@Chriiis It's common sense that it would be best for the game to come out sooner than later on the Wii U. There are big titles dropping on the consoles later this year and it's prime time for it to drop, like... now.
But, why would a game publisher not release the game now (or in the next month or three) if they knew they would make more profit off of it that way? Because they have a bias against Nintendo, or its fans?
I'm sorry, but I'm not making assumptions here, I don't have any sort of bias and I'm also not naive. I understand why people are upset - I get it, I really do - but my comments are based on information that's actually released - not from emotions.
@ejamer If that's the angle that you want to take with this, then that is your choice to make. The only people who truly know are the developers and top executives at Ubisoft who made the final decisions.
This is what I think: Ubisoft wants to make money, they're a business. If they could get the Wii U version of Rayman Legends out in three weeks, it would most likely be of great financial benefit for them to do so. Something substantial is most likely causing them to not do so (they do want to make the maximum amount of profit), so they're announcing that they are both delaying and going multiplatform in one blow - best to get the negative press over with at once, instead of two separate blows.
[Ubisoft's CEO Yves Guillemot] "With next-gen consoles in mind, Guillemot says he expects third-party exclusivity to evaporate. This notion comes alongside the Wii U losing exclusive ownership on Ubisoft's Rayman Legends, which is headed to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in the wake of a delay."
Rayman Legends was delayed - it wasn't going to release in three weeks on the Wii U. In the process of the game being delayed, they've decided to go ahead with a multiplatform launch.
@Spark_Of_Spirit "The upsetting news is a completed game getting delayed seven months for something that has nothing to do with said version.This is not about exclusivity."
See, this the same thing that's gotten everyone upset in the first place. There was no "official" statement that Rayman Legends was a concrete elusive to the Wii U, just like there isn't an official statement that Rayman Legends is ready to ship! You are speculating on something that you don't know. The only thing that people are doing is that they are assuming that the game is ready for the Wii U, because the release date is three weeks away. You do know what they say about making assumptions, do you not?
Here the facts: you don't know that the game is "completed."
It cost a lot of money to develop a triple-A HD title. This is something that loyal Nintendo exclusive gamers aren't used to, but it's the absolute truth. The cost to develop Rayman Legends is very likely far greater than what Ubisoft can reclaim from a worldwide Wii U install base of only 3 million units - not all 3 million Wii U owners are going to buy the game, maybe somewhere in the 30-40% range with the current lack of game releases.
I know many people here are upset, but Ubisoft is a company that has to make money to stay in business. By going multiplatform, they can now offer their game on around 150 million consoles - not to mention the game was never a concrete "exclusive" title to the Wii U, that happened because of wishful journalist and excited fans, not the mouth of a CEO at Ubisoft.
My guess is that the game was going to see a delay for the Wii U already and now they're announcing both the delay and the multiplatform decision.
For those who think this is just an issue with "Nintendo," you should open your eyes a bit wider. The Vita is in the exact same situation and the PSP fell into this as well. In fact, any time a console struggles and a company doesn't think they'll be profitable, they change their business directions so that they have a better chance of sustainability.
There's something in this article that's not factual and needs to be corrected:
"Wii U won't be as powerful — again, purely in graphical terms — as the next systems from Microsoft and Sony. That's just the way it is, beyond any reasonable doubt."
The issue here: "again, purely in graphical term" - how do you know this? The issue that's been discussed by journalist in the know about the Wii U's architecture don't speak of the GPGPU being underpowered, instead they speak of the Wii U being underpowered by it's average CPU.
Graphically, the bar is set at 1080p, so visually, the Wii U will be very close to the next generation consoles - unless they step up to a UHDTV. The reason that the Wii U will most likely not get multiplatform games come next generation comes from the CPU not being able to process the amount of information necessary as quickly as the upcoming systems.
I'm sorry Thomas, I'm not trying to tear into you, but this piece is actually written quite backwards from the reason that the Wii U will be underpowered going forward. Graphics are only a small part of the equation and for the Wii U - graphics are one of the best things that it has going for it. What it lacks is raw processing power - not graphics. I see where you're going with this article - staying positive, because the Wii U does indeed have a lot to be positive about. But be careful talking about hardware specs, unless you what they are and how they all work together. Why do I say this? Well, if a Wii U title is lacking graphically, it's because the GPGPU (General Purpose Graphics Processing Centre) is having to use its power to help the CPU work harder. Again, the CPU has been the issue, not the GPU - we've known that the GPU was powerful, especially with all the eDRAM packed into it.
@SCAR392 No, actually you shouldn't take it with a "grain of salt." Nintendo already has an app on the iOS Marketplace and I'm willing to bet it's doing very well for itself. Both the 3DS and the Wii U aren't ripping off shelves outside of Japan, so why would they bring another console onto the market? They won't. Instead, it's very likely that the rumoured Miiverse App is coming onto the iOS and Android Marketplaces, where they will expand their brands interest outside of Nintendo products alone.
Great to see, as it's a great title. Though, the last numbers I saw on NSMB2 weren't anything outstanding - I think consumers are a bit worn on the NSMB formula.
@GreenDream See, that's quite the funny, because my local Toys R' Us as an entire back wall sectioned off for Nintendo products, with the PlayStation and Microsoft products are set aside onto small aisles. In fact, our Best Buy has an entire aisle (both sides) for Nintendo products, while both Sony and Microsoft products only get one side of a half-aisle.
@The_Fox There's not a lot to talk about, really. Eurogamer somehow thinks that their example somehow "proves" that gun manufactures shouldn't be allowed to purchase their way into games. If that's so - why should anyone else be able to do so? Should Nike not be able to have their symbol slapped into every sports game, because it can create financial irresponsibility among young children? Should soft drink and food manufactures not be able to have their products featured within a game, because it gives children the desire to eat unhealthy foods - further spreading the world's obesity epidemic?
It's a poor argument, that is so loosely tied together that it is nearly irrelevant. Like the old adage goes: "if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and walks like a duck - then chances are, it is probably a duck." A gun is a gun - it doesn't matter if it has "Remington" stamped on its side or not.
I'm not trying to be disrespectful in the least, but if your going to bring an argument like this to the table, make sure it's a solid piece that has hard reasoning behind it and factual evidence to support its theories. This proves nothing for the gaming industry and it's a well-known fact that Nintendo has very little to worry about when it comes to this issue. The install base is so little for gun violent games on Nintendo's platforms that the lack of them would only slightly damage the company's profits.
@triforcepower73 You are exactly right man and that's the exact reason that I choose to carry a weapon legally. The down turned economy has resulted in severe cuts to our law enforcement agencies where I live and if, let say, someone broke into your home, which is happening all the time lately (and with the tenants inside the home), calling the police will only notify them to come to the aftermath. The police are encouraging civilians to be responsibly armed, because they simply can't respond fast enough any more.
But, those who choose to use weapons for ill intentions also prey on this situation too. That's why they're breaking into homes in broad daylight - with the owners/children inside their homes! A full gun ban here in the US will primarily take the guns away from legal citizens, allowing the millions of illegal owners to have nothing to fear from their heinous actions. I wish it wasn't this way, but sadly, it is the way that it is here.
With that said though, I've seen the articles/journalist who think that people who carry a weapon legally think they are "Mr. He-Man" or "Rambo." But, this is so far from the truth. A citizen who uses a weapon for self-defence purposes in a public area could easily find themselves in jail for murder, if a strong enough defence attorney takes the case. Sometimes, just the weapon being shown can stop the incident, but unless your professionally trained to talk down a person - that will most likely find yourself being a part of the carnage by taking that approach. Like I said before, there's an extremely high level of responsibility and mind-set that needs to be possessed for someone to chose to do so.
The "idea" of legally armed citizens is, like this article, so far stretched from the truth. I pray to the heavens that I never have to use a weapon in a self-defence situation! I know the situations here in the US aren't good though and I'll be damned if I'm not going to have a way to protect myself either.
Just like people outside of the US don't understand what life is like with guns being a normal part of society (whether that's good or bad), they also don't understand what it is like to live in a society where guns are everywhere and they're being used on innocent, defenceless civilians in a cowardly way either. I live in a neighbourhood that brings about 200+ children to my doorstep on Halloween night. My home has been "gun free" for the vast majority of the time I've lived here. Nowadays though, daytime robberies in this neighbourhood have forced me to be able to protect myself and my family in the event that my home becomes a target. This was encouraged by a law enforcement officer.
@Omenapoika No offence taken mate. I wish it wasn't this way here either, but it is in some parts of the States. Where I live, the illegal drugs/guns are flooding across the borders and things are getting very bad here, especially with the highly addictive and cheap to produce methamphetamine destroying our youth. If there was to be a complete ban on guns (which isn't even being discussed politically in the US, only outside of our country) I would pack my things and move. Guns would become the primary "drug" that's smuggled across our borders and I wouldn't want to be down here any more.
@Assassinated He understands that we can't go 'gun free' in America, because it would literally start a civil war. I think it's more of the mindset that he is referring to - do Americans actually realize that there are modern civilized countries that are gun free and have extremely low violent crime rates? Do we as Americans understand that it is possible to not live in fear and feeling the need to carry a weapon for self defense?
I'm an American and I legally carry a weapon. I understand that the place that I live in isn't safe and I hope that one day it will be different.
@JKCB97 No, there's a dang good reason for gun free zones - it stops people from using a weapon defensively and injuring innocent bystanders. Gun free zones are areas that have a large amount of people within them (or Federal Premises) and in the erratic episode of an event unfolding that a legally armed person needed a weapon, the chance of multiple people being injured on top of those being injured has the potential to only make matters worse - not better.
If you are in the US and have a permit to legally carry, you know and understand the limitations and precautions, as well as the responsibility that comes with carrying a weapon. Because yes, a person legally carrying a weapon for self-defence can make matters far worse, than better.
@Bankai But, I thought the maximum amount of lives peaked at 9? Otherwise, my cat's a fibber!
The only problem with this child's comments/actions is that he forgot to take a gun that he took shooting out of his bag and accidentally took it to school. There is nothing wrong with a child having considerable knowledge of firearms - regardless of where the child's interest is sparked from. With that said, I don't agree with parents not abiding by ESRB ratings either.
Let me show you what you and Eurogamer have missed, while trying to loosely tie this story into a "gaming" article to push your personal political views/opinions:
"My favorite is the M1911. I shot a real M1911 when I lived in the country. I shot with my Grandpa."
While the child started off speaking of his BB gun replicas (showing that his parents aren't carelessly giving him real guns), he then speaks of shooting his "favorite" gun - with his Grandpa. He is only shooting live ammunition with parental guidance. Also, he's shooting them in the "country," meaning that the place was most likely a very safe place to shoot live ammunition as well.
"It was a Monday and I was coming [to school] from my grandpa's. We had gone to the target range. I accidentally left a gun in my book bag. I forgot about it and took it to school. I don't know how they found it."
Again, the child's elder took him to a target range to fire live ammunition, which is a safe place to do so (most likely in the "country"). The problem here is that the supervising adult allowed the child to use his bag to transport one of the weapons, which in turn got taken into a school. The boy saying, "I don't know how they found it" makes me think that he didn't go around flashing the weapon after he realized that he had taken it into the school. And yes, the child should be reprimanded for his actions - accident or not - to ensure that he never uses his schoolbag to carry a firearm.
"My favourite gun is the MSR. It's a modified sniper rifle made by Remington firearms and it shoots a 338 Lapua round. It's a really nice, accurate, sniper rifle. It rarely misses a shot."
The kid really knows his stuff. The MSR can indeed fire a 338 Lapua round, among a few others (including multiple calibres). There's nothing wrong with a young boy learning about firearms that he finds interesting. Heck, anyone with a small interest in firearms most likely knows about Remington's MSR. It's an incredible precision sniper rifle, but it's very expensive. Most firearm fanatics will tell you that a Remington 700 is the better option, as it compares to the MSR very closely and is a great deal lighter on the pocketbook.
In fact, it's great for kid of his age to learn about them and how to handle them responsibly. How do I know this, because the boy's final statement is the tell-tale: "I think once I get old enough, I'd like to own the real things." The boy clearly acknowledges the fact that he is too young to own these type of firearms.
This story shows that Call of Duty can increase a boy's knowledge and handling of a firearm. He doesn't speak of wanting to use the guns for violence, only to "shoot" them, which he states that he does so at a "target range" and in the "country." He doesn't even speak to his desire to use weapons for the purpose of "hunting."
The fault with the gun ending up in his bag actually falls with the supervising adult allowing the boy to put a firearm in his schoolbag - not an excited adolescent boy that's something he enjoy with his Grandpa.
This story doesn't reflect the "gaming industry" in a negative way at all. This is a weak spin by Eurogamer to push a personal political view and I'm very disappointed to see that it's once again feature here at Nintendo Life. I'm not a gun advocate and I support the gun laws that are being put into effect here in the US (I just had a personal loss in my family from a firearm that should have never been purchased legally) - I don't appreciate this article.
@AugustusOxy "Considering the facets and the fact that any new console being released will ruin itself."
So what you're saying is that only Nintendo can release a home console in a down turned market and stay successful?
"The industry itself is in a state of disrepair;"
Really? Who exactly says that it's in a "state of disrepair"?
The gaming industry is indeed contracting, but this stems from the fact that the market is absolutely flooded with games and devices, but it's most definitely not in disrepair. Even if the 'Big Three" all failed, gaming will not stop, as it'll keep on truckin' on within the PC and Mobile markets. Now that the cost of high-end PC gaming is coming down and digital markets continue to thrive, it wouldn't surprise me a bit to see PC gaming becoming the main gaming platform a few decades down the road.
If your stuck to one brand or console, then yeah, it very well might be in disrepair for you, because the future of dedicated gaming consoles does have its questions when you look at its long-term sustainability.
@banachek The reason they patent things such as that, is so that neither them, or anyone else can implement those sets of features.
I bought Retro Game Challenge when it was new and at the full retail price, and I paid $80 to import Retro Game Challenge 2 from Japan too.
@DarkKnight Actually, RGC2 isn't that bad if you use a guide to get through the text-based game. I'd highly recommend doing so too, because the later titles are absolutely amazing.
@Splat Yeah, I'm perfectly fine with Santa Monica acquiring them as well. In fact, I think that team would be a perfect fit for Santa Monica!
@Zodiak13 I'm guessing your young (basing it off your comment ant the "13" in your avatar), but just a bit of advice, it doesn't matter if you "like" the developers games, in this day and age, a good developer with considerable talent needs to keep on developing games - they might make something that you really enjoy down the road.
Also, don't ever wish ill on someone/something you don't particularly like - karma bites!
Nintendo, you're now buying into great development teams - you need to buy Vigil! And you best do it quickly, before Sony Santa Monica snatches them up first.
@MegaWatts Word from word quote from the Nintendo Direct: "Because the scope for game development for each title is getting larger and larger, we cannot prepare enough titles for Wii U using the same approaches we've taken in the past."
I'm glad to see that the Nintendo fans are pleased with this line-up and I only wish that I could say the same thing for myself. I'm just entirely burned on Mario, Mario Kart and Zelda. Yoshi looks amazing and so does Wonderful 101, but I'm just still not sold on Wii U.
I do think that this Nintendo Direct shows that Nintendo was worried about the Wii U's sales over the holidays.
Cheap, quality titles do have a greater chance of being recognized on the eShop, so it isn't surprising to see they've done well on the eShop. Just like with their discount promo that jumped the game up 10,000% on Google Play, they can turn around and do the exact same thing to get into the Top 200 on the iOS Marketplace, as well.
@AbeVigoda Actually, people spend money on the iOS Marketplace. That's why developers flock to the service above and beyond the Android service.
I'll buy this for Vita over 3DS any day of the week. I have a 3DS XL and can't get the second analogue stick for it, so I'm already leery about picking up Monster Hunter 4 for 3DS - I hated the controls without dual analogue for the PSP.
@Mahe It's called being biased against other consoles. A Vita port would only expand the titles user-base and increase sells for the title for Capcom. It seems Nintendo fans don't like to "share" their multiplatform titles, which is ironic here, because Monster Hunter started its life off as a Sony exclusive.
Unless something drastic happens within the next year - I don't think we'll see a clear picture of Wii U's future until around this time next year. The current games line-up is good, but nothing that I would consider to be "system sellers." With that said, we all know that Nintendo has big-hitters coming. The only question that remains is: will people pay the high cost of the Wii U for a few games?
That remains to be seen. Until then - predictions are little more than guesswork.
I'm sorry - I think those numbers for Wii U aren't good. In fact, I think they're quite worrying, seeing how it launched in the busiest shopping season of the year. Here's a hint as to why: Vita sold 1.1 Million units worldwide in ONE WEEK, in the worst shopping season of the year!
Thanks Damo for writing this article in a professional manner. This ordeal needed to be put into a light where people can see what Jools (and others) meant by their statements - piracy is real and it doesn't hurt developers, regardless of what anyone else has to say about it.
Download only games is really old news in this day and age. It's a norm nowadays and it's a pretty big problem for Nintendo with the way they've chose to lock these "download only" titles onto a single console.
This is 2013 and when the phone in my pocket has a better online infrastructure than the newest home console - there's a problem that needs to remedied ASAP.
@theblackdragon I'm right there with you. There are good games on Wii U and that's great, but for $350 (plus the extra for an external HD), I want a few AWESOME games for my money!
If Hayashi has touched it, I have no interest. He's destroyed the Ninja Gaiden franchise and smeared Metroid - Team Ninja is not Team Ninja with Hayashi pulling the reigns.
Hayashi states: "Wii U is definitely next generation," but then states that "it's not next generation."
Wow! Not only has Hayashi destroyed the Ninja Gaiden franchise with Ninja Gaiden 3 and babied down the Dead or Alive franchise, but now he speaks the obvious like he's some sort of gaming genius. Good night Team Ninja - when are you going to wake up and realize that he's destroying what was a once highly revered hardcore company!
@SCAR392 "First of all, I know how the account sharing works, so please don't try explaning it. I know your console doesn't have to break in order to transfer via internet. I'm not saying anyone's wrong for wanting an account sharing/transfer system, so that's not even an argument to be had."
"PSN and Xbox Live don't even use the shared account feature usefully unless your console breaks... They expect you to keep your console, and stick with it."
Want to know why I explained things for you - try reading your very own words, before making statements like this:
"First of all, I know how the account sharing works, so please don't try explaning it. I know your console doesn't have to break in order to transfer via internet. I'm not saying anyone's wrong for wanting an account sharing/transfer system, so that's not even an argument to be had."
@moomoo No, that's definitely not the case. Each game allows you to use only certain controllers and/or combination between them. Nintendo's very own first party titles don't allow you to play with their very own Pro Controller - have you tried playing NSMBU with one yet? Here's a hint: it doesn't allow you too. But, you can play it with a Wiimote. Yes, let that sink in - you can play NSMBU with a Wiimote (last generation's controller), but you can't play it with the brand new Pro Controller.
Then there's Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed. You can play it with the GamePad, Wiimote, Wiimote + Nunchuk and Wiimote + Classic Controller. But, you can't play it with the brand new Pro Controller (again)!
Oh, the controller woes go far, far deeper than just Nintendo Land mate.
@teros No, either way the servers would no longer be available and only what is already downloaded on your console would exist to you. If online servers are shut down, there would be no way to download your games afterwards. It doesn't matter what console it happens on or if they are tied to a console or account.
@SCAR392 Really? Actually, Sony fully utilizes this system with your purchases being tied to an account and not the device - your device does not have to break like you've claimed. In fact, you can deactivate a console from your PC and then log into another PS3/Vita and start downloading your games with no hassle at all.
Microsoft does tie your downloads to your hard drive and isn't as transferable/open as Sony's system, which is by far the best of the home consoles. I've transferred my games through 4 different PS3s over the years and two Vitas without one single problem.
Heck, even the mobile stores tie your purchases to an account and not your devices. Yes, the newest gaming consoles in the industry, our smartphones/tablets, are further along than Nintendo's next-generation home console. In fact, I have my Apple account tied to all three iPads and two iPhones that are in my home. I can freely access/download all my games and cloud saves in a matter of seconds on any of them, which is absolutely fantastic.
I'm sorry, my friend, but it's Nintendo that's far behind the times. This is 2013 - the digital age - in a world that's always online. There's just no excuse for all of this, in my opinion.
@LittleIrves I agree with you that Wii U has mountains of potential. I also agree that there's a possibility that some reviewers aren't giving it its dues. But, in the case of Nintendo Land, it seems that many are putting a significant amount of time in with the game and just not finding a reason to press on further to find the 'deeper experience.'
If I write a 1k word review and my opening statements doesn't 'hook' you, finding you jumping to my final conclusion and score - there might be a deep, insightful review that's well-written and enjoyable to read throughout, yet I failed to give you the desire to experience it. In this case, you move along in mere minutes, finding enough satisfaction to do so and even though all this additional content is still there, my work is for naught, because I failed to capture you in the very beginning.
Over and again, this is exactly what I've seen for Nintendo Land. It's good and at times it's great, but it's only under certain circumstances that it finds this greatness. In my book, there's an issue there and as a reviewer, it's one that I feel has to be taken into consideration.
I'm very sure that there are some bad reviews out there (they aren't hard to find these days, sadly), but I've read a lot of very fair reviews that are honest. Wii U is expensive and Nintendo Land isn't Wii Sports, like so many want it to be. If you're one who can get the full 'Nintendo Land' experience, that's great and I truly hope you're fully enjoying it. But, let's level here: Wii U is $350 (bundle with game included); this is 2013 and online gameplay has been commonplace for many, many years now; Wii U is a tablet-like console, and tablets and local multiplayer are most certainly not commonplace these days.
The confusion is easy to see here. Try to walk into a store and explain to a parent that multiple people can play Nintendo Land together simultaneously. Then tell them that you will need your controllers from their past Nintendo home console, Wii, to accomplish this. Then explain to them that two separate screens will be used in the process of doing so (four people playing on two screen?!) . But, you'll then need to let them know that the Pro Controller and the Classic Controller aren't equal and which combinations of Wiimotes, Pro Controllers, Classic Controllers and Wavebirds can be paired together and what combinations will not work - for EVERY game, not just Nintendo Land!
Of course, the issues go further, but I think my point is now clear (not that I'm trying to be arrogant, only transparent). I hold no bias, I just feel that Nintendo has gone from a console that's highly intuitive and instinctive to a new console that's at the complete opposite end of the spectrum. It's confusing and at time convoluted - it's a multitude of issues that Nintendo has to find a way to make people fully understand, or the console will never connect to the mainstream audience. Nintendo Land was designed to do this, but only those who have the ability to play local multiplayer are doing so. This is on an expensive and new console in an digital age that's ALWAYS online - the largest problem with Nintendo Land can be found without ever opening the game's case.
@Koto Go back and read what we we're talking about again - we weren't specifically talking about Wii U's UI. And for the record, I prefer mobile devices that have real games on them - Apple.
@LittleIrves The fact that Wii U has a (at times) confusing interface and annoying gameplay choices that turn off gamers isn't a problem with the player - it's a problem with the game/console!
Wii Sports was natural. You could put a Wiimote in nearly any person's hand and they indistinctly knew how to play it. This was the "magic" that the Wii held and it's the "magic" that Wii U lacks. Wii U isn't natural, it's overly confusing for many people. That's a design problem.
This is an argument that I've heard countered over and again, but the fact is, people are indeed getting very fed up constant controller confusions with the numerous control (and display) options.
There are too many controller options and many of them aren't allowed when they obviously should be. How is it that you can play some games with a Wiimote, but not with the new (expensive) Pro Controller, when only the D-pad and 1 & 2 buttons are being used. Even NL's Ken Barnes spoke his frustration on this very issue in a recent Feature.
@billychaos Firstly, your link doesn't work. Secondly, the Wii U is now selling well below the other consoles: http://www.vgchartz.com/
Wii U is the first home console that I've had no interest in buying in a very long time. The console itself cost much more than I'm willing to pay, as I'll only use it for handful of first party/exclusive titles. I've got a lot of respect for Nintendo keeping things family friendly and simple, but Miiverse isn't my cup of tea. When the cost of an additional hard drive is tacked onto the already high price tag, I just can't justify the cost for Wii U. Wii and 3DS are consoles I very much enjoy from time to time, but it's just that - a time to time experience. I'm not shelling out $400+ for a console I'm only going to play from time to time.
There are some good games here, but this line-up falls very short of the massive hits that Wii U is missing out on this year: BioShock Infinite, Tomb Raider, Crysis 3, Grand Theft Auto V, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.
It's also facing fierce competition against major first party titles too: Beyond: Two Souls, God of War: Ascension, Gears of War: Judgment, Tearaway, Sly Cooper and The Last of Us.
Early sales data isn't pleasing for Wii U and comparing the line-ups makes it look like the year ahead of it could be a difficult one for Nintendo. As it stands right now, it'll be 2014 or later before I make the jump into Wii U and that all depends on what comes from Microsoft/Sony this year - I might skip this console altogether.
Comments 1,712
Re: Rayman Legends No Longer a Wii U Exclusive, Delayed to September
@Chriiis It's common sense that it would be best for the game to come out sooner than later on the Wii U. There are big titles dropping on the consoles later this year and it's prime time for it to drop, like... now.
But, why would a game publisher not release the game now (or in the next month or three) if they knew they would make more profit off of it that way? Because they have a bias against Nintendo, or its fans?
I'm sorry, but I'm not making assumptions here, I don't have any sort of bias and I'm also not naive. I understand why people are upset - I get it, I really do - but my comments are based on information that's actually released - not from emotions.
Re: Rayman Legends No Longer a Wii U Exclusive, Delayed to September
@ejamer If that's the angle that you want to take with this, then that is your choice to make. The only people who truly know are the developers and top executives at Ubisoft who made the final decisions.
This is what I think: Ubisoft wants to make money, they're a business. If they could get the Wii U version of Rayman Legends out in three weeks, it would most likely be of great financial benefit for them to do so. Something substantial is most likely causing them to not do so (they do want to make the maximum amount of profit), so they're announcing that they are both delaying and going multiplatform in one blow - best to get the negative press over with at once, instead of two separate blows.
Re: Rayman Legends No Longer a Wii U Exclusive, Delayed to September
IGN just cleared this all up for you all:
http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/07/ubisoft-discusses-next-gen-exclusivity-wii-u-support
[Ubisoft's CEO Yves Guillemot] "With next-gen consoles in mind, Guillemot says he expects third-party exclusivity to evaporate. This notion comes alongside the Wii U losing exclusive ownership on Ubisoft's Rayman Legends, which is headed to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in the wake of a delay."
Rayman Legends was delayed - it wasn't going to release in three weeks on the Wii U. In the process of the game being delayed, they've decided to go ahead with a multiplatform launch.
So, there's the facts.
Re: Rayman Legends No Longer a Wii U Exclusive, Delayed to September
@Spark_Of_Spirit "The upsetting news is a completed game getting delayed seven months for something that has nothing to do with said version.This is not about exclusivity."
See, this the same thing that's gotten everyone upset in the first place. There was no "official" statement that Rayman Legends was a concrete elusive to the Wii U, just like there isn't an official statement that Rayman Legends is ready to ship! You are speculating on something that you don't know. The only thing that people are doing is that they are assuming that the game is ready for the Wii U, because the release date is three weeks away. You do know what they say about making assumptions, do you not?
Here the facts: you don't know that the game is "completed."
Re: Rayman Legends No Longer a Wii U Exclusive, Delayed to September
It cost a lot of money to develop a triple-A HD title. This is something that loyal Nintendo exclusive gamers aren't used to, but it's the absolute truth. The cost to develop Rayman Legends is very likely far greater than what Ubisoft can reclaim from a worldwide Wii U install base of only 3 million units - not all 3 million Wii U owners are going to buy the game, maybe somewhere in the 30-40% range with the current lack of game releases.
I know many people here are upset, but Ubisoft is a company that has to make money to stay in business. By going multiplatform, they can now offer their game on around 150 million consoles - not to mention the game was never a concrete "exclusive" title to the Wii U, that happened because of wishful journalist and excited fans, not the mouth of a CEO at Ubisoft.
My guess is that the game was going to see a delay for the Wii U already and now they're announcing both the delay and the multiplatform decision.
For those who think this is just an issue with "Nintendo," you should open your eyes a bit wider. The Vita is in the exact same situation and the PSP fell into this as well. In fact, any time a console struggles and a company doesn't think they'll be profitable, they change their business directions so that they have a better chance of sustainability.
Re: Review: Super C (3DS eShop / NES)
This game rocks!
Re: Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Approaches One Million Sales
I've got to pick this game up. I loved the first title, so I have no doubt that I'll love this one as well. Maybe I'll grab it after Ni No Kuni.
Re: Talking Point: Wii U's Graphical Grunt is Laid Bare - Shall We Play Games Now?
There's something in this article that's not factual and needs to be corrected:
"Wii U won't be as powerful — again, purely in graphical terms — as the next systems from Microsoft and Sony. That's just the way it is, beyond any reasonable doubt."
The issue here: "again, purely in graphical term" - how do you know this? The issue that's been discussed by journalist in the know about the Wii U's architecture don't speak of the GPGPU being underpowered, instead they speak of the Wii U being underpowered by it's average CPU.
Graphically, the bar is set at 1080p, so visually, the Wii U will be very close to the next generation consoles - unless they step up to a UHDTV. The reason that the Wii U will most likely not get multiplatform games come next generation comes from the CPU not being able to process the amount of information necessary as quickly as the upcoming systems.
I'm sorry Thomas, I'm not trying to tear into you, but this piece is actually written quite backwards from the reason that the Wii U will be underpowered going forward. Graphics are only a small part of the equation and for the Wii U - graphics are one of the best things that it has going for it. What it lacks is raw processing power - not graphics. I see where you're going with this article - staying positive, because the Wii U does indeed have a lot to be positive about. But be careful talking about hardware specs, unless you what they are and how they all work together. Why do I say this? Well, if a Wii U title is lacking graphically, it's because the GPGPU (General Purpose Graphics Processing Centre) is having to use its power to help the CPU work harder. Again, the CPU has been the issue, not the GPU - we've known that the GPU was powerful, especially with all the eDRAM packed into it.
Re: Nintendo Hints At An Additional Platform In The Future
@SCAR392 No, actually you shouldn't take it with a "grain of salt." Nintendo already has an app on the iOS Marketplace and I'm willing to bet it's doing very well for itself. Both the 3DS and the Wii U aren't ripping off shelves outside of Japan, so why would they bring another console onto the market? They won't. Instead, it's very likely that the rumoured Miiverse App is coming onto the iOS and Android Marketplaces, where they will expand their brands interest outside of Nintendo products alone.
Re: Super Mario 3D Land Sales Outpacing Super Mario Galaxy's In First Year
Great to see, as it's a great title. Though, the last numbers I saw on NSMB2 weren't anything outstanding - I think consumers are a bit worn on the NSMB formula.
Re: Talking Point: Gun Violence and Nintendo is an Unlikely Pairing
@GreenDream See, that's quite the funny, because my local Toys R' Us as an entire back wall sectioned off for Nintendo products, with the PlayStation and Microsoft products are set aside onto small aisles. In fact, our Best Buy has an entire aisle (both sides) for Nintendo products, while both Sony and Microsoft products only get one side of a half-aisle.
@The_Fox There's not a lot to talk about, really. Eurogamer somehow thinks that their example somehow "proves" that gun manufactures shouldn't be allowed to purchase their way into games. If that's so - why should anyone else be able to do so? Should Nike not be able to have their symbol slapped into every sports game, because it can create financial irresponsibility among young children? Should soft drink and food manufactures not be able to have their products featured within a game, because it gives children the desire to eat unhealthy foods - further spreading the world's obesity epidemic?
It's a poor argument, that is so loosely tied together that it is nearly irrelevant. Like the old adage goes: "if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and walks like a duck - then chances are, it is probably a duck." A gun is a gun - it doesn't matter if it has "Remington" stamped on its side or not.
I'm not trying to be disrespectful in the least, but if your going to bring an argument like this to the table, make sure it's a solid piece that has hard reasoning behind it and factual evidence to support its theories. This proves nothing for the gaming industry and it's a well-known fact that Nintendo has very little to worry about when it comes to this issue. The install base is so little for gun violent games on Nintendo's platforms that the lack of them would only slightly damage the company's profits.
Re: Talking Point: Gun Violence and Nintendo is an Unlikely Pairing
@triforcepower73 You are exactly right man and that's the exact reason that I choose to carry a weapon legally. The down turned economy has resulted in severe cuts to our law enforcement agencies where I live and if, let say, someone broke into your home, which is happening all the time lately (and with the tenants inside the home), calling the police will only notify them to come to the aftermath. The police are encouraging civilians to be responsibly armed, because they simply can't respond fast enough any more.
But, those who choose to use weapons for ill intentions also prey on this situation too. That's why they're breaking into homes in broad daylight - with the owners/children inside their homes! A full gun ban here in the US will primarily take the guns away from legal citizens, allowing the millions of illegal owners to have nothing to fear from their heinous actions. I wish it wasn't this way, but sadly, it is the way that it is here.
With that said though, I've seen the articles/journalist who think that people who carry a weapon legally think they are "Mr. He-Man" or "Rambo." But, this is so far from the truth. A citizen who uses a weapon for self-defence purposes in a public area could easily find themselves in jail for murder, if a strong enough defence attorney takes the case. Sometimes, just the weapon being shown can stop the incident, but unless your professionally trained to talk down a person - that will most likely find yourself being a part of the carnage by taking that approach. Like I said before, there's an extremely high level of responsibility and mind-set that needs to be possessed for someone to chose to do so.
The "idea" of legally armed citizens is, like this article, so far stretched from the truth. I pray to the heavens that I never have to use a weapon in a self-defence situation! I know the situations here in the US aren't good though and I'll be damned if I'm not going to have a way to protect myself either.
Just like people outside of the US don't understand what life is like with guns being a normal part of society (whether that's good or bad), they also don't understand what it is like to live in a society where guns are everywhere and they're being used on innocent, defenceless civilians in a cowardly way either. I live in a neighbourhood that brings about 200+ children to my doorstep on Halloween night. My home has been "gun free" for the vast majority of the time I've lived here. Nowadays though, daytime robberies in this neighbourhood have forced me to be able to protect myself and my family in the event that my home becomes a target. This was encouraged by a law enforcement officer.
@Omenapoika No offence taken mate. I wish it wasn't this way here either, but it is in some parts of the States. Where I live, the illegal drugs/guns are flooding across the borders and things are getting very bad here, especially with the highly addictive and cheap to produce methamphetamine destroying our youth. If there was to be a complete ban on guns (which isn't even being discussed politically in the US, only outside of our country) I would pack my things and move. Guns would become the primary "drug" that's smuggled across our borders and I wouldn't want to be down here any more.
Re: Talking Point: Gun Violence and Nintendo is an Unlikely Pairing
@Assassinated He understands that we can't go 'gun free' in America, because it would literally start a civil war. I think it's more of the mindset that he is referring to - do Americans actually realize that there are modern civilized countries that are gun free and have extremely low violent crime rates? Do we as Americans understand that it is possible to not live in fear and feeling the need to carry a weapon for self defense?
I'm an American and I legally carry a weapon. I understand that the place that I live in isn't safe and I hope that one day it will be different.
Re: Talking Point: Gun Violence and Nintendo is an Unlikely Pairing
@The_Fox Me an you both buddy. I'm all for the tightening of the laws and regulations.
Re: Talking Point: Gun Violence and Nintendo is an Unlikely Pairing
@JKCB97 No, there's a dang good reason for gun free zones - it stops people from using a weapon defensively and injuring innocent bystanders. Gun free zones are areas that have a large amount of people within them (or Federal Premises) and in the erratic episode of an event unfolding that a legally armed person needed a weapon, the chance of multiple people being injured on top of those being injured has the potential to only make matters worse - not better.
If you are in the US and have a permit to legally carry, you know and understand the limitations and precautions, as well as the responsibility that comes with carrying a weapon. Because yes, a person legally carrying a weapon for self-defence can make matters far worse, than better.
@Bankai But, I thought the maximum amount of lives peaked at 9? Otherwise, my cat's a fibber!
Re: Talking Point: Gun Violence and Nintendo is an Unlikely Pairing
The only problem with this child's comments/actions is that he forgot to take a gun that he took shooting out of his bag and accidentally took it to school. There is nothing wrong with a child having considerable knowledge of firearms - regardless of where the child's interest is sparked from. With that said, I don't agree with parents not abiding by ESRB ratings either.
Let me show you what you and Eurogamer have missed, while trying to loosely tie this story into a "gaming" article to push your personal political views/opinions:
"My favorite is the M1911. I shot a real M1911 when I lived in the country. I shot with my Grandpa."
While the child started off speaking of his BB gun replicas (showing that his parents aren't carelessly giving him real guns), he then speaks of shooting his "favorite" gun - with his Grandpa. He is only shooting live ammunition with parental guidance. Also, he's shooting them in the "country," meaning that the place was most likely a very safe place to shoot live ammunition as well.
"It was a Monday and I was coming [to school] from my grandpa's. We had gone to the target range. I accidentally left a gun in my book bag. I forgot about it and took it to school. I don't know how they found it."
Again, the child's elder took him to a target range to fire live ammunition, which is a safe place to do so (most likely in the "country"). The problem here is that the supervising adult allowed the child to use his bag to transport one of the weapons, which in turn got taken into a school. The boy saying, "I don't know how they found it" makes me think that he didn't go around flashing the weapon after he realized that he had taken it into the school. And yes, the child should be reprimanded for his actions - accident or not - to ensure that he never uses his schoolbag to carry a firearm.
"My favourite gun is the MSR. It's a modified sniper rifle made by Remington firearms and it shoots a 338 Lapua round. It's a really nice, accurate, sniper rifle. It rarely misses a shot."
The kid really knows his stuff. The MSR can indeed fire a 338 Lapua round, among a few others (including multiple calibres). There's nothing wrong with a young boy learning about firearms that he finds interesting. Heck, anyone with a small interest in firearms most likely knows about Remington's MSR. It's an incredible precision sniper rifle, but it's very expensive. Most firearm fanatics will tell you that a Remington 700 is the better option, as it compares to the MSR very closely and is a great deal lighter on the pocketbook.
In fact, it's great for kid of his age to learn about them and how to handle them responsibly. How do I know this, because the boy's final statement is the tell-tale: "I think once I get old enough, I'd like to own the real things." The boy clearly acknowledges the fact that he is too young to own these type of firearms.
This story shows that Call of Duty can increase a boy's knowledge and handling of a firearm. He doesn't speak of wanting to use the guns for violence, only to "shoot" them, which he states that he does so at a "target range" and in the "country." He doesn't even speak to his desire to use weapons for the purpose of "hunting."
The fault with the gun ending up in his bag actually falls with the supervising adult allowing the boy to put a firearm in his schoolbag - not an excited adolescent boy that's something he enjoy with his Grandpa.
This story doesn't reflect the "gaming industry" in a negative way at all. This is a weak spin by Eurogamer to push a personal political view and I'm very disappointed to see that it's once again feature here at Nintendo Life. I'm not a gun advocate and I support the gun laws that are being put into effect here in the US (I just had a personal loss in my family from a firearm that should have never been purchased legally) - I don't appreciate this article.
Re: Iwata Implies That He Could Step Down Over Sluggish Sales Performance
@AugustusOxy "Considering the facets and the fact that any new console being released will ruin itself."
So what you're saying is that only Nintendo can release a home console in a down turned market and stay successful?
"The industry itself is in a state of disrepair;"
Really? Who exactly says that it's in a "state of disrepair"?
The gaming industry is indeed contracting, but this stems from the fact that the market is absolutely flooded with games and devices, but it's most definitely not in disrepair. Even if the 'Big Three" all failed, gaming will not stop, as it'll keep on truckin' on within the PC and Mobile markets. Now that the cost of high-end PC gaming is coming down and digital markets continue to thrive, it wouldn't surprise me a bit to see PC gaming becoming the main gaming platform a few decades down the road.
If your stuck to one brand or console, then yeah, it very well might be in disrepair for you, because the future of dedicated gaming consoles does have its questions when you look at its long-term sustainability.
@banachek The reason they patent things such as that, is so that neither them, or anyone else can implement those sets of features.
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo's Lower Expectations Are No Surprise
@asusanto Nope, Pandora's Tower will be a very limited release in the US. If you want to get your hands on it - you better place your preorder ASAP!
Re: XSEED Talks Wii Support And Why It Isn't Touching Retro Game Challenge 2
I bought Retro Game Challenge when it was new and at the full retail price, and I paid $80 to import Retro Game Challenge 2 from Japan too.
@DarkKnight Actually, RGC2 isn't that bad if you use a guide to get through the text-based game. I'd highly recommend doing so too, because the later titles are absolutely amazing.
Re: Emergency Maintenance Scheduled for Nintendo Online Services on 28th January
So, the question of the day - why is this an "emergency"?
Re: THQ President: Lack Of Vigil Buyer Is A "Travesty"
@Splat Yeah, I'm perfectly fine with Santa Monica acquiring them as well. In fact, I think that team would be a perfect fit for Santa Monica!
@Zodiak13 I'm guessing your young (basing it off your comment ant the "13" in your avatar), but just a bit of advice, it doesn't matter if you "like" the developers games, in this day and age, a good developer with considerable talent needs to keep on developing games - they might make something that you really enjoy down the road.
Also, don't ever wish ill on someone/something you don't particularly like - karma bites!
Re: THQ President: Lack Of Vigil Buyer Is A "Travesty"
Nintendo, you're now buying into great development teams - you need to buy Vigil! And you best do it quickly, before Sony Santa Monica snatches them up first.
Re: Talking Point: Wii U Direct - Tell Us What You Thought
@MegaWatts Word from word quote from the Nintendo Direct: "Because the scope for game development for each title is getting larger and larger, we cannot prepare enough titles for Wii U using the same approaches we've taken in the past."
Re: Talking Point: Wii U Direct - Tell Us What You Thought
I'm glad to see that the Nintendo fans are pleased with this line-up and I only wish that I could say the same thing for myself. I'm just entirely burned on Mario, Mario Kart and Zelda. Yoshi looks amazing and so does Wonderful 101, but I'm just still not sold on Wii U.
I do think that this Nintendo Direct shows that Nintendo was worried about the Wii U's sales over the holidays.
Re: Reaction: Gunman Clive Provides a Positive Example of eShop Success
Cheap, quality titles do have a greater chance of being recognized on the eShop, so it isn't surprising to see they've done well on the eShop. Just like with their discount promo that jumped the game up 10,000% on Google Play, they can turn around and do the exact same thing to get into the Top 200 on the iOS Marketplace, as well.
@AbeVigoda Actually, people spend money on the iOS Marketplace. That's why developers flock to the service above and beyond the Android service.
Re: Capcom Comments On Monster Hunter 4 Vita Rumours
I actually remember a time when there wasn't a plague of childish fanboys - I'm starting to miss those days.
Re: Rumour: Monster Hunter 4 Delay Is Due To PS Vita Port
^ Haha!
Re: Rumour: Monster Hunter 4 Delay Is Due To PS Vita Port
@Raylax Daz is Darren, not Damien. They're both cool dudes though, so no biggie.
Re: Rumour: Monster Hunter 4 Delay Is Due To PS Vita Port
@nungi "most of you sony fans are kind of ... or imature"
And you're the exact opposite - only it's Nintendo that you gravitate towards, instead of Sony. You're no better than what you're whining about!
Re: Rumour: Monster Hunter 4 Delay Is Due To PS Vita Port
I'll buy this for Vita over 3DS any day of the week. I have a 3DS XL and can't get the second analogue stick for it, so I'm already leery about picking up Monster Hunter 4 for 3DS - I hated the controls without dual analogue for the PSP.
@Mahe It's called being biased against other consoles. A Vita port would only expand the titles user-base and increase sells for the title for Capcom. It seems Nintendo fans don't like to "share" their multiplatform titles, which is ironic here, because Monster Hunter started its life off as a Sony exclusive.
Re: Review: Beetle Adventure Racing! (Nintendo 64)
This is one of my favourite games on the N64.
Re: Talking Point: Wii U's Beginnings and Challenges For 2013
@Mahe But isn't that exactly the issue with Wii U? Its tablet-like controller isn't something new and innovative, like the Wii Remote was before it.
Re: Talking Point: Wii U's Beginnings and Challenges For 2013
Unless something drastic happens within the next year - I don't think we'll see a clear picture of Wii U's future until around this time next year. The current games line-up is good, but nothing that I would consider to be "system sellers." With that said, we all know that Nintendo has big-hitters coming. The only question that remains is: will people pay the high cost of the Wii U for a few games?
That remains to be seen. Until then - predictions are little more than guesswork.
Re: Review: Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2013 (Wii U)
Really? Do we have to get into this same tired argument every time that hunting game is mentioned here?
Here's a hint: it's legal to hunt in the US and if you don't like it - call PETA (they can't do a thing about it).
Re: Nintendo Announces 890,000 Wii U Sales in U.S. Launch
I'm sorry - I think those numbers for Wii U aren't good. In fact, I think they're quite worrying, seeing how it launched in the busiest shopping season of the year. Here's a hint as to why: Vita sold 1.1 Million units worldwide in ONE WEEK, in the worst shopping season of the year!
Source: http://venturebeat.com/2012/03/04/ps-vita-sales-vs-psp-3ds-ds/
Re: Retro City Rampage Still On Course For Release This Month
This game rocks! Love it!
Re: DreamRift: Publishers Are Scared Of Piracy
Thanks Damo for writing this article in a professional manner. This ordeal needed to be put into a light where people can see what Jools (and others) meant by their statements - piracy is real and it doesn't hurt developers, regardless of what anyone else has to say about it.
Re: Talking Point: The Emergence of Download-Only Retail Games
Download only games is really old news in this day and age. It's a norm nowadays and it's a pretty big problem for Nintendo with the way they've chose to lock these "download only" titles onto a single console.
This is 2013 and when the phone in my pocket has a better online infrastructure than the newest home console - there's a problem that needs to remedied ASAP.
Re: Review: Mass Effect 3 (Wii U)
I have the trilogy. It has all 3 games and all the DLC for each of them. It cost the same price as this ONE game.
Re: The Big Wii U Survey
@theblackdragon I'm right there with you. There are good games on Wii U and that's great, but for $350 (plus the extra for an external HD), I want a few AWESOME games for my money!
Re: Team Ninja Considering More Titles For Wii U
If Hayashi has touched it, I have no interest. He's destroyed the Ninja Gaiden franchise and smeared Metroid - Team Ninja is not Team Ninja with Hayashi pulling the reigns.
Re: Team Ninja: Wii U Is "Definitely Next Generation"
Hayashi states: "Wii U is definitely next generation," but then states that "it's not next generation."
Wow! Not only has Hayashi destroyed the Ninja Gaiden franchise with Ninja Gaiden 3 and babied down the Dead or Alive franchise, but now he speaks the obvious like he's some sort of gaming genius. Good night Team Ninja - when are you going to wake up and realize that he's destroying what was a once highly revered hardcore company!
Re: Picked Up A Pre-Owned Wii U Console? You Could Have Access To Free Downloads
@SCAR392 "First of all, I know how the account sharing works, so please don't try explaning it. I know your console doesn't have to break in order to transfer via internet. I'm not saying anyone's wrong for wanting an account sharing/transfer system, so that's not even an argument to be had."
"PSN and Xbox Live don't even use the shared account feature usefully unless your console breaks... They expect you to keep your console, and stick with it."
Want to know why I explained things for you - try reading your very own words, before making statements like this:
"First of all, I know how the account sharing works, so please don't try explaning it. I know your console doesn't have to break in order to transfer via internet. I'm not saying anyone's wrong for wanting an account sharing/transfer system, so that's not even an argument to be had."
Re: GameStop Sales of Wii U Are Reportedly "Slightly Disappointing"
@moomoo No, that's definitely not the case. Each game allows you to use only certain controllers and/or combination between them. Nintendo's very own first party titles don't allow you to play with their very own Pro Controller - have you tried playing NSMBU with one yet? Here's a hint: it doesn't allow you too. But, you can play it with a Wiimote. Yes, let that sink in - you can play NSMBU with a Wiimote (last generation's controller), but you can't play it with the brand new Pro Controller.
Then there's Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed. You can play it with the GamePad, Wiimote, Wiimote + Nunchuk and Wiimote + Classic Controller. But, you can't play it with the brand new Pro Controller (again)!
Oh, the controller woes go far, far deeper than just Nintendo Land mate.
Re: Picked Up A Pre-Owned Wii U Console? You Could Have Access To Free Downloads
@teros No, either way the servers would no longer be available and only what is already downloaded on your console would exist to you. If online servers are shut down, there would be no way to download your games afterwards. It doesn't matter what console it happens on or if they are tied to a console or account.
Re: Picked Up A Pre-Owned Wii U Console? You Could Have Access To Free Downloads
@SCAR392 Really? Actually, Sony fully utilizes this system with your purchases being tied to an account and not the device - your device does not have to break like you've claimed. In fact, you can deactivate a console from your PC and then log into another PS3/Vita and start downloading your games with no hassle at all.
Microsoft does tie your downloads to your hard drive and isn't as transferable/open as Sony's system, which is by far the best of the home consoles. I've transferred my games through 4 different PS3s over the years and two Vitas without one single problem.
Heck, even the mobile stores tie your purchases to an account and not your devices. Yes, the newest gaming consoles in the industry, our smartphones/tablets, are further along than Nintendo's next-generation home console. In fact, I have my Apple account tied to all three iPads and two iPhones that are in my home. I can freely access/download all my games and cloud saves in a matter of seconds on any of them, which is absolutely fantastic.
I'm sorry, my friend, but it's Nintendo that's far behind the times. This is 2013 - the digital age - in a world that's always online. There's just no excuse for all of this, in my opinion.
Re: GameStop Sales of Wii U Are Reportedly "Slightly Disappointing"
@LittleIrves I agree with you that Wii U has mountains of potential. I also agree that there's a possibility that some reviewers aren't giving it its dues. But, in the case of Nintendo Land, it seems that many are putting a significant amount of time in with the game and just not finding a reason to press on further to find the 'deeper experience.'
If I write a 1k word review and my opening statements doesn't 'hook' you, finding you jumping to my final conclusion and score - there might be a deep, insightful review that's well-written and enjoyable to read throughout, yet I failed to give you the desire to experience it. In this case, you move along in mere minutes, finding enough satisfaction to do so and even though all this additional content is still there, my work is for naught, because I failed to capture you in the very beginning.
Over and again, this is exactly what I've seen for Nintendo Land. It's good and at times it's great, but it's only under certain circumstances that it finds this greatness. In my book, there's an issue there and as a reviewer, it's one that I feel has to be taken into consideration.
I'm very sure that there are some bad reviews out there (they aren't hard to find these days, sadly), but I've read a lot of very fair reviews that are honest. Wii U is expensive and Nintendo Land isn't Wii Sports, like so many want it to be. If you're one who can get the full 'Nintendo Land' experience, that's great and I truly hope you're fully enjoying it. But, let's level here: Wii U is $350 (bundle with game included); this is 2013 and online gameplay has been commonplace for many, many years now; Wii U is a tablet-like console, and tablets and local multiplayer are most certainly not commonplace these days.
The confusion is easy to see here. Try to walk into a store and explain to a parent that multiple people can play Nintendo Land together simultaneously. Then tell them that you will need your controllers from their past Nintendo home console, Wii, to accomplish this. Then explain to them that two separate screens will be used in the process of doing so (four people playing on two screen?!) . But, you'll then need to let them know that the Pro Controller and the Classic Controller aren't equal and which combinations of Wiimotes, Pro Controllers, Classic Controllers and Wavebirds can be paired together and what combinations will not work - for EVERY game, not just Nintendo Land!
Of course, the issues go further, but I think my point is now clear (not that I'm trying to be arrogant, only transparent). I hold no bias, I just feel that Nintendo has gone from a console that's highly intuitive and instinctive to a new console that's at the complete opposite end of the spectrum. It's confusing and at time convoluted - it's a multitude of issues that Nintendo has to find a way to make people fully understand, or the console will never connect to the mainstream audience. Nintendo Land was designed to do this, but only those who have the ability to play local multiplayer are doing so. This is on an expensive and new console in an digital age that's ALWAYS online - the largest problem with Nintendo Land can be found without ever opening the game's case.
@Koto Go back and read what we we're talking about again - we weren't specifically talking about Wii U's UI. And for the record, I prefer mobile devices that have real games on them - Apple.
Re: GameStop Sales of Wii U Are Reportedly "Slightly Disappointing"
@LittleIrves The fact that Wii U has a (at times) confusing interface and annoying gameplay choices that turn off gamers isn't a problem with the player - it's a problem with the game/console!
Wii Sports was natural. You could put a Wiimote in nearly any person's hand and they indistinctly knew how to play it. This was the "magic" that the Wii held and it's the "magic" that Wii U lacks. Wii U isn't natural, it's overly confusing for many people. That's a design problem.
This is an argument that I've heard countered over and again, but the fact is, people are indeed getting very fed up constant controller confusions with the numerous control (and display) options.
There are too many controller options and many of them aren't allowed when they obviously should be. How is it that you can play some games with a Wiimote, but not with the new (expensive) Pro Controller, when only the D-pad and 1 & 2 buttons are being used. Even NL's Ken Barnes spoke his frustration on this very issue in a recent Feature.
Re: GameStop Sales of Wii U Are Reportedly "Slightly Disappointing"
@billychaos Firstly, your link doesn't work. Secondly, the Wii U is now selling well below the other consoles:
http://www.vgchartz.com/
Wii U is the first home console that I've had no interest in buying in a very long time. The console itself cost much more than I'm willing to pay, as I'll only use it for handful of first party/exclusive titles. I've got a lot of respect for Nintendo keeping things family friendly and simple, but Miiverse isn't my cup of tea. When the cost of an additional hard drive is tacked onto the already high price tag, I just can't justify the cost for Wii U. Wii and 3DS are consoles I very much enjoy from time to time, but it's just that - a time to time experience. I'm not shelling out $400+ for a console I'm only going to play from time to time.
Re: Feature: The Biggest Wii U Games of 2013
There are some good games here, but this line-up falls very short of the massive hits that Wii U is missing out on this year: BioShock Infinite, Tomb Raider, Crysis 3, Grand Theft Auto V, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.
It's also facing fierce competition against major first party titles too: Beyond: Two Souls, God of War: Ascension, Gears of War: Judgment, Tearaway, Sly Cooper and The Last of Us.
Early sales data isn't pleasing for Wii U and comparing the line-ups makes it look like the year ahead of it could be a difficult one for Nintendo. As it stands right now, it'll be 2014 or later before I make the jump into Wii U and that all depends on what comes from Microsoft/Sony this year - I might skip this console altogether.