Messages

10176

Nintendo Gaming / RE:That $250 price tag again...

« on: September 19, 2006, 12:14:48 PM »

What if Nintendo was losing money per freehand controller at $40 because of all the tech in there? Wouldn't that just blow your mind? I think if that was true, the price wouldn't be as much of an issue. This isn't Blu-Ray being forced into your living room at a high yet technically low price. No one wants Blu-Ray that badly. Wii revolves around its controller technology. The price of the controllers is a hard pill to swallow, but it's still in the realm of reasonability. Going in, you know what you're paying for and that's the whole reason you're paying. With PS3 and 360, I know what I'm paying for, I just don't think its worth the price of entry or really what I want from a gaming machine.

10177

Nintendo Gaming / RE:That $250 price tag again...

« on: September 18, 2006, 10:12:06 PM »

Wii Sports had to be there to appeal to the non-gamer, but the game begs to be played mutliplayer and hence practically requires a second controller. Selling the controller separately and charging $40 pushes non-gamers away. My mom is a non-gamer (though she plays a mean game of Tetris). There's no way in hell she'd spend $40 on a controller for herself. I think that's the biggest problem with the console package and Nintendo's philosophy. When they announced the name, they had that video of the i's playing together and representing controllers. Then they released picture after picture of people playing Wii Sports together. Now after all is said and done, they're releasing the console with one controller.

My problem with Nintendo making money on consoles is that they make most of their money on software and licensing fees. If Nintendo released Wii with  2 controllers thoughout its life, they could:

1. Sell more consoles.
2. Reach non-gamers with greater ease.
3. Sell more software across the board, 1st and 3rd,  thus making Nintendo even more money by way of licensing fees and proprietary Wii discs/kits as well as profits of their own titles.

$249.99 is a decent price, but when you think about what they could've done at that price, it doesn't really make sense.

10178

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Has the Wii made Nintendo cool again?

« on: September 16, 2006, 01:10:15 PM »

Nintendo was never cool. Even when Nintendo was dominating the industry, it was still geeky to play videogames period. Sony, ironically, was responsible for expanding the market by making games a more socially acceptable pastime. That said, I think Nintendo can be considered "cool" with Wii. They're attempting a complete image makeover while MS and Sony are trying to convince everyone that this the same ol' Nintendo. It's really up to Nintendo though and so far, I think they've done a pretty good job. Could be better, but at least they're trying much harder.

At the same time, it all depends on what your definition of "cool" is.

10179

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings Confirmed.. for the DS

« on: September 15, 2006, 05:02:35 PM »

Chain of Memories was on GBA because GBA was a beast at the time.

This FFXII spinoff is strange since Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core is a PSP game. Perhaps a Wii port of Final Fantasy XII is coming. It'd be a perfect opportunity to cash in not only on FFXII, but Wii and DS as well. And we all know if there's one thing Square-Enix is good at, it's cashing in.

10180

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Single Response Wii Launch Opinion Thread

« on: September 14, 2006, 11:15:30 PM »

1. I don't want Wii Sports but including Wii Sports makes sense. It's the best and easiest example of why the controller is so special while also being the most appealing to non-gamers. But, it's multiplayer. No second controller? What gives?

2. Nintendo should at least entertain the possibility of a bundle that includes the freehand controller, analog stick, and classic controller for like $60. You need those 3 pieces to play like 99% of Wii's titles. That's a fair price.

3. The freehand controller is the main unit, designed around attracting grandpa and little Suzi. The price tag of the remote itself seems to do the exact opposite, even to Nintendo fans.

4. How would cutting DVD playback help "deliver the machine at a cheaper cost" if it was released as an add-on like we all expected? True, most households have a DVD player. However, most people don't. I wanted one for my room without settling for a cheap-o DVD player made by Xyvlecziqui. Let Panasonic release it independently if paying for the DVD license was so financially crippling fr Nintendo. Don't get me wrong. DVD playback isn't a necessity, but should be available. It's an extra that I'd gladly pay for. I'm still trying to figure out why I can view photos on Wii but I can't watch movies.

5. Metroid Prime 3 getting delayed was a major deciding factor.

Basically, the launch announcements were almost exclusively "bad" news. I use quotes because it's subjective. Personally, I wasn't upset, just letdown for lack of a better word. It depends on how you see it and the pros/cons. Ultimately, it didn't make me want Wii less. In other words, I still know I'm getting it but the news enough to make me feel comfortable waiting until year to get one.  

10181

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Knowing what you know now...

« on: September 14, 2006, 09:58:20 AM »

I really wanted Metroid Prime 3 so I'm probably going to wait until next year and get the console in black. Getting Wii is tempting, but I plan on getting Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin and maybe Twilight Princess on Gamecube. If Twilight Princess on Wii can wow me enough, I'll wait. Thank the Lord for demo kiosks.

10182

Nintendo Gaming / RE: Major Wii News Coming TONIGHT?

« on: September 07, 2006, 01:22:46 PM »

It could be anything so I'm not losing any sleep over it. I'll probably be awake anyway, but I won't be sitting at the computer at 11:58 constantly reloading webpages in case my time is slightly off of some news site's. Besides, when news is rumored to be announced, it usually takes a life of its own and becomes the biggest news you've ever heard ever since you were alive and will totally blow your mind and the mind of your mother and her sister. The funny part is that it's usually a let down. Super Smash Bros Brawl at E3 was the only news recently to really surprise and excite me. It went MIA at Nintendo's press conference then came out of no where the night of day one of E3 with Pit and Snake as newcomers. If you want to drop some major news, you don't tell people its coming.

10183

Nintendo Gaming / RE: Am I screwed? Should I already have pre-ordered?

« on: September 07, 2006, 10:19:47 AM »

I didn't reserve Gamecube, but I got one launch day. I just had to stand in line since like 7 am. You're better off reserving Wii. The problem is no one is taking pre-orders until the launch date and price is announced (as far as I know and I've asked every retailer in my area). Still, some people who reserved 360 didn't get one at launch anyway so you never know what might happen.

10184

Nintendo Gaming / RE: No Castlevania on the wii

« on: September 07, 2006, 09:52:27 AM »

Hmm, I really want a 2D Castlevania on Wii. The 3D games on PS2 were a nice efforts. Its just that the 2D games are so significantly better. Even if it didn't use the freehand controller, I'd be pretty happy with a game larger than Symphony of the Night... as long as I don't have to go soul hunting which was fun in Aria, but got old in the middle of Dawn of Sorrow.

10185

Nintendo Gaming / RE: Rumour: No Rumble fow Wii

« on: September 07, 2006, 09:43:32 AM »

I've been using a Wavebird since it came out so I can't say I'd really miss rumble. However, I'd rather have rumble than not have it.

Also, I was hoping the classic controller would have rumble and a speaker. I'm probably going to use the classic controller for Brawl. I can think of nothing more satisfying than punching Pikachu in the face and hearing it yelp in pain right in front of me while feeling the force of my character's fist devastating Pikachu at the same time.

10186

Nintendo Gaming / RE: The September edition of Nintendo Power

« on: September 01, 2006, 07:09:03 AM »

Multiplayer sucked on Echoes because it was so limiting. The control scheme, particularly, wasn't made for multiplayer. However, the freehand controller just works so well though I wouldn't want Nintendo/Retro to delay Corruption simply to add multiplayer.

And why do people complain about including multiplayer in Metroid? "It's a game about exploring." Yeah, and you shoot the crap out of things too. If it can work, then it works. I don't think multiplayer should automatically be dismissed because people don't think the series merits it.

10187

Nintendo Gaming / RE:The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

« on: September 01, 2006, 06:58:36 AM »

Quote
That switching to a realistic zelda after promising a cel-shaded one was bait and switch?

My problem with people getting angry over Wind Waker's art style is that they are discoraging Nintendo from trying interesting things artistically. Even if you have problems with it (I thought the color scheme was too aritifical as compared to the other, more earthy, Zeldas) you should be glad Nintendo is trying things as interesting, unique, and beautfiful as Wind Waker. Yes, Nintendo "promised" a realistic Zelda, but they also promised a third-person 3d Metroid, and is anyone angry they haven't delivered that yet?

If I remember correctly, Nintendo never actually promised another cel-shaded Zelda before introducing Twilight Princess. They were pretty careful about how they phrased it. It was something like "There will be another Zelda on Gamecube" or "We are working on the sequel to Wind Waker."

I hated the character designs; I didn't mind cel-shading. It was merely superficial however since Wind Waker was 90% Ocarina of Time gameplay-wise. The changes Nintendo introduced were minimal. Parrying was cool except they were only really used against Darknuts and to beat Ganondorf at the very end of the fight. Sailing was just horseback riding made infinitely more annoying.  

10188

Nintendo Gaming / RE: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

« on: August 30, 2006, 05:53:32 PM »

The one thing that caught my eye about the Spaceworld 2000 demo was that Link throws away his shield. Being able to block every attack in the game except Gannondorf's projectiles made the fight system seem shallow and boring. It was fine in 1998, but there wasn't much progression by 2003 with Wind Waker.

10189

Nintendo Gaming / RE:The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

« on: August 29, 2006, 08:37:04 AM »

Quote
The control issue, I completely understand wanting both in each system. However, Nintendo wants people to play the game with the Wii controls. They want you to experience this game in a brand new and wonderful way. People are afraid of change, and how change could possible make the game less enjoyable than the traditional play.

I would've rather played Twilight Princess last year then waited next year or 2008 to experience Zelda "in a brand new and wonderful way."  Since I can't, I hate how I'm being forced to choose. Why can't we have multiple control options? I have yet to hear a sound reason of this. People say they want to experience Zelda in a new way or they want Nintendo to have faith in the Wii controls. I say the fact that Nintendo even integrated a Wii control option into a game built around traditional controls takes care of both of those reasons.

Personally, I think there should be 1 version, on Wii with multiple control options. A Gamecube version might make more sense due to backwards compatibility. I'm a Gamecube owner since launch and I do feel a bit screwed, but I haven't bought a new game in months, mostly because there hasn't been anything worth buying. Zelda at the very end of the life cycle, a game we should've had 3 years ago instead of Wind Waker (I'll spare you the anti-WW rant), won't change that. However, a sole Wii version will help establish the console more. I never understood the purpose of a simultaneous release. It's not really a reward for those who stuck with Gamecube since most of them are getting or planning to get Wii anyway.

10190

Nintendo Gaming / RE: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

« on: August 28, 2006, 07:29:11 PM »

Twilight Princess for Wii should have both control options. Or at the very least allow the classic controller to be used in the Gamecube controller's place.

[Spak-Spang wrote:]

10191

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Super Smash Bros. Brawl

« on: August 28, 2006, 02:43:03 PM »

Quote
Spak-Spang wrote:
That is why I am worried about Sonic being in the game, or not being in the game. Miyamoto in an interview stated that Sega has not come to Nintendo asking for Sonic to be in the game this time around. If Miyamoto is speaking the truth then Sega may have desired Sonic in Melee, but now aren't seeking his inclusion in Brawl. Either that or Miyamoto lied so to keep the surprise.

If you really want to make your head spin, what if Nintendo went to Sega about Sonic appearing in the game. Technically, Miyamoto would've been telling the truth the whole time.........

Anyway, when you think about it, none of the characters really fit in. Samus shooting Kirby with a missle doesn't make sense. Before Brawl, the only thing they had in common was that they were Nintendo characters. With the addition of Snake, it's just a bunch of videogame characters pitted against eachother for no other reason than it just so cool to pick character A and have them fight character B.

10192

Nintendo Gaming / RE: Next Generation steps not leaps. My take on next generation graphical horsepower

« on: August 27, 2006, 08:58:12 PM »

I didn't read the rest of this topic so excuse me if I'm repeating anyone's points. My opinion on Wii's graphics:

1. Nintendo tends to underscore their console's capabilities.

2. Art direction > Raw Graphics (i.e. Okami on the technically inferior PS2)

3. Sans HD ---> Cheaper, easier development ---> 3rd parties more likely to take a chance on Wii ---> More support ---> I benefit.  

10193

Nintendo Gaming / RE:The OFFICIAL Wii rumor thread *bring your own salt*(updated 8/27/2006)

« on: August 27, 2006, 08:53:51 PM »

It's fake.

10194

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Super Smash Bros. Brawl

« on: August 27, 2006, 08:43:06 PM »

Rumors are rumors. That's really all you need to know. Chances are you won't get a straight answer until the game is released.

All I know is if Sonic isn't in Brawl, there will be riots all over the world. Personally, I want Cloud and a Belmont, preferably Trevor. He just looked the coolest in Curse of Darkness. Ayami Kojima's Simon is also quite badass.

TLDR = Too Long Didn't Read

10195

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Super Smash Bros. Brawl

« on: August 27, 2006, 07:19:35 PM »

Quote
However, failing to pick up on biting sarcasm and retorting with a direct insult?

That's just plain golden.

I quoted Jesus.... and you say I failed to pick up on sarcasm......

10196

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Super Smash Bros. Brawl

« on: August 27, 2006, 11:57:45 AM »

Remember kids, Jesus once said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Tell me you've never wished anything in any videogame was different, then shut up for being a hypocrite.

Melee was an awesome game, but it wasn't perfect. There I said it. Fanboys, burn me. I'm ready now.

10197

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Super Smash Bros. Brawl

« on: August 26, 2006, 09:43:38 PM »

Such hostility.... now I remember why I hate everyone...

I hope Brawl is a more balanced game than Melee.

[I wrote:]

10198

Nintendo Gaming / RE: Super Smash Bros. Brawl

« on: August 26, 2006, 04:43:17 PM »

Do you have to be so narrowminded when you interpret my posts? My point is simply don't believe everything you read. I thought I was pretty clear. I never said Sakurai wasn't trust worthy.

Quote
I wrote:
It's not that I don't trust Sakurai. I prefer to trust the development process which has its share of ups and downs.

You can keep rubbing your biting sarcasm in my face and continue to call what I say "fan musings." At the same time, I could call what you say "blind fanboy ramblings." I don't deny that the 2-3 3rd party characters thing could be true, but I accept that the number Sakurai gave could, in fact, change. I choose to look at both sides of the coin and keep an open mind. I don't think either situation is any more likely. I just gave examples of why that number could change.

10199

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Super Smash Bros. Brawl

« on: August 26, 2006, 10:17:04 AM »

I've read everything there has been to read about Brawl. The problem here is that you're completely missing the point or perhaps just flat out ignoring it. You keep bring up how so and so said this or the official site states that and my reply is still the same: So what? What is told to the public isn't always the whole truth. You mean to tell me that you actually believe Nintendo would never make a true sequel to Smash if Sakurai wasn't involved just because Sakurai said it on the official site. That's just plain gullibility. Smash Bros. is arguably Nintendo's most popular and successful multiplayer game and they whore their characters out like no other.

This all sprang from you telling another forum member that having more than the 2-3 3rd party characters that Sakurai has stated is "not likely." Am I correct? All I'm saying is that it's just as likely that there very well could be more than 2-3 present. The feedback on Snake's appearance in Brawl has been overwhelming. Over 3 months later, Smash fans around the world are still talking about who they want in the game, 1st and 3rd party. There are dozens of characters to choose from.

Anyway, I find it odd that 3rd party additions must have appeared on a Nintendo console, but Snake's character model is based on Metal Gear Solid 2's and Gamecube is the only platfrom not to get that game in some form. I always preferred sans-mullet Snake from The Twin Snakes. I'm crossing my fingers for an alternate costume.

[have]

10200

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Super Smash Bros. Brawl

« on: August 25, 2006, 08:03:12 PM »

Sorry, I forgot to check my logbook of official Brawl info to see that the 40 characters thing never came from Sakurai. Whatever. The point is that a developer can "go on record" about anything. More often than not, they're just answering questions in interviews and end up contradicting themselves, albeit not on purpose. It's not that I don't trust Sakurai. I prefer to trust the development process which has its share of ups and downs. Sometimes it's rushed, sometimes the hardware isn't adequate to implement certain features, sometimes it's decided that certain features absolutely have to make it in even if it means a delay. It's not about habits, because it's not a habit to run into problems or forks in the road during development. I doubt Silicon Knights planned for Eternal Darkness to be moved to GCN or Retro having their asses handed to them by Miyamoto and told to change the entire direction of Metroid Prime or Blizzard realizing that Starcaft: Ghost just wasn't good enough to be released after 34681976 years in development under just as many teams. Basically, sh-t happens so I choose to take everything a developer says with a grain of salt. Sometimes they're lying through their teeth, other times something unexpected happens.

And last time I checked, Iwata is the president of NCL. It's his job, among many other things, to know the status every 1st and 2nd party game in development or planned to go into development. I also find it hard to believe that Nintendo wouldn't make another Smash without Sakurai. They'd probably prefer not to, but this is the same Nintendo that allowed Capcom to develop a Zelda title and let them include a kangaroo with boxing gloves that Link rides in. At some point (maybe not anytime soon), Smash will be in someone elses hands.