Messages

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: The OFFICIAL Big N rumor thread *bring your own salt*

« on: August 06, 2017, 11:46:12 AM »

No, but it is cynical to conclude that SF2, or any other game for that matter, sold well for lack of other compelling games. While I even think that could be partially true for the launch window releases, it's just such a tired argument that has been played to death by Switch skeptics. Every title that has had strong sells on the Switch can't be because there aren't any other games--there's too many games selling well for that argument to not sound ridiculous! It's time to give in and admit that Nintendo, for now at least, has a very successful new platform with a very bright future for at least the next couple of years.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: SNES Classic thread

« on: July 04, 2017, 11:59:56 PM »

Nintendo since hiring Reggie... I have to give it an incomplete grade. Reggie's initial role with NOA was to improve marketing and public image. Gamecube, no matter how many terrific exclusives it had, was never going to overcome its image. It's also probably true that the Wii was such a great product that it was never going to fail. However, this is how Reggie has built his career. He is inseparably linked with the successes of Panda Express and Pizza Hut, and now obviously the DS and the Wii. Is that mere coincidence? Nah.


What I'm not able to figure out is if Reggie and the rest of the NOA are just that stupid [regarding the product shortages, shocking lack of game localization, loyalty programs, etc.], or if Japan has them on such a short leash that there's no wiggle room. The latter is the best I can come up with for the complete lack of original video content on the Switch news channel--Japan has probably 2.5 times the amount of news content. The same was true of the "coming soon" games section where Japan would show at least a half dozen games, but in North America we would see maybe two with one of them being a couple of months out. Little details like these make the North American experience feel non-existent or completely dead. Like, at least try to make some hype for the games that are actually releasing for Switch. Just try. We all know Microsoft would hype this sh*t to hell and back because it's the only games we've got for now.


If NOA, and by extension Reggie, are no good with marketing then what purpose do they actually serve? I'd like to think that of all markets, ours would be the one to get the games, the limited edition bundles, the programs and the contests. I would expect we would get the most content and that our branch of Nintendo would be, at minimum, as active as NCL. Instead, ours feels the least active and the most conservative of all. It feels like they're on some kind of tight leash like maybe they got in big trouble with Japan sometime during the later Wii or early Wii U years. Was it the robot chicken stuff? Did that go too far??


Whatever it is, I'm completely unenthused by this NOA.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: SNES Classic thread

« on: July 03, 2017, 10:37:41 AM »

Take this with a huge grain of salt, but yesterday I was talking with my local Gamestop store manager. I asked him if/when he thought preorders for the SNES classic would become available, and he told me there aren't going to be any. Period. The former journalist in me awakened, and I pressed further. He thought this was common knowledge and had been announced publicly this past week. When I pointed out to him no one else had reported it, he backpedaled and conceded that it may have only been a Gamestop internal communication.


He's confident there aren't going to be preorders for this thing, and unfortunately we have precedence for this with the NES classic. It might just be that Gamestop won't offer it for preorder and other stores will decide independently. According to him, it's because NOA won't or is unable to guarantee stock.


/rumor


And while we're on the subject, is anyone else feeling as fed up with NOA as I am? I feel like we miss out on a lot compared with Japan and Europe even though we're sorta the largest market by a large margin kinda. By virtue of that, we now get third rate treatment? GTFO. I might be making more out of this than it really is, but lately it sure seems like NOE is quick to confirm their bundles and shipment quantities, etc.


Knowing our lot with NOA, the real reason we're not getting shipping numbers is because our SNES is the ugly stepchild of the bunch. They're probably having some sort of issue manufacturing the different look, but someone [NOA] had to have insisted that our SNES classic has to look like our original. Frankly, very few care about that. Just ship 30 million of those things to North America and get rich!


I've been close to preordering one from Europe just because, but I'd like to get one "locally."

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: SNES Classic thread

« on: June 28, 2017, 08:39:59 PM »

So while all of you are discussing games and licenses, I'm lamenting the curse that keeps on giving that seems to be NOA. What is taking so long for preorders to be made available? Or is North America going to be made to wait for this thing to launch like last time while the rest of the world gets its pre-orders??

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: I wanted to see Switch Infrastructure at E3

« on: June 18, 2017, 10:37:13 PM »

and didn't get it! 

I wanted the Online service revealed
I wanted the eShop to be updated
I wanted cloud saves!
I wanted Youtube and Netflix and a browser
I wanted to be able to move data from the SD card to Switch and back
I wanted the word on virtual console.
I wanted Switch rewards in My.Nintendo.com!

Actually, I have a theory about Virtual Console: no more virtual console. Game will be released in the normal eShop for various prices, like Neo Geo has been.

And instead, you got a bunch of awesome announcements plus, inevitably, all this stuff you listed. Expect a Direct in the near future to reveal the online service. I'm also expecting something regarding cloud saves and streaming apps sooner than later.


I also think you're right about Virtual Console. Nintendo is responding to VC questions and referring to those games as "legacy titles."


Basically, if Nintendo had spent any time sharing about their online service, it wouldn't have been the best presentation. It would have been "So what?" All the stuff you listed is common. Expected. It'll be there soon enough.

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TalkBack / Re: ARMS Direct Recap

« on: May 18, 2017, 12:47:52 AM »

Europe and Japan are getting what now?!

Of course, because NoA hates Americans. Straight up loathes us.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Discussion Thread (The early days)

« on: May 01, 2017, 06:17:20 PM »

Man I scratched my screen! Not from that in and out docking nonsense that I'm not sure is even real. I freakin' threw my laptop on the couch and didn't realize my Switch was there and slice! Well there are tiny scratches, one really thin one about a centimeter long and the other just a couple millimeters but its deeper.

I can feel them very clearly when I run my nail over them so I'm sending it in to Nintendo right away. I'm sure the Switch will work just fine as it is for years to come but it will bother me forever I just know it.

I hope replacing the screen won't have me lose all my 190 hour Zelda save data. Well it is on the SD card so I should be fine right?

I genuinely feel for you. Do update us on cost and outcome. If you weren't worried about your save file, I'd suggest selling the console to someone who won't care about the scratch. 

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo of America's troubling Indie gatekeeping

« on: April 30, 2017, 05:18:43 PM »

Kairon, Soren: You're both making good points. I jumped to conclusions. The same day I saw this article being shared, I saw Capcom's game announcement of Marvel vs Capcom for PS4, XB1, and Steam. That obviously fed into my negative feelings, because that would be par for the course at the moment. They're porting a 10-year old digital title with a $40 price tag to Swtich, while they heap on the quality titles on other platforms.


It doesn't make sense, but I now see that it's completely unrelated to NoA and Nindies. Although... the lone Capcom title has tacked on Switch-exclusive content. *cue the X-files/conspiracy music*

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo of America's troubling Indie gatekeeping

« on: April 29, 2017, 06:41:44 PM »

I'm not saying chain them down forever, just be patrons. As far as exclusivity goes. It would have be better if it was timed. Nintendo used to take some developers under their wings. Today's small developers could become the future Capcoms, Square Enixs, Konamis, EA, Ubisoft.

I am aware bungee is not with Microsoft as a second party. But you do see Destiny on PS4 and Xbox but not a Nintendo system. I had meant to throwthat caveat in, but it sort of is(whats left unsaid).

Take for instance what Sony does with Kojima. He could make games for any system, but he has some patronage.

What I should really say instead of making it a challenge for great companies to make games on the system, shouldn't they make it lucrative both creatively and financially? If it is a technical challenge then they need to be compensating.

I have mostly indy games for Wii U. I was just saying what their overall strategy should be. Headhunt good talent. Offer rewards to those that reward you. Create mutually beneficial relationships. Treat people with respect.

When you look at someone like Tom Happ who made a game all by himself. He did the music, wrote the code, designed the levels, you wonder what someone like that would do if they had excellent support. I could imagine with some help he could churn out either a gigantic game or several games. When you hear they're keeping him from releasing the game that's some time in sales he isn't going to get back. This is actually one of the most optimal times to be buying a game for a system. It would be nice if he could sell the game to people who just bought a switch and want an excellent platformer for the go. Instead of jerking him around maybe they should facilitate him or let him in on what is probably an obvious secret? Do you want Tom Happ's next game? Because facilitating him is how you get his next game. Tom Happs communication with Nintendo should not be like trying to get a hold of the Engineering department at Verizon.

And honestly I think all the fault is on NOA and not NCL. They get some games over in Japan from Japanese developers, NOA has been a dump since Klobb and Peter Maine left. There's massive and regular miscommunication and easily preventable errors.

You're spot on. NOA could/should do a lot more to nurture Indie support as well as third party support. Instead, it almost looks like they're raising the bar for entry onto the platform.


I kinda get the impression that if we see any multiplat titles, they will all have Switch-specific enhancements tacked on, aka EA games using last-gen engines with motion controls and HD rumble added on.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo of America's troubling Indie gatekeeping

« on: April 29, 2017, 06:26:22 PM »

Why are we talking about Capcom when this article is about Indies?

Because it's relevant. Just because the article in question speaks specifically to Indies, doesn't mean we can't draw a conclusion that this treatment/behavior is not limited to Indies and could also explain why even Japanese third parties are kinda being slow to support the Switch.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo of America's troubling Indie gatekeeping

« on: April 27, 2017, 10:08:32 AM »

It's my firm take that NoA is fumbling the Switch with as much authority as they are given. The American eShop has additional issues that the Japanese eShop doesn't seem to have, for example: The American "Coming Soon" appears capped at 4 games while in Japan I've seen many more than 4, which leaves me with the unmistakable impression that there's not much slated for release in the next month except one or two games. To add to matters, NOA news updates are pretty crappy compared with the videos out of Japan, and while this is not really anything new, my wife has even taken to noticing this trend as it's just not easily overlooked now that the differences sit side-by-side on our Switch.


This news piece is just the icing and cherry on top. I've been thinking for a while now that maybe NOA could use a house cleaning. I kinda feel like the American market is several times bigger than Japan and could use a bit more attention. This sh*t where Japan gets games that America never sees needs to, some how, stop. Nintendo platforms need every last game they can get. To think that they are turning away straight-ports of games from other platforms, even Nintendo ones, is infuriating when I look at recent announcements from publishers such as Capcom and see their upcoming games are landing everywhere except on Switch. Am I  to conclude that Capcom doesn't think a Marvel fighting game will sell on Switch? That's silly. Is it that Capcom is still waiting to see how Switch will do? I think we have a good idea now, so why is this still a thing? Could it be that Capcom really has no intention of releasing multiplat's to Switch? I'm just not seeing a good line of logic, so that could mean Nintendo doesn't want multiplat titles...


If this is the case, I may just lose my last shred of confidence in them.

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TalkBack / Re: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch) Review

« on: April 27, 2017, 09:35:58 AM »

Mario Kart 8 is a great game, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe obviously stands to be even better, but the single-player experience is not all that strong. The only real "fun" to be had is getting three stars on all the cups, except the structure, AI, and random element takes a lot of the fun out of that too. There isn't much to begin with, and what is there has some glaring drawbacks. Luckily the multiplayer is still awesome, and that's reflected in this review. I can understand calling out some the Switch bashing that has taken place on the internet over the last couple of months, but an 8.5 review that's mostly very positive is a pretty bizarre example to point to, man. Also:

I think unrealistic expectations are to blame. Like, take Neal's second review attempt of this game for example: citing the single player as a con. Like, seriously? In comparison to what?

It’s the culmination of a downward trend in the series as single-player has become a lesser and lesser factor since the height of its powers with Mario Kart DS’ fantastic Mission Mode. Mario Kart 8 offers little of value as a single-player experience, and while some people might say that doesn’t matter, it certainly matters to me.

If you really want to put up a defense of the single-player though, here's a question: why would you ever play the single-player in this game over the multiplayer?

That's just my point though. I don't remember any fantastic mission mode in MK DS. It wasn't particularly memorable IMO, and its omission has gone largely unnoticed. I've never felt single player Mario Kart needed any help, which is why I have easily racked up a hundred hours in every Mario Kart doing mostly single player races and time trials.


Multiplayer is really where it's at though, and attempting to slap in some single player modifications to make playing alone more interesting just feels cheap. Just go online and race if racing the computer isn't good enough.

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TalkBack / Re: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch) Review

« on: April 21, 2017, 10:13:40 PM »

That's what scares me so much about the port-heavy possibility of the Switch's first year. I played the crap out of MK8 on Wii U and had a delightful time with the multiplayer and the DLC but I've never once been compelled to get this version since it was announced. And lots of Wii U games were great, fun experiences but that still wasn't enough to get people to buy that system. Is a "new" Mario Kart game going to help sell a $300 console when the last version of that Mario Kart game didn't do much to help sales of the previous $300 console?

I think you're just down on the Switch and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is not changing your feelings because it's not new to you. I could write a lot of gibberish thoughts around this, but I'll keep it to just this: Your fears for the Switch are misplaced as it's already the fastest selling game console of this generation, and enhanced ports of best-ever versions of games like Mario Kart and Smash Bros will only cement the Switch as a powerhouse market, so this should be seen a hugely positive thing. I don't know why NWR seems to be anti-Switch, but this is the only place I see such negativity across the Interwebs, Subreddits and Gafosphere.


I think unrealistic expectations are to blame. Like, take Neal's second review attempt of this game for example: citing the single player as a con. Like, seriously? In comparison to what? I've played nearly every popular racer, and I don't understand this.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: E3 2017: REGGIE GOES BIG

« on: April 20, 2017, 09:26:33 PM »

Most conversation I have read seems to point to the need to balance yet another online ecosystem/shop. And they personally demand that all of the console systems has equal updates. It is challenging enough to co-ordinate Microsoft and Sony's approval system, adding in Nintendo's, with their very strict (and sometimes odd) parameters it would be very challenging to keep all three on a unified update cycle.

I also think that this is the case, at least for now.


The most important thing I take from the discussion with the Overwatch guys is that neither the guy giving the answers nor the developers have any real decision-making power. They won't even be involved in the decision whether it does or doesn't happen.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: E3 2017: REGGIE GOES BIG

« on: April 19, 2017, 09:11:58 PM »

http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/789519/Nintendo-Switch-GAMES-LIST-Blizzard-Overwatch-min-specs-performance

“I think the problem is, we’ve really targeted our min spec in a way that we would have to revisit performance and how to get on that platform. And also, it’s already challenging right now maintaining three platforms and patching simultaneously, which is something that we’ve finally been able to achieve.”

Hint hint, Switch is not powerful enough to handle Overwatch.

That is not true by any stretch. Overwatch could run on much weaker hardware and in fact runs on lesser PC hardware than is in the Switch if I'm to believe some of the discussions I've seen elsewhere. When talking about a minimum specification, he could be referring strictly to consoles or even just about one aspect of platform hardware (ie. CPU, GPU, or memory).


I would bet money some group out there could get little Overwatch to run just fine on the Switch. Would the textures be less? For sure. Would the resolution be less? Of course. But they could do 60 fps and have a fun game running on the Switch. It's just an online shooter.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: E3 2017: REGGIE GOES BIG

« on: April 18, 2017, 11:03:33 PM »

Here's my prediction: all of those games will be announced at E3. ALL of them.

Don't toy with my heart... I know better, but I can still hope.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: E3 2017: REGGIE GOES BIG

« on: April 18, 2017, 10:12:06 PM »

We ought to put together a checklist for E3 of what Nintendo needs to do for it to qualify as going BIG.


My checklist is looking like this.

• Dark Souls game for Switch
• Borderlands game for Switch
• Call of Duty on Switch
• Overwatch (Switch)
• Rocket League (Switch)
• Grand Theft Auto 5 on Switch

Obviously, some of these maybe a very long shot considering politics involved, but I am personally hoping for a Borderlands game. I think it very well could happen, and I think Nintendo might be going to help it happen. I think Dark Souls is a slam dunk and basically is just waiting to be announced--on this we will see.


What do others have for a checklist for E3?

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: E3 2017: REGGIE GOES BIG

« on: April 18, 2017, 09:59:43 PM »

I was thinking similarly regarding Smash Bros this year. I know at least a few people already pounding their tables demanding it be released. But now I actually wonder if ARMS might be the fighting game Nintendo wants to focus on this year (thinking DLC and online events).


I think we all know that Nintendo has a gap to fill, and I'm just not certain they will dip into their port collection for Smash Bros just yet. Would be great to have it. I know I miss it already. Just think that Nintendo has x amount of blockbuster Wii U ports they can enhance and hype, grouping that one close with ARMS might cannibalize audience a bit.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Pro Contoller

« on: April 16, 2017, 12:25:20 PM »

I picked up a Pro controller last weekend. It has become without any doubt my preferred controller for anything. I like it better than all other controllers. It just fits my hands perfectly, and now I leave the joycons for the people with smaller hands. 

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Re: ARMS: Get your Virtua On!

« on: April 12, 2017, 11:05:30 PM »

I think it's important to recognize what this is: an attempt by Nintendo to make a dedicated 3D fighting game. If you're not a fan of those types of games, you probably won't get much out of this game. In other words, if you're looking for a robust single-player mode, I think the best you might get is a mission mode like Soul Calibur 2 or Smash Bros, but that is likely the extent of it.

As recently reported, a watchful eye noticed two more character portraits on one of the screens!

It appears to be a female character and a robot! That brings the current total to 8.

I think you make a good point about what this is. but I also see it for what it also is: a competitive online fighting game.

Within a span of 3 months, the Switch will have an online racer, online fighter, and an online shooter. A triple crown of online games provided Nintendo finally does online well.


The only reason I am even remotely interested in ARMS is the prospect of a really good online atmosphere and community.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Discussion Thread (The early days)

« on: April 09, 2017, 09:45:06 PM »

I didn't feel like reading the last 10 pages, but I skimmed and saw that Switch in on a stock X1....
that's a little disappointing and honestly a bit surprising.

What else have I missed in the last month or so? Anyone care to summarize?

Some other source did a break down of all the parts in the Switch, dock, and Joycon controllers and priced it out at (I think) $257, meaning there's currently not much wiggle room for a price drop. Unsurprisingly, the Joycons are not inexpensive.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: LEGO City Undercover (Switch) AKA Not-secret best LEGO game - April 4th

« on: April 09, 2017, 09:06:58 PM »

Big frame-rate issues in handheld mode, but not enough to make me not want to play it while watching The Golden Girls. Really enjoying this game for the second time. I'm just smarter this go around and not exploring the city until I have most of the costumes, if not all of them.

Yeah, I'm hoping for some updates as it really hasn't been optimized.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: LEGO City Undercover (Switch) AKA Not-secret best LEGO game - April 4th

« on: April 09, 2017, 04:51:30 PM »

Even at $60, I'm feeling pretty good about my purchase. The co-op mode has been the most pleasant surprise as my wife has really gotten into playing this game with me.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Discussion Thread (The early days)

« on: April 09, 2017, 04:31:19 PM »

I hope that this is just the post-launch but pre-E3 no man's land where nothing is being announced and the picture for the entire year is still largely incomplete. I haven't gotten to the point of full-on buyer's remorse but man, the thought of waiting 2 more months just to find out what else is being made for this console is dire.

I was going to leave these remarks alone but just can't. I think it's because I've been on the fence as much as anybody, but I'm clinging to the fact that all of the news for Switch is overwhelmingly positive. In spite of the drought of third party game announcements, Nintendo clearly has a strong gameplan for this year.


March 3rd - Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
April 28th - Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
June - ARMS
August - Splatoon 2
Fall - Fire Emblem Warriors
Holidays - Super Mario Odyssey
Holidays - Xenoblade Chronicles 2


I really believe there is an intentional lean towards multiplayer this summer and fall in preparation for their paid subscription service. My gut cautions me on believing there will be no delays, especially with ARMS and Splatoon 2 and definitely with Xenoblade, but assuming that doesn't happen how could anyone have buyer's remorse with this lineup?


I'm thinking that I better see at least a few of you in Mario Kart 8 Online Battle mode, or I may start to feel a little remorse myself. I am definitely buying MK8D for the battle mode and the multiplayer racing.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Discussion Thread (The early days)

« on: April 09, 2017, 03:24:18 PM »

Also just read where Sumo Digital stated it took just 7 days to get Snake Pass up and running on the Switch. I'm seeing similar comments from other developers as well.


On a side note, I am not seeing similar comments from Playtonic regarding Yooka Laylee. In fact, I'm hearing it has performance issues on PS4. I've lost most of my enthusiasm for this game.


I believe we are going to begin hearing about a lot of games coming to Switch. I'm not sure why we aren't getting more announcements but have to believe that there will be an uptick in interest for this platform considering just how easy porting will be. "Port from PC to Switch in Unreal engine at the push of a single button" easy.