Messages

51

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 297: Hippy Shows

« on: July 10, 2012, 11:30:38 AM »

Billy, my man, I respect you a lot. I really do.  But what happened this episode? You voiced some opinions that I never thought I would hear on such a quality podcast.  No offense, but, I strongly disagree with the following opinions of yours:

-smartphone cross-platforming would help games on Nintendo systems
-designing a car/ship/castle/RPG party at work and playing it at home is a valuable feature
-HD ports/"remakes" are exciting
-Kid Icarus Uprising is not (very obviously) top-notch voice acting
-someone wants gaming on a budget and you suggest the Vita? yyyyiiiiikes.  That console is not even simply "$150 more" when you factor in the memory sticks.  Especially since she said she wanted to do a lot of downloadable games.

Gui, great job.  Thanks for politely challenging a lot of Billy's opinions that I disagreed with.

James, good job hosting, sir. 

-I agree Ninty should expand their development capability...seeding some small teams in an effort to research development on a software platform like iTunes would be an interesting initiative and perhaps even create some much needed new IP...but would send mixed messages to Nintys user base and shareholders. As such, they should at least seed more small teams for THEIR OWN dl platforms and perhaps they shall.
-Would love to see some more remake efforts...if, for example, they involve franchises like WaveRace, Panzer Dragoon or Actraiser. Pricing is an issue however...in this new age I say keep me digital and keep me cheaper than ground-up new projects.
-Vita is such a sticky issue...with its future presently cloudy in more ways than one (pricing, localized software support, SURVIVAL etc) but if you could afford it, it's a well equipped game system with access to a great back catalog. If at all possible, it would be worth waiting for Sony's next move tho!

Thanks for reminding me on this pt, btw:
Great job hosting in a pinch, James. And G-Man, you really shone this episode. I had the impression over the past few that you have been somewhat quiet, and this is probably because of adjustment (the absent John(y)s I am sure also played a role).
Always good to hear from Billy, too. When he comes on I feel it provides an interesting counterpoint...more Outside-Nintendo than the usual crew but with an obvious enduring deep attachment to Ninty games. Would also love to hear Chris Kohler drop in again.
Fun episode, guys!

52

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Vita > 3DS ad dis. Honest opinions?

« on: July 10, 2012, 11:09:20 AM »

Hey Einstein, when I think about what makes a portable game more like a console one I have started to ask myself: What do we hire portable games to do for us now?


There may have been a time when a portable game was indeed meant for travel or any other away-from-home-console context. It was a largely inferior experience either in presentation or control experience. Since, as we know, technology has steadily improved and the portables we have today are now capable of delivering similar experiences to what we are used to from our home consoles. (and even some we are not: see 3ds).
Perhaps not surprisingly, more and more people have come to play their mobile (including traditional portable gAmes) at home.http://gigaom.com/2012/03/22/where-is-mobile-gaming-happening-at-home-in-bed/

As such I realize that I no longer really differentiate between the "portable gaming experience" and the "traditional home gaming experience"...the games are now good enough for me that I am quite comfortable choosing to play on either platform depending on which game title I desire to play at any given point. Actually, as my lifestyle has changed, I depend more on portables for convenience,..you could very well say they fulfil the primary game experience role for me :p
This is however dependent on the type of player...as someone who does not play twin-stick shooter games for example, the portable experience is now analogous to what I would play on a console.
To a gamer that, as an example, expects such controls in a full blown console experience I imagine portables remain unsatisfactory and that will not change until they can have an uncompromised experience. Perhaps this will be CoD Vita?


My main takeaway is really that it depends on the level of user and the types of experiences they are looking for...but I suspect that for many users, portable experiences can now ably fulfil primary gaming roles

53

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 297: Hippy Shows

« on: July 10, 2012, 01:58:34 AM »

You are in Oz, btw?
Which means ALL games are crazy expensive as is...does this extend to used games?


Btwn a PSP and Vita, assuming this is a 2 year dealio, I think you are set with the PSPs RPG content. There are multiple games there that weigh in over 50 hours and some that completists can spend over 100 with. A quick glance at eBay shows new 3000s sold at about $120...used units go for under $100.
If this will need to be your setup for more than a year or two, I would probably opt for a newer system ala Vita or 3DS because by then those platforms will have accumulated a good library of content. In this case you could work thru the cheap backlog, then jump in with the current gen stuff when the new hits are most likely already reduced in price.

54

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 297: Hippy Shows

« on: July 10, 2012, 01:47:32 AM »

Harrumph *getTacticsogreAsap*...clearing throat*


When will the Vita see a price drop?
Two ways to look at it:
1) Sony, heading into the holidays and finally supported by some mainstream killer apps (Call of Duty, Assasins Creed), decide to ride out the end of the year and see if sales can rebound. This will be the systems first Xmas in the west after all. They adjust pricing following the holiday slowdown and perhaps on the back of their first hardware update.


2) Sony, heading into holidays with some potential barn burners, decides to market aggressively and include either a bundle w/ one of the above games and/ or a $50 price drop to spur strong sales in a "by Gwad it's now or never" mindset.


If I were them, I would do the price drop for the holidays or before.
A key rival is getting an attractive new model, and of course it will be iPhone 5 mania come fall and perhaps the release of a new Touch as well (itself an attractive game device). This is because, well...it IS now or never @-@

55

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo's Western Developer Inner Circle

« on: July 09, 2012, 11:27:35 PM »

Yes, I definitely think that while Nintendo isn't keen on moneyhatting exclusives, they seem to be gunning for more collaboration, probably in the style of lego city undercover.

I wonder, though, whether NCL is driving all this, which would suggest an eastern developer preference, or whether NoA or NoE are given space to cultivate partnerships in their markets of similar significance.

I often wonder How much influence outside of Kyoto is Allowed to seep into Nintendo's decision making process.
Judging from their glacial pace in network initiatives and the dearth of new IP for increasingly dominant western markets I am going to guess that a conservative Japanese board still drives decision making, though local heads have a lot of influence in what titles will be brought over for their respective markets (which means I essentially blame Reggie for Americas lack of some ace Wii game haha). Sony on the other hand has obviously given a lot of more responsibility to their American offices and it shows in the buildout of their first party studios and even in their recent indie cultivation efforts.

I also share the opinion that Nintendo must look to expand its Western development fromt. Retro offers a successful blueprint on how to establish a developer with the same core values as the parent. It seems Retro themselves have been expanding steadily (with a particularly large recent talent search rush) but I would like to see some more initiative on Nintendo's part...the talent is here in the West and they have need of more content on their platforms.

Why not assume some risk when the payoff can be expanding your development reach and generating potentially lucrative new exclusive franchises? They can start with smaller teams and have them target their download platforms and perhaps iterate on any successes with larger, fleshed out follow up releases. Are they worried that expanding their development arms will further discourage third parties from competing on their platforms?

(btw guys, I do believe Radical is already on deaths door...Acti is looking to sell and has laid off most of the employees. Unless that 11th hr buyer comes, it will be the end of them unfortunately)

56

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Rhythm Thief

« on: July 09, 2012, 11:03:12 PM »

It gives companies a better idea of what sales will be like, meaning they can order a more precise amount of inventory which cuts down on carrying costs.

Additionally, retailers want to sell as many units as possible in the release window as it generally means max margin so they will hype up an upcoming release and maybe even throw in some cheap incentive. If they can get you in the store as well, all the better.

57

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Vita > 3DS ad dis. Honest opinions?

« on: July 09, 2012, 10:54:01 PM »

Yea I am in the camp of people who hasn't adjusted super well to twin sticks in 3D games and am usually happier to play games without it...perhaps I am one of the lapsed gamers that Iwata once mentioned, for whom many games have grown too complex for. Anyway I imagine the general population doesn't care about such a feature and in fact may even approach an outfitted device with trepidation. (I suppose this is why Nintendo went with one?)


I am curious tho whether a clever combination of the touch screen and gyros in the 3ds can generally make up for second stick functionality which seems to often be deployed as some camera adjustment variant.



As for the commercial, it's just marketing: it is the adverts job to say the game is the best thing since ever

58

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 297: Hippy Shows

« on: July 09, 2012, 10:44:46 PM »

Ah so dl is pretty much off limits.
Will it be easy for you to get UMD games where you are? Do you need to get them shipped? Or are GameStop stores still within reach?
Just popped over to amazon and they have a handful of titles at 20-20 bux...some really cool ones (like Ys or SMT) are perhaps more rare.

59

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 297: Hippy Shows

« on: July 09, 2012, 12:24:58 PM »

I went for the PSP last Christmas and was able to get kitted out for about $140 with a 16GB card (brand new 3000 + microSD + memory stick adapter). The 3000 is the best bet because in my experience, the used games are usually SquareEnix ones that aren't on PSN.

The Tactics redo and Tactics Ogre are on PSN ($10) but the Final Fantasy 1 remake isn't, same with Kingdom Hearts, the Valkyrie Profile/Star Ocean remakes and Crisis Core. And I wouldn't wish Final Fantasy 2 on my worst enemy (though Chozo should check it out).

But yes, abuse the hell out of the July Atlus sale (Personas and the entire Department Heaven strategy RPG series runs about a new PS3 game altogether). Also, XSeed's Tales in the Sky was in my GOTY discussion for 2011, and that's pretty cheap now.

About Ellen's question, PSP is definitely the way to go if you are content playing the older RPGs (and there sure are plenty of great ones on that platform...TACTICSOgreKoffkoff).
That said, she should still give a strong look at this upcoming 3DS XL (or 3DS if the added cost is untenable):
-if she hasn't played the DS' own strong library of RPGs (includes juicy exclusives like the Pokemans, the Etrian Oddysseys and the Dragon Quests); and they should look great on the new XL screen.
- if she will miss Nintendo games or any new games in general as PSP is no longer supported outside a few fringe Japan-only super niche titles. It's nice to participate in the excitement of a new outward release sometimes.

Additionally, and the crew has Talked about this at length in previous pods, but the 3DS will see great support this generation. Going by 2012 sales, It is shaping up to be Japan's premier traditional game platform. Combined with the fact that it is Monster Hunter 4's earthly avatar, strong Japanese software support is a given...and it sounds like those are the games she gravitates to.

60

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 295: Too Many Bones

« on: July 05, 2012, 03:46:23 AM »

I found the discussion on whether Wii U will be as successful as Wii very interesting, and overall I would agree with the RFN crew.  However, the question that I have for anyone who can answer is what about Asia?  South Korea but especially China seem like they should be up and coming markets.  The Wii U seems like it is ideally situated with the second screen to take advantage of these markets where TV penetration and living space isn't as large as in the US.  I even recall Nintendo saying last year the second screen is ideal for the Japanese living room.  Also I remember someone in the forums pointing out Sing would sell a ton of systems in Asia.  So how about it can new Asian markets push the Wii U to new heights in the coming years?

Nintendo has a distribution presence in both S. Korea and China. Korea in particular gets many of the big hardware and software releases, but on a very staggered release schedule. Also note that it is a much smaller market (population of 40-some million).
China is a different beast. Over there Nintendo does not even distribute or market under its own name, instead using the iQue brand. As you can imagine for such a large market, the game players are there but a competitive business model is difficult to achieve in a market that is largely served by pirate goods. Nintendo, and really any electronics company looking to sell to this market, has a huge challenge in offering prices that can compete with the low low cost of unauthorized copies AND receive an acceptable ROI.
You know what, Iwata himself lays it out super well here:
http://gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=180550

61

Podcast Discussion / Re: RetroActive #23 Poll: Second Chance Edition!

« on: July 05, 2012, 03:34:38 AM »

Voted for the oft-praised and often pined for Beyond Good & Evil. Would love to hear the crew's opinions on this legendary(?) and groundbreaking(?) title and whether it lives up to its reputation!

62

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 296: Smooth But Not Silky

« on: July 05, 2012, 03:29:10 AM »

Another great episode (what else is new?) !!

Just wanted to say that James and Gui are spot on about the DSi XL being the holy grail of handhelds.  I'm sure I have shared that opinion before... but it still hasn't become any less true.  I don't play DS games on my 3DS just so that I can still use my beautiful and comfortable and blissful DSi XL.

Can't wait for the 3DS XL............. even though I AM going to wait until more colors are available for NA.  *fingers crossed* for the all-white one JP is getting or one with this shade of green: http://i47.tinypic.com/qs2zuv.jpg

Judging by how the XL colors have been distributed throughout the three regions, it's seems plausible that America was originally tabbed to get White alongside the good ol Red and Blue (and then released on july 4th...kidding).
Perhaps it came down to production limitations...the White has a key difference from the other colours in that it's interior plastics is white instead of black thereby necessitating a separate component production run. Maybe Nintendo was not able to produce enough of that interior white for both the Japanese and U.S. markets?

Otherwise I have difficulty understanding why only the U.S. market, the largest and probably Nintendo's biggest concern, received two colour choices whereas the other territories received three.

63

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo 3DS Discussion

« on: July 05, 2012, 03:13:32 AM »

When is Fire Emblem actually coming out?  I got into the series when it dropped on the Cube and have been hooked since.  I love the look of the 3ds release too, that cell shaded look is very nice. 
 
Bringing up F-zero ( a good idea for the 3ds) has me thinking that 1080 and WaveRace would also be sweet on the 3ds. Also, where is my Advanced Wars?  Its crazy the sheer options with franchises Nintendo has lol.  There are so many games they can put out that I'll have no hesitation with buying day one. 

I have very fond memories of the original WaveRace on 64. Would love it if Nintendo made a 3ds (or HD!) version, even if it was just an enhanced port ala Ocarina and Starfox.
It has been quite a while since Blue Storm...I wonder if Nintendo does not believe a new game would provide adequate ROI. But surely they can budget a smaller team and keep the game focused tightly on several key targets: the original's same terrific water physics, 8 quality courses and network multiplayer races...doesnt have to be fancy, just needs to be sublime racing fun.
Make it an eShop only release for $20 and sales should be very healthy (but maybe this move would displease retail partners...also it is frankly wishful thinking for such a price point)

64

General Gaming / Re: Microsoft's New Pricing Model

« on: June 27, 2012, 12:27:08 PM »

The deal is now expanding to Best Buy and GameStop. Must be working out for them.

That or they realized that almost no-freakin-body can find a "Microsoft Store" around them.
Their Surface tablet will start out with limited distro as well, I wonder if MS is planning to build out their retail quite a bit in this short term.

65

Nintendo Gaming / Re: 3DS XL Mobility Question

« on: June 27, 2012, 12:23:05 PM »

Thanks for the comments, everyone!  Like many of you, I'm just going to have to see how this thing feels when I get my hands on it somewhere!

Yea mate, it IS the "XL" after all, and brings some nice strengths...but portability will not be one of them. This is the beauty of having a range of products. There are sure to be many gamers that value the smaller form factor or even simply prefer the aesthetics of the OG 3DS.

About the image quality on those large screens, take heart:
http://kotaku.com/5921563/first-3ds-xl-hands+on-previews-report-improved-3d-clear-graphics

You can visit the link, but the article title sounds promising

66

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Is Nintendo Becoming Lazy?

« on: June 27, 2012, 04:29:33 AM »

I don't understand how someone could conclude a that a large company with thousands of employees is cumulatively lazy. Could you be more specific? I could understand "unoriginal," sure. I kinda think it's more likely that they are making highly calculated and active marketing decisions that you don't agree with.

Agreed. Not understanding what is meant by "lazy" when you can be sure Nintendo is trying to squeeze all of their available resources to create profitable revenue drivers. They are very busy people over there and, hopefully, feeling a sense of desperation to prove their products because this transitional period is the most dangerous time to lose market and mind share.

Their marketing direction however, especially regarding my own U.S. home market, is not something I am pleased with.
I definitely think they can improve on the way they communicate with their customer base, their scope in promoting titles and most recently I am questioning their market awareness (looking at their colour choices for 3DS XL launch). They were out-marketed by a grass-roots fan-driven loose organization for pitys sake, and while we are on the topic of Rainfall, NOA's localization efforts could use a revamp. I refuse to believe Atlus and XSeed can find a profitable business model and Nintendo cannot...not to mention their stone-faced acceptance of the PR hit they took at the time.

In a broad sense, I also think that the main leadership is struggling to identify and establish the core of what their products offer going forward. Wii U, as potentially cool as it may be, is looking like a train wreck in terms of marketing what it is and who it is for. Value is shifting in this industry, who captures it and how, and I fear Nintendo is unsure how to respond and move forward.

67

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Operation Rainfall: Did it really make a lick of difference?

« on: June 27, 2012, 04:03:01 AM »

I know it's done 230k+ here in the U.S.

Source? The only place I saw that number was originating from VG Chartz, which means it's bogus.

Seconded. Would love to see a source on that.
While I hope the title has seen success and rewarded those who took the risk to release it here, over 200K would be above my expectations given limited distribution and no outside marketing. Heck, if I were Gamestop, I would craft a press release to tout the significant (relative) reception and pat myself on the back for being "all about the gamer".

68

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Operation Rainfall: Did it really make a lick of difference?

« on: June 25, 2012, 01:29:35 AM »

I suppose if OpR's goal was to make folks feel warm and fuzzy inside... then it was "worthwhile".

I thought the idea was to get games (The three main titles and beyond) released in the US...

It was effective...even if it did not move Nintendo to support their platform by giving their customers some games, Operation Rainfall did plenty to raise awareness for these titles.
Marketing is hard, and effective marketing can be very hard and very expensive. I am sure Nintendo (and Xseed) appreciated the free service (and I hope Nintendo learned some valuable lessons about how to communicate effectively with their fan base).
In the case of Xenoblade, I think it is clear that GameStop was inspired to leap on this opportunity, if for no other reason than to get get a publicity boost in the wake of OR's positive media coverage and drive some additional store traffic. The risk could not have been terribly huge, since it was shouldered between two companies AND the cost of localization was considerably lower (licensing fees and some additional royalties perhaps).

69

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Has anyone seen this glorious Circle Pad Pro revision?

« on: June 25, 2012, 01:18:01 AM »

Might be interesting for people who want to use a battery extension and a CPP at the same time. I might consider buying this if the time to play a game that demands the use of the CPP – atm I'm very happy without one though.

Seeing as circle pad pro exists because of Monster Hunter, I wonder if Nintendo is hatching something for Monster Hunter 4. Both Ninty and Capcom would likely love the chance to sell a pimped out and profitable XL system bundle but I don't see Capcom taking a step back in control functionality.

Regarding Nyko, looking forward to their inevitable Power Grip Pro XL extension...can build some biceps while you game with that thing


When I think of some epic Monster Hunter sessions on Wii, this accessory makes a lot of sense. Improved control and extended battery life all in one swoop?  Count me in.  (I'm still waiting for reviews so I can have some idea about quality though.)

70

TalkBack / Re: Marvel Pinball 3D Interview with Mel Kirk 

« on: June 19, 2012, 11:08:56 PM »

First interview? Cheers, G, lots of good questions! I cracked up when you asked him if there were any questions he would ask himself


About Zen studios I was very surprised to hear how even a small studio can be privy to the future workings of the big guys and especially intrigued that they have they small concepts teams constantly working on cool smaller New games.
Applying this to Nintendo it seems they were starting to explore this organizational concept with smaller 3ds dl games like Pushmo, Sakura Samurai and Rolling Western (would have been a snappier title if they left as is, IMO).
I was quite disappointed that they seemed to have nothing for 3ds or Wii U announced.

71

General Gaming / Re: Any Vita owners here?

« on: June 19, 2012, 11:08:00 AM »

I'm 17, without a steady job to pay for it. My family is too poor for one otherwise.

Gotcha. Rolling with the cheapest android available and it is sorta terrible (a Huawei dealio with 3-inch screen...$100 unlocked). Dream object now currently a new macbook (THAT one might be TOO dreamy and expensive tho).
Ah, sweet motivation.

@Einstein: I applaud your steadfastness in the face of all this "convergence" tomfoolery :p

72

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Limiting the Wii U to one Gamepad for now - Nintendo's smartest move yet.

« on: June 19, 2012, 04:12:26 AM »

Well, I agree Nintendo really needs to nail that idea that one gamepad doesn't mean only one controller, but they really already have shown that with their games.

What Nintendo really needs to do is make sure that the Wii U is packed with one game pad, and one complete Wii motion+ controller and nunchuk.  It is important Nintendo does NOT go cheap here.  Yes, there will be players that don't need the extra controller, but that extra controller is important to immediately show games with asymmetrical game play, and show developers and players there are multiple ways to play with the system.



 

Agree completely with this, cost uncertainty notwithstanding (less than 10 bux perhaps to include the Wiimote+?).
Nintendo needs to drive home this focus on multiplay, to define what the Wii U experience proposition is at its core as they did so successfully with Wii.
The expense of including that second controller will help immensely towards the objectives Spak outlines as well as ensuring that every developers knows that every Wii U owner is guaranteed to be able to make use of asymmetric multiplay modes they design.
If successful, attractive multiplay options become the norm as a key ingredient for a successful title on the platform, differentiating Wii U from its rivals and ultimately even spurring sales of even more Wiimote+ thus justifying the cost to include it in the box.

73

General Gaming / Re: Any Vita owners here?

« on: June 18, 2012, 10:45:19 PM »

If I got a Vita my pockets would hate me. I would have a dumbphone for texting and calling, an iPod Touch for my multimedia and WiFI browsing, a 3DS for gaming, and a Vita for other gaming and 3G browsing. Jeez. Maybe I should just get an iPhone and cut down those devices down to around two.


Can't you disable autocorrect? I know you can on iOS, at least.

Given the needs you outlined, That makes me rather curious why you don't opt for a smartphone? I suppose an iPhone makes the most sense given you are used to the iPod touch ux and you could probably get a 4S (w/ contract sigh) for the bundle you would spend on a vita.
Just imagine...you could start wearing other kinds of pants again, not just cargo :p

74

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo's Message to the Fans This E3

« on: June 18, 2012, 08:52:20 AM »

Nintendo's messaging coming out of E3 was definitely subdued for both platforms. Unintentionally. I hope.


3DS fans can take heart however...the bulk of that system's support will come out of Japan this year, and Japan has its own show for video games. Unlike with the Wii U (seemingly), those developers have that platform's back, and a hearty thanks to Capcom for that :p


Additionally, Nintendo is likely to have their own 3DS and Wii U events later in the summer/early fall as it works to kickstart the hype machine heading into the holidays. I do feel we actually have a lot of games to look forward to...now the question is why doesn't Nintendo... 

75

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Limiting the Wii U to one Gamepad for now - Nintendo's smartest move yet.

« on: June 18, 2012, 08:43:26 AM »

That's one way to look at it...

Personally, I think that beyond just not having games for that feature ready during all this crazy rush and crunch until launch day, I think they haven't figured out HOW they intend to sell the extra controller to begin with...

Hmmm... maybe they're also ramping up manufacturing first? Before they were planning that they only needed to make as many controllers as consoles, so this whol two GamePad thing probably isn't accounted for in their early manufacturing numbers and they'd have to ramp up.

Bingo - I STILL don't understand the go-to-market strategy for standalone GamePads. They shoehorned in this functionality and it is obvious in the lack of software.
 
It is an interesting conundrum. They have to retail a device with a Bill of Materials somewhere around $50-60 (admittedly from estimations made back in March, but note that the components of this controller are easier to estimate than the as-yet-unknown console CPU/GPU/memory rig).
Assuming the retailer and Nintendo both want a reasonable ROI on this thing, we are surely looking at $80 minimum...for a peripheral...that will collect dust....because it is not supported by any announced games in the 2-3 month launch window (and questionably any games yet, period).

About manufacturing tho, anyone know how many weeks/months in advance Nintendo would have to begin manufacturing in order to stockpile enough launch inventory? From September perhaps (about 4 million units in 4 months)??