDroid Team Ninja is owned and published by Tecmo Koei. They also own and publish for Omega Force, the creator of the Warriors series.
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is developed by Ninja Theory, and published by Namco Bandai Games.
Re: Talking Point: Reviewing Nintendo's E3 Press Conference
On the show itself, I found it drawn-out and disappointing.
On the other hand though, even though Wii U isn't something that is fitting of my personal taste preferences, I'm glad to see that Nintendo has decided to stick with their casual successes that's proved so financially beneficial for them. Younger gamers need a company that provides constant games for them, and my little ones will definitely grow up on Nintendo's systems.
Re: E3 2012: Trine 2 On the Way to Wii U
If you guys are curious about a review, I just recently reviewed Trine 2 with a 9/10 score for PS3 over at our sister site Push Square. You can read it here.
Re: E3 2012: Project P-100 Unites Platinum Games with Nintendo
I'm curious to see if this goes multiplatform.
Re: E3 2012: Watch the Nintendo Press Conference Live Here
@Mickeymac Agreed!
Re: Atlus Will Bring Code of Princess to North America
My preorder will go in this week!
Re: Reaction: Nintendo Finally Arrives Online with Wii U
While it isn't anything new: my PS3, Vita and iPhone (via Raptr) are all interconnected. It's still good to see that Nintendo is finally on-board the online train.
Re: Havok VP: Range of Wii U Titles Will Get Gamers 'Genuinely Excited'
It's a smart move from Nintendo, especially making it available for smaller indie developers, which is what I would think they're after with this agreement. The Havok engine is a good, stable engine that works quite well if the developer knows how to work with it. Any way it goes, this is exactly the type of news I want to see from Nintendo. Smaller developers producing quality titles for Wii U could be a large step in growing a massive fan base with Wii U, and this definitely shows promise.
Re: New Castlevania Title Confirmed for 3DS
Great, great, great news!
Re: Feature: Why EA and Nintendo's Partnership Is Big News
@warnerdan I wouldn't put too much money on seeing the Half Life series ever being ported to consoles again. The last time it was tried, well, it didn't go too well at all.