@rdrunner1178 We had some odd temperatures' like that not too long ago, but now it's just cold in Chicago. There's some random snowflakes every now and again but it's nothing compared to what Chicago had when I lived here 15 years ago.
There's a lot you've addressed that are basically opinions of my own, and I'm very happy for that. Friends and strangers that I played with long ago have either long stopped playing games or switched over to console games. Whenever we do feel like playing PC games, we all opt out for much older games like SWAT 4 and Quake 3 because todays games rely on Steamworks and rarely have local coop support, and we've struggled to get those games working properly on our machines as well.
In a way Steam did save PC gaming from fully becoming an Strategy/MMO/Simulation only platform. Who would have thought to see typical console exclusives end up on another platform? Certainly not me, but it seems we've come full circle in a way. Even Microsoft knows this, hence their Xbox Play Anywhere and OneStore programs.
Don't get me wrong though, I still don't like Steam, or Valve for that matter. I actually intended to type up my dislike of Valve as a developer but somehow that got lost in my thoughts. I think I'm getting a little old
Regardless, what I meant to say earlier was that I did not like Half-Life 2 in the end. I'm one of the few who do not like that game, and I much preferred Half-Life 1 at the time, mostly because as you said it did feel like Quake, but much more grounded. Still, props where they're due, I much prefer the original than the sequel everyone clamoured over.
I did enjoy Team Fortress 2 as well, it was a very unique game. Though once the community was able to add their own creations to the game ruined the artstyle, as well as the balance of the game. Real shame how that turned out. I don't like the rest of Valve's games except for Portal 2, which I thought was an excellent game despite the game's humour consisting of throwing paragraphs of dialogue at you.
Valve hasn't done much else these days. Last I checked Steam has become the equivalent of Facebook for gamers and effectively finding out new ways to generate income from the client itself instead of making new games. If today's PC gamers want me to consider the platform again, while carrying around the Steam = PC mentality, then Valve has to show me that they do care about their platform. Bloating the client with pointless, poorly made additions like Big Picture mode will not work. At least Microsoft still produces games :/
Anywho I hear you about the hardware failures. Back then dead on arrivals were common for me, but these days every part I purchase seems to have no trouble. Though I did have an issue with a RAM stick I bought not too long ago
PC may have its advantages, that I know very well, but the mindset of your average PC player these days is enough to turn me off completely. I just wish some folks would understand!
Edit: I forgot to mention, I've omitted a lot of my thoughts here. I'd love to continue this discussion in a forum thread if you don't mind. Much easier to list out my thoughts, especially since this comment box is too small for my eyes :/
@cfgk24 Join the club! More the merrier, I'd like to hear your thoughts on Steam, too!
@NEStalgia So it seems I'm not the only one that dislikes Steam. Valve has shown me over the years that they are comfortable not making games anymore, especially given that they still want me to access their poorly made DRM-client that has gotten more and more bloated over the last decade.
I fondly remember the days where Steam would crash, relaunch, update, crash during the update process, relaunch, update again, and eventually give up! Those 4 disc of Half-Life 2 were useless as no matter how many times I tried to install off the disc, Steam was determined to use all of my available bandwith to download from Valve's servers. And if the client crashed during download? Gone, all gone. I do not like Steam, and despite the improvements the only reason I have the client installed on my main PC is so I can play the few games that force it on me these days.
Like you, I weened off PC gaming as the original xBox launched, providing easier methods of gaming as well as actually using my surround system! These days everything is plug and play but back then if there was no driver I either had to figure out whether I could force a similar driver to work or try to write my own (hardly ever worked out!).
Things have gotten easier, and I love it. But my titan of a machine isn't used for games. In fact I have it set up for Plex media serving. I prefer my consoles to handle all my gaming, with the PC being used for work and internet browsing. Sometimes I wonder why I upgrade this thing in the first place, but the truth is I love computers (and my job reflects that), but I still get nightmares of customizing every little setting to make sure the lighting actually working or to get the game to detect my hardware.
Ultimately, and like you said, a lot of gamers these days think PC = Steam, not actually being a personal computer. The way I've seen enthusiasts set up SteamOS on their top of the line machines controller and all is baffling to me. It's hard to see people spend thousands of dollars on hardware only to turn it into a glorified console. Not to mention, many a new PC gamer doesn't actually know what they're buying, much less taking care of their machines properly. There's a reason why I recommend consoles to everyone, because if folks can still struggle with iPhones, possibly the most fool-proof devices, how can I tell them to spend a good pence to build something they won't ever maintain properly?
Apologies for the rant, but IT work can get rather troublesome sometimes. ;P And sorry for the late response.
@NEStalgia I'm still alive! Only 17 minutes to 1 in the morning here, and I feel larger everyday. I'll need a few winks before work so I may not respond for a few hours, but I'll keep an eye out for your response
I feel @Yorumi is an understandable fellow, but this topic needs a discussion on the forums if we want to get anywhere.
@Yorumi I'm happy to hear that Valve has laxed on their DRM, though I'm more comfortable with consoles these days, I do use my PC to play the occasional niche title and CRPG. I have used GoG in the past and do appreciate their service.
All in all, however, I'll stick to my Xbox and 3DS primarily until the Switch hits.
@NEStalgia Thank you for the thoughts! It's admittedly easy to lose sight of who pays for what these days. You can't blame them, especially for the many folks that have jumped onto PC gaming very recently. It's become the norm, and understandably so.
@Yorumi Hang on a moment there, I don't think you understood me regarding the "other people paying for you" part. Back then if it wasn't an MMO, PC games being released had to rely on the community for functioning servers. I fondly remember Battlefield 1942 had very few EA servers set up and as a result had to fall back on a server a friend and I made of old parts the university had left over. Administration weren't happy about a game server eating up quite a bit of bandwidth either. 😄
Do understand that PC games have grown on that and custom servers have been a pride for PC exclusive titles. These days you'll find AAA games still relying on P2P, whether it's using Steamworks or their own protocol. Valve would be painted as a burning devil if they were to add a subscription to Steam now, and even back then! Steam was hated for a good while when it launched and for good reason.
If anything you should be clamouring for DRM free titles. As a former PC player I do not like my games requiring anything more than the disc and/or CD key.
And please keep the rightesneous to a minimum. It doesn't make for good arguments. 😅
@Yorumi Nintendo Life relies on advertising revenue add their main source of income (as far as I'm aware). Nintendo doesn't have that luxury, and even Microsoft uses their advertising zones to advertise other games on their storefront.
Once again, Nintendo believes that their database, part of their infrastructure, is worth charging for. It's been proven that PC players do not pay for these services (GFWL and Onlive) but console players do. Why should Nintendo deny themselves an area of income? To their private service no less.
I understand your stance but I'm afraid the numbers don't lie. Revenue from online services is in the billions, and Nintendo wants that on their yearly earnings.
But to my original point, if your connecting to any service, your connecting to a server that is being hosted by someone. This holds especially true for PC games that provide users dedicated server tools to host their own games. If it isn't p2p, typically there will always be someone paying for you to connect and play.
I'm happy your keeping your stance, though. It's important to have a fire lit under these companies so they don't go about cheating us out of dosh pointlessly 😄 keep up the good fight, my icy friend!
@Yorumi Do note that I wasn't talking about the online store. Sorry if I worded that incorrectly.
Secondly, I was talking about overall infrastructure. Their new account system and system features will rely on this infrastructure and it doesn't come cheap for Nintendo.
Admittedly you are right, paying for online, especially Nintendo's service is hard to justify. I'm just trying to play devil's advocate 😄 They'll need to do more if they want me to remain paying for the service.
@idrawrobots Correction, you keep the Xbox 360 titles permenantly. Xbox One titles (and beyond, since Microsoft is touting forward compatibility with every new system from here on out) require a gold subscription.
That being said, the 360 titles almost always make it a better deal than PS plus because of backwards compatibility.
@Yorumi Infrastructure isn't just support for online games. Support for the overall Nintendo Online service requires servers that Nintendo needs to operate, and they're choosing to offset some of the cost to the customer. Assuming Nintendo sees through and upgrades their infrastructure as time goes on, I think the cost is worth it.
That being said I understand how you feel. Hopefully Nintendo will improve the service over the trial point they're providing when the Switch launches so that the price they're asking for is worth it.
I think the system will be fine. Though I have some concerns regarding the online service, the Switch looks like a premium device and that makes me happy.
I gave the Wii U to my sister so the kids can have something to play. I've already gamed out everything I could from the system, so here's to hoping the Switch gets excellent games in the coming 5 years.
@Gauchorino Highly doubt it's a DRM push, most likely for smoother loading times and to ensure the Wii U disc drive doesn't grow wheels and mow my lawn.
@NEStalgia Very much agreed! It's a shame many games don't use the 3D anymore, most likely to push whatever they can out of the measly little system. Can't really blame them, the 3DS wasn't much stronger than the DS's competitor at the time.
I'll miss it when the 3DS goes away, but I'll always keep the console close by. Don't intend on taking the Switch out publicly for at least the first 3 months of it's launch.
We've come a long way from the original Xbox. Overtime, Microsoft has added (and subsequently removed) features to it's Live service. Games with Gold, Deals with Gold, and being able to use apps on the console being one of them. The latter becoming free for all silver members shortly after the Xbox One released.
Nintendo's paid online service concerns me because of the way they introduced it. The system is 47 days away from launch, and very few details have been given aside from what's been mentioned in the article. Not only that, but I want to judge how Nintendo is capable of providing a stable service despite varied circumstances. The Wii U and 3DS had adequate online services so I don't think that'll be an issue, but if I'm expected to pony up a few pounds every month I expect to see not only constant improvement serverside but as well as networking on the Switch.
I may have rambled a bit, but what I'm trying to say is that I'm very cautious. I will definitely push Nintendo's trial to the test this coming March, and I won't hesitate to dismiss the service entirely as well as discourage friends and family from signing up. We've come a long way from the large green box and I don't see a reason for Nintendo to start from square zero.
Aside from the online services I love how the Switch is coming along.
@DanteSolablood Very archaic! Nothing hurt me more to realise that my 3DS couldn't play games purchased from the North America region. Had I not brought Animal Crossing with me my handheld would have been absolutely useless!
All it takes for me to get a Switch is a good pricepoint and fun games. I've been itching to make a new console purchase lately, I'd like that itch to be scratched with a Switch
I love Tomita's work! When I'm on the road, one of the albums I always cycle is Kirby's Epic Yarn, which I ripped off my copy of the game and tagged appropriately.
Honestly, I wasn't a fan of Mass Effect in the first place. It's why I didn't bother when the game hit the Wii U, and I won't bother if it hits the switch.
That is to say, I hope it does show up. The more games the better, no matter what my personal feelings regarding the company are.
@Wexter I agree that they do, indeed, possess the legal right to take it down. It is their assets after all. However, should they?
I've been told that these ROM hacks hurt sales in the long term, but I've never seen any material regarding this statement.
I'd go more in depth but I think this article's thread has more than enough arguments to go around. And just as @ClampedDownHard stated, many mods (gameplay wise/translation) to games I see don't even carry any source of the original they're modifying in the first place. Rather, they are .delta files that are applied by a program to the original ROM (which the user must obtain).
As for Bethesda games, mods to their games are a huge selling point. I think they'd rather take that loss on potential profit on mods to sell more copies of their games and expansions. Not to mention without mods their games have game breaking bugs that they'll never look at again.
And I 100% approve of translation mods. I'm too old and fat to learn a new language in a timely manner, and said mods have helped me play games I would have otherwise never gotten ahold of. For the folks wondering whether I pirated said mods, I did not. I purchased the game and ripped it myself. I'd like to support the developers while getting myself a physical copy
@Wexter I do agree that there may have been a time that Microsoft or a partner did defend their IP, but I can't seem to pinpoint when. Might have been a long time ago.
Either way, regarding the whole situation with modifications and ROM hacks, I say let them exist. Long as they do not make profit off copyrighted assets then there should be no problem.
Regarding the quality of said mods and such, well, that's up for debate.
@Wexter Regarding Microsoft and mods, they actually do not care what you do with the assets so long as it isn't sold in anyway (for profit, charity, etc.)
It's what made a lot of those Machina videos of yore possible. Also the number of mods to their other games.
@A01 Dismissing one console's library by claiming superiority for another is silly. The games I played on my Wii U were wonderful, but so were the plenty of games on my Xbox One that weren't available on the Wii U.
Sometimes I feel too many folks consider games as just another number, when it can take years to make just one. Dismissing libraries just makes that worse.
When the PS4 was announced and the specs were thrown to the wild, a quick comparison between the Wii U and the PS4 showed that the former system was essentially a generation 7.5 upgrade from the Xbox 360 and PS3.
Had the Wii U sold a tonne, I'd say the 'technical limitations' many developers are citing right now wouldn't be an issue then.
Do note, I 100% believe that it is technical limitations that is causing issues with games running on current middleware engines such as Unity and Unreal 4.
Nintendo has another underpowered system under their wings right now, and that's the 3DS. Since the system has sold much more than Sony's VITA, there are games that are available for both systems. Guess which one looks much worse?
My point is that technical limitations can be overcome, but only if it's worth it. The Wii U is essentially done, and stock is being liquidated for the holiday season in time for the Switch. It's a shame the system lasted about as long as the original Xbox (and fared worse) but technology moves on.
I'll tell you, I can't beat my nephews at Soul Caliber, much less any fighting game! I do reign supreme in Civilization, but it's only a matter of time before they catch up! Children grow quick, much faster than I could ever imagine. It was only 11 years ago that I was holding them in my hands, waiting for the Wii to hit shelves.
I can't say I'm surprised. When the Switch was announced I had a small feeling that any future game targeting the Wii U at that moment would probably halt all efforts and jump onto the next system.
I haven't used Unity myself, but I have played plenty of games that run it. Most of them were plagued with performance issues (Recore comes to mind) and I could definitely see the Wii U choking on a biscuit or two running the engine.
Still rather disappointing, but on the bright side the folks at Playtonic are offering platform switches and refunds, so no one gets hurt (well, aside from Wii U only owners).
I think it's about time I put the Wii U right besides my PS3. In the harrowing depths that is my closet
Even with the "security element" clarification I don't think it makes much sense. Internet is internet, and if a device is connected to the internet then everything should be fine and dandy.
I think it makes more sense to say that iOS is more controlled in terms of devices. There are a strict set of iPhones on sale with all their features documented. It would be easier for Nintendo to make mobile games on a controlled number of devices versus an OS like Android that runs on virtually billions of devices. Not to mention you can be assured that nearly all iOS users are actually running the latest version.
Besides, I'll take a Windows installation customised for my needs any day over iOS or Android
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy It's better for your sake as well as mine to avoid comments on YouTube like the black plague. Just remember to keep your expectations in check about the Switch, too, so you can keep a cool head!
@DanteSolablood As much as Super Mario Run looks good, I despise phone games. I'll take Switch news and footage over any mobile game (barring Snake) anyday.
I find it interesting how we've gone from pushing game sales to selling DLC and microtransactions in-game as a large source of profit. I suppose no matter how the user acquires the software there's always the guarantee that profit can be made from in-game transactions.
In regards to the worry that Nintendo will fumble the launch of the Switch, I don't think it'll be by price point or message but rather supply. I fully expect the Switch to be out of stock by launch, which means I just need to try harder to grab one first.
Though I may hold off. My launch 3DS and Xbox One suffered from hardware problems and I'm slightly worried the same will happen here.
Breath of the Wild is very interesting to me, but I haven't exactly been a fan of previous LoZ entries. I'm staying optimistic and I'll probably pick it up for the Switch.
@JaxonH It's a lesson I feel I've learned too late in my life span 😄 but still a good lesson nonetheless. I have a few Nendoroids left on preorder that I plan on paying off and never going into that category again. A good hundred or so pounds that could have gone into an earlier Switch preorder if I do say so myself, not to mention that there are simply too many of them to be satisfied.
Don't be too hard on yourself, you were in a position to purchase collectibles and you did, and for a time I'm sure it made you happy. They're still nice collectibles, but I personally think you ought to put a complete hold on purchasing every figure on amiami. Look at your collection, consider what you want on display, and put the rest away/sell them/donate them/all up to you.
That's what I've been doing anyway It keeps a clean home while keeping it not as plain as it once was. Just don't have too much out, materialism for company is a bad idea.
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Re: Alan Stone, Co-Founder of Nintendo of America, Passes Away at Age 71
Rest in peace, Mr. Stone. No one should have to go through cancer.
Re: Scandinavian Retailer Prompts Concerns Around NES Mini Production
Very dissapointing, I was hoping to get one for my nephew's but it looks like I'll need to put my Raspberry Pi to use 😄
Re: Bomberman Is Coming To Arcades As Bombergirl
@kotag Like Sailor Moon? Crystal made me feel awful.
Re: Bomberman Is Coming To Arcades As Bombergirl
Can't say I'm fond of this, but it appears to be a spinoff and it sounds like fun. I'd take a Switch port if it ever comes over.
Re: Random: Eiji Aonuma Shows His Awesomeness in Light-Hearted Breath of the Wild Videos
@rdrunner1178 We had some odd temperatures' like that not too long ago, but now it's just cold in Chicago. There's some random snowflakes every now and again but it's nothing compared to what Chicago had when I lived here 15 years ago.
Re: Nintendo Outlines Pricing Range for Switch Online Service
@NEStalgia Wonderful! I'll drop a post as soon as I can! 😄
Re: Random: Eiji Aonuma Shows His Awesomeness in Light-Hearted Breath of the Wild Videos
Look at all that snow! Meanwhile all I get here is the cold
Re: Nintendo Outlines Pricing Range for Switch Online Service
@NEStalgia Looks like I've found a clone of mine
There's a lot you've addressed that are basically opinions of my own, and I'm very happy for that. Friends and strangers that I played with long ago have either long stopped playing games or switched over to console games. Whenever we do feel like playing PC games, we all opt out for much older games like SWAT 4 and Quake 3 because todays games rely on Steamworks and rarely have local coop support, and we've struggled to get those games working properly on our machines as well.
In a way Steam did save PC gaming from fully becoming an Strategy/MMO/Simulation only platform. Who would have thought to see typical console exclusives end up on another platform? Certainly not me, but it seems we've come full circle in a way. Even Microsoft knows this, hence their Xbox Play Anywhere and OneStore programs.
Don't get me wrong though, I still don't like Steam, or Valve for that matter. I actually intended to type up my dislike of Valve as a developer but somehow that got lost in my thoughts. I think I'm getting a little old
Regardless, what I meant to say earlier was that I did not like Half-Life 2 in the end. I'm one of the few who do not like that game, and I much preferred Half-Life 1 at the time, mostly because as you said it did feel like Quake, but much more grounded. Still, props where they're due, I much prefer the original than the sequel everyone clamoured over.
I did enjoy Team Fortress 2 as well, it was a very unique game. Though once the community was able to add their own creations to the game ruined the artstyle, as well as the balance of the game. Real shame how that turned out. I don't like the rest of Valve's games except for Portal 2, which I thought was an excellent game despite the game's humour consisting of throwing paragraphs of dialogue at you.
Valve hasn't done much else these days. Last I checked Steam has become the equivalent of Facebook for gamers and effectively finding out new ways to generate income from the client itself instead of making new games. If today's PC gamers want me to consider the platform again, while carrying around the Steam = PC mentality, then Valve has to show me that they do care about their platform. Bloating the client with pointless, poorly made additions like Big Picture mode will not work. At least Microsoft still produces games :/
Anywho I hear you about the hardware failures. Back then dead on arrivals were common for me, but these days every part I purchase seems to have no trouble. Though I did have an issue with a RAM stick I bought not too long ago
PC may have its advantages, that I know very well, but the mindset of your average PC player these days is enough to turn me off completely. I just wish some folks would understand!
Edit: I forgot to mention, I've omitted a lot of my thoughts here. I'd love to continue this discussion in a forum thread if you don't mind. Much easier to list out my thoughts, especially since this comment box is too small for my eyes :/
@cfgk24 Join the club! More the merrier, I'd like to hear your thoughts on Steam, too!
Re: Nintendo Outlines Pricing Range for Switch Online Service
@NEStalgia So it seems I'm not the only one that dislikes Steam. Valve has shown me over the years that they are comfortable not making games anymore, especially given that they still want me to access their poorly made DRM-client that has gotten more and more bloated over the last decade.
I fondly remember the days where Steam would crash, relaunch, update, crash during the update process, relaunch, update again, and eventually give up! Those 4 disc of Half-Life 2 were useless as no matter how many times I tried to install off the disc, Steam was determined to use all of my available bandwith to download from Valve's servers. And if the client crashed during download? Gone, all gone. I do not like Steam, and despite the improvements the only reason I have the client installed on my main PC is so I can play the few games that force it on me these days.
Like you, I weened off PC gaming as the original xBox launched, providing easier methods of gaming as well as actually using my surround system! These days everything is plug and play but back then if there was no driver I either had to figure out whether I could force a similar driver to work or try to write my own (hardly ever worked out!).
Things have gotten easier, and I love it. But my titan of a machine isn't used for games. In fact I have it set up for Plex media serving. I prefer my consoles to handle all my gaming, with the PC being used for work and internet browsing. Sometimes I wonder why I upgrade this thing in the first place, but the truth is I love computers (and my job reflects that), but I still get nightmares of customizing every little setting to make sure the lighting actually working or to get the game to detect my hardware.
Ultimately, and like you said, a lot of gamers these days think PC = Steam, not actually being a personal computer. The way I've seen enthusiasts set up SteamOS on their top of the line machines controller and all is baffling to me. It's hard to see people spend thousands of dollars on hardware only to turn it into a glorified console. Not to mention, many a new PC gamer doesn't actually know what they're buying, much less taking care of their machines properly. There's a reason why I recommend consoles to everyone, because if folks can still struggle with iPhones, possibly the most fool-proof devices, how can I tell them to spend a good pence to build something they won't ever maintain properly?
Apologies for the rant, but IT work can get rather troublesome sometimes. ;P And sorry for the late response.
Re: Nintendo Outlines Pricing Range for Switch Online Service
@NEStalgia I'm still alive! Only 17 minutes to 1 in the morning here, and I feel larger everyday. I'll need a few winks before work so I may not respond for a few hours, but I'll keep an eye out for your response
I feel @Yorumi is an understandable fellow, but this topic needs a discussion on the forums if we want to get anywhere.
Re: Nintendo Outlines Pricing Range for Switch Online Service
@Yorumi I'm happy to hear that Valve has laxed on their DRM, though I'm more comfortable with consoles these days, I do use my PC to play the occasional niche title and CRPG. I have used GoG in the past and do appreciate their service.
All in all, however, I'll stick to my Xbox and 3DS primarily until the Switch hits.
Re: Nintendo Outlines Pricing Range for Switch Online Service
@NEStalgia Thank you for the thoughts! It's admittedly easy to lose sight of who pays for what these days. You can't blame them, especially for the many folks that have jumped onto PC gaming very recently. It's become the norm, and understandably so.
Re: Nintendo Outlines Pricing Range for Switch Online Service
@Yorumi Hang on a moment there, I don't think you understood me regarding the "other people paying for you" part. Back then if it wasn't an MMO, PC games being released had to rely on the community for functioning servers. I fondly remember Battlefield 1942 had very few EA servers set up and as a result had to fall back on a server a friend and I made of old parts the university had left over. Administration weren't happy about a game server eating up quite a bit of bandwidth either. 😄
Do understand that PC games have grown on that and custom servers have been a pride for PC exclusive titles. These days you'll find AAA games still relying on P2P, whether it's using Steamworks or their own protocol. Valve would be painted as a burning devil if they were to add a subscription to Steam now, and even back then! Steam was hated for a good while when it launched and for good reason.
If anything you should be clamouring for DRM free titles. As a former PC player I do not like my games requiring anything more than the disc and/or CD key.
And please keep the rightesneous to a minimum. It doesn't make for good arguments. 😅
Re: Nintendo Outlines Pricing Range for Switch Online Service
@Yorumi Nintendo Life relies on advertising revenue add their main source of income (as far as I'm aware). Nintendo doesn't have that luxury, and even Microsoft uses their advertising zones to advertise other games on their storefront.
Once again, Nintendo believes that their database, part of their infrastructure, is worth charging for. It's been proven that PC players do not pay for these services (GFWL and Onlive) but console players do. Why should Nintendo deny themselves an area of income? To their private service no less.
I understand your stance but I'm afraid the numbers don't lie. Revenue from online services is in the billions, and Nintendo wants that on their yearly earnings.
But to my original point, if your connecting to any service, your connecting to a server that is being hosted by someone. This holds especially true for PC games that provide users dedicated server tools to host their own games. If it isn't p2p, typically there will always be someone paying for you to connect and play.
I'm happy your keeping your stance, though. It's important to have a fire lit under these companies so they don't go about cheating us out of dosh pointlessly 😄 keep up the good fight, my icy friend!
Re: Nintendo Outlines Pricing Range for Switch Online Service
@Yorumi Do note that I wasn't talking about the online store. Sorry if I worded that incorrectly.
Secondly, I was talking about overall infrastructure. Their new account system and system features will rely on this infrastructure and it doesn't come cheap for Nintendo.
Admittedly you are right, paying for online, especially Nintendo's service is hard to justify. I'm just trying to play devil's advocate 😄 They'll need to do more if they want me to remain paying for the service.
Re: Nintendo Outlines Pricing Range for Switch Online Service
@idrawrobots Correction, you keep the Xbox 360 titles permenantly. Xbox One titles (and beyond, since Microsoft is touting forward compatibility with every new system from here on out) require a gold subscription.
That being said, the 360 titles almost always make it a better deal than PS plus because of backwards compatibility.
Re: Nintendo Outlines Pricing Range for Switch Online Service
@Yorumi Infrastructure isn't just support for online games. Support for the overall Nintendo Online service requires servers that Nintendo needs to operate, and they're choosing to offset some of the cost to the customer. Assuming Nintendo sees through and upgrades their infrastructure as time goes on, I think the cost is worth it.
That being said I understand how you feel. Hopefully Nintendo will improve the service over the trial point they're providing when the Switch launches so that the price they're asking for is worth it.
Re: Nintendo Outlines Pricing Range for Switch Online Service
@Joestar- I hope so, MK8 was fine, but I don't play many Nintendo games online.
Last Mario Kart I tried online besides 8 was on the Nintendo DS 😅
Re: Nintendo Outlines Pricing Range for Switch Online Service
At this price point I do not mind paying for the online service, but that brings me to part two: will the service itself be reliable?
Re: Fire Emblem Heroes Microtransaction Prices and Early Impressions Emerge
I never could understand how developers can set a price higher than a full retail console/handheld game and not be glared at. For bloody orbs no less!
I guess it's something mobile game players don't mind. Though I can't help but feel I've seen a similar practice in an AAA game I played last year.
Re: NieR: Automata Designer is Open to the Idea of a Switch Port
That would be nice! Every new system needs all the games it can get during the first year, especially the Switch.
That being said, this isn't a game that interests me. Though I think it will definitely appeal to the more core gamer.
Re: Feature: Reflecting on Time Spent With the Nintendo Switch
I think the system will be fine. Though I have some concerns regarding the online service, the Switch looks like a premium device and that makes me happy.
I gave the Wii U to my sister so the kids can have something to play. I've already gamed out everything I could from the system, so here's to hoping the Switch gets excellent games in the coming 5 years.
Re: Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns Secures North American Release Date
Wasn't a fan of the first Story of Seasons, but I'm willing to give this entry a shot.
But honestly I'm more interested in a new Rune Factory. I wish we could hear something regarding the series...
Re: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Will Require a 3GB Install on Wii U
@Gauchorino Highly doubt it's a DRM push, most likely for smoother loading times and to ensure the Wii U disc drive doesn't grow wheels and mow my lawn.
Re: Soapbox: Nintendo's Switch Plan is Starting to Take Shape
@NEStalgia Very much agreed! It's a shame many games don't use the 3D anymore, most likely to push whatever they can out of the measly little system. Can't really blame them, the 3DS wasn't much stronger than the DS's competitor at the time.
I'll miss it when the 3DS goes away, but I'll always keep the console close by. Don't intend on taking the Switch out publicly for at least the first 3 months of it's launch.
Re: Breaking Down the Nintendo Switch Online Service Details
@DanteSolablood Of course, but I intend to be very critical of the service from the start. I'll be voting with my wallet on this one!
Re: Breaking Down the Nintendo Switch Online Service Details
@DanteSolablood
We've come a long way from the original Xbox. Overtime, Microsoft has added (and subsequently removed) features to it's Live service. Games with Gold, Deals with Gold, and being able to use apps on the console being one of them. The latter becoming free for all silver members shortly after the Xbox One released.
Nintendo's paid online service concerns me because of the way they introduced it. The system is 47 days away from launch, and very few details have been given aside from what's been mentioned in the article. Not only that, but I want to judge how Nintendo is capable of providing a stable service despite varied circumstances. The Wii U and 3DS had adequate online services so I don't think that'll be an issue, but if I'm expected to pony up a few pounds every month I expect to see not only constant improvement serverside but as well as networking on the Switch.
I may have rambled a bit, but what I'm trying to say is that I'm very cautious. I will definitely push Nintendo's trial to the test this coming March, and I won't hesitate to dismiss the service entirely as well as discourage friends and family from signing up. We've come a long way from the large green box and I don't see a reason for Nintendo to start from square zero.
Aside from the online services I love how the Switch is coming along.
Re: Talking Point: The Challenges and Opportunities of the Nintendo Switch Presentation
@DanteSolablood Very archaic! Nothing hurt me more to realise that my 3DS couldn't play games purchased from the North America region. Had I not brought Animal Crossing with me my handheld would have been absolutely useless!
Re: Talking Point: The Challenges and Opportunities of the Nintendo Switch Presentation
All it takes for me to get a Switch is a good pricepoint and fun games. I've been itching to make a new console purchase lately, I'd like that itch to be scratched with a Switch
Re: ​Tomoya Tomita Leaves Good-Feel Games, Uploads Recent Compositions Online
I love Tomita's work! When I'm on the road, one of the albums I always cycle is Kirby's Epic Yarn, which I ripped off my copy of the game and tagged appropriately.
I wish him good luck on his future endeavours!
Re: ​Mass Effect Producer Says There's No Plan to Bring Mass Effect Andromeda to Switch
Honestly, I wasn't a fan of Mass Effect in the first place. It's why I didn't bother when the game hit the Wii U, and I won't bother if it hits the switch.
That is to say, I hope it does show up. The more games the better, no matter what my personal feelings regarding the company are.
Re: Fan-Made Pokémon Prism Game Leaks Online After Nintendo Shutdown Notice
@Wexter Oh I'm sorry if I came off accusatory, I'm just surprised how much vitriol this topic seems to generate. Not good for my heartburn 😂
Re: Fan-Made Pokémon Prism Game Leaks Online After Nintendo Shutdown Notice
@Wexter I agree that they do, indeed, possess the legal right to take it down. It is their assets after all. However, should they?
I've been told that these ROM hacks hurt sales in the long term, but I've never seen any material regarding this statement.
I'd go more in depth but I think this article's thread has more than enough arguments to go around. And just as @ClampedDownHard stated, many mods (gameplay wise/translation) to games I see don't even carry any source of the original they're modifying in the first place. Rather, they are .delta files that are applied by a program to the original ROM (which the user must obtain).
Either way, I think fan creations keep the community active in situations where sequels take ages to arrive (For example, Pokémon X and Y arrived in 2013, Sun and Moon just this year!), or fans taking a different approach to the lore of the series they're accommodating.
As for Bethesda games, mods to their games are a huge selling point. I think they'd rather take that loss on potential profit on mods to sell more copies of their games and expansions. Not to mention without mods their games have game breaking bugs that they'll never look at again.
And I 100% approve of translation mods. I'm too old and fat to learn a new language in a timely manner, and said mods have helped me play games I would have otherwise never gotten ahold of. For the folks wondering whether I pirated said mods, I did not. I purchased the game and ripped it myself. I'd like to support the developers while getting myself a physical copy
Re: Fan-Made Pokémon Prism Game Leaks Online After Nintendo Shutdown Notice
@Wexter I do agree that there may have been a time that Microsoft or a partner did defend their IP, but I can't seem to pinpoint when. Might have been a long time ago.
Either way, regarding the whole situation with modifications and ROM hacks, I say let them exist. Long as they do not make profit off copyrighted assets then there should be no problem.
Regarding the quality of said mods and such, well, that's up for debate.
Re: Fan-Made Pokémon Prism Game Leaks Online After Nintendo Shutdown Notice
@Wexter Regarding Microsoft and mods, they actually do not care what you do with the assets so long as it isn't sold in anyway (for profit, charity, etc.)
It's what made a lot of those Machina videos of yore possible. Also the number of mods to their other games.
Re: Dark Horse is Bringing 'The Art of Splatoon' Book to the West
Wasn't aware the United States switched to the Sterling
Re: Feature: The Wii U's Journey - Four Years of Excellence, Failure and Indifference
@A01 I'm happy you didn't. What's your favourite Wii U title?
Re: Feature: The Wii U's Journey - Four Years of Excellence, Failure and Indifference
@A01 Dismissing one console's library by claiming superiority for another is silly. The games I played on my Wii U were wonderful, but so were the plenty of games on my Xbox One that weren't available on the Wii U.
Sometimes I feel too many folks consider games as just another number, when it can take years to make just one. Dismissing libraries just makes that worse.
Re: Random: Someone Is Localising Final Fantasy IV Using Google Translate
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy Easier to slip on ice than for me to be patient enough to learn kanji 😄
Re: Editorial: As Games Jump to Nintendo Switch We See How Quickly the Industry Moves On
When the PS4 was announced and the specs were thrown to the wild, a quick comparison between the Wii U and the PS4 showed that the former system was essentially a generation 7.5 upgrade from the Xbox 360 and PS3.
Had the Wii U sold a tonne, I'd say the 'technical limitations' many developers are citing right now wouldn't be an issue then.
Do note, I 100% believe that it is technical limitations that is causing issues with games running on current middleware engines such as Unity and Unreal 4.
Nintendo has another underpowered system under their wings right now, and that's the 3DS. Since the system has sold much more than Sony's VITA, there are games that are available for both systems. Guess which one looks much worse?
My point is that technical limitations can be overcome, but only if it's worth it. The Wii U is essentially done, and stock is being liquidated for the holiday season in time for the Switch. It's a shame the system lasted about as long as the original Xbox (and fared worse) but technology moves on.
Re: Yooka-Laylee's Wii U Cancellation is Only Due to Technical Challenges, Not the System's Woes
@Hikingguy May your daughter grow big and strong.
I'll tell you, I can't beat my nephews at Soul Caliber, much less any fighting game! I do reign supreme in Civilization, but it's only a matter of time before they catch up! Children grow quick, much faster than I could ever imagine. It was only 11 years ago that I was holding them in my hands, waiting for the Wii to hit shelves.
Re: Yooka-Laylee's Wii U Cancellation is Only Due to Technical Challenges, Not the System's Woes
@Hikingguy I'm very sorry for your loss. I, too, lost someone to cancer. Life makes unexpected turns, but we need to live for those who can't.
I hope the best for you and I hope you continue to enjoy playing video games.
Re: Yooka-Laylee's Wii U Cancellation is Only Due to Technical Challenges, Not the System's Woes
I can't say I'm surprised. When the Switch was announced I had a small feeling that any future game targeting the Wii U at that moment would probably halt all efforts and jump onto the next system.
I haven't used Unity myself, but I have played plenty of games that run it. Most of them were plagued with performance issues (Recore comes to mind) and I could definitely see the Wii U choking on a biscuit or two running the engine.
Still rather disappointing, but on the bright side the folks at Playtonic are offering platform switches and refunds, so no one gets hurt (well, aside from Wii U only owners).
I think it's about time I put the Wii U right besides my PS3. In the harrowing depths that is my closet
Re: Super Mario Run Will Require a Constant Online Connection
Even with the "security element" clarification I don't think it makes much sense. Internet is internet, and if a device is connected to the internet then everything should be fine and dandy.
I think it makes more sense to say that iOS is more controlled in terms of devices. There are a strict set of iPhones on sale with all their features documented. It would be easier for Nintendo to make mobile games on a controlled number of devices versus an OS like Android that runs on virtually billions of devices. Not to mention you can be assured that nearly all iOS users are actually running the latest version.
Besides, I'll take a Windows installation customised for my needs any day over iOS or Android
Re: Preview: Running Wild in Super Mario Run
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy It's better for your sake as well as mine to avoid comments on YouTube like the black plague. Just remember to keep your expectations in check about the Switch, too, so you can keep a cool head!
@DanteSolablood As much as Super Mario Run looks good, I despise phone games. I'll take Switch news and footage over any mobile game (barring Snake) anyday.
Re: Preview: Running Wild in Super Mario Run
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy Your first problem was looking at the YouTube comment section
Re: Analyst Firm Notes Hype For Switch, But Worries Nintendo Is "Not Prepared" To Take Advantage
I find it interesting how we've gone from pushing game sales to selling DLC and microtransactions in-game as a large source of profit. I suppose no matter how the user acquires the software there's always the guarantee that profit can be made from in-game transactions.
In regards to the worry that Nintendo will fumble the launch of the Switch, I don't think it'll be by price point or message but rather supply. I fully expect the Switch to be out of stock by launch, which means I just need to try harder to grab one first.
Though I may hold off. My launch 3DS and Xbox One suffered from hardware problems and I'm slightly worried the same will happen here.
Re: Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Arrives on Wii U on 20th December
About time! Though I think I'll stand with @GammaPhonic and wait for a physical release
Re: Poll: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Share Your Thoughts on the Latest Footage
Breath of the Wild is very interesting to me, but I haven't exactly been a fan of previous LoZ entries. I'm staying optimistic and I'll probably pick it up for the Switch.
Re: Hardware Classics: SNK Neo Geo AES
@JaxonH It's a lesson I feel I've learned too late in my life span 😄 but still a good lesson nonetheless. I have a few Nendoroids left on preorder that I plan on paying off and never going into that category again. A good hundred or so pounds that could have gone into an earlier Switch preorder if I do say so myself, not to mention that there are simply too many of them to be satisfied.
Don't be too hard on yourself, you were in a position to purchase collectibles and you did, and for a time I'm sure it made you happy. They're still nice collectibles, but I personally think you ought to put a complete hold on purchasing every figure on amiami. Look at your collection, consider what you want on display, and put the rest away/sell them/donate them/all up to you.
That's what I've been doing anyway It keeps a clean home while keeping it not as plain as it once was. Just don't have too much out, materialism for company is a bad idea.